en.Wedoany.com Reported - The National Port Administration (ANP) has completed a key step in restarting dredging operations at La Paloma Port (226 km east of Montevideo). After several years of inactivity, the dredger "DHD2" successfully passed tests on all major systems following the repair of its main engine.
Manuel Ferrer, manager of the ANP's Dredging Division, confirmed to Altamar News that the contracted repair company completed the restoration work last week, enabling comprehensive testing of the vessel's equipment. Ferrer emphasized that this is the first time since 2021 that the dredger has been able to test all machinery, and it is operating in good condition. During the tests, the dredge pump, traversing cables, winches, anchoring system, and other key operational components were verified.
With successful test results, the ANP is now in a position to apply for vessel certification from the National Naval Authority (Prefectura Nacional Naval). Meanwhile, the environmental permits required to commence operations are still under review. Ferrer stated that the project has received technical assessment support, but the Ministry of Environment (Ministerio de Ambiente) has not yet issued a formal resolution. Additionally, supplementary work such as installing discharge pipelines still needs to be completed.
The DHD2 dredger has been docked at La Paloma since its last launch in 2021, with no dredging operations carried out during this period. Currently, two employees are responsible for the vessel's daily maintenance and supervision. Once operations begin, the remaining crew will be transferred from Montevideo and Nueva Palmira.
The primary objective of this intervention is to restore areas affected by severe siltation. Ferrer noted that observations during the testing phase revealed that sand accumulation in some areas has reached dangerous levels, with certain riverbed elevations nearly approaching the hydrographic zero. The first phase of dredging plans to deepen Pier 3 to 3 meters, enabling port operations. At the same time, efforts will be made to deepen the only currently operational commercial pier to 6 meters.
Expanding available depth will significantly enhance the port's berthing and operational capacity. Ferrer stated that the port is currently saturated and cannot accommodate more vessels, while some shipowners have expressed interest in operating from La Paloma. He believes that the activation of new operational areas will benefit not only the fishing fleet but also vessels serving offshore activities. The ANP assesses that improvements in infrastructure will have a positive impact on employment, economic activity, and urban investment. Ferrer expects that news of the port's deepening and the new pier becoming operational within months will encourage shipowners to develop installation and growth plans in La Paloma.
A core aspect of the project is the environmental management of dredged sediments. Ferrer stated that the ANP maintains dialogue with local authorities and understands community concerns regarding coastal ecological protection. According to the plan, sand will be backfilled onto the original beaches outside the prohibition periods stipulated by the Ministry of Environment (Ministerio de Ambiente). He explained that the sediments currently obstructing port navigation mostly originate from natural sand transport from nearby beaches. The ANP will attempt to restore these sediments to their source, taking all necessary control measures to ensure they are uncontaminated. The environmental permit under review will define the dredging areas, depths, equipment, sediment characteristics, and discharge zones, and will establish time restrictions for sand discharge onto beaches. During the extended summer period (typically from late November to Tourism Week), sand discharge onto beaches is prohibited, and sediments must be stored within the port's internal areas.
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