San Antonio Terminal Internacional (STI) in Chile is completing the setup of new reefer towers, marking the culmination of a two-year, US$ 13 million project aimed at enhancing its capacity for the upcoming 2024 cherry export season. With the addition of 27 new towers, STI is set to offer over 2,600 reefer container connections, positioning itself as the country's premier cherry export facility due to its unmatched refrigerated cargo infrastructure.
STI's general manager, Andrés Albertini, stated, "We have invested over US$60 million, including a new reefer tower park. Cherries have become one of the country's leading exports and our terminal is ready for a great season. This year we will have the most modern infrastructure to guarantee the industry's best operating standards for exporters." The terminal's enhanced capacity is complemented by a focus on reliability and operational efficiency, as outlined by Maintenance and Infrastructure Manager, Pablo Sanchez. He highlighted the advantages of the new towers, which are designed for optimal temperature monitoring and are integrated with an electrical system powered by 100% renewable energy. This system adheres to the latest safety regulations, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
Last season, STI managed over 10,000 containers of cherries, with expectations for a 30% increase in volume this season. The terminal's advancements underscore its pivotal role in facilitating Chile's cherry exports.
Source: STI