The fifth edition of the AAPA LATAM-CIP OAS 2026 Port Industry Excellence Awards recognized projects that promote innovation, operational performance, and collaboration between the public and private sectors in ports across the Americas. The awards, organized by AAPA LATAM and the Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) of the Organization of American States (OAS) , aim to highlight initiatives that strengthen sustainable development and port competitiveness in the Americas.

In this edition, Puerto Ventanas SA , from Chile, received recognition in the Port Performance and Growth category , while APM Terminals Lázaro Cárdenas , in Mexico, was distinguished in Technology and Innovation for the initiatives presented to strengthen the efficiency and modernization of its operations. Meanwhile, DP World Ecuador Posorja received the top award in the Public-Private Partnerships category .

“This recognition reflects the dedication, experience, and collaboration of our team, whose efforts continue to drive operational excellence, strengthen supply chains, and set new standards of innovation in the port and logistics industry,” APM Terminals Mexico said in a press release.

The organizers of the awards noted that the proposals evaluated reflect the commitment of the region’s ports to the continuous improvement of their processes, the incorporation of innovative solutions , and the development of projects that generate value for the logistics chains and the economies of their countries.

In addition to the winners, the jury decided to award honorable mentions due to the high quality of the submissions received. In the Port Performance and Growth category, the Port Terminal of Manta , in Ecuador, was recognized; in Technology and Innovation, ANP Comunicación Uruguay for its Electric Ferry project; and in Public-Private Partnerships, the National Port System Administration (Asipona) Progreso , in Mexico, was awarded.

AAPA LATAM and the CIP-OAS Secretariat highlighted that the award-winning initiatives stood out for their potential impact on port development in the Americas , as well as for the quality of the projects presented and their contribution to strengthening competitiveness, innovation and regional cooperation.

The awards will be presented during the official awards ceremony held as part of the AAPA LATAM 2026 Congress in Guatemala , scheduled for December 1-4. The event will bring together representatives from the region’s maritime and port industry to analyze the main challenges and opportunities facing the sector, as well as to recognize best practices driving the transformation of the continent’s ports.

APM Terminals accelerates its commitment to Mexico

The recognition for APM Terminals Lázaro Cárdenas comes months after the company completed Phase II of the expansion of its specialized container terminal in the Michoacán port and announced the advancement of Phase III , a project backed by a $350 million investment that was originally planned to be executed towards the end of the decade.

With this new phase, the company seeks to strengthen the facility’s logistics capacity and consolidate Lázaro Cárdenas as one of the main hubs on the Mexican Pacific coast for international trade. The expansion is part of a strategy focused on higher-capacity infrastructure, automation, electrification, and decarbonization, in a context of growing demand stemming from the reconfiguration of global supply chains and nearshoring .

Progress advances in its port expansion

The honorable mention obtained by Asipona Progreso coincides with the progress of the expansion and modernization program of the Yucatecan port , one of the most important port infrastructure projects currently being developed in the country.

At the end of July, work began on filling the first of two platforms that make up the third phase of a 12.5 billion peso investment plan , which seeks to significantly increase the operational area of ​​the facility.

The project began with deepening the navigation channel, increasing its depth from 11.75 to 13.30 meters , a feature that will allow for the accommodation of larger vessels. The second phase, focused on extending the docks to 450 meters in length, is currently underway, while the third phase involves the construction of two new platforms under the direction of the Mexican Navy .

Once these works are completed, the port will strengthen its capacity to attract new maritime routes and handle a greater volume of cargo in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, as well as expand its connectivity with southeastern Mexico and markets such as the United States and Cuba. The project’s execution is the result of coordination between the Mexican government, the government of Yucatán, and the Mexican Navy, in a strategy aimed at enhancing the region’s logistical competitiveness.

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Due to increased tariffs and political uncertainty worldwide, which is impacting cargo activity and complicating investment decisions, Fitch Ratings estimated that the outlook for seaports in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) will be “deteriorating” by 2026 .

The rating agency detailed that, in North America, ports are facing disruptions due to policy changes.

“Fitch expects nominal declines in 2026 volumes amid low GDP growth and an adverse tariff environment. A temporary de-escalation between the United States and China offers limited relief,” the international organization explained in its analysis.

Higher US tariffs on construction raw materials may increase capital input costs or delay projects, although cruises provide some compensation, but remain sensitive to consumer confidence.

The study noted that the “deteriorated” outlook for EMEA reflects Fitch’s expectations of modest or stagnant maritime trade as higher tariffs take effect .

“We expect eurozone GDP growth to be around 1.3% in 2026. The long-term trade trajectory between the United States and China is the key uncertainty in our outlook,” he said.

Meanwhile, European operators face divergent volume trajectories and “softer” trading conditions.

