Draft increase at Quiriri Channel, North of Brazil

The access from the Atlantic Ocean to the river ports of Belém and Vila do Conde (Barcarena) in the North Region, is done either through the Quiriri (or Marajó) Channel or through the Espadarte Channel, in the Pará River, part of the Amazon River system. Pilotage along the Quiriri is optional for vessels with drafts up to 12.20 metres until Mosqueiro Pilot Station, being compulsory for all vessels carrying dangerous goods regardless of the draft. Pilotage in the Espadarte Channel, where the current draft limitation is 11.50 metres, is mandatory throughout its extension.

By means of Ordinance 15/CPAOR, issued on 18 February 2019, The Harbour Master of the Eastern Amazon authorised the vessels to sail with a draft of 13.50 metres along the Quiriri Channel. He also authorised, temporarily and on a trial basis, departures with a maximum draft of 13.80 metres, always under the following conditions:

a) Draft of 13.50 m:

• Consider the tide before sailing through critical sections of the access channel (the stretch from Coroa Seca Bank to buoys #1 and #2) and maintain an under-keel clearance (UKC) of 1.50 m;
• Unberthing from the outer berths of the public port of Vila do Conde and the private solid bulk terminals of Barcarena (Hidrovias do Brasil, ADM’s Terminal de Grãos Ponta da Montanha – TGPM and Bunge’s Terminal Portuário Fronteira Norte – TERFRON) until two hours before the low tide, having as reference the port of Belém, are authorised; and
• All sailing manoeuvres must be attended by at least two tug boats

b) Draft of 13.80 m:

• Inform the Port Captaincy about the intended departure at least 72 hours in advance so that the Port State Control may, at its discretion, follow up the manoeuvre;
• Request the Pilot Station to engage a pilot with at least ten years of experience as a pilot in the Pilotage Area 3 (ZP3) and to present the relevant passage plan;
• Consider the tide before sailing through critical stretches and maintain a UKC of 1.50 m;
• Unberthing from the outer berths of the public port of Vila do Conde and the private solid bulk terminals of Barcarena until two hours before the low tide, having as reference the port of Belém, are authorised;
• All sailing manoeuvres must be attended by at least two tug boats;
• Observe the minimum height of the tide mainly in the vicinities of Soure and Guarás Island, for assessing the need for anchoring during the passage, if advised by the pilot and agreed by the master, until the next favourable tide; and
• Keep the speed adequate to the squat effect of each vessel

Under the prevailing draft restrictions, the process of choosing between the Quiriri or Espadarte Channels is as illustrated in the diagram below.

Vessels calling at the Ports of Belem and Vila do Conde (Barcarena) through the eastern bar of the Amazon are advised to check the current draft restrictions with their agents before the fixture.

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Navy authorises draft increase at Quiriri Channel