Ships AHOY
DP World plans to continue its excellent logistics business in Ecuador with the expansion of its smart port in Posorja and the creation of a logistics park hub.
What is your evaluation of the start of operations at the Posorja port, and how do you plan to expand its capacity?
The port started operations recently. During this period, there have been constant increases in productivity levels in each of the areas. As an example, the full cycle for a truck coming to our port to discharge a container, recharge another container, and leave the terminal is currently only 17 minutes. This includes the waiting time. Likewise, the loading and unloading of vessels has significantly improved since the beginning of operations. The number of containers loaded or discharged in an hour by each one of our cranes, the largest in South America, has improved every month since the port began operations, with a perfect safety record. We have received more than 100 of the largest vessels sailing through Latin American seas at their maximum load capacity. These vessels previously did not enter Ecuador due to draft restrictions; however, they now receive safe, productive, and efficient care at Posorja. We offer almost 3,000 spot-to-plug and plug-refrigerated containers to maintain the cold chain for the export of fresh Ecuadorian products like bananas, shrimp, and tuna. These good results have allowed us to gain the confidence of the actors of the port and shipping industry: more than 1,704 companies have already registered on our DP Online system and more than 15,555 telephone calls have been registered. We will soon start the second construction phase of the port, which will double its capacity to 1.5 million containers (TEUs) a year.
The port of Posorja is considered the first fourth-generation port in Ecuador. How will that help the main export industries of Ecuador and create opportunities to diversify the country’s export basket?
The port is being developed in accordance with international best practices and state-of-the-art technologies. Scanners, automated checkpoints, and fumigation arches are some of the elements that allow us to ensure that Ecuador has a smart port in DP World Posorja, which contributes to the development and competitiveness of the country. All scanners have x-rays, allowing for non-invasive inspection, as 100% of containers entering the port are scanned in order to detect any anomalies in the cargo. Likewise, the two arcs of fumigation, with 18 nozzles each, comply with the quaternary ammonium regulations, necessary to prevent inconveniences with this type of load. In addition, we have gained recognition as the Technological Innovation Hub of the Region within the framework of the second edition of ExpoTic Guayaquil. Through the Navis N4 Program system and operation support platforms, we have implemented IT solutions in various areas of the deep-water port in Posorja, such as door stages, yard operations and ships, opening and consolidation of containers, and billing, among others. The installed IT platforms include cloud and on-premise solutions.
There are plans to build an extensive extra-port area that will be complemented by Guayaquil’s new airport. What can be expected from this logistics hub?
Guayaquil Gateway is a business unit of DP World Ecuador, the purpose of which is the development of a logistics and industrial ark close to the deepwater port and not far from the future airport. We will offer our services to warehouses under a customs regulation called the special economic development zone, which will allow logistics companies and industrial companies to enjoy tax incentives and exemptions. It will allow companies to attract customers through efficient logistics operations. Our goal is to welcome large companies in order to offer additional services to Ecuador and its people. We have already built 14 logistics parks around the world and are investing in more. In Dubai, our logistics park welcomes more than 7,500 companies who represent more than 30% of GDP. With that in mind, it is easy to imagine how the logistics park in Posorja can transform the face of Ecuador in just a few years’ time. ✖
Phase 2 will double port’s capacity to 1.5 million TEUs a year
1st fourth-generation port in Ecuador