A major $400 million investment by Dubai-based DP World has increased the container handling capacity of the South Terminal the Port of Callao by 80 percent.
The Bicentennial Pier expansion project near the Peruvian capital of Lima extended the pier from 650 meters to 1,050 meters, making Callao one of the few ports in South America capable of accommodating three vessels (or two mega-vessels) simultaneously.
A key part of DP World’s ambitions for Latin America, the new pier increases 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.
This is bound to enhance the Port of Callao as the key gateway for global trade on the west coast of South America. Given its proximity to Lima, and complementing the growth of nearby Jorge Chávez Airport, the development elevates the Port of Callao from an efficient port to a premier logistics hub for the entire region.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, commented: “The Bicentennial Pier project is a landmark achievement for us in Peru. Our investment represents our unwavering commitment to supporting the region’s economic growth and solidifying Callao’s position as a premier logistics hub, setting a new standard for sustainable port operations in South America. We are proud to contribute to a greener future for Peru and global trade.”
Carlos Merino, CEO of DP World in Peru and Ecuador, added: “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 containerised cargo, with 60 percent of that cargo moving through the South Terminal.
“This expansion significantly enhances our capacity and operational efficiency.”
DP World also added state-of-the-art electric-powered equipment, including 15 electric cranes and 20 electric ITVs (internal transport vehicles). This makes it the first port terminal in the world to acquire a fleet of this magnitude.
Merino added, “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.”
The terminal also 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 tonnes per year.
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