New Agreement Aims to Streamline Grain Unloading at Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port

On Tuesday, a pivotal agreement was forged between feed manufacturers and the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, aimed at significantly enhancing the efficiency of grain unloading operations within the port’s Eastern Basin. This collaborative effort is expected to address longstanding challenges and improve the overall logistics of grain handling at one of the region’s busiest ports.

Strategic Initiatives for Operational Improvement

This partnership centers around several strategic initiatives designed to bolster operational efficiency. Key commitments include improved advance notifications regarding vessel arrivals from the private sector, as well as enhanced transparency in berth management by the Port Authority. These measures are intended to minimize unloading delays, streamline processes, and foster better coordination among all stakeholders involved in grain unloading operations.

Representatives from a diverse array of organizations participated in the discussions, including ASAGA, FEDEPORT, ASINCA, CEOE Tenerife, the Port Employment Centre, and the Port Authority itself. Their collective input was crucial in shaping the agreement and ensuring that the needs of all parties were adequately addressed.

Workforce Expansion and Technical Upgrades

During the meeting, a significant focus was placed on workforce expansion, with plans to increase the number of stevedores from 147 to 203, and a goal set to reach 220 by the year 2026. This increase is expected to enhance the port’s operational capacity and responsiveness to growing demands.

In addition to workforce enhancements, technical improvements within the Eastern Basin were also discussed. Notably, the repositioning of bollards was highlighted as a critical step to facilitate better machinery movement, thereby optimizing the unloading process. These technical upgrades are part of the broader commitments made between the Port Authority and sector companies earlier this year, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing operational challenges.

Pedro Suárez, President of Ports of Tenerife, underscored the importance of these initiatives, stating that they aim to cultivate a more efficient and professional operational environment. His remarks emphasize the commitment to continuous improvement and the importance of collaboration in achieving operational excellence.

Enhanced Transparency with Online Berth Forecasts

To further promote transparency and operational efficiency, the Port Authority announced plans to publish berth forecasts for the Eastern Basin on its official website. This initiative will mirror the existing practice for cruise traffic, allowing operators to anticipate vessel operations and organize their resources more effectively. Such foresight is expected to significantly reduce bottlenecks and enhance the overall flow of operations at the port.

Additionally, Suárez pointed out that the Los Llanos Dock is available for unloading operations, capable of accommodating vessels up to 135 meters in length. This facility can serve as an alternative unloading site, helping to alleviate congestion in the Eastern Basin and ensuring that grain deliveries remain timely and efficient.

Addressing Industry Concerns for Future Stability

During the discussions, feed manufacturers voiced their concerns regarding the necessity for smooth grain unloading operations, especially in light of the increasing commercial traffic at the port. The importance of securing stable supply chains was emphasized, as any disruptions could have significant repercussions for the industry. CEOE Tenerife expressed gratitude for the Port Authority’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, suggesting that this collaborative approach could serve as a model for cooperation across various sectors in the future.

Proactive Monitoring Ahead of the Holiday Rush

All parties involved in the agreement committed to closely monitoring the implementation of the agreed-upon measures, particularly with the busy Christmas season on the horizon. This period typically sees a surge in port activity, making it crucial for all stakeholders to ensure that operations run smoothly. CEOE has pledged to facilitate communication among other port users, aiming to enhance coordination and maximize the benefits for the entire logistical ecosystem at the Tenerife port.

Key points

• Agreement reached to improve grain unloading at Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port.
• Enhanced advance notifications and transparency in berth management are key commitments.
• Stevedore workforce increased from 147 to 203, with a target of 220 by 2026.
• Technical improvements include repositioning bollards for better machinery movement.
• Berth forecasts will be published online to aid operational planning.
• Concerns raised by feed manufacturers regarding supply chain efficiency.
• Monitoring of measures will be conducted ahead of the busy Christmas season.