Terminal operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has given its support to the construction of the Guayaquil South Viaduct, a 44.2-kilometre road project that would connect its facility Contecon Guayaquil with south-central areas of Ecuador.
The initiative has been launched by the Ecuadorian government, which is aiming to create a more efficient link between the nation’s production centres and the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador's business capital.
Announced during the 483rd anniversary of Guayaquil’s status as an independent city-state, the South Viaduct project includes a 7.6-kilometre bridge on the Cobina River, a 3.4-kilometre Bridge over the Guayas River, and a bridge to the Puero Inca-Narajal route spanning 21.7 kilometres.
Jupiter Kalambakal, of ICTSI, discusses the Manila Terminal in a recent Port Technology technical paper
The Guayaquil city government has also been approached by foreign companies for the dredging of the port’s access channel.
Jose Antonio Contreras, Contecon Guayaquil Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We stand behind the Ecuadorian government in its vision to establish better trade movement and access to the maritime port.
“This infrastructure project – one of the most important civil developments to be undertaken by the country – is a step in the right direction towards boosting foreign trade and the national economy.”
Contecon Guayaquil is ICTSI’s largest port project in Latin America, and in July was approved by the Ecuadorian government to handle mega vessels as long as 305 metres.
As a result, it is the first and only container terminal in Ecuador capable of handling two mega vessels simultaneously.
Anders Kjeldsen, ICTSI Vice President and Regional Head for the Americas, said “These new developments only show ICTSI’s continuing commitment to the development of Guayaquil by consolidating and expanding its position as Ecuador’s main trading gateway.
“With investments in modern infrastructure, Contecon will progressively raise the bar in container and general cargo handling operations in Ecuador.”