Puerto Cortes expansion a step nearer

Although Puerto Cortes is one the most important deep-water ports in Central America with 1,000 m of 11 m deep berths, it currently has insufficient berthing to meet demand. This has resulted in unacceptable vessel delays and congestion, compounded by the port having no storage capacity requiring direct discharge to trucks – an average of around 400 truckloads for each vessel.

Whilst Central America is subject to tropical storms and hurricanes, historical data indicates that the Puerto Cortés Bay is well protected against the elements and wave impact is minimal. However, it is surrounded by the city which inhibits further terminal development. Accordingly some years ago, the Government of Honduras and the Empresa Nacional Portuaria (ENP) drew up a port expansion project and they have been seeking funding ever since. Delayed by investor doubts and the political events in the country last year, CM has learnt that the Inter-American Development Bank has just approved a US$135m loan to help fund the expansion project.

Although further details of the loan are currently unavailable, it is known that the Project comprises the construction and equipment of a specialised container terminal; the construction of a dry bulk terminal and the replacement of old equipment on the existing berths. According to ENP, the objective of the Project is to improve the capacity and efficiency of port operations while reducing operational costs and delays in cargo handling.