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 the sediment accumulation caused by Hurricane Rafael's passage through the western part of the country.
Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, Cuba's Minister of Transport, announced on Facebook that the collected data will be analyzed to develop a dredging project in the affected areas as quickly as possible.
He stated that the work is being carried out through close coordination between 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 Transport.
Rodríguez also noted that the necessary arrangements are being made to transfer the equipment to Batabanó that will allow the dredging process to begin.
These actions are essential to keep the port operational and ensure the logistical flow of cargo to the Isle of Youth, a key destination for supplying this insular 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 continuing without interruption, ensuring the supply of essential products and materials for its residents.
"We will keep you informed about this matter of vital importance to the country, and especially for the residents of the Island of Youth," emphasized the head of the department.
Rodríguez reported on Facebook this Monday that the ferry Perseverancia made its first trip between Nueva Gerona and Batabanó after the passage of Hurricane Rafael.
It was noted that it was necessary to restore the navigation aid system for the access channel that had been damaged, and general inspections of the docking area and the access channel were also carried out, including the involvement of specialized divers.
Additionally, the head of the department noted that due to the scale of the weather event and the characteristics of the area, "the additional measure was taken to dock the ferry with the engines turned off and with the support of tugboats."
However, it was acknowledged that both on arrival and departure from Batabanó, difficulties arose during the maneuver at a specific point in the channel, which necessitated the suspension of the ferry service scheduled for this Tuesday until further notice.
This situation necessitated a deeper analysis of the access channel measurements, which is why an accurate bathymetric survey will be conducted over the next four days. This will allow for the assessment of sediment accumulation on the seabed and for reconsidering the options to restore safe ferry navigation as quickly as possible, with timely updates provided.
"The other cargo vessels operating on this route are not facing any difficulties and will continue to navigate," he indicated.
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