CTSI recently completed the $145m Pier 6 greenfield development for OPC, which represents the first phase of expansion work in Puerto Cortes. It has also acquired two super post-panamax cranes, allowing larger ships to dock without any restrictions.
More large-scale projects are in the pipeline for the coming years, including the construction and expansion of the container yard, and implementation of advanced port technologies for greater efficiency.
OPC is working with the Honduran government and Puerto Cortes authorities to enhance the port’s competitiveness and better serve its customers in the four-nation CA-4, comprising Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Enhancements include simplified and faster port transactions, and the construction of critical road infrastructure the will improve cargo movement in the region.
Read more: ICTSI acquiring Libra Terminal Rio
As part of efforts to expedite intra-regional trade, the Honduran Customs Agency (Direccion Adjunta de Rentas Aduaneras – DARA) has streamlined its systems for early clearance and dispatch of cargo, matching OPC’s already-efficient operations. Operating hours of customs authorities were likewise extended until 7 pm, giving agents and brokers more time to process shipment.
“As a partner of good and long standing of the Honduran government, there is no doubt that we are on the right track – the good relationship and teamwork between OPC and authorities, a prime example of good public-private partnership, will help Puerto Cortes to be more efficient and competitive, move more volume, and benefit all stakeholders in the logistics chain,” said Mariano Turnes, OPC chief executive officer.
“It is very important that shared efficiencies between us, the port operator and the government are achieved through the improvement of processes, avoiding extra costs for stakeholders and making them more competitive in the local and international market,” he added.
OPC operates 24 hours every day of the year without extra costs for overtime, while its customer service offices are open all week during administrative hours, including weekends and holidays.
In February 2013, ICTSI, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Operadora Portuaria Centroamericana (OPC), won the international bid for the design, financing, construction, maintenance, operation, and exploration of a Specialised Container and Cargo Terminal in the Republic of Honduras.
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