Portugal’s Blue Atlantic releases ‘800m quay’ plan to berth Panamax vessels
Portugal’s Blue Atlantic has released new plans for an 800metre quay to berth two Panamax vessels showcasing its formidable maritime trade potential, the company said in its press release.
The 96-hectare site for sale in one of Europe’s leading maritime industrial zones is being primed for maritime, ports and logistics investors targeting the Iberian Peninsula and mainland Europe.
Blue Atlantic project lead Fernando Fernandes said it offers one of the fastest and most efficient routes in and out of Europe, bypassing the congested Mediterranean.
The prized industrial land with seaport access along global shipping routes and road and rail links is being sold by Portuguese holding services company Sapec. Located in the Mitrena Industrial Zone in Setubal Harbour, 40km south of Lisbon, it is the second closest port to Madrid.
The Port of Setubal is a world-renowned maritime export hub with several specialized terminals operated by private enterprises including Sadoport, TERSADO, AutoEuropa and Sapec for handling break bulk and general cargo, RO-RO, solid and liquid bulks and containers.
Mr Fernandes said the location is home to three of Portugal’s top four exporters and some of the region’s largest international enterprises including Volkswagen Autoeuropa, MEGASA (ex-Siderurgia Nacional) steel company, Navigator Papermill, GE factory and Sapec chemical and fertilizer industries.
Portugal has devised a national plan to maximise one of the longest maritime coasts in Europe at 942 km. Its EEZ– Exclusive Economic Zone – is the 3rd largest in the European Union and 11th largest in the world. However, new proposals seek to expand this economic zone from the current 200 miles of territorial sea to cover 350 miles, which will make it the 10th largest in the world.
