The Ecuadorian Ministry of Transport and Public Works gave its green light recently for the International Container Terminal Services’ largest port concession in the Americas – Contecon Guayaquil SA (CGSA) – to accommodate mega vessels of up to 305 meters in length at the Port of Guayaquil’s Berths 2 and 3.

International Container Terminal Services said in its latest release that “with this, CGSA is now the first and only terminal in Ecuador with the capacity to serve two mega vessels at the same time,resulting in higher efficiency and productivity levels.”

Commenting the announcement, Enrique K. Razon Jr., ICTSI chairman and president, said: “Our public-private partnership in the Port of Guayaquil is one of the most successful concessions in our portfolio. The government’s trust, through their approval for CGSA to handle mega vessels, speaks of our excellent track record in operating the port. It represents the harmonious relationships we have with our regulators, shipping line clients, port stakeholders, and our employees.”

“ICTSI is now on its 11th year in Ecuador. We have made strides in the facilitation of trade and commerce, and in supporting the local economy through our investments in port infrastructure and technology. We thank the government for their continued confidence in CGSA and ICTSI,” added Anders Kjeldsen, ICTSI head of the Americas Region.

Ecuador President Lenin Moreno, who visited CGSA last January to inaugurate the port’s expansion, lauded ICTSI’s contribution to the economy especially its investments over and above its contractual commitments.

With a berth line of 1,627 meters and a maximum controlling depth 12.5 meters, CGSA is equipped with six quay cranes and four mobile harbor cranes which can accommodate nine vessels at one time depending on the size of the vessels.