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.”