Current security risks in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, as well as sanctions-driven diversion, are reshaping flows, with uneven trends in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

“Capacity additions in Antwerp and Rotterdam, as well as the expansion of Mersin in Turkey and Limak in 2027, are aimed at easing tensions after near-maximum utilization in 2025 and labor-related delays,” the report detailed.

The outlook for seaports in Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Latin America is “neutral” , reflecting a relatively resilient regional dynamic.

“In APAC, volumes are cushioned by strong intraregional activity, while recent trade agreements with the United States have reduced uncertainty for exporters,” he noted.

In Latin America, maritime trade remains resilient, supported by strategic trade routes and increased agricultural exports, and the performance of seaports is expected to extend the recovery beyond 2025, despite tariff and geopolitical challenges.

Fitch’s estimates maintain a cautious outlook for North America and EMEA, with deteriorating sectoral prospects.

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LIMA, PE.- Port renewal is approaching in Latin America. The expiration of concessions that were triggered at the end of the last century opens up opportunities for contract review and improvement.

In the region, 19.1% of these contracts will expire between 2025 and 2030, with Colombia accounting for the shortest periods; while 24.5% will expire between 2030 and 2035, in the case of Mexico and Peru ; 11.7% between 2035 and 2040, 30.9% between 2040 and 2050, and 13.8% after 2050, where countries like Brazil and Chile are included, with a more staggered distribution, according to data shared by Juan Duarte, executive president of AAPA LATAM .

“We are seeing the need for new regulations, new policies, and how we are going to plan for the next 50 years of the port industry in our region,” Duarte said during the panel entitled “Global Economic Outlook and Its Impact on Demand for the Maritime-Port Industry ” at the AAPA LATAM 2025 Congress .

This outlook for port concession expirations also includes the new projects being launched in Latin American countries , a trend aligned with the demand for infrastructure to serve global trade.

“The next generation of investments, of concessions that will be presented, should have a very different set of requirements,” said Dinesh Sharma, managing director of Drewry Maritime Research .

In addition, in this context, there is a growing trend among shipping lines to add even larger vessels to their services and routes , seeking to take advantage of economies of scale.

“We need to think about efficiency, we need to think about productivity ,” Sharma said.

In this quest to incorporate improvements into upcoming port contracts in Latin America, we must not forget the new requirements demanded by climate change , namely, sustainability in terminal operations and the entire business ecosystem surrounding them.

“The requirements for port concessions in the next generation will be very different. I think governments, port authorities, and also terminal operators need to think about how they would participate in this particular concession renewal process,” said Dinesh Sharma.

The renewal of port concessions occurs in a context in which “advanced economies are not playing or are not the main players; emerging developing economies are , and regions like ours have the potential to increasingly influence the value chain,” according to Juan Duarte.

“We have a thriving region, efficient ports committed to investment, and a manufacturing and growth capacity that the world needs. So, while we are seeing port expirations, we have opportunities to start thinking now about the next policy, the next regulatory framework, to ensure the competitiveness and continuity of those concessions that are performing extremely well. Within Latin America, we have the most efficient ports in the world, such as Cartagena. The third most efficient port in the world is a Latin American port (…) it is essential to have ports that are prepared, flexible, and strategically resilient ,” he stated.

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AAPA LATAM , one of the most important events in the maritime-port sector in Latin America, will take place in Lima, Peru , from June 24 to 27 , and will include a robust conference agenda with top-level exhibitors, with topics ranging from an analysis of the outlook for the global economy and its effect on demand in the maritime-port industry, to success stories in sustainability and decarbonization.

The Peruvian capital is gearing up to host this event, which will also address challenges in automation and technology , the redefinition of global ports, the outlook for major cargo generators and new shipping alliances, innovation and resilience for container and bulk terminals, and the challenges facing the cruise industry and port cities in the era of logistics integration.

Among the panelists will be Juan Carlos Paz Cárdenas , Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Port Authority of Peru and member of the board of directors of AAPA LATAM . For him, 2024 was a momentous year for the development of Peru’s ports.

“The inauguration of the Chancay Multipurpose Port Terminal will mark a milestone in connectivity with Asia, enabling direct routes to Shanghai in just 23 days. Likewise, the Callao Bicentennial Pier, 1,050 meters long and fully electrified, strengthens the operational capacity of the country’s most important port. This is in addition to new investments in both Chancay and Callao, as well as in regional, sea, and river ports,” he noted.

He added that this growth has strengthened the competitiveness of this South American country in global trade, with exports exceeding $74 billion , of which $12.7 billion corresponds to agricultural exports.

Regarding how Latin American countries can position themselves in a challenging global geopolitical and commercial reality, Paz acknowledged that uncertainty is a constant in economic history, and each country must define clear strategies to turn challenges into opportunities.

He highlighted that in recent years, Peru has strengthened its trade integration through 23 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with major world economies such as the United States, China, and the European Union.

