en.Wedoany.com Reported - APM Terminals Callao is advancing the modernization of the multipurpose Callao North Port to meet the logistics demands driven by the growth of Peru's agricultural exports. This Phase 3B project, with an investment exceeding $570 million, aims to increase the terminal's throughput capacity to 2.2 million TEUs and expand its refrigerated cargo handling capabilities.

The Peruvian Association of Agricultural Producers' Guilds (Asociación de Gremios Productores Agrarios del Perú) stated that the country expects to double its agricultural export value to $30 billion within the next decade. The international market share of products such as blueberries, grapes, avocados, mangoes, and citrus fruits continues to expand, placing higher demands on port efficiency and refrigerated conditions.

Sofía Balbi, Commercial Manager for Container Cargo at APM Terminals Callao, noted that fresh produce exports depend on predictable operating times, availability of refrigerated containers, sufficient electrical power connections, and efficient port processes. Any delays in the logistics chain increase costs for exporters and undermine their competitiveness.

As part of the modernization, the number of refrigerated container plug-in points at the North Port has been doubled to 1,550, with plans to increase it by an additional 25% to over 1,900. Automation of the container gate has boosted productivity to 30 operations per hour, while optimizing truck services and reducing vessel turnaround times at the terminal. The new container terminal is expected to become operational within the next 18 months.

The multipurpose Callao North Port plays a key role in connecting Peru's regions with markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. Given the anticipated growth in foreign trade, its capacity to handle larger container volumes and enhance refrigerated infrastructure is crucial for maintaining the competitiveness of agricultural exports.