On December 1, during a ceremony with public officials, export industry leaders, and logistics representatives, Terminal Portuario Valparaíso (TPV), Cool Carriers, and Frutas de Chile launched the 2025-2026 Chilean fruit export season on refrigerated vessels bound for the United States.
TPV's general manager, Manuel Cañas Estévez, thanked Cool Carriers and TPV's team for their efforts. "TPV is proud of the confidence Cool Carriers has placed in us. The season we are starting today is the result of a joint effort among different actors," he said.
During the ceremony, Ricardo Barckhahn, general manager of Cool Carriers, stated: "This important milestone results from discussions with exporters, who identified a need to deliver fruit, primarily cherries and blueberries, up to two weeks earlier to the United States. TPV has responded effectively to this requirement, managing our shipments with excellent performance. We look forward to continuing our collaboration for many more years."
© TPV
The executive also highlighted another milestone: "This vessel, the Koru, left the shipyard this year and is the first of many more to be built, showcasing Cool Carriers' commitment to the industry.
"Having this type of vessel is crucial for our fresh blueberry shipments, as it enables us to reach the United States in 12 days, which is vital for maintaining the quality and condition of our fruit," stated Andrés Armstrong, executive director of the Blueberry Committee of Frutas de Chile.
Claudia Soler, executive director of the Chilean Fruit Cherry Committee, noted that "the United States is the second-largest market for fresh Chilean cherries after China. The U.S. consumes many cherries in summer, so there is potential to increase consumption in winter as well."
Franco Gandolfo, GM of Empresa Portuaria Valparaíso, said that "Terminal No. 2 moves break bulk cargo, especially fruit. It's a key hub since many fruits are shipped in chamber vessels on pallets. Terminal No. 2 (TPV) is vital, especially Sites No. 6 and No. 8, with the first ship now there and operating during the fruit season."
For more information:
Valparaiso Port Terminal (TPV)
www.tpvsa.com
www.linkedin.com
