Callao, Peru: Rising demand for Latin America’s food exports is prompting shipping lines to expand their temperature controlled services, according to the Financial Times in London.
The newspaper cites the example of Maersk Line, which has even ordered 16 vessels specifically tailored to Latin America’s needs. Maerk saw its volumes to and from Latin America grow 14% between 2009 and 2010. The vessels, with a capacity of 7,500 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers, will each have plugs for 1,700 refrigerated containers to carry the region’s growing food exports. They are likely to be used on new services between Latin America and Asia.
DP World, one of the world’s biggest operators, opened a new terminal in Callao port in May last year and new cranes means that ship handling is much faster than before. However, the new improved service has increased trade from the port and the facility is nearly full.
Callao’s challenges exemplify the issues facing the ports and shipping companies serving the region. Rising demand for the region’s exports – especially from Asia for its plentiful raw materials – are also putting pressure on bulk ports such as Brazil’s Ponta de Madeira, says the Financial Times.
