Portugal’s biggest industrial port of Leixões has handled its first ever Kamsarmax bulk carrier. The vessel was able to dock in the inner harbour thanks to improved maritime access and the acquisition of more powerful tugs.
 
The Shun Fu Da, which had sailed to Portugal from China via Taiwan, offloaded 3,550 tonnes of steel coils, each of which weighed anything between 12 and 20 tonnes. It was handled at the port’s General Cargo and Bulk Terminal (TCGL). The 229-metre-long vessel is the largest vessel to date to operate at the eastern end of the northern port's mobile bridge. The manoeuvre was only possible thanks to the use of high-traction tugs.
 
Previously, the draft had also been deepened in both the outer channel and the turning basin, while the port breakwater had also been lengthened.
 
The so-called Kamsarmax class bulk carriers are able to enter the port of Kamsar in the Republic of Guinea, which gives them their name. They are generally larger than traditional 80,000dwt Panamax vessels.