The primary sea port of Peru has become the first terminal on the west coast of South America to surpass a throughput threshold of more that two million 20-foot containers handled in a single year.
Multinational logistics operator, DP World, who runs the terminal at the Port of Callao, said the achievement reflected sustained infrastructure investment, expanded capacity and operational efficiencies that continued to strengthen the port.
Last year’s throughput represents a 22% increase compared with 2023, when the port had not commissioned the Bicentennial Pier, an extension to Callao’s South Pier.
Since the commissioning of the new pier, constructed at a cost of US$400 million, throughput capacity at Callao has expanded by 80%.
DP World said it highlighted the terminal’s ability to support growing trade volumes while improving service reliability for importers and exporters.
It consolidates the port’s position as the most active and competitive container hub on South America’s west coast, enabling greater connectivity to global markets and supporting Peru’s long-term trade growth.
Adding perspective to the Callao throughput figure, Carlos Merino, CEO of DP World in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, said: “Just a decade ago, two million TEUs represented the total volume handled by all ports in Peru combined.
“Today, this volume is being reached by a single terminal, reflecting how strategic investment in modern port infrastructure can transform a country’s trade capacity and strengthen its position within global supply chains.”
According Peruvian economic research and advisory firm, Apoyo Consultoría, DP World’s terminal on the South Pier contributed more than $316 million to Peru’s GDP.
In November, Callao handled 55.8% of Peru’s total agricultural exports, with 35.2% moving through DP World’s terminal.
Key exports include avocados, grapes, blueberries, mandarins and mangoes – supporting Peru’s integration into global food supply chains.
