MTC Activates Measures in Peruvian Ports Ahead of Potential El Niño Impacts

The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), through the National Port Authority (APN), is promoting actions to strengthen the response capacity of ports against the possible effects of the El Niño (FEN) phenomenon. The objective is to maintain the continuity of port operations and facilitate the transport of essential goods if intense rains affect roads and other access routes.

As part of this preparation, the APN is considering contingency measures in the port terminals of Talara, Paita, Salaverry, Chimbote, Chancay, Callao, Pisco, Matarani, and Ilo, in accordance with its action plan for the FEN. These actions seek to reinforce the operational capacity of the facilities in the face of eventual climatic impacts.

One of the main measures is the maritime humanitarian corridor between Callao and Paita, which allows for the mobilization of cargo and essential goods as an alternative to land transport when roads may be affected. This initiative involves the participation of private operators to facilitate the transfer of goods and help maintain supplies.

In the same vein, the MTC coordinated the maritime transfer of modular bridges from Callao to Paita, with the support of DP World and Hapag-Lloyd. In October, the Port Terminal of Paita received a batch of 20 modular bridges, transported in 15 containers, destined to reinforce road connectivity in the regions that require them. Likewise, the shipment of two containers with water was completed to contribute to assisting the population in the north of the country, among other shipments.

This logistical alternative allows for the mobilization of structures that will be installed at strategic points to restore or maintain transitability in the event of damage to road infrastructure. Maritime transport also reduces dependence on extensive land routes for transporting large equipment and materials.

Port preparation requires coordination between the MTC, the APN, terminal operators, and the entities responsible for contingency response. This coordination allows for the identification of transport alternatives, the organization of cargo mobilization, and the facilitation of response when climatic conditions compromise land connectivity.

In this way, the MTC strengthens the role of ports as strategic infrastructure for the continuity of the national logistics chain. Their capacity to receive, store, and mobilize goods is especially important when rains or floods make road transport difficult.

With these measures, the MTC promotes logistical alternatives to protect the continuity of transport and supply, in coordination with competent entities and the private sector, in the face of the possible effects of the El Niño phenomenon.