Dubai Career Diary

A significant $400 million investment by Dubai-based DP World has transformed the South Terminal at the Port of Callao, increasing its container handling capacity by a staggering 80%. This major development has elevated the port’s capacity from 1.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per year to 2.7 million TEUs, solidifying its position as a premier logistics hub in South America.

The Bicentennial Pier expansion project, near the Peruvian capital of Lima, has extended the pier from 650 meters to 1,050 meters, enabling the port to accommodate three vessels (or two mega-vessels) simultaneously. This increased capacity and efficiency will have a profound impact on the region’s economy, particularly in Peru.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, stated, “This investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting regional economic growth and consolidating Callao’s position as a premier logistics hub, setting a new standard for sustainable port operations in South America.”

The expanded container yard space now covers a total of 40 hectares, further enhancing the port’s capabilities. Moreover, DP World has introduced state-of-the-art electric-powered equipment, including 15 electric cranes and 20 electric ITVs (internal transport vehicles), making it the first port terminal in the world to acquire a fleet of this magnitude.

Carlos Merino, CEO of DP World in Peru and Ecuador, noted, “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 features the first electric charging station for trucks in Latin America, a 2-megawatt station that will support DP World’s fleet of electric ITVs, reducing CO2 emissions by more than 2,000 tonnes per year.