Port of Açu, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Port of Açu is the largest deep-water and private industrial port complex in Latin America. Located in the north of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, Açu is a young port focused on sustainable growth.
In operation since 2014, it currently has twenty-two companies installed and eleven private terminals. The port’s future industrialization includes expanding mining and oil and gas activities, advancing with renewable energy projects and accelerating the low carbon industrialization.
Cargoes handled include breakbulk, solid bulk, oil & gas, liquid gas and general cargo. In 2023 84 million tons of cargo were handled in the port.
There are two terminals one with a selection of wharves of varying length and another of 442 metres length with east and west berths and another of three berths for VLCCs. Depths vary from 9.0 metres to 25.00 metres.
Safety integrates the values of Porto do Açu Operações and is a pillar of the port’s sustainability strategy. Structures and processes aim at the maintenance and continuity of operations with a focus on safety, protection of life, and ensuring the integrity of the port’s assets.
Pilotage
The pilotage service in the Açu area is conducted by pilots in the ZP pilotage zone 15 as determined by national legislation. Sixty-six pilots are currently operating in ZP15.
VTS
Vessel traffic at Porto of Açu is managed through the VTS Center, with real-time monitoring integrated with other port information systems, such as the Port Management Information System (PMIS), which is currently part of the port’s Operations and Emergency Response Center (CORE).
Management of vessel traffic at the complex is duly certified by the Brazilian Maritime Authority and was the first implemented in the country.
The system contributes to the increase of navigational safety and water pollution prevention, in addition to positively impacting the efficiency of the port entrance and exit manoeuvres and the preservation of the environment.
VTS area
This area has been established by the Maritime Authority, where the VTS provider is authorized to offer a vessel traffic service (VTS).
The VTS area of the Açu Port is comprised of eleven anchorage areas – one being an internal anchorage area, two terminals (Terminal 1 – onshore; Terminal 2 – offshore).
The VTS Centre employs ten staff; there are nine VTSOs using four screens and a video wall. Radar coverage extends to 48nautical miles.
Within the port of Açu the VTS Center and nautical infrastructure have been ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) certified since 2020.
Emergency Response Plans
The AÇU VTS operation is guided by several SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures) covering a wide array of situations, including emergencies.
The PEN (Nautical Emergency Plan) enables the availability of various resources to better respond to the different situations that may arise in the port area.
The port operates eight tugs and eight service craft including pilot craft.
An overview
The port’s corporate video is here:
https://portodoacu.com.br/en/about-port-acu
Based on material kindly provided by Alexandre Gomes Coordenador de Operações Marítimas, Gerente do Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Porto do Açu, Brazil
