Turkish port and terminal operator Yilport has officially opened Container Berth #6 and a new container yard at Puerto Bolívar in Ecuador on July 31, 2024. This significant investment, exceeding US$400 million, marks the initial phase of a comprehensive strategic development plan designed to boost the operational capabilities of the Latin American terminal.

Alfredo Jurado von Buchwald, Regional General Manager of YILPORT LATAM, emphasized the substantial nature of the investments and their anticipated positive effect on the port's operations. "The commissioning of Berth 6 is a pivotal step forward in our modernization and expansion strategy. The total projected investment for the concession contract will surpass US$750 million over the next 40 years," he announced.

The inauguration ceremony drew over 200 attendees, including notable government officials such as the President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa Azin, Minister of Public Works, Roberto Luque, and the President of the Machala Chamber of Commerce, Luis Aguilar, alongside media representatives and other stakeholders.

In 2023, Puerto Bolívar processed 250,000 TEUs, with key exports including bananas and copper concentrate.

Yilport's development plans for Puerto Bolívar encompass the construction of Berth No. 6, which includes a 450-meter extension, the creation of a new container yard with a capacity of 1 million TEU, and the acquisition of equipment necessary to manage an annual operational capacity of 1 million TEU. Furthermore, improvements to the access channel are also part of the project.