“Our port model is a benchmark in the region, with investments from 18 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Spain, Mexico, the Netherlands, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, China, and Australia. Our concession policy has been successful, with eight concessions already granted, a ninth in the process of being signed, and the 30-year extension of the Matarani Port Terminal concession,” he explained.

The event will also feature Dinesh Sharma, CEO of Drewry , who highlighted that Latin America has seen strong growth in port traffic in recent years.

“Compared to January 2019 levels, that growth was 30 percent. Furthermore, the 12-month average growth rate reached 11.1 percent last December, nearly double the global average of 6.1 percent,” he added.

He explained that, in the last two years, traffic at the most important ports, such as Callao, has increased by up to 25%, and in other cases, such as the Paracas Port Terminal, that percentage has quadrupled.

“This growth is primarily a reflection of investments in infrastructure and equipment, leading to both increased capacity and improved efficiency,” he emphasized.

Dinesh Sharma highlighted Peru’s importance in terms of container movement, as more than half of the seven million TEU (20-foot containers) of additional capacity planned to be added over the next five years along the west coast of Latin America, from Mexico to Chile, are in Peru.

Drewry’s current outlook for the region is for six million TEUs of throughput to be added over the next five years.

Another speaker at AAPA LATAM will be Carlos Urriola , a port specialist and member of the AAPA LATAM Board of Directors, who highlighted the importance of Peru as the venue for this event.

“The investments in the Callao and Chancay expansions confirm their role as a maritime hub for cargo distribution. In addition to port infrastructure, continued investment in roads, railways, and logistics parks is needed to make Peru an even more successful hub. The selection of Lima for the AAPA Congress will be an excellent opportunity to discuss local and regional projects,” he added.

Regarding the impact of the large container shipping alliances that dominate logistics and port markets, he noted that most of these alliances are born and die before their expiration date.

“On the one hand, alliances are experimenting with vessel networking using transshipment, while others are experimenting with direct services. This is a major change in the region. On the other hand, shipping lines are operating multiple port terminals, and there are very few port operators that aren’t part of those lines’ structures,” he noted.

AAPA LATAM 2025 aims to be a space that will prioritize regional dialogue, strategic analysis, and the exchange of experiences among the various stakeholders in the logistics and port chain.

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El cargo Challenges and opportunities in the maritime-port sector will be addressed at AAPA LATAM Peru 2025 apareció primero en T21.

One of the most important events in the maritime and port sector in Latin America, AAPA LATAM , comes to Lima, Peru, from June 24 to 27 with an agenda focused on the future, addressing the technological and environmental challenges of the sector.

The choice of Peru as the event’s host city, in addition to the highlights of tours of two of its key infrastructure sites, the port of Callao and the neighboring new port of Chancay , also includes a conference agenda ranging from the most global to the most specific, always of interest to the industry’s stakeholders who will be attending the event in large numbers. The event will feature highly-regarded, high-level exhibitors alongside emerging industry entrepreneurs.

The conference program at the Westin Hotel in Lima ranges from an analysis of the global economic outlook and its impact on demand in the maritime and port industry—a current issue in light of new geopolitical challenges—to success stories in sustainability and decarbonization in port operations, as well as challenges in automation and technology, including the redefinition of global ports and examples of expansion in this area in Latin America; the perspectives of the main cargo generators and new shipping alliances; and innovation and resilience for container and bulk terminals , as well as the challenges facing the cruise industry and port cities in the era of logistics integration.

Specifically, industry specialists and key players will explore the exciting agenda in featured panels tailored to attendees’ interests.

For example, when analyzing the current global economic situation and its prospects, the opening panel will focus on the direction of international trade, geopolitical challenges and their impact on bilateral and multilateral agreements , and the new dynamics of maritime and port transport routes and intralogistics.

Later on the agenda, on the topic of port expansion in Latin America, industry leaders will analyze projects that address the challenges of technological innovation and sustainability in the face of the new global context. There will also be a dedicated space for success stories in automated terminals, the use of AI, and other innovations , so that ports can remain competitive in the face of cargo and shipping demand.

Likewise, another panel will explore the new patterns of logistics needs for shippers. There will also be an analysis of progress in sustainability and decarbonization, as well as how ports are adapting to growing regulatory demands and emissions reductions, the use of electricity in the energy transition of terminals and in logistics processes, and responding to the challenge of balancing operational profitability and environmental responsibility.

In addition, there will be room for specialist analysis of global shipping alliances and their impact on maritime transport routes and ports in Latin America; as well as a space for responsible debate on the highly complex issue of the response of ports , terminals, and security to the incursion of drug trafficking networks into international trade.

Additionally, dedicated panels with top-level executives will analyze how container and bulk terminals are responding to the challenges of automation, digitalization, and sustainability, addressing issues such as cybersecurity, traceability, and congestion. They will also explore how ports can become smart and agile hubs that respond to the demands of international trade , with case studies showing how ports are aiming to improve their productivity, reduce costs, and ensure their relevance in an increasingly demanding trade environment.

