HGT Inland Services Expands Capacity in Valparaíso for Fruit Export Season

HGT Inland Services has stepped up its operational capacity in Valparaíso ahead of the 2026-2027 fruit export season. The company added new container gantry cranes and opened a dedicated depot for specialized reefer container services, in response to the expected rise in demand for refrigerated units.

For this cycle, the company projects handling close to 5,000 containers at its Valparaíso depot during the cherry export peak between November and January, reaching approximately 8,000 cumulative units by April when accounting for all fruit shipments.

As part of its preparations, HGT Inland Services added four new container gantry cranes and opened a second depot dedicated solely to dry cargo, allowing its main facility to be devoted exclusively to refrigerated containers. With this reorganization, the company will reach an operational capacity of close to 6,500 TEU in Valparaíso during the season's peak, backed by reinforced technical teams and service shifts.

Martín Edwards, Shipping Services & Depot Manager at HGT Inland Services, noted that during the fruit season, the availability of refrigerated containers, fast turnaround and operational reliability are essential for customers, which is why the company strengthened its infrastructure, equipment and specialized services to ensure continuity of export flows during the weeks of highest demand.

The company also rolled out an early pickup and storage system for reefers ahead of the cherry season, targeting turnaround times of under 15 minutes per unit at its gate during peak weeks. This is complemented by technical inspection services, controlled-atmosphere gassing, and specialized 24-hour assistance, all aimed at safeguarding the cold chain during shipment preparation.