DP World, a global logistics company, has completed a major $400 million expansion project at the Port of Callao in Peru. This initiative has significantly boosted the container handling capacity of the South Terminal by 80 percent, solidifying Callao’s position as a key gateway for global trade on the west coast of South America.
Bicentennial pier expansion enhances capacity
The Bicentennial Pier expansion project has extended the pier from 650 meters to 1,050 meters, making the Port of Callao one of the few ports in South America capable of accommodating three vessels, or two mega-vessels, simultaneously. This expansion has increased the port’s handling capacity from 1.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per year to 2.7 million TEUs, while the container yard space has also been expanded to a total of 40 hectares.
Elevating Callao as a premier logistics hub
This project is a crucial part of DP World’s ambitious plans for Latin America, announced last month. Given the port’s proximity to the capital, Lima, and its complementary role to the growth of the nearby Jorge Chávez Airport, the development has elevated the Port of Callao from an efficient port to a premier logistics hub for the entire region.
¡El Muelle Bicentenario permitirá que Perú reciba más de 2.7 millones de contenedores al año! 🇵🇪
La presidenta de la república, Dina Boluarte, junto al ministro del @MTC_GobPeru y el sultán Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO de DP World, participan en la inauguración de la infraestructura… pic.twitter.com/ZUw1HfEFyS— Presidencia del Perú 🇵🇪 (@presidenciaperu) June 20, 2024
Strengthening Peru’s economic heartbeat
Carlos Merino, CEO of DP World in Peru and Ecuador, expressed the significance of this milestone, stating, “The completion of the Bicentennial Pier expansion marks a transformative moment for the Peruvian economy. The Port of Callao is the economic heart of Peru, handling over 90 percent of the country’s containerized cargo, with 60 percent of that cargo moving through the South Terminal. This expansion significantly enhances our capacity and operational efficiency, solidifying our commitment to enhancing the connectivity and economic vitality of Peru and the entire region.”
Read more: DP World revenue up 6.6 percent at $18.25 billion for 2023
Setting new standards for sustainable port infrastructure
Alongside the pier extension and increased container handling, the project has also incorporated state-of-the-art electric-powered equipment, including 15 electric cranes and 20 electric ITVs (internal transport vehicles). This makes the Port of Callao the first port terminal in the world to acquire a fleet of this magnitude, setting a new standard for port infrastructure in South America.
Merino further emphasized the project’s focus on sustainability, stating, “This expansion is not just about increasing capacity; it’s about setting a new standard for port infrastructure in South America. By integrating state-of-the-art electric-powered equipment and implementing sustainable practices, we are leading the way towards a greener and more efficient future for global trade.”
Promoting sustainable energy transition
Additionally, the terminal now hosts the first electric charging station for trucks in Latin America. The 2-megawatt station will support DP World’s fleet of electric ITVs, reducing CO2 emissions by more than 2,000 tons per year and promoting a sustainable energy transition in the Peruvian market.
This transformative project at the Port of Callao is a testament to DP World’s commitment to enhancing the logistics and trade infrastructure in Peru and the broader Latin American region, positioning it as a premier hub for global commerce.
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