Finally, there will be a dedicated panel on the cruise industry, including the new demands of cruise lines and the responses of ports to be efficient and remain competitive on their routes; as well as a panel featuring a renewed analysis of the city-port relationship, with examples of innovation to facilitate greater logistics integration, reduce negative environmental impacts, and incorporate technology for better public-private planning with a positive impact on the region’s communities.

Separately from the event, a special event will feature the presentation of the AAPA and AAPA-CIP OAS Legacy Awards to recognize excellence and highlight initiatives that transform the maritime-port industry, especially those that have left a significant mark on the region, driving sector growth, innovation, sustainability, human capital development, and collaboration in Latin American ports.

This is how the ideal space for firsthand information on current events and trends in the region’s port, shipping, and international trade markets is shaping up . The high-level conferences, along with the showcase of exhibiting companies and technical visits to Callao and Chancay, form a unique and remarkable trio that will make AAPA LATAM Lima a beacon of light, attracting hundreds of visitors, this time to the heart of the Pacific West Coast’s maritime routes.

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El cargo The region’s maritime, port, and logistics agenda will be discussed at AAPA LATAM Peru 2025 apareció primero en T21.

The American Association of Port Authorities in Latin America and the Caribbean (AAPA Latam) began its 2025 tour in Guatemala with a key meeting in Puerto Quetzal .

Representatives of the port’s Board of Directors, as well as authorities from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Economy, and the Ministry of Tourism, participated in the meeting.

Also in attendance were Puerto Quetzal’s general manager, Ricardo Monterroso, and its chairman of the board, José Antonio Lemusen, along with Leonel Molina, director general of the National Port Commission of Guatemala.

During the meeting, Juan Duarte, president of AAPA Latam, highlighted the association’s impact and growth , its programs, and its projected goals for 2025.

Key topics such as process optimization, congestion reduction, and infrastructure investment were also discussed. The importance of the participation of ports and terminals in the region and the organization of the AAPA Latam 2025 Congress , to be held in Lima, Peru, from June 24 to 27, were also discussed.

Duarte described the visit as “very beneficial,” highlighting the importance of strengthening collaboration between Guatemalan ports and AAPA Latam.

He emphasized the willingness of Puerto Quetzal representatives to consolidate their position within the association and continue their growth and modernization process. He also highlighted their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness in the port sector in the region.

Puerto Quetzal is managed and developed by Empresa Portuaria Quetzal , the institution responsible for its management and development. Its strategic location on Guatemala’s Pacific coast allows for efficient connections to the Pacific Rim, the west coast of the continent, and the Panama Canal, facilitating global trade and boosting its competitiveness in the region.

Founded on November 16, 1985, the port has become a key logistics hub thanks to its advanced machinery, its extensive commercial and industrial development area, and its connection to the country’s tourism industry. Furthermore, its steady growth positions it as a benchmark for investment in port infrastructure and expansion.

Recently, the U.S. Embassy announced a bilateral commitment with Guatemala to promote the development of Puerto Quetzal. This agreement includes feasibility studies, design planning, and training programs with U.S. experts, with the goal of modernizing its infrastructure and improving the port’s operational efficiency.

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The American Association of Port Authorities in Latin America and the Caribbean (AAPA LATAM) presents the first edition of the Legacy Awards , which seeks to highlight management, innovation, and human capital development in the industry.

The Legacy Awards honor those who have left their mark on the industry and seek to inspire new generations. Ports play a key role in global trade, job creation, and global logistics. With this recognition, AAPA LATAM promotes the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector , integrating innovation and tradition for its future development.

Three award categories will be presented. The Port Development Award – “Engineer Valentín Morán” will recognize those ports, terminals, or port operators that have driven the growth and modernization of port infrastructure. This award honors the legacy of Morán, an influential leader in the industry and a benchmark in the expansion and strengthening of the sector.

The Agustín Díaz Sustainable Development Award will recognize projects focused on reducing environmental impact and promoting energy efficiency in the port sector. Inspired by Díaz’s career, this recognition recognizes initiatives that balance economic growth and sustainability, promoting good environmental practices in port operations.

The Armando Duarte Peláez Human Capital Development Award will recognize organizations that have prioritized the development and development of their human talent. Duarte Peláez was a key leader in the integration of Latin American ports, and his legacy continues to drive the strengthening of knowledge and excellence in the port industry.

The call is open to the entire Latin American port community, including port authorities, private terminals, and port operators. Applications must meet criteria such as technical innovation, sectoral impact, quantifiable evidence, and alignment with the values ​​of AAPA LATAM, ensuring excellence in the projects submitted.

