At work's end, the channel's depth should be 17,5 meters, allowing
9,000-10,000 TEU vessels enter the port
Work has started on deepening of Haifa Port's entry channel to 17.5 meters. The work is done by Israel Port Company.
Work began immediately following authorization received from the Israel's Ministry for Environmental Protection, the Haifa Port Company. The aim is to finish deepening the port's entry channel, through which vessels enter and leave the port's basin via Haifa Bay, within few months.
According to the terms of the permit and the demands of the Ministry for Environmental Protection, the Haifa Port Company is required to constantly monitor the quality of material excavated from the entrance channel and pumped back into the sea.
For the first time in Haifa Port's history, widening of the entrance channel will allow large container ships to dock at the new Carmel terminal.
Stated CEO of the Israel Port Company, Shlomo Briemann: "The permit was given based on an understanding that combines considerations for protection of the environment and the benefits derived to the economy of Haifa and the Northern part of Israel".
The first stage of the work, which will include dredging of sand from the sea bed, is expected to take several weeks. When finished, the depth of the entrance channel will be 16 meters. This will allow port entrance of vessels with a capacity of 8,000 TEU (Standard size of a 20 foot container).
During the second stage, the channel will be deepened to 17.5 meters, which will allow entrance of vessels with a capacity of 9,000 – 10,000 TEU.
It should be noted that the Carmel Terminal, along with all of its equipment and facilities, is already prepared for the conveyance of containers from mega-ships of this size.
