Smart Maritime Group (SMG, Kherson) has put into operation a new approach canal to its cargo terminal at Kherson shipyard. From now on, it will be capable of handling vessels with a draft of up to 7 meters.

SMG's specialists together with the State Hydrography Enterprise performed surveying operations to identify a new navigable waterway. The canal is fitted with the necessary navigation equipment manufactured by the company. The approach canal was registered in the Ministry of Infrastructure and entered into international pilot charts.

In addition, the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (AMPU) performed the corresponding dredging operations in the port's water area. As a result, the nominal depths at the berth walls increased from 6.2 to 7 meters.

According to SMG’s Port Activity Department, the performed operations extended the terminal's transhipment capacity by 30-40%, which will enable it to gain a leading position in the waters of Kherson Commercial Sea Port.

On 10 May, a pilot loading of Adaline vessel (flying the flag of Liberia) was made in the SMG’s water area, bringing the draft to 7 meters. The bulk carrier took on board 8,000 tons of grain and left the port seamlessly, going for Turkey.

‘With the new operating draft depth of 7 meters, the port terminal is now capable of loading a fleet of more than 11,000 tons. Despite the challenging situation in the industry, which was caused by the global economic crisis and the coronavirus pandemic, SMG continues to implement its development projects and increases its asset utilization efficiency,’ noted Dmitriy Krasnikov, CEO of SMG.

The cargo terminal at Kherson shipyard of SMG has been operating since 1999. An average of 350,000 tons of cargo is shipped annually through the terminal. It specializes in transshipment of general cargo: big bags, cement, grain, etc.