They will dredge the access channel to the port of Batabanó due to damage caused by Hurricane Rafael

Following the suspension of ferry services due to sediment accumulation, dredging will be carried out on the access channel to the port of Batabanó, which was affected by Hurricane Rafael.

Inician estudios para dragar canal de acceso a Batabanó © Facebook / Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila
Studies begin for dredging the access canal to Batabanó.Photo © Facebook / Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila

A team of divers and specialists from the Marine Studies Company of GEOCUBA began measurements on Monday in the access channel of the port of Batabanó, located in the province of Mayabeque, to assess its current depth and plan a dredging project following sediment accumulation caused by Hurricane Rafael's passage through the western part of the country.

Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, Minister of Transport in Cuba, announced on Facebook that the collected data will be analyzed to develop a dredging project in the affected areas as quickly as possible.

Facebook Capture / Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila

He indicated that the work is being carried out through close coordination among the Marine Studies Company, the Port Maritime Group (GEMAR), and the Maritime Services Company (SERMAR), under the supervision of the Maritime Administration of Cuba and the Ministry of Transportation.

Rodríguez also noted that efforts are underway to transfer the equipment needed to begin the dredging process in Batabanó.

These actions are essential to keep the port operational and ensure the logistical flow of goods to the Isle of Youth, one of the key destinations for supplying this island region.

Thanks to the cooperation between GEMAR and the Municipal Defense Council of Isla de la Juventud, loading operations to the Island resumed last Saturday and are ongoing, ensuring the supply of essential products and materials for its residents.

"We will keep you informed about this matter of vital importance for the country, and especially for the residents of the Isle of Youth," emphasized the head of the department.

Rodríguez announced on Facebook this Monday that the ferry Perseverancia made its first voyage between Nueva Gerona and Batabanó after Hurricane Rafael had passed.

Capture Facebook / Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila

He noted that it was necessary to restore the navigation aid system for the access channel that was damaged, and also to conduct general inspections of the docking area and the access channel, which included the involvement of specialized divers.

Furthermore, the head of the department indicated that, due to the magnitude of the weather event and the characteristics of this area, "an additional measure was taken to dock the ferry with the engines turned off and with the assistance of tugboats."

However, he acknowledged that both upon arrival and departure from Batabanó, difficulties arose in maneuvering at a specific point in the channel, which necessitated the suspension of the ferry service scheduled for this Tuesday until further notice.

This fact prompted the need to delve deeper into the measurements of the access channel, which is why an exact bathymetric survey will be conducted over the next four days. This will allow for the evaluation of sediment accumulation on the bottom and will enable us to reconsider alternatives to restore safe ferry navigation as quickly as possible, with timely updates provided on the situation.

"The other cargo vessels operating on this route have no difficulties and will continue to navigate," he stated.

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