Corporación Navíos has expanded its private infrastructure for liquids and minerals with a river quay within the Port of Nueva Palmira’s Free Zone.
The latest addition is capable of simultaneously operating three barges and accommodating up to 48 units.
ShibataFenderTeam designed the fender solution for this new river quay comprised of 16 V Fenders (V-P 500×1000 mm, G3.0) and two double V Fenders (800×2950 mm, G3.1).
The project scope also included 12 Cleat Bollards, each with a 40-tonne capacity, and four T-Head Bollards with an 80-tonne capacity.
River terminals face significant challenges due to fluctuating water levels and currents. These variations can lead to steep level differences, making it difficult for barges to berth safely.
Conventional solutions, such as placing fenders directly on the upper quay structure or the use of standard steel panels, have been used over the years but have failed to address the challenge, often resulting in barges getting caught beneath the fender.
To address these issues, ShibataFenderTeam’s in-house engineering team developed this solution featuring a bracket at the end of the fender, which connects to piles driven into the riverbed.
This design reportedly ensures that the barge always makes contact with the piles at any river level, transferring the berthing energy to both the fender and the quay structure.
This configuration provides a long service life for the fender system and the supporting structure while offering adaptability to the fluctuating conditions of river terminals.
Late last year, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) announced it is carrying out a significant expansion at its ICTSI – Terminal 1, located in Brazil’s largest commercial hub, Port of Rio de Janeiro.