Peru’s Chancay Port is gearing up to play a significant role in South America’s trade with Asia, with plans to start shipping two container vessels per week by late November, according to Cosco Shipping, the Chinese port operator. The port’s initial operations are expected to establish a direct shipping route between Peru and Shanghai, with potential for expansion to other Asian destinations depending on market demand.
Carlos Tejada, General Manager of Cosco Shipping Chancay Peru, shared the details during a recent Peruvian-Chinese business forum, as reported by Reuters. Tejada explained that the port’s official inauguration is scheduled for mid-November, after which it will enter a “test conditioning” phase. During this period, which will last until May, Chancay Port will handle real cargo shipments, marking the beginning of its operational phase.
The port’s strategic location on the Pacific coast is set to bolster Peru’s international trade capabilities. Initially, vessels carrying up to 14,000 containers will make the journey to Asia. As operations scale up, the port plans to handle larger ships capable of transporting up to 24,000 containers.
In addition to direct routes to Asia, Chancay Port will serve as a critical link in regional trade within South America. Smaller ships will facilitate cabotage routes, bringing cargo from countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Chile, which will then be consolidated and shipped to Asian markets. This will create a new dynamic for trade flows between South America and the East, potentially reducing shipping times and increasing efficiency for exporters in the region.
Cosco Shipping Ports, which owns 60% of the port, is leading the project in partnership with Peruvian mining company Volcan, which holds the remaining 40%. Volcan, controlled by Swiss commodities giant Glencore, has been a key player in advancing the port’s development. Once fully operational, Chancay Port is expected to be one of the largest shipping hubs in South America, enhancing trade connectivity between the two continents.
This new shipping route is anticipated to provide a boost to Peru’s economy, creating jobs, increasing exports, and improving the country’s logistics infrastructure. As global trade patterns evolve, the Chancay Port is positioning itself as a vital gateway for South American goods to reach the rapidly growing Asian market.
