MRF was contracted by Manabi S.A., the Proponent of the North Port in Linhares in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, to review the proposed Port development objectives, comment on the likelihood and potential impacts of the North Port development on sea turtles in the State of Espíritu Santo, and in the longer term to assist in developing operating and mitigation plans.
The proposed port is being developed to export iron ore from inland mines, via a railway and port infrastructure, using large Capesize- and Panamax-classified bulk cargo vessels. The iron ore will be transported to the site via a dedicated railway line and iron ore pipeline linking the port to inland mines. The proposed development aims to construct a pier-based jetty extending into the sea to an offshore offloading facility protected by a two-sided seawall, in waters approximately 20m deep. The jetty will support a conveyor system to transfer bulk iron ore to the offloading arms, along with a road access way to enable maintenance and access to the moored vessels.
The proposed development also aims to dredge an access channel along with turning and mooring basins. Total dredge material is expected to be in the region of some 31.5 million cubic meters, with close to six million cubic meters of dredge material to be used to raise the ground level of the materials laydown area, and the balance disposed of at sea in an area located some 24km from shore in 30m-deep waters..
The Port intends to develop comprehensive dredging and lighting management plans, as well as a global standard environmental management plan to meet or exceed the requirements of the Brazil regulatory authorities, finance institutions supporting the greenfield development, and Manabi S.A.’s own internal environmental commitments. MRF has future plans to support the development of these plans.
