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The Port Company of Arica ( EPA, Chile) reported that it continues to work to optimize the performance of its terminals in the context of high demand for receiving Bolivian cargo.
EPA's statement comes within the framework of the accusation made by the Departmental Chamber of Transport of La Paz, Bolivia ( Cadetran), who assured that entries to the Port of Arica - for loading and unloading - are experiencing delays of up to seven days.
In this regard, EPA stated that it "has maintained permanent coordination with the concessionaire Terminal Puerto Arica (TPA), the Bolivian Port Services Administration (ASP-B), regulatory bodies, and the different actors in the logistics chain, both regional and Bolivian, with the aim of responding in a timely manner to the high demand generated after the reestablishment of transit to and from the neighboring country."
"The current situation faced by the terminal responds to an extraordinary scenario, caused by the simultaneous accumulation of cargo, which, added to the scheduled arrivals of vessels and the increase in trucks for cargo withdrawal, caused a temporary oversaturation that has impacted port operations," the statement added.
Regarding the measures taken, EPA emphasized that "operational coordination has been strengthened to optimize dispatch planning, prioritize cargo with longer stays at the terminal, and permanently monitor the contingency."
Furthermore, it was highlighted that "it is important to note that port operation is part of a broad logistics chain, integrated by multiple regional and Bolivian actors, so service times depend on the coordination of all participants in the system."
"In parallel, progress has been made, in conjunction with Bolivian authorities, to finalize the transfer of containers to the ZEAP. This measure will optimize the available spaces in the port, increasing operational capacity to face the contingency. It is expected that this agreement can materialize in the short term," it added.
Additionally, it was explained that "extra-port facilities have been arranged for cargo deconsolidation, which is why Bolivian logistics chain organizations have been urged to facilitate the transfer of cargo to these spaces, promoting their use as a measure to decongest port areas and optimize operations."
On the other hand, it was indicated that "as part of the implemented measures, the concessionaire Terminal Puerto Arica (TPA) significantly increased its service capacity, reaching an average of 1,282 weekly dispatches, a figure that represents 40% more than the usual volume of operation. This effort has allowed maintaining the continuity of services, safeguarding attention to vessels, and progressively advancing in the normalization of cargo withdrawals."
Finally, EPA reported that it "reaffirms its willingness to dialogue and collaborative work with all foreign trade actors, understanding the strategic relevance that the Port of Arica has for Bolivia," the statement concluded.
