zoomImage Courtesy: Port Authority of Valencia

The Port Authority of Valencia (PAV) is preparing to welcome the latest generation of mega container ships as it continues with its investment and modernization plans.

Namely, the Authority said that it would invest up to EUR 18 million to increase the maximum depth at its three terminals to 17 and 18 meters in an effort to accommodate 20,000 TEU-ships.

Expected to be finalized by the summer of 2018, the upgrades would include removing up to 690,000 m3 from the sites. The extracted land would be used in the phase 1 landfill of the new container terminal that will be located in the northern extension of the port of Valencia.

When completed, the upgraded port is set to feature 1,900 meters of dock and be capable of accommodating up to four mega container ships at the same time.

Furthermore, Spain’s port and logistic company Noatum said that it would increase Valencia’s operative capabilities with the delivery of new cranes, a part of an investment plan in excess of EUR 100 million in Noatum Container Terminal Valencia.

The first step was the commissioning of a new Malaccamax crane, which is already fully operative. This investment will be completed with the enlargement of up to 4 cranes.

“This, together with the works undertaken by the Port Authority of Valencia to improve the port infrastructure, will turn the port of Valencia into the reference hub for mega vessels in the Mediterranean,” Douglas Schultz, CEO of Noatum, said.