Evaluation criteria include sectoral needs, technical innovation, the presence of key performance indicators (KPIs), project scope, feasibility and sustainability, applicability in other contexts, and alignment with AAPA LATAM’s values. The jury will be composed of representatives from AAPA LATAM, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), and selected independent experts.

The application process will take place between March 12 and April 16, 2025. Applications should be sent to Mariana Granados, AAPA LATAM Program Coordinator, at mariana.granados@aapalatam.org.

If you apply for more than one category, you must submit a separate form for each entry in separate emails. The contest rules and all forms are available at the following link: https://bit.ly/4bNjmlq

Each entry will be evaluated using a rubric designed specifically for these awards. Following a joint jury deliberation, the winners will be notified and announced on AAPA LATAM’s official communication channels.

The awardees will be honored at the awards ceremony, which will take place from June 24 to 27, 2025, during the AAPA LATAM Annual Conference in Lima, Peru. They will receive a recognition plaque, free registration to the Annual Conference, and publicity on AAPA LATAM’s official channels. This award reinforces their impact and leadership in the Latin American port industry.

The award schedule establishes that the winners will be announced on May 12, 2025, and the awards ceremony will take place on June 25, 2025. For inquiries, please contact Mariana Granados at mariana.granados@aapalatam.org.

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The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) LATAM and the Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) of the Organization of American States (OAS) have launched the call for applications for the fourth edition of the Port Industry Excellence Award.

This award recognizes the ports of the Americas that stand out for their operational excellence and their positive impact on the economic and social development of the region, strengthening their role as drivers of international trade and connectivity between countries.

In each edition, this award seeks to encourage the implementation of continuous improvements in port management, promoting efficient and sustainable operating models.

The award has three categories: Technology and Innovation, Port Performance and Growth, and Public-Private Partnerships.

These areas seek to highlight initiatives that generate technological solutions for greater efficiency and competitiveness, strengthen sustainable development and promote strategic collaboration in the port industry.

Through these awards, AAPA LATAM and the CIP-OAS promote cutting-edge practices that drive the modernization of ports and the integration of new logistics solutions that benefit the region.

Public and private ports, terminals and port operators from CIP-OAS Member States may apply. Proposals must reflect initiatives that contribute to strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the maritime sector in the region, demonstrating tangible results in the optimization of processes and the implementation of strategies that promote efficiency and economic development both locally and internationally.

Particular emphasis will be placed on the ability of projects to generate measurable benefits, boost the growth of port infrastructure and strengthen the resilience of maritime trade in the face of global challenges.

To participate, interested parties must complete an application form and submit the required documents in PDF or PowerPoint format (link to download the form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uk6zhIvQTfz5qPny8eA_VRh2uCJz2gRs/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115199319296214998537&rtpof=true&sd=true).

Documentation must not exceed 10MB and can be submitted in Spanish or English no later than April 11, 2025. It is essential that applications include clear evidence of achievements, performance indicators and a detailed description of the strategies implemented to ensure continuous improvement in port operations. Documentation must be sent to the emails mentioned at the end of the article.

Applications will be evaluated using a scoring system that measures verifiable indicators. Those initiatives with the greatest impact and score will be recognized as winners, and the results will be announced in the official media of AAPA LATAM and CIP-OAS. The selected projects are expected to serve as a reference for the sector, encouraging the implementation of good practices and fostering greater competitiveness in the region through innovation and strategic cooperation.

The winners will receive a recognition plaque and free registration for a representative at the AAPA LATAM 2025 Annual Conference in Lima, Peru. In addition, their work will be highlighted in media and specialized publications of the port sector. The visibility offered by this award allows ports to strengthen their international positioning and expand their opportunities for collaboration with other industry players.

The award schedule sets the call for applications to open from March 5 to April 11, 2025. Winners will be announced on May 8, while the award ceremony will be held on June 25 at the AAPA LATAM Annual Conference. For more information or inquiries, interested parties may contact Mona Swoboda, CIP-OAS Program Manager (mswoboda@oas.org), or Mariana Granados, AAPA LATAM Program Coordinator (mariana.granados@aapalatam.org).

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With the aim of promoting networking and linking the development of a strategy for the continent and its partners, AAPA LATAM announced its new Board of Directors, whose main task is to transform the regional maritime industry with a focus on innovation and sustainable growth , fostering collaboration between all actors in the sector, whether ports, terminals, operators and suppliers of goods and services.

This new governing body is made up of representatives from Argentina, Colombia, Curacao, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Panama, Mexico and Guatemala who will advocate for the interests of the region, for growth and cooperation within the port sector.

For Juan Andrés Duarte, executive president of the organization, “this is a relevant milestone and is part of the established roadmap , which in a first stage involved reestablishing our association, listening to and talking with the key players in the sector in Latin America and advancing the dissemination of our AAPA Peru 2025 event.”

