International Container Terminals Services (ICTSI) is readying expansion investments at its terminals in the Ports of La Plata and Dock Sud to support flow of trade in the metropolitan areas of Greater Buenos Aires and Greater La Plata.
The container terminals at La Plata and Dock Sud, operated by ICTSI’s subsidiaries TecPlata S.A. and Exolgan S.A. respectively, have recently been research subjects of a technical study by Argentina’s National Technological University (NTU).
Findings have shown the incredible economic potential of both terminals in supporting container volumes and flow of trade across the Buenos Aires-La Plata markets.
According to ICTSI the study will also serve as blueprint towards realising the potential of other ports serving the larger metropolitan areas within Buenos Aires.
Both terminals can absorb approximately 86 per cent (1.5 million TEU) of Argentina’s total cargo volume, with the capacity to exceed more than 3.6 million TEU over the next three years with the right investments, said the company.
Following the study, TecPlata said it is ready to invest more than $101.6 million and expand La Plata’s capacity to up to 1.5 million TEU to help in modernising Argentina’s port system – upon approval by the Argentinian government.
“TecPlata can serve the Buenos Aires-La Plata markets and help improve the maritime logistics in Argentina,” affirmed Bruno Porchietto, TecPlata CEO.
“While TecPlata is at the center of a growing market, the terminal is outside urban congestion. We see this study validating our view that Argentine logistics can be enhanced with the current infrastructure that are currently outside of the city proper but still within the greater metropolitan areas.”
According to the study, La Plata allows navigation of vessels of up to 337 meters in length and 48.31 meters in beam. Maritime simulations commissioned by TecPlata have shown that the terminal can host up to 360 meters long vessels.
The NTU’s report has also included traffic simulation studies which prompted TecPlata to evaluate expanding the port’s operational hours to a full day to increase terrestrial volumes up to 623,000 TEU and prevent congestion issues.
Earlier this month, ICTSI Pakistan handled its first export shipment from Uzbekistan.
