• 2 min de lectura
• 2 min de lectura
APDL (Administração dos Portos do Douro, Leixões e Viana do Castelo) is carrying out work on the Douro waterway (VND), at kilometer 141, in the Valeira area, with the aim of eliminating rocky obstacles and improving navigation and safety conditions in this section of the river.
With an investment of USD 794 thousand, the works will widen the navigable channel from 23 to 35 meters, over an approximate length of 250 meters, by removing about 6,000 m3 of rocky material. The intervention will also eliminate the existing curve at this point, which will facilitate the passage and maneuvering of vessels.
"This intervention is fundamental to improving navigation conditions in this section of the Douro channel, as it allows the channel to be widened, improving the maneuverability and control of vessels. This is another investment that APDL is making in the Douro and is part of the continuous work to improve the waterway, with the aim of making it increasingly safe, sustainable, efficient, and comfortable for all its users," stated Frederico Martins, Head of Planning and Navigation Control for the Douro.
The execution of the works foresees the occasional use of explosives, in an operation carried out in a controlled manner and in constant coordination with the competent entities, such as EDP, Infraestruturas de Portugal, and the Maritime Authority.
All operations are carried out in accordance with applicable safety procedures and measures, ensuring the protection of people, infrastructure, and vessels using this waterway. The intervention is expected to continue until the end of September.
This intervention continues the work that APDL has been developing to improve the navigability, safety, and efficiency of the Douro waterway. Last year, a similar intervention was carried out at kilometer 144.6, near the upstream entrance of the Valeira lock, which allowed for the removal of a rocky obstacle of approximately 400 m3, contributing to easier and safer maneuvering for vessels entering the lock.
The investment made now constitutes another step in an ongoing intervention program in the VND (Viação Douro de Navegação), aimed at improving navigation conditions and enhancing an essential infrastructure for the economic and tourist activity of the Douro region.
Therefore, APDL will continue to invest in the improvement of the Douro waterway, with the aim of ensuring safer, more sustainable, efficient, and comfortable navigation, capable of meeting the current and future needs of all its users.
