DP World expands Posorja terminal with 700-metre quay

2026-05-01

DP World has officially opened a significant expansion at its Posorja terminal in Ecuador, part of a $190 million private investment aimed at enhancing trade capacity and reinforcing its role as a Pacific gateway.

The quay has been extended by 232.5 meters, bringing the total length to 700 meters, enabling the simultaneous handling of two post-Panamax vessels at full capacity. Plans are in place to extend the berth to 800 meters by the end of 2026, increasing annual throughput capacity to 1.4 million TEUs. This upgrade positions the terminal to accommodate ultra-large container vessels up to 400 meters long, while also improving turnaround times through dual-berth operations and reducing congestion.

Additionally, the expansion is expected to enhance Ecuador’s connectivity to global shipping routes and decrease logistics costs for exporters. Equipment upgrades include two fully electric super post-Panamax quay cranes with a reach of 68 meters and a lifting capacity of 85 tons, as well as additional rubber-tired gantry cranes and expanded reefer infrastructure. Delivered in September 2025, these cranes are now operational and can handle vessels up to 24,000 TEUs.

The expansion includes 194 piles, 21 of which are fitted with Living Seawalls technology that supports marine biodiversity. A foundation stone has also been laid for a new naval station in Posorja, developed in collaboration with the Ecuadorian Navy to enhance maritime control, surveillance, and protection of national waters.

This project is part of a broader infrastructure development that includes a 21-kilometre access road and a dedicated maritime channel for large vessels. The terminal supports nearly 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, with a workforce of around 800 people, more than half of whom have been recruited locally, including over 21% women.

DP World is a state-owned enterprise headquartered in Dubai, operating a global portfolio of ports, terminals, and integrated logistics assets across six continents, providing cargo handling and supply chain services. The Ecuadorian Navy serves as the maritime branch of Ecuador’s armed forces. It is responsible for naval defence, maritime security, and the protection of the nation’s territorial waters and port infrastructure World has officially opened a significant expansion at its Posorja terminal in Ecuador, part of a $190 million private investment aimed at enhancing trade capacity and reinforcing its role as a Pacific gateway.