“This Board of Directors will be made up of honest and committed professionals, whose leadership has generated valuable, significant and transformative contributions to the development of the industry in the region, representing ports, terminals, operators and authorities that are at the forefront of the sector. We deeply appreciate the willingness of each of the outstanding leaders to be part of this new stage of AAPA LATAM. Their participation reflects a firm commitment to the relaunch and strengthening of the association in Latin America,” said Duarte.

For his part, Juan Linares, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AAPA Latam and Manager of the Port of Bahía Blanca, Argentina, stated that “the new composition of the Board of Directors of AAPA reflects the strength and representativeness of the association in Latin America , by uniting terminals and port authorities under a common strategic vision. With a track record of decades and consolidated leadership in the region, AAPA continues to promote port development, fostering integration and consolidating a fundamental network for the growth of trade and port infrastructure in the region.”

This new step for the Association is also supported by Cary S. Davis, President & CEO of AAPA, who stated that “ports and transportation are inherently global and, therefore, it is a natural step for AAPA to formalize its decades-long relationship within Latin America with the announcement of the new Board of Directors.” In addition, Davis stated that “we thank and congratulate the new team of directors for their willingness and desire to continue carrying out our legacy in international collaboration, which has already reached one hundred and fourteen years.”

Juan Francisco Linares, general manager of the Bahía Blanca Port Management Consortium and President of the Board of Directors of AAPA Latam.

Linares is a professional with more than 23 years of experience in the Management Consortium, complemented by a solid career as a merchant marine and overseas pilot. His career began in 1999 in the maritime traffic system, being appointed head of the VTS (Vessel Traffic Systems) in 2005. Since 2017, he has assumed strategic roles as Operations Manager and, since 2018, Business Development Manager, which has allowed him to acquire comprehensive knowledge of the operation and potential of the Bahía Blanca estuary.

He has outstanding training as a graduate in Transport and Operational Logistics, a Master in Integrated Logistics Management, a Master in Logistics and a Harbour Master, providing a technical and strategic vision to the maritime-port sector.

Alvaro Rodriguez Ferrero, CEO of Ventura Group.

Economist from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Master’s degree in Maritime Economics and Logistics, completed at Erasmus University in Rotterdam.

Passionate about logistics as a key driver for competitiveness in a globalized world, he has specialized in becoming a strategic ally for Latin American entrepreneurs. His focus is on building bridges between new companies and traditional sectors, firmly betting on the orange and knowledge economy as fundamental pillars for economic and social growth.

With a solid vision of Colombia as a destination for safe investments and an incubator of high-impact ideas, its objective is to promote the social and cultural transformation of the country. It believes in entrepreneurship and creative industries as essential sources for development, generating alliances between public and private institutions that strengthen the cultural economy and value intellectual property as a strategic resource for progress.

Guillermo Misiano, founder and CEO of PTP Group.

Guillermo Misiano is a prominent Argentine lawyer, a graduate of the National University of Rosario (UNR), specializing in Administrative Law and Navigation Law. He also holds a Master’s Degree in International Trade Logistics from the Argentine University of Business (UADE).

In 1998, he founded PTP Group, a company dedicated to the operation of port terminals and the provision of comprehensive logistics services in South America. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its operations in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, consolidating itself as a key player in the region.

Guillermo Misiano’s career reflects his commitment to logistics and port development, as well as his ability to lead international expansion projects, contributing to the strengthening of trade and economic integration in the region.

Humberto de Castro, general director of the Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA) .

Strategic leader with extensive experience in port development and management in the Caribbean. An electrical engineer from the Georgia Institute of Technology and with an MBA from CURISES (UNA), he has combined his technical training with managerial skills to drive the modernization and efficiency of Curacao’s ports.

His achievements include his role in the restructuring of port concessions, fostering competitiveness, and his appointment as a member of the board of directors of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). His leadership has been key in the growth of maritime traffic and in positioning the ports of Curaçao as strategic economic drivers in the region.

Juan Curbelo , administrative president of the National Port Authority of Uruguay.

President of the National Port Administration (ANP) of Uruguay since March 2020, Juan Curbelo is a lawyer specializing in port management and logistics development. With previous experience as a vocal director of the ANP and representative of Uruguay in the Administrative Commission of the Río de la Plata, he has led key initiatives to modernize and optimize the country’s port infrastructure.

Under his leadership, the Port of Montevideo experienced record growth, with a 50% increase in container movement between 2019 and 2024. In addition, he promoted dredging, modernization and strategic works projects, such as in the Port of Carmelo, consolidating Uruguay as a regional logistics hub.

Luiz Garcia Da Silva, general director of the Administration of the Ports of Paranaguá and Antonina – APPA.

Luiz Fernando Garcia da Silva is the Director General of the Port Administration of Paranaguá and Antonina (APPA) in Brazil since 2019. He is an economist graduated from the Federal University of Paraná and holds a master’s degree in Logistics and Port Management from the Valenciaport Foundation and the Polytechnic University of Valencia, in Spain.

