Strategic shift to deep-water port enhances trade links between Ecuador, Asia, and Europe; Posorja’s advanced capabilities attract major shipping lines.
Earlier this week, DP World in Posorja, Ecuador welcomed the first of three key service routes for Maersk. Maersk recently announced that beginning in January 2024, it would reroute three service routes from the Port of Guayaquil to the deep-water terminal at the Port of Posorja.
The AC2 weekly service – which connects Ecuador with Asia – arrived on January 2, to be followed by ECUMED Ecuador-Mediterranean loop on January 5, and the regional Guayaquil Feeder shuttle on January 7.
The shift to Posorja was largely due to a technical analysis of its efficiency, productivity, and deepwater capabilities. Posorja’s draft – which is over 15 meters – enables it to handle ultra-large container ships (ULCS), including those with capacities up to 22,000 TEUs. This allows shipping lines to deploy larger capacity vessels; for example, Maersk’s AC2 service includes vessels of 13,000 and 15,000 TEUs capacity.
When it comes to maritime transport, ship size and scale are emerging as indicators of efficiency and sustainability. By virtue of their larger capacities, UCLS’ provide fuel efficiency through economies of scale, resulting in less CO2 emissions per container. This development positions the terminal at the Port of Posorja, Ecuador, as a key enabler for maritime trade across Latin America, Asia and Europe.
The Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2022 ranked DP World Posorja as the second most-efficient port in the region of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, and 19th globally.
“Maersk’s decision to choose Posorja as a new hub for its operations reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining a high level of productivity, with minimal port congestion and cost-effectiveness for our customers. Our ability to guarantee service levels and provide exceptional security has been crucial in cementing this long-standing partnership with Maersk,” said Morten Johansen, chief operating officer, DP World Americas.
With this move, Maersk joins other leading shipping companies such as Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM in capitalizing on the strategic advantages offered by DP World Posorja.