NATAL
- Latitude: -5.7638
- Longitude: -35.2054
- East Coast South America
- Port in Brazil
Address: Natal Rio Grande do Norte 59025-005 Brazil
Web-site: http://www.portodenatal.com.br
Port of Natal, Brazil
The Port of Natal is a prominent maritime facility in Brazil, located in the northeastern part of the country. Specifically, it is situated in the city of Natal, which is the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The port is strategically positioned near the Atlantic Ocean, making it an important hub for both regional and international shipping. Below are some of the key details and specifications of the Port of Natal:
General Information
- Location: Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
- Coordinates: Approximately 5°46' S latitude and 35°12' W longitude
- Management: Companhia Docas do Rio Grande do Norte (CODERN)
Facilities and Infrastructure
- Total Area: Approximately 396,000 square meters
- Berths: Multiple berths accommodating various types of vessels, including cargo ships, container ships, and cruise ships. Berths typically have alongside depths ranging from 8.0 to 11.0 meters.
- Terminal: The port has facilities for handling bulk cargo, general cargo, and containers.
- Warehousing: Ample warehousing space is available for storage of goods and commodities.
- Equipment: The port is equipped with modern cargo handling equipment including cranes, forklifts, and conveyor systems.
Cargo Handling
- Type of Cargo: The Port of Natal handles a diverse range of cargos such as agricultural products, fruits (especially melons and mangoes), minerals, construction materials, machinery, and vehicles.
- Container Handling: Facilities for containerized cargo with modern container handling equipment.
- Cold Storage: Available cold storage facilities are crucial for handling perishable goods such as fruits and other food items.
Connectivity
- Road Access: The port is well-connected to the city of Natal and other parts of Rio Grande do Norte via major highways.
- Rail Access: Limited rail access, but connectivity is being improved to facilitate more efficient cargo movement.
- Airport: Nearness to Augusto Severo International Airport (now replaced by Greater Natal International Airport) for quick transfer of air cargo.
Services
- Pilotage: Pilotage is compulsory for larger vessels, ensuring safe navigation in and out of the port.
- Towage: Tug services are available to assist with docking and undocking of vessels.
- Bunkering: Fueling services are available for vessels docked at the port.
- Chandlering: Comprehensive ship supply services are available, including provisioning, spare parts, and maintenance.
Strategic Importance
- Economic Impact: The Port of Natal plays a vital role in the regional economy, facilitating trade and commerce, and contributing to job creation in the area.
- Tourism: The port serves as an important gateway for cruise ships, bringing tourists to the scenic coastal attractions of Rio Grande do Norte.
Recent Developments
- Modernization: Ongoing investments in infrastructure upgrades and modernization efforts to enhance the port's capacity and efficiency.
- Sustainability: Initiatives to make port operations more environmentally sustainable, including reducing emissions and improving waste management.
Conclusion
The Port of Natal is a dynamic and strategic maritime hub in Brazil, offering a wide range of facilities and services to support various types of cargo and shipping needs. Its importance to the regional economy and its role in international trade make it a key port in the northeastern region of Brazil.