In Uruguay, the Port of Montevideo has started operations at a brand new quay. TGM2, which at 245 metres in length can accommodate Panamax vessels.
The new facility is managed by bulk carrier operator Obrinel S.A. (TGM). Operations commenced with the arrival of the Aquavita Trust bulk carrier, which off-loaded its consignment of 11,000 tonnes of fertilizer.
Obrinel already operates a silo complex at the port, which is accessed via the TGM 1 berth. Originally, the concessionaire started operations in Montevideo in 2012 as a chippings handler. In 2012, it opened TGM 1, which consists of a bulk terminal featuring 12 silos.
Significantly, TGM1, which is located within the actual Bay of Montevideo, has no land access. Instead, it has a three mobile loading points linked to the shore by conveyor belts. Alongside draught is 13 metres, allowing it to accommodate post-Panamax vessels of up to 300 metres in length.
In contrast, TGM2, where construction began as long ago as 2018, does have terrestrial access, despite also being located within the Bay of Montevideo Bay.
According to the National Ports Administration (APN), it has plans to introduce automated unloading at the new berth, which will be linked to the rest of the port complex, and also build a liquid bulk terminal there alongside that for dry bulk.