MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Ushuaia plans to expand main port pier 251 meters and improve facilities
Tierra del Fuego governor Rosana Bertone made the presentation of the project at Government House in Ushuaia 
A view of the port of Ushuaia during a busy day in the midst of the cruise season with vessels docked and out in the bay Ushuaia, the world's most extreme south city and the gateway for Antarctica cruise tours is planning to upgrade its port facilities including the expansion of the main pier by 251 meters increasing the docking capacity for tourism vessels during the summer season.
The project was announced this week by the governor of Argentine Tierra del Fuego, Rosana Bertone who anticipated the new facilities should be ready in 24 months demanding an overall investment of some 30 million dollars.
“We have presented the whole project to the federal government which now has three months to open the bidding process”, said governor Bertone at the presentation in Ushuaia government house. She added that the upgrading means improved water and electricity services, fire combat equipment and complying with international ports security protocols.
“Some 7.500 square meters of new port facilities will be available for cruise vessels, which mean they will not have to anchor out in the bay, and overall will mean a fantastic improvement of services and increase of Ushuaia competitiveness as an international port and in the cruise industry”, pointed out governor Bertone.
The official thanked the Ports Authority and other Tierra del Fuego government offices for their contribution to the project, which should generate 120 new jobs at least during the construction phase, in a clear demonstration of “their commitment to the advance of the province's capabilities”.
Finally the heads of the Public Works and Services, and Ports Authority admitted work methodology had to reviewed several times to comply with the federal government costs' guidelines.
“The federal government is planning to bid out the whole project in three months time”, revealed the head of Ports Authority Nestor Lagrana adding that the work is planned in three phases, in such a way it does not interrupt normal activity of the port.
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Read all commentsThe Malvinista tyre burners are obviously seeking more room for their activities.
Jul 28th, 2016 - 12:20 pm 0Excellent news and it is well over due. At last Ushuaia may start to entertain larger ships and be a great stop over as well as the gateway to Antarctica. Fingers crossed endeavours of this calibre will ultimately start to shelve the past troubles with its neighbour.
Jul 28th, 2016 - 03:39 pm 0The wealth it generates should encourage makes a more stable and sustainable future for all in that region .
“- The real problem is the Corruption and Backhanders in Ushuaia.
Jul 28th, 2016 - 08:53 pm 0Some companies have now pulled out and use Punta Arenas/Stanley instead as they are fed up with the over-escalating prices and fantasy charges from the Port Departments.Even 20yrs ago the Ships Staff reckoned that every US$20,000 of services had a $5000 backhander attatched(and if not paid then there were ”problems” with the ships papers) No doubt more would follow if air access to Stanley was improved.
Ushuaia has the BIG advantage of 1 days steaming closer to the Ant Peninsular each way - that is big money to a cruise line in fuel - but that to date is their ONLY advantage- and that depends on if the ship can get fuel in Ushuaia!
Many bunker in Stanley now if cruising this way, even if they do the cruise change in Ushuaia - simply because Stanley is reliable.
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