The Council of Ministers, at its meeting today and on the proposal of the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, has authorized the tender for the construction of the Raos Pier 6, Phase 1, of the Port Authority of Santander, for 20.3 million euros (VAT not included).
The action is aimed at the construction of a pier intended for the traffic of general merchandise and solid bulk. The alignment of this terminal that will constitute the Raos 6 pier, is located in extension of the Raos 5 pier, reaching a total length (in its final development) of 325 meters and a draft of 10 meters. This first phase contemplates the first 212 meters of the pier.
With the construction of this new pier, the intention is to increase the docking capacity in the Northern Espigón of Raos, in the face of the increase in traffic, as a result of the growth of the container terminal recently launched.
By way of context, the line occupation of the pier of Raos 3 is becoming increasingly greater, both in intensity and in length, so to preserve the goods that are currently operating in that pier, the imminent need has been generated to create a new line of public pier to operate goods displaced from Raos 3 and to be able to provide service in conditions of quality and in combination with the rest of the docks of the port.
"More activity, more employment"
The delegate of the Government in Cantabria, Eugenia Gómez de Diego, has celebrated the authorization of the Council of Ministers for the tender of the Muelle de Raos 6, ensuring that it is great news for the Port of Santander and for the entire region. "This investment demonstrates the government's commitment to economic growth in Cantabria. Not only will it improve the port's infrastructure, but it will also help attract more activity, more jobs and more opportunities for local businesses," he said.
In addition, Gómez de Diego highlighted the importance of this project for the future of the port, noting that "it is not just another work, but a key step for Santander to continue gaining weight in the maritime trade". As he explained, enlargement will increase operational capacity and facilitate the movement of goods, which is fundamental in an increasingly connected world. "This is betting on the future, on a stronger economy and on a modern and competitive port. In short, this investment will allow us to attract new business opportunities and strengthen the industrial and logistical fabric of Cantabria", concluded the delegate.
Zone 'I'
The location of the project works corresponds to area ‘I’ of the port, which does not affect any protected space or environmental protection area. Therefore, the project does not need to be subjected to Environmental Assessment, either ordinary or simplified.
In the project, the guidelines established by the current legislation on environmental protection and environmental sustainability have been included. The same Port of Santander establishes objectives and guidelines of environmental behavior for users and workers of the port. These standards aim to establish an improvement in the environmental sustainability of all actions carried out in port facilities.