Following its inauguration a month ago with a US$1,300 billion investment, the Chancay mega port in Peru has transitioned into full operation during its "test conditioning" phase. This period is dedicated to optimizing efficiency, performance, and technology, under Peru's regulatory oversight, and is expected to continue until next May.
The initial operations commenced in the latter half of November, marking the port's active engagement with the export sector. A vessel set sail for Shanghai, initiating the export of refrigerated goods, prominently featuring blueberries indicative of Peru's robust agro-industrial sector, alongside mineral exports to China. By the start of this month, the port had successfully processed over 1,700 containers.
Subsequently, Cosco Shipping Lines, a subsidiary of the Chinese conglomerate that owns the port, inaugurated a direct Chancay-Shanghai service. This service, commencing this month, promises a weekly frequency and involves four container ships completing the journey in 25 days. In preparation for this, the port's senior management has engaged with business associations and potential clients in Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil. The objective is to have transshipment cargo from these countries constitute 65% of the port's total cargo throughput, with precise figures to be determined in the coming months.
In parallel, the Chilean market's integration into the Chancay mega port's operations is evident through commitments from two shipping companies. Ocean Network Express has disclosed plans to initiate a cabotage line from Chile to Peru starting in December, alongside feeder services from Chilean ports. Furthermore, Cosco Shipping Lines is set to announce additional cabotage routes to facilitate cargo movement from Chile, as shared by Admiral Carlos Tejada, deputy general manager of Cosco Shipping Chancay Peru.
Source: Blueberries Consulting