Stipulated in the contract signed by the companies in April 2014, this expansion has resulted in the plant’s wharfline expanding from 490 meters to 710 meters. The total area rented at Açu Port is now 411.8 thousand m².
“The start-up of operations at the port and the completion of this stage of the work has enabled us to expedite all of the discussions that were in progress. ECO is the largest and most admired offshore support company in the world and the expansion of its area reflects growing demand from oil companies for solutions that boost productivity and cut operating costs. Açu Port is this very solution”, says Eduardo Parente, Prumo CEO.
This is the second time Edison Chouest has expanded its wharfline, which has a further two options that can be exercised by October 2015. Its wharfline could reach 990 meters if the company exercises all of its options.
“The expansion of our plant at Açu Port is in line with the expansion plans of Edison Chouest in Brazil, and is preparing us to meet the demands of our current clients and the pre-salt sector. The oil is located beneath the sea and its removal is fundamental for Brazil’s development”, said Ricardo Chagas, an officer of Edison Chouest.
Following the expansion, the base at Açu Port, which can receive up to 14 vessels, will serve the current clients of Edison Chouest. R$ 950 million is forecast to be invested in developing the plant, which is set to begin operating in the 2nd half of this year. A total of 900 jobs will be created at the base.
About Edison Chouest
Founded as Edison Chouest Boat Rental in Galliano, Louisiana, in 1960, the Edison Chouest Offshore companies (ECO) are recognized today as the most diverse and dynamic marine transportation solution providers in the world. ECO operates a growing fleet of over 230 vessels, ranging from 87 to over 360 feet in length, serving an expanding global customer base.
Staying on the forefront of new technologies is an integral part of the Chouest business plan, as evidenced by recent advances in the areas of subsea support, integrated bridge systems and global communications.
The ability to design, build, own and operate diverse, high-capacity and technologically superior vessels has made ECO an unrivaled leader in the maritime industry.
In Brazil Edison Chouest has 70 offshore marine support vessels operating for Petrobras, Shell, Total, Repsol and Chevron, 10 ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) and a shipyard in Navegantes (SC), which builds 6 vessels a year.
Açu Port
With 17 km of piers Açu Port is located in São João da Barra, in northern Rio de Janeiro. Occupying 90 km² the venture is comprised of Terminal 1 (T1 – offshore) and Terminal 2 (T2 – onshore).
T1 is dedicated to handling iron ore and oil. Operational since October 2014, T1 has received 13 vessels so far. The terminal can receive vessels such as Panamax and Capesize and is being prepared to receive the larger Very Large Crude Carriers – VLCC.
T2 is located around a 6.5 km long, 300 meter wide approach channel with a depth of at least 10 meters along its entire extension, reaching 14.5 meters in its deepest section. T2 will handle project cargo, containers, rocks, bauxite, grains, vehicles, bulk liquids and solids, general cargo and oil. The terminal will also house a dedicated area for the oil and gas E&P support service industry.
The first commercial operation occurred at the T2 channel in November 2014. Since then the Terminal has received 5 vessels.
