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APA – Administração do Porto de Aveiro, S.A. and the Municipality of Ílhavo have announced the signing of a cooperation protocol for the installation of an underground electricity cable to replace the existing overhead line between Forte da Barra and Praia da Barra. This project is a significant step towards promoting the navigability of the Mira Canal, strengthening local infrastructure and boosting territorial development.

Removing the existing overhead line, which currently limits the height of vessels travelling through the canal, is essential to guarantee the safety and accessibility of larger vessels, including pleasure craft and fishing boats. The new underground infrastructure is expected to:

• improve accessibility to the marinas and shelter docks in the Mira Canal area;
• reduce the risk of accidents, particularly involving vessels with masts longer than 19 metres;
• strengthen the tourist and commercial potential of the municipality of Ílhavo;
• boost the Port of Aveiro's role as a support port for ocean navigation.

The canal plays a fundamental role, serving a wide range of users, including trawlers, inshore fishing vessels and sailing boats. It is also a vital route for various nautical infrastructure, including the Jardim Oudinot shelter dock, the Clube Náutico Boca da Barra and the Sharpie Clube in the Port of Aveiro area, as well as the Clube de Vela da Costa Nova, the Marina Clube da Gafanha and the shelter dock of the Associação Náutica da Gafanha da Encarnação. The total cost of this project is estimated at 200,000 euros, to be split equally between the Municipality of Ílhavo and the Aveiro Harbour Authority.

The project includes dismantling the existing overhead line and installing an intubated underground connection using horizontal directional drilling. This method will ensure efficient execution with minimal environmental impact.