Under his leadership, the ports of Paranaguá and Antonina have experienced remarkable growth in efficiency and volume of cargo handled. In 2022, Paraná’s port terminals handled more than 58 million tons, exceeding projections that estimated reaching this volume in 2030. This achievement is attributed to strategic investments in infrastructure and the implementation of innovative technologies that optimize port operations.

In addition, Garcia da Silva has promoted international partnerships to strengthen port infrastructure. A notable example is the strategic cooperation agreement signed in 2023 between APPA and China Merchants Port Group (CMPort), aimed at expanding the operations and capacities of the Port of Paranaguá.

Mario Moya, President of the Board of Directors of the Arica Port Company.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Empresa Portuaria Arica (EPA) since June 2022, Mario Moya is a distinguished mechanical engineer with an MBA in General Business Management and a solid specialization in port logistics and corporate governance.

With extensive experience in the port sector, he has held key roles as general manager and business and development manager at the EPA. Under his leadership, the Port of Arica achieved record figures in cargo movement, consolidating itself as a strategic hub in the Andean macro region.

In 2024, he assumed the presidency of the Southern Cone Ports Corporation, promoting the growth of the cruise industry in Chile. Moya stands out for his vision of port modernization and expansion, strengthening the competitiveness of the Port of Arica and its ability to adapt to growing regional demand.

Rodrigo Torras , CEO of Compas.

Strategic leader with more than 15 years of international experience in various industries in Latin America, with a proven track record of efficiency, achievement of results, cost reduction and management of high-performance teams. Professional with an outstanding career in the port and logistics sector in Latin America. With a degree in Business Administration from the University of Salvador and a postgraduate degree in Finance from the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, he has led key projects in port modernization and strategic development.

He was general manager of the Bahía Blanca Port Management Consortium, where he promoted initiatives such as the creation of a food cluster to add value to agricultural exports. In 2024, he assumed the presidency of COMPAS in Colombia, with the aim of consolidating the company’s leadership in the port sector and promoting sustainable growth.

Zulma Dinelli, director of the AAPA LATAM Congress.

Zulma Dinelli is a leading professional in the logistics, maritime and port industry in Latin America. For more than 15 years, she has focused her career on this sector, serving as President and CEO of PR PORTS LLC, a company specialized in the production of events, conferences and business meetings related to logistics and maritime-port trade.

Committed to gender equality, Dinelli is a member of WISTA Argentina and has been one of the driving forces behind the Female Leadership Program for the Maritime-Port Sector (LIFE), an initiative that seeks to empower women in the industry and facilitate their access to leadership roles.

She also serves as General Director of the AAPA LATAM Congress, the most important port event on the continent, which annually brings together leaders and decision-makers to analyze trends and strengthen ties in the sector.

Juan Andrés Duarte , executive president of AAPA LATAM.

Juan Andrés Duarte is an economist with a specialization in Corporate Law from the Universidad de los Andes, and advanced training at Harvard and Babson College. He holds a dual MBA from IE Business School and Singapore Management University, complemented by certifications in Project Management (PMI-PMP), Port Management (PPM), Scrum Master and Scrum Product Owner, and Strategic Planning from Wharton. Currently, he is expanding his knowledge in a graduate program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the University of Texas.

His professional career spans the Americas, with significant contributions in countries such as Canada, the United States, Mexico, El Salvador, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil and Colombia. As CEO of DUAGA, he has led more than 60 consulting projects in 13 countries, transforming the logistics and port sector with innovative and sustainable approaches.

In his role as CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) for Latin America and the Caribbean, he has promoted the digitalization and sustainability of ports, highlighting the importance of resilient and competitive infrastructures.

Juan Carlos Paz , Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Port Authority of Peru.

Merchant Marine Officer, Master in Business Administration from ESAN and Master in Finance from the Universidad del Pacífico. He has been central manager of human resources at the Peruvian Social Security Institute (now EsSalud), technical manager and member of the Board of Directors of OSITRAN, general manager of the Congress of the Republic, head of the cabinet of advisors of the Ministry of Labor and Employment Promotion, general manager of the Metropolitan Protransporte Institute, General Director of Aquatic Transport at the Ministry of Transport and Communications and member of the University Council of Universidad ESAN.

He has carried out consultancy work for different ministries and other public entities, Peruvian and foreign companies, as well as projects for international organizations such as the European Union, AECI–Spanish cooperation, GIZ–German cooperation, the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

Claudio Oliveira , Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BTP – BRAZIL PORT TERMINAL.

Executive with more than 30 years of experience in the maritime and port sector. Since 2015, he has served as Commercial and Marketing Director of Brasil Terminal Portuário (BTP), leading strategies that have consolidated the company as one of the main port terminals in Brazil.

