Enapor

ENAPOR’s capabilities as the port authority of Cape Verde include handling the administration, management and economic exploitation of the ports, terminals and zones of port jurisdiction. CEO Ireneu Camacho outlined the exciting developments at ENAPOR, in conversation with Phil Nicholls.

The Cape Verde Government is increasingly focused on the blue economy. This requires that new projects consider the impact on the ocean and coastal areas, along with prioritising the social and economic inclusion of coastal communities. ENAPOR is playing an active part in this transformation.

“In addition to the major works and investments made over the years, the Ports of Cape Verde now face a new challenge: our place within the blue economy,” explained CEO Ireneu Camacho. “ENAPOR regards itself as a promoter of the integration of the blue economy business chain in Cape Verde. We have been implementing a series of measures aimed at the continuous improvement of our services and relationships with customers.”

Created in 1982, ENAPOR is a public limited company with public capital, directly and exclusively owned by the State of Cape Verde. The company is present on the nine inhabited islands of the country, connecting them to each other and to the world, through infrastructures that guarantee the provision of services with the required quality and safety.

Today, ENAPOR has nine facilities; one on each inhabited island of the archipelago. The company has over 980 employees, with the Port of Praia and Porto Grande having the largest number of employees.

A solid performance

2022 brought a return to normality for the Ports of Cape Verde, after two years of uncertainties that proved the resilience and robustness of the company. In the year in which it celebrated its 40th anniversary, the company recorded excellent financial,

commercial and operational results. 2022 delivered a superb performance, generating a net result of over 255,000 escudos, a growth of 63.7% when compared to 2021.

All segments of port traffic recorded increases, including a robust growth of more than 350% in cruise ship calls, with 127 stopovers bringing 60,000 tourists to the islands. Overall port traffic grew 12.9%, with 7,675 ship calls registered.

Regarding passenger traffic, the Ports of Cape Verde reached a new record with over 1.37 million passengers, an annual increase of 25.9%. Freight traffic showed similar growth, passing 2.5 million tonnes, up 144,500 tonnes compared to 2021.

Major projects

“I would like to highlight two major projects,” said Mr Camacho. “Firstly, the completion of the expansion and modernisation of the English Port, with a budget of around 15 million euros. This work will have a positive impact on both the economy of the island of Maio and the whole country. We have improved the quality of life of Maio’s inhabitants and those who visit it.

“The second project with significant progress in 2022 was the Mindelo Cruise

CONSULMAR

Excellence, integrity and transparency, these are the values that, since 1970, have guided both our work and relationships with customers.Today, Consulmar is a reference point for the consultation and development of marine engineering projects, giving evidence nationally and internationally. Thanks to constant adaptation, our team guarantees quality, sustainability and high performance.

We are proud to be associated with some of the most iconic engineering works, in over 20 countries, for the last 50 years.

Terminal on the island of São Vicente.

Here, we began the maritime works. This venture will enhance shore activities and hospitality to cruise tourists, establishing a key marketing message, with support and encouragement for the development of sustainable tourism products and services.

“The English Port expansion and the Cruise Terminal project symbolise the importance of the port maritime sector in the development of Cape Verde.”

A recent global event involving the Ports of Cape Verde was the 2023 edition of The Ocean Race. Porto Grande, Mindelo, São Vicente Island, was prepared to receive the boats and all the parallel events held around the passage of the sailors. Special arrangements were required to facilitate this race.

“We had to change the entire port operations plan and mobilise the local community around the event so that everything ran smoothly,” continued Mr Camacho.

D&D is the answer

As part of the drive towards the blue economy, the Ports must be increasingly competitive and sustainable. This twin goal is achieved through a combination of the two ‘D’s: digitalisation and decarbonisation.

“In terms of digitalisation, we are computerising our processes, making them faster and more reliable,” Mr Camacho explained. “We have optimised our

business intelligence tools, both internal and external. This includes areas such as the single port window, container park man agement and the customer portal, among others.

“As for decarbonisation, we are intensifying green practices. For example, we introduced electrical equipment for the movement of loads within warehouses. We also produce energy through solar panels and generally adopt energy efficient systems.”

Alongside a focus on sustainability, ENAPOR has a strong commitment to social responsibility. The company has established trust with local stakeholders, by making the population aware of the beneficial presence of ports. This ensures a satisfactory coexistence, along with the mutual and coherent development of urban and port spaces.

Strategic planning

The strategic plan and the management model of the Ports of Cape Verde is strongly oriented to the promotion of the commercial objectives of attracting cargo, passengers and investments. “We work with national and international partners,” Mr Camacho said. “Our focus is on the quality of service we provide: we take care in order to ensure our excellence.”

Like all sectors, Cape Verde's ports have also suffered from the recent limitations imposed by the various global crises. “Our biggest challenge surrounds unlocking the full potential of the Ports of Cape Verde,” Mr Camacho continued: “we need to internationalise our brand. We must become a reference point for the international transport network, by demon strating our efficient operation.”

ENAPOR continues to improve its services and relationships with customers, in parallel to the ongoing digital transformation of port operations. Yet the focus needs to be on repositioning the Cape Verde ports within the framework of international trade.

“We are located on a transoceanic route – the Atlantic corridor,” concluded Mr Camacho, “which moves a substantial volume of cargo. Cape Verde has the potential to be a strong player in this global logistics chain.

“The port sector is challenging, diverse and constantly changing. Professionals in

the sector must have adequate technical and social skills to be able to meet the objectives we are set. Ports are a vital element for the economic and social development of any country.

“This is especially true in the case of Cape Verde, which is an archipelagic country. Our work is often Herculean, but I find it very motivating.”