Source: Port of Coquimbo.
The Puerto Coquimbo Terminal began the citrus export campaign in May, one of the most important for the region that generally extends to the winter and spring months. The general manager of the Puerto Coquimbo Terminal, Cristian Rodríguez, said in an interview with Agenda Marítima that “This campaign is crucial for agriculture and the regional economy, particularly because the Coquimbo region has a temperate climate, which is conducive to the cultivation of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, mandarins and grapefruits.”
During the citrus harvest season, jobs are generated in the plantations and in industries related to the processing and distribution of these fruits. In addition, it coincided with a renovated port terminal that has site 3 for the arrival of container ships that will have Asian markets as their main destination. “Our commitment to the social, productive and economic development of the region is at the center of our daily work,” said Rodríguez.
-In terms of logistics, how do you evaluate the 2023 season?
“The 2023 season undoubtedly had several relevant challenges regarding the transfer of significant volumes of copper concentrate, project loads and fruit, whether in chambers or in containers. In October 2023 we had the inaugural call of the container ship Acapulco, whose call was possible thanks to the new site 3 of Terminal Puerto Coquimbo. This implies new services, reception of shipping lines and certainly new logistical processes.”
-How are you preparing to face the citrus season?
“We work permanently, with great coordination with shipping lines, clients in general, collaborators and transporters, not only in port development with excellent work, but also developing actions that allow us to be a good neighbor with the communities. For example, we began with a campaign of silent operations, where with a coordinated work with Asiducam and the Transporters’ Guild, we seek to reduce noise at the entrance and inside the Terminal, protecting the good rest of the residents of Coquimbo in our night operations.” .
“The above is an example of our permanent work with the communities, but also the commitment that the port must connect the region with the world, which is particularly the case of citrus fruits, whose destination markets are in North America and Asia mainly. We know the importance of the citrus season for the region, so our commitment to the social, productive and economic development of the region is at the center of our daily work, which we carry out with operational excellence to deliver a quality service to our customers. customers, connecting local producers with global markets.”
-In May they received the ship GS Tripoli, the ship with the highest LOA that had called at the port up to that point. What was the challenge of receiving such a large ship?
“With coordination between different actors, but with great support from all our collaborators who strive every day to deliver a first-class service to our clients. This is thanks to permanent work in developing competencies and skills linked to port operations, security and environmental care.”
-What projects on logistics issues exist for 2024 or the future?
“We are working on the development of better technology for port services, digitizing and automating processes, developing cybersecurity actions. In addition, we continued the development of the Coquimbo Port Modernization Project, which in its phase 1 allowed the construction of site 3. Today we are improving sites 1 and 2 which means, by the way, transforming ourselves into a competitive port and an alternative to the ports of the central zone and to the producers of the Atacama and Coquimbo regions.
-Regarding automation, what do you think of these processes and the artificial intelligence used in ports like Rotterdam?
“In addition to being necessary, we are following them closely, working especially on the improvement and technological development of the Port of Coquimbo. Digitizing and automating our processes, articulating our work based on technological development, and modernizing operational aspects to always be at the forefront with our services. All of the above, also with significant efforts in cybersecurity. There is no doubt that Coquimbo, with its site 3, can and should position itself as a relevant port for the northern and central zones. This involves the permanent search for improvements with a view to digital transformation.”
