Early 2015 saw the start of the construction of a modern terminal in Puerto Limón, which should serve to dramatically improve the shipment of pineapples and other products.
The country's main ports as far as exports are concerned, Moín and Limón, currently have reduced capacity for large vessels, and the time needed for each ship to be attended (import-export process) is approximately 24 hours, sometimes more.
"The ships arriving to our ports are small, since they don't have the capacity for large vessels. In high season, there are weeks when not all fruit can be loaded due to lack of space. Exporters often receive cancellations of their orders and the fruit must then be loaded in other ships in the best case scenario, or sold in the local market to recover some of the investment.
Also, at this time, the company that operates the port (JAPDEVA) is a Government monopoly with high operating costs due to the number of hours that every vessel requires. Additionally, labour strikes are organised which directly affect all exports. After the new Terminal is finished, we hope such problems will be prevented," explains Sonia Alvarado, of HISPACORI, Fresh Fruit Exports.
Model of Moín's future Container Terminal
The construction contract was awarded to APM Terminals, a Dutch company present in 58 countries and 167 ports and offices worldwide. The company is now responsible for the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of the terminal.
"The idea is for the port to have the capacity for vessels 4 times larger than it can currently accommodate. Construction started in January; the first stage will be ready in early 2018 and will feature innovative equipment and handling areas for dry and refrigerated containers," states Sonia.
Larger ships will be attended to quicker, and there will be special areas for reefer containers, which will result in Costa Rican fruit of better quality being exported, creating also the possibility to load more fruit during high season and throughout the year in general.
"The terminal will have the capacity to serve five ships at the same time, with loading and unloading times of less than seven hours, which would be a record for Costa Rica," affirms Sonia.
In addition to increased capacity, it is expected that the modernisation and expansion will have a positive impact on freight costs per container, as shipping lines will have the opportunity to use larger vessels and operating hours will be considerably reduced, which will benefit all shipping lines.
"With our terminal, Costa Rica aims to become more competitive in the international markets by delivering quality products in less time, with attention to detail on both handling and quality. In the end, everyone will benefit: producers, exporters, brokers, buyers, shipping lines, customs agencies and the country, of course," she concludes.
More information:
Sonia Alvarado C.
Commercial Director
Hispacori
T: 506-2283-4340
M: 506-8980-0534
salvarado@hispacori.com
www.hispacori.com
www.facebook.com/Hispacori