Transporting one metric ton of goods in Central America is estimated to cost $0.17 per kilometer, while in developed countries the cost is around $0.10 per kilometer.
Transporting cargo more efficiently remains the greatest challenge that the countries of the region face to improve their competitiveness.
During the first nine months of the year, cargo movement in Panama totaled 61.8 million metric tons, 5% less than the figure reported for the same period in 2017.
The latest data from the General Comptroller detail that only last September was reported a year-on-year fall of 8% in cargo movement, declining from 7.6 million metric tons in the ninth month of 2017 to 7 million metric tons in the same period of 2018.
Freight movement in Panama totaled 54.8 million metric tons in the first eight months of the year, 5% less than that reported in the same period in 2017.
The most recent figures of the General Comptroller detail that only last August reported a year-on-year fall of 13% in the freight movement, falling from 7.8 million metric tons in the eighth month of 2017 to 6.8 million metric tons in the same period of 2018.
The movement of bulk cargo in the port system of Panama in the first half of the year fell by 21% compared to the same period in 2015.
Between January and June the transport of containerized cargo fell by 15% compared to the same period in 2015, according to figures from the Office of the Comptroller General of Colombia.In the case of general cargo, there was an increase of 13% compared to the same period in 2015.
The Costa Rican Chamber of Bulk Importers is protesting against the charging of tariffs which are higher than those agreed and lack of port services.
Lack of machinery, hoppers and other equipment needed to carry out the unloading process is what is being denounced by the Costa Rican Chamber of Bulk Importers (Cacigra).The union claims that Sociedad Portuaria de Caldera is providing a poor service, but this entity argues that"... The discussion is between Incop and importers of grains."
After overcoming several bureaucratic obstacles the grain terminal with capacity to accommodate PostPanamaxvessels became operational in the Pacific port of Costa Rica.
From a statement issued by from the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT):
While ships wait five days to unload grains, a new dock is unable to be used because a staff member resigned and the appointment of his replacement has been delayed.
A green light is being awaited from the new authorities of the Costa Rican Pacific Ports in order to start work and approve the fee schedule so that dock can start operating. However, this delay has generated several additional costs in recent months, increasing the price of corn, soybeans and sodium carbonate, among other things.
An international call for expressions of interest is being made to companies with experience in port works, for the construction of a Solid Bulk Terminal at Puerto Cortés.
Country: HONDURAS
Project: MODERNIZATION PROJECT bulk solids terminal at Puerto Cortes.
Title: CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOLID BULK TERMINAL
The price reduction of the new dock at Puerto Caldera will require importers to have a lot of trucks to carry their loads at once.
After three years of back and forth with the project by Sociedad Portuaria de Caldera (manager of the dock) and the Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports (INCOP) an agreement has been reached to lower the construction costs from the $44 million projected to $30 million, by eliminating the construction of silos and a conveyor belt for bulk products.
Grain handling is playing a stronger role in port management in Panama these days of high and rising food prices.
Experts in the field are recommending dedicated grain handling facilities so there is no chance of it being mixed with other products.
"The increase is prices is reviving the cultivation of cereal crops in high-productivity zones because it provides an export opportunity," said David Marcano of the Port of Santander in Spain.
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