DP World Announces Major Investments in Latin American Ports to Boost Capacity and Efficiency

June 10, 2024 - DP World is making significant investments in its port terminals in Peru and Ecuador to enhance capacity and operational efficiency, reinforcing its strategic vision for Latin America and providing additional trade opportunities for its customers.

The expansions come amidst an increasingly complex global supply chain landscape, as leaders are seeking ways to mitigate risks and enhance resilience. Situated on the West Coast of South America, Peru and Ecuador are pivotal to DP World’s global strategy, serving as key gateways to international trade.

Carlos Merino, CEO of DP World in Peru and Ecuador, said: “DP World remains committed to creating resilient and efficient logistics solutions. Peru and Ecuador’s strategic locations provide reliable connections from the west coast of South America to major global markets. This substantial investment in port infrastructure and state-of-the-art equipment underscores DP World’s dedication to enhancing capacity, operability, and economic contributions in this vital region.”

The company is set to celebrate two major milestones in the next few months: the inauguration of the completed Bicentennial Pier expansion project at its operations in the Port of Callao in Peru, and the initiation of a berth expansion project at the Port of Posorja in Ecuador.

In Peru, the Bicentennial Pier expansion at DP World Callao will significantly increase the terminal's capacity by 80%, transforming it into a premier logistics hub on the west coast of South America. The $400 million project extends the pier to 1,050 meters, enabling it to accommodate up to three vessels simultaneously and increasing its annual capacity to 2.7 million TEUs (20-foot containers).

The expansion also includes state-of-the-art electric-powered equipment and the first electric charging station for trucks in Latin America, promoting sustainable logistics solutions.

DP World Callao handles 60% of the country’s containerized cargo, solidifying the port’s position as the economic heart of Peru. In addition, DP World operates the Port of Paita in northern Peru, enhancing the country’s connectivity to global markets.

In Ecuador, DP World is planning to expand its berth at the Port of Posorja to enhance capacity and operational efficiency. Earlier this year, the deepwater port received three key service routes from Maersk, strengthening its strategic role in connecting Latin America with global markets. The $140 million expansion will extend the port to 700 meters of berth space and integrate advanced port equipment to ensure that Posorja remains a competitive, secure, and sustainable public terminal.

DP World operates a Special Economic Zone located next to the port of Posorja, further bolstering the nation’s trade capabilities.

Merino added: “DP World’s investments in Latin America encompass private capital infusion, job creation, and social and environmental initiatives. These investments align with global market trends where clients demand efficient, safe, and sustainable ports and logistics solutions.”

The company’s investment extends to Chile as well, where DP World San Antonio is undergoing a pilot project to test the MoorMaster NxG, a mooring system that consists of automated vacuum pads that moor and release vessels within seconds. DP World San Antonio will be the first terminal in the Americas to utilize this system.

These strategic investments reflect DP World's commitment to advancing Latin America's role in global trade, enhancing regional connectivity, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

SOURCE: DP World

Warehousing and Distribution Provider Terminal Corporation Opens North Jacksonville Facility

May 31, 2024 - The Terminal Corporation, a logistics, warehousing, and distribution provider, celebrated the grand opening of its new 255,000-square-foot Jacksonville, Florida, warehouse, which is minutes from Blount Island and Dames Point.

The company’s anchor tenant, ARAUCO, a global manufacturer and distributor of forest products, will move premium plywood, millwork (moldings like baseboards and chair rails), lumber, and wood pulp. Other commodities, including steel, aluminum, and building products, will also move through.

Terminal Corporation CEO Perry Menzies said when they were looking for a city to expand, Jacksonville earned high marks for its location in the U.S. Southeast and the capabilities of its port.

“When we met with the team at JAXPORT and learned about all of the investments, we thought there was a ton of potential and investment going in that was in its infancy, so we were very bullish on that,” said Menzies. “The location, in general, was very strategic for us because, from a trucking standpoint, the inland delivery truck rates and capacity out of Jacksonville are superior.”

The Terminal Corporation opened in 1893 and has grown to over two million square feet of warehouse space throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

With roots in sustainable forestry, ARAUCO operates multiple production facilities in North and South America and ships to more than 3,500 destinations throughout North America.

SOURCE: Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT)

PhilaPort’s European Rep Lutz Ehrhardt Retires; Uwe Gaede Named Successor

May 23, 2024 - Port of Philadelphia (PhilaPort) announced that Lutz Ehrhardt has decided to retire from his position as PhilaPort’s representative in Europe after 27 years of service.

Ehrhardt will be succeeded by Uwe Gaede, a well-known shipping leader, who was ocean carrier Hamburg’s Süd’s marketing director in North Europe for the last 20 years.

From his home city of Hamburg, Germany, Lutz was Port of Philadelphia’s liaison with ocean carriers, shippers, and government officials in one of the largest shipping markets in the world.

“Lutz Ehrhardt has been a salesman, writer, guide, and point man in Europe for us for almost three decades,” said Jeff Theobald, PhilaPort’s Executive Director and CEO. “More than that, he was effectively a diplomat, building commercial and personal bridges between Europe and Philadelphia, a city he came to love.”

Sean Mahoney, PhilaPort’s Senior Director of Marketing, added, “We were fortunate to have his faithful, intelligent teamwork during this time. Lutz always got the job done — he helped us get a lot of business — and he was a real pleasure to work with.”

Ehrhardt, a trained shipbroker and shipping merchant, started with Horn-Linie in 1961. After a few years in Australia, he returned to Hamburg and worked for the Buss Group as marketing and public relations manager for more than 25 years.

“Now enough is enough and it’s about time for the next generation to take over,” Ehrhardt said. He will continue to follow the shipping business and will be active in various fields.

Discussing the new Europe representative, Uwe Gade, Mahoney said he expects a smooth transition.

“We have known Uwe for a long time. Hamburg Süd was our biggest customer for many years, so we had the chance to work with him. He has an extensive network of contacts that will allow us to grow our business in Europe,” Mahoney noted.

SOURCE: Port of Philadelphia

Verbrugge International Discharges Pulp Bales from G2 Vessel at Scaldia Terminal

May 8, 2024 - Verbrugge International was pleased to welcome and discharge the MAITACA ARROW from G2 Ocean at the Verbrugge Scaldia Terminal in Vlissingen/Flushing, in the southwestern Netherlands, this week.

The vessel was loaded with approximately 65,000 tonnes of wood pulp out of South America.

Located in the port of Vlissingen, Verbrugge Scaldia Terminal handles wood pulp, agri bulk, wood pellets, paper, metals, steel, concentrates, high and heavy project cargo and offshore wind projects.

With a deep draft, multiple shore cranes and extended warehouse capacity close to the quay, Verbrugge Terminals is able to work safe, efficient and smooth.

SOURCE: Verbrugge International