Peru renovating its ports to solve congestion problems

The Government of Peru aims to reach 10,000 million dollars in exports by 2016 and is already less than half way from achieving it. However, growers complain that they are hampered by logistical problems in the ports, mainly in Callao. 

"In recent years, the export of certain products, such as grapes, has been growing by 20 to 30% annually, and we believe there is still potential to grow even more. The Government's goal is ambitious, but I am sure that they will at least get really close," said Gert-Jan Speld, of Seatrade Reefer Chartering NV.

Nevertheless, Gert-Jan is sceptical about Callao's logistical problems being resolved, "although a new terminal has built at Paita which will help alleviate the current congestion problems, and the port of Pisco, south of Peru, has contracted the Hispanobrasileña company for its renovation, which will also resolve many problems and provide opportunities for the agricultural sector in the area."

Seatrade currently uses the port of Paita to go directly to the UK, the Netherlands and Germany through quick, direct and specialised routes. The company operates about 80 reefers and has a sister company with another 40-50. Seatrade mainly ships organic bananas, avocados, mangoes, grapes and green and white asparagus from Peru.