THE Port Authority of Puerto Bolivar (APPB) in Ecuador has managed to increase containerisation and is focusing on developing a technological control system in a bid to attract leading shipping lines, including the likes of Maersk.
In 2017, 89,338 TEU were shipped out through the port and up until August 2018, 76,999 TEU were exported; while during the administration of APPB only 62,537 TEU were shipped out through the port, reported diariopinion.com.
According to APPB manager David Mejia, the port has been improving its competitiveness thanks to privately-operated Yilport which can lower costs - something that the port state can't do.
The port administration said containerisation has prompted major shipping companies such as Maersk to take an interest in reaching the port from Machala with a significant container load onboard.
The port also aims to improve its control system to become more competitive by using technology to avoid contamination in the cargo or possible contraband.
Currently, controls in the port are being carried out manually by the anti-narcotics personnel, who inspect the fruit that will be shipped out through Puerto Bolivar with lanterns and dogs.
Mr Mejia said the fees have been fundamental in positioning Ecuador's second most important port. Yilport had to readjust its fees for loose boxes since this was an unknown market for them.
Only 15 to 20 per cent of the 112 fees there are used; another 12 per cent are for general cargo services, which includes import loads (bovine, vehicles, plastic), and eight per cent is for the bulk cargo.
This eight per cent fee is the most important fee for the port authority because it is directly related to the shipments of bananas, which they must regulate and negotiate.
In 2017, 89,338 TEU were shipped out through the port and up until August 2018, 76,999 TEU were exported; while during the administration of APPB only 62,537 TEU were shipped out through the port, reported diariopinion.com.
According to APPB manager David Mejia, the port has been improving its competitiveness thanks to privately-operated Yilport which can lower costs - something that the port state can't do.
The port administration said containerisation has prompted major shipping companies such as Maersk to take an interest in reaching the port from Machala with a significant container load onboard.
The port also aims to improve its control system to become more competitive by using technology to avoid contamination in the cargo or possible contraband.
Currently, controls in the port are being carried out manually by the anti-narcotics personnel, who inspect the fruit that will be shipped out through Puerto Bolivar with lanterns and dogs.
Mr Mejia said the fees have been fundamental in positioning Ecuador's second most important port. Yilport had to readjust its fees for loose boxes since this was an unknown market for them.
Only 15 to 20 per cent of the 112 fees there are used; another 12 per cent are for general cargo services, which includes import loads (bovine, vehicles, plastic), and eight per cent is for the bulk cargo.
This eight per cent fee is the most important fee for the port authority because it is directly related to the shipments of bananas, which they must regulate and negotiate.