Port of Sines

The Port of Sines is the first largest artificial port of Portugal, and a deep water port, natural backgrounds to -28 m ZH with specialized terminals that allow the movement of different types of goods. Besides being the main port on the Atlantic seaboard of Portugal due to its geophysical characteristics, is the main gateway to the energy supply of Portugal: container, natural gas, coal, oil and its derivatives (Features, 2007). Construction started in 1973 and came into operation in 1978. On December 14, 1977 the Administration was created the Port of Sines (APS) (30, 2007). The port operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, providing services such as: control of maritime traffic; pilotage, towage and mooring; access control and surveillance; drinking water and bunkers; prevent accidents/pollution; repairs on board or ashore ( Services, 2007). The Port of Sines is located at 37° 57′ north latitude and 08° 52′ west longitude, to 58 nautical miles south of Lisbon ( Map, 2007).Location and hinterlandThe Port of Sines is located on the Southwest of Europe, 58nmi south from Lisbon, on the cross of the main international maritime routes – East-West and North-South. (Latitude: 37° 57′ N Longitude: 08° 53′ W)The Port of Sines direct hinterland comprises all the south and midland part of Portugal. It is located at 150 km from Lisbon, 125 km from Évora, 100 km from Beja and 182 km from Faro.