A graduate in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, Cláudio has held key positions in transportation, maritime freight and container handling companies in Brazil, the United States and Costa Rica. His leadership is highlighted by the strengthening of cabotage as an essential component in logistics and his focus on modernization, sustainability and operational efficiency.

In 2024, he was appointed member of the National Council of Brasil Export, reaffirming his commitment to the development of the port sector in Latin America. Cláudio is recognized for his strategic vision and his ability to drive high standards of productivity and safety in port operations.

Lisbeth Inurrieta Salinas, Terminal Manager at the Comprehensive Foreign Trade Corporation (CICE).

Lisbeth Inurreta is the Terminal Manager for the CICE Group in Veracruz, Mexico, with more than 25 years of experience in the port and logistics sector. Recognized as one of the first women to lead in the maritime industry in the region, she has stood out for her focus on innovation, safety and strategic expansion.

Under his leadership, CICE has implemented key projects such as the construction of a new semi-specialized terminal in Veracruz, with an investment of 4 billion pesos, which will triple the current container handling capacity. In addition, it has promoted advanced security measures in cargo transportation and training programs to face logistical challenges.

Committed to female empowerment, Lisbeth has participated in initiatives such as the LIFE Programme, highlighting her leadership in promoting gender equality in the logistics and port industry. Her career positions her as a leader in sustainable development and modernisation of the sector.

Vagner Vega , general director of the Comprehensive Port Administration of the State of Quintana Roo.

Responsible for managing the main ports in the region, including Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Juárez and Bacalar. With a solid track record in coastal and maritime administration, he previously led the Federal Maritime Land Zone (ZOFEMAT) in Benito Juárez, Quintana Roo.

Under his leadership at APIQROO, he has strengthened relationships with major cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, promoting a greater flow of visitors and diversifying the local economy. In addition, he has represented Quintana Roo at key international events, promoting strategies for sustainability and environmental protection in the port sector, essential for tourism in the region.

Werner Ovalle Ramírez, president of the National Port Commission.

Werner Ovalle Ramírez is a prominent Guatemalan leader in the customs administration, logistics and public security sectors. He currently serves as Vice Minister of Anti-Narcotics in the Ministry of the Interior of Guatemala, where he leads strategies to combat drug trafficking and strengthen security in the country.

With more than eight years as Customs Superintendent at the Superintendency of Tax Administration (SAT), Ovalle promoted customs modernization and promoted the competitiveness of international trade in Guatemala. In addition, he was Regional Vice President of the World Customs Organization (WCO) for the Americas and the Caribbean, coordinating customs cooperation efforts in the region.

In 2024, he assumed the presidency of the National Port Commission (CPN), contributing to the strategic development of Guatemalan ports. His experience and commitment have been fundamental to the implementation of policies aimed at economic development, logistical modernization and the strengthening of national security.

Carlos Urriola, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SSA Marine MIT.

Carlos Urriola Tam is a renowned Panamanian executive with more than 40 years of experience in the maritime and port sector. A graduate in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the Tecnológico de Monterrey, he has played key roles in the modernization and expansion of port operations in Latin America.

He is currently President of SSA International, overseeing container operations outside the United States. Previously, he led Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT), consolidating it as a benchmark in regional transshipment. His management is notable for promoting investments in port infrastructure, such as the acquisition of Super Post-Panamax cranes, improving the operational efficiency of key terminals.

Urriola has chaired important associations such as the Panama Maritime Chamber, the American Chamber of Commerce and the Caribbean Shipping Association, promoting the logistics competitiveness of Panama and the region. His leadership and strategic vision position him as one of the most influential figures in the development of the global maritime-port sector.

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El cargo AAPA Latam presents its new Board of Directors apareció primero en T21.

The Latin American port sector is highly dynamic and is experiencing a period of expansion, motivated by a boom in international trade. However, each port in the region has its own particularities, different needs and problems in its business models that are seen as barriers to its proper development.

Juan Duarte, recently appointed president of the American Association of Port Authorities in its Latin American chapter (AAPA LATAM) , has literally undertaken a journey throughout the region to learn first-hand about the context that exists in ports and countries, but also to introduce a message of unity, cooperation and integration to its leaders and operators .

“We have proposed to go, talk, get to know them, tell them what AAPA LATAM is doing, what the new strategy is, what the recovery is (…) there are a number of services that we are adding now in terms of networking, sustainability, security, digitalization, education, a number of services that we have created specifically for AAPA LATAM members and that are essential for them to see value in the services they receive day to day,” says Duarte in an interview with T21, the first Latin American to preside over the association.

“We are an independent international organization that knows the best practices, that represents the interests of port development and the logistics chain in the Western Hemisphere. AAPA LATAM is willing to come forward in a very respectful, very cordial, very technical, very informed manner, to provide independent value-added opinions on problems or situations that occur in the industry,” he says.

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El cargo AAPA LATAM Revives Alongside Its Port Community apareció primero en T21.