Grupo ETE strengthens its leadership in high-complexity port operations with the arrival of the SHUN FU DA vessel at the Port of Leixões
Strategic operation highlights alignment with the Port of Leixões in welcoming new, larger vessels, and reinforces its contribution to the national metalworking industry
Grupo ETE, a national benchmark in port operations, has once again demonstrated its management capability in highly complex operations by ensuring, through its subsidiary TCGL, the efficient unloading of the SHUN FU DA vessel at the Port of Leixões (APDL).
This operation, carried out on 30th September, fits within the Port of Leixões’ strategy of receiving vessels of new dimensions, strengthening the port’s role as a logistics platform of excellence serving both the national and international economies.
SHUN FU DA Operation: efficiency and precision at the service of the value chain
The SHUN FU DA vessel, represented by ICC – Navegação, a partner of Grupo ETE, transported a cargo of 3,550 tonnes of steel products, mainly steel coils, from China and Taiwan. With subsequent destinations in Belgium and Poland, this stopover in Leixões stands out not only for the scale of the operation, but also for its strategic relevance to the Portuguese metalworking sector. TCGL, a Grupo ETE company, was responsible for planning and executing the unloading operation, ensuring high standards of efficiency and safety. Each unloaded coil weighs between 12 and 20 tonnes, requiring specialised logistics and technical precision throughout the operation. In turn, this new scale of vessels at the Port of Leixões enables new opportunities to be explored, supplying the national economy in a more sustainable manner.
Technical characteristics of the SHUN FU DA and the importance of the Kamsarmax class
The SHUN FU DA is a Kamsarmax-type bulk carrier, measuring 229 metres in length and 32.26 metres in breadth. This type of vessel is notable for its balance between size and capacity, allowing the transport of large volumes of dry cargo without access restrictions to the world’s main ports.
Direct contribution to the national industry
The 3,550 tonnes of unloaded coils are destined to supply five national companies in the metalworking sector. This steel will be transformed into finished products, which will later be reintroduced to both the domestic and international markets, reinforcing the competitiveness of the Portuguese industry and its export capacity.
Innovation, sustainability, and commitment to excellence
“TCGL, as part of Grupo ETE, through its constant investment in technological innovation, operational efficiency and sustainable practices, reaffirms its commitment to excellence in port operations, with yet another successful operation. Furthermore, the collaboration with the Port of Leixões (APDL) and its strategic partners, such as ICC – Navegação, allowed for a prompt and effective response to another challenge, with this operation seen as another driving force for the promotion of the country’s economic and industrial development,” states Nuno Lopes, General Manager of TCGL.