Cosco megaport open for business in Peru

A megaport designed to handle the world’s largest container ships has opened in Peru.

Chancay Port, located around 50 miles north of Lima, is said to be Cosco Shipping’s first “green and smart port” investment in South America. It spans 1,500 meters in length and has four berths – two for containers and two multi-purpose berths.

Designed for a throughput capacity of 1 million TEUs, six million tons of bulk cargo and 160,000 vehicles annually, the port features storage yards, warehouses and multi-purpose logistics areas. A 1.8-kilometer tunnel connects the port to the Pan-American Highway, facilitating land transportation to the economic hinterland.

The natural deepwater port has launched two direct container shipping routes connecting Shanghai and Chancay in just 23 days, while integrated intelligent loading and unloading equipment, including all-electric container trucks, are driving a decrease in energy consumption.

Efforts are underway to establish a regional logistics distribution hub at Chancay, while a planned ro/ro service would facilitate a “prominent automotive distribution center,” Cosco said.

Cosco Shipping, which owns a 60% stake in the port (40% is held by Peruvian miner Volcan), added: “Chancay Port aspires to become a hub port in Latin America, distinguished by its operational efficiency and dedication to green, low-carbon growth. Through effective operation, the port aims to transform the shipping routes between Chancay and Shanghai into a path for the mutual prosperity and development of China and Latin America.”

According to the companies, Chancay Port Project Phase I is expected to generate over 8,000 direct jobs. An inauguration ceremony was held in Peru on November 14th.