"Redevelopment works are not necessary for expansion" at Faro docks, according to José Pedro Soares, from the Sines and Algarve Docks Administration (Administração dos Portos de Sines e do Algarve.)
Despite promises of investment from the Economy Minister Pires de Lima, Faro docks expect to reach a trading record this year with 400,000 tonnes of goods shipped out.
José Pedro Soares says the Administration, based in Sines, intends to develop "more activity and diversify the port operation in Faro."
According to Soares the port has just had one of its busiest weeks ever with a huge shipment of cement from Cimpor to Algeria in North Africa.
Despite the increase in exports, José Pedro Soares said redevelopment work is not necessary for expansion and the ability to operate two ships at the same time is enough. "For now, the port is the right length. What we do need is to upgrade some equipment and fix the dockside surface to facilitate operations," adding that these small improvements should be resolved within a year.
In 2013, the port handled 358,000 tonnes carried by 82 ships, with salt, cement, carobs and tuna all going to overseas markets.
According to Soares the goods shipped mostly originate from Portugal and that the dock is used primarily for export with only a small amount of imports coming into the country.
In the Algarve, Faro docks are used for the region's commercial exports, while the Portimão dock handles cruise tourism; both await promised investment totalling €10 million, primarily for dredging, but with the Algarve's ports now being run from Sines, there seems to be no urgency, just occassional sound bite promises from politicians.
