ICTSI and PSA Jv Expands Capacity at Colombian Port

Why It Matters

The added equipment boosts terminal efficiency and sustainability, giving shipping lines faster, more flexible service on the Pacific coast. This reinforces Colombia’s trade competitiveness and attracts further cargo volumes to Buenaventura.

Key Takeaways

• Two super post‑Panamax cranes installed at Aguadulce.
• Cranes lift up to 80 tonnes, cover 24 container rows.
• Hybrid RTGs cut fuel use by up to 75 %.
• Capacity boost reduces vessel turnaround time.
• Enhances Buenaventura’s role as Pacific trade hub.

Pulse Analysis

Colombia’s Pacific gateway, Buenaventura, has long been a bottleneck for trans‑Pacific cargo, with limited equipment capacity constraining vessel schedules. The ICTSI‑PSA joint venture’s recent investment of two super post‑Panamax quay cranes marks a strategic upgrade, positioning the Aguadulce terminal among the most capable ports in the region. By extending outreach to 24 container rows and delivering twin‑lift capabilities of up to 80 tonnes, these cranes can handle larger vessels and higher throughput, directly addressing the demand surge driven by near‑shoring and increased trade with Asia.

Beyond sheer lifting power, the three hybrid rubber‑tired gantry cranes introduce a sustainability dimension that aligns with global decarbonisation goals. Their electric‑assist technology reduces fuel consumption by up to 75 % compared with traditional diesel RTGs, cutting emissions and operating costs. This greener yard operation not only improves the terminal’s environmental footprint but also appeals to environmentally conscious shippers seeking low‑carbon logistics solutions. The combined effect of faster crane cycles and reduced energy use translates into higher berth productivity and shorter vessel turnaround times, a critical metric for carriers aiming to optimize fleet utilization.

The capacity expansion has ripple effects across the Latin American supply chain. Enhanced efficiency at Buenaventura strengthens Colombia’s position as a competitive Pacific hub, encouraging carriers to route more cargo through the port and potentially diverting traffic from congested West Coast Mexican terminals. For regional exporters, the upgrade promises more reliable schedules and lower demurrage risk, fostering trade growth with key markets such as the United States, Europe, and Asia. As the terminal demonstrates tangible performance gains, it may attract further private‑public investments, accelerating infrastructure modernization across Colombia’s maritime network.

ICTSI and PSA jv expands capacity at Colombian port

Joint venture in Aguadulce adds new quay cranes and hybrid RTGs · Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent · February 6, 2026

![Port cranes being delivered by a ship]

Credit: ICTSI

Sociedad Puerto Industrial de Aguadulce (SPIA), a joint‑venture subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) and PSA International, has taken delivery of two super post‑Panamax quay cranes and three hybrid rubber‑tired gantry (RTG) cranes.

The quay cranes are the largest in Colombia and will significantly expand the terminal’s handling capability. With an outreach of up to 24 rows across, the cranes can lift to 65 tonnes in twin‑lift mode and up to 80 tonnes in heavy‑lift mode, allowing faster and more flexible handling.

The additional capacity is expected to improve berth productivity, reduce vessel turnaround times and provide shipping lines with greater deployment options at Buenaventura, Colombia’s primary port on the Pacific coast.

The hybrid RTGs are designed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 75 % compared with conventional diesel‑powered counterparts, contributing to lower emissions while supporting yard operations.

“We support the incorporation of these new super post‑Panamax quay cranes into Puerto Aguadulce’s installed capacity. This acquisition represents a significant contribution to the consolidation of Buenaventura as the main port on the Colombian Pacific and as an essential node in international trade, fostering competitive and sustainable foreign trade logistics within the region,” said Colombia’s Superintendence of Transport.

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About the Author

Michele Labrut – Americas Correspondent

Michèle Labrut is a long‑time Panama resident, journalist and correspondent who has continuously covered the maritime sector of Central & Latin America. She began her career as a press attaché to the French Embassy in Panama and later returned as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s. She is the author of Seatrade Maritime’s annual Panama Maritime Review magazine and several books, and has written for Time, The Miami Herald, NBC News and the Economist Intelligence Unit. She has also contributed to documentaries for the BBC and other television networks. In 2012 she was awarded the Order of Merit (Knight grade) by the French Government for her services to international journalism, and in 2021 she was promoted to Chevalier grade.