Türkiye-based port and terminal operator Yilport announced the inauguration of Container Berth #6 and a new container yard at Puerto Bolívar in Ecuador on 31 July 2024.
The total investment of over US$400 million represents the first step in an ambitious phase of strategic development aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of the Latin American terminal.
Alfredo Jurado von Buchwald, Regional General Manager of YILPORT LATAM, highlighted
the magnitude of the investments and the positive impact on the port’s operation. “The
inauguration of Berth 6 represents a crucial advance in our modernization and expansion
strategy. The total projected investment for the concession contract will be more than US$750 million in the next 40 years,” he stated.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by more than 200 guests, including prominent government representatives such as the President of Ecuador Daniel Noboa Azin, the Minister of Public Works Roberto Luque, and the President of the Machala Chamber of Commerce Luis Aguilar, alongside members of the press and other attendees.
In 2023, Puerto Bolívar handled 250,000 TEUs, with bananas and copper concentrate being the main products.
Yilport’s project for the Puerto Bolívar includes the construction of Berth No. 6, which features a 450-meter extension, the construction of a new container yard with 1 million TEU capacity and the purchase of equipment to handle the operational capacity of 1 million TEU per year.
Additionally, the access channel depth has been increased to 14.5 meters with plans to reach 16.5 meters by 2025.
The inauguration also included the laying of the first stone for a new automated gate system, a 20,000 m² of refrigerated warehouse and control systems.
YILPORT LATAM’s significant investment is part of a strategy to enhance competition both nationally and internationally, focusing on receiving cargo from northern Peru and competing with other regional ports. The vision is to transform Puerto Bolívar into a multipurpose port, with expansion and modernization plans to make it one of Ecuador’s major container terminals.
