Puerto Aguadulce enhances capacity, efficiency with new equipment
Sociedad Puerto Industrial de Aguadulce (SPIA), a joint venture subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) and PSA International, has taken delivery of two super post-Panamax quay cranes and three hybrid rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes, further enhancing Puerto Aguadulce’s ability to serve larger vessels and support growing cargo flows through Colombia’s Pacific gateway.
The quay cranes, manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC), are the largest in the country and will significantly expand the terminal’s handling capability. With an outreach of up to 24 rows across, the cranes can lift up to 65 tons in twin-lift mode and up to 80 tons in heavy-lift mode, allowing faster and more flexible handling of mainline and regional services.
The additional capacity is expected to improve berth productivity, reduce vessel turnaround times and provide shipping lines with greater deployment options at Buenaventura, Colombia’s primary port on the Pacific coast. For cargo owners, the enhanced infrastructure supports more reliable schedules and improved supply chain efficiency for trade linking Colombia, Latin America and Asia-Pacific markets.
On the landside, the hybrid RTGs are designed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 75% compared with conventional diesel-power counterparts, contributing to lower emissions while supporting yard operations. Their deployment aligns with ICTSI’s broader operational strategy of integrating efficiency, sustainability and long-term cost discipline across its terminals.
The Colombian national authorities welcome SPIA’s latest investments, recognizing the milestone as a key driver of development. The Superintendence of Transport said: “We support the incorporation of these new super post-Panamax quay cranes into Puerto Aguadulce’s installed capacity. This acquisition represents a significant contribution to the consolidation of Buenaventura as the main port on the Colombian Pacific and as an essential node in international trade, fostering competitive and sustainable foreign trade logistics within the region.”
Puerto Aguadulce plays a central role in Colombia’s international trade. The latest investment embodies SPIA’s commitment to providing scalable infrastructure, modern cargo handling systems and dependable terminal performance to meet evolving market requirements and support continued growth in Pacific trade.