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Phase 3B of the modernization of the North Multipurpose Terminal will increase the annual capacity for general cargo and containers of the main port. In addition, it will allow the terminal to receive new types of vessels and handle larger cargo volumes.
The potential of the Peruvian economy is very high due to its capacity to supply the world with different products and inputs. A key element to capitalize on this potential, without a doubt, is port infrastructure. The development of these facilities allows the country to increase the cargo it sends and receives. With this, Peru can consolidate itself as a regional foreign trade hub, which, in turn, accelerates local economic activity.
To make this greater competitiveness possible, the modernization of the North Multipurpose Terminal of the Port of Callao, managed by the port operator APM Terminals Callao, is proving crucial. Specifically, the company has begun its phase 3B, which will be executed in two phases over four years.
"Phase 3B will enable the North Multipurpose Terminal to be prepared to accompany the growth of Peruvian foreign trade over the next decades. With an approximate investment of US$570 million, we will expand the annual capacity from 1.3 million to 1.75 million containers and from 13.5 million to 18 million tons of general cargo," explains Salvador Barrios, Commercial Director of APM Terminals Callao.
Barrios also points out that the new infrastructure will allow the terminal to receive larger and deeper draft container ships, handle higher volumes, and increase operational productivity. This is important because the maritime industry is increasingly using larger vessels and concentrating its services in terminals capable of handling them efficiently and safely.
"For Peru, this modernization means having more competitive infrastructure to support imports and exports, attract maritime services, and reduce logistics costs. The benefit extends to companies that use the port, but also to consumers and productive sectors that depend on foreign trade," he highlighted.
Phase 3B will be executed in two phases over four years. The sequence of works has been designed to manage its impacts and maintain the continuity of operations and customer service throughout the execution period.
The first phase, planned between 2026 and 2028, will focus primarily on container infrastructure. It includes the construction of the new Pier 5C, the installation of three state-of-the-art MalaccaMax cranes, the incorporation of auxiliary equipment, and the implementation of a new gate for general cargo, which will double its capacity to 16 lanes.
The second phase, planned between 2028 and 2030, will expand general cargo handling capabilities through the construction of three new piers.
"Our goal is to develop new capacity while continuing to respond to the current needs of Peruvian foreign trade," says Barrios.
The multipurpose nature of the North Terminal allows it to handle containers, grains, vehicles, machinery, breakbulk cargo, bulk cargo, project cargo, and cruises. This diversity connects port operations with sectors such as mining, energy, construction, agro-export, automotive industry, and retail.
"Handling different types of cargo allows us to support various economic activities: inputs and equipment for mining and energy; materials for construction; food and refrigerated products for agro-export; vehicles for the automotive sector; and consumer goods for retail. The terminal functions as a platform that connects various production chains with the world," Barrios emphasizes.
The company states that diversification also strengthens the terminal's resilience. "We do not depend exclusively on a single economic activity or type of cargo, but rather we accompany the movement of different sectors and contribute to the continuity of essential chains for the country," Barrios affirms.
The commercial director comments that the new Pier 5C and the MalaccaMax cranes will allow the terminal to handle vessels that require larger scale and more productive infrastructure. "This is essential for Callao to continue to be considered the main logistics and port hub on the west coast of South America," he explains.
However, Barrios mentions that logistical competitiveness does not depend solely on what happens within the terminal. "Peru must still strengthen road and rail access, organize truck flow, advance in solutions such as the antepuerto (pre-port area), digitize processes, and improve coordination between terminals, authorities, customs, logistics operators, and cargo generators. Port modernization must advance along with the rest of the chain to convert the country's location into a sustainable logistical advantage," he concludes.
