The project for Expansion and Modernization of the Pemba Ocean Terminal (TOP) does not present fatal issues that would make its implementation unfeasible. This is, at least, the conclusion advanced by the environmental pre-feasibility study and definition of scope, consulted by "Notícias".

The work done by EnAmbiente, recommends, however, that environmental studies be carried out in order to detail the aspects identified and to establish the necessary measures to reduce the negative impacts and maximize the positive effects.

A few years ago, Petromoc designed the expansion and modernization project of the Pemba Ocean Terminal, aiming, among other objectives, to increase the storage capacity from 7500 cubic meters to 18 thousand; construction of a new filling crane composed of 3 islands; a new 10-inch pipeline, exclusively for receiving diesel and performing bunker operations; replacement of the firefighting system, and rehabilitation of two tanks with a capacity of 250 cubic meters each for the reception and storage of Jet A-1.

For Petromoc, the implementation of the project is justified by the severity of the degradation of the infrastructure in use for over 30 years, thus making its operational capacity limited, this time not efficiently meeting the demand for space, thus culminating in more expensive solutions for the gas stations.

The project is also grounded in the expected increase in hydrocarbon processing in the Northern region, which massively attracts foreign investment.

"The objectives to be achieved with the expansion and modernization of TOP remain the same, with emphasis on the support of offshore operations for exploration and extraction of natural gas in the Rovuma Basin," the Environmental Prefeasibility and Scoping Study (EPDA) report points out.

It should be noted that the EPDA is a first approach to the analysis and evaluation of the project's environmental viability, to be followed by the Environmental Impact Study (EIA) phase, in which the environmental studies will be deepened.

EnAmbiente considers that from the global analysis carried out, it can be seen that the main positive impacts foreseen concerning the socio-economic part, result from the generation of employment and dynamization of the local economy, especially during the construction phase which aims at expanding and modernizing the terminal, resulting in the increase of the fuel storage capacity in the Northern region of Mozambique, affecting its availability and consequent exports to neighboring countries which will culminate in the collection of foreign exchange for the country. (News)