INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) said its Buenos Aires terminal, TecPlata SA, in Argentina has partnered with Independencia Shipping Lines (ISL) to launch a 3S Shuttle Service Solution that will connect the Port of La Plata to the Port of Montevideo in Uruguay.
This offers the Argentinian market with an alternative that would help decentralize existing port infrastructure bogged down by increasing volumes, ICTSI said in a statement.
The service is operated by the ro-ro cargo vessel iNTREPiDO, which loads export cargo from TecPlata for transshipment in Uruguay.
“We are increasing connectivity to offer the market new options in response to the growing volume driven by Argentina’s foreign trade needs. We aim to provide more competitive alternatives to meet the challenges ahead,” said Juan Pablo Trujillo, TecPlata chief executive officer (CEO).
“We constantly listen to the market and provide customer-tailored solutions, including this partnership with ISL. We trust that it will be successful in the context of volume growth,” he added.
ISL said it launched the service “to address this issue more efficiently and establish long-term relationships with various shipping lines.”
ISL said it is aware of the challenges in Río de la Plata–many of which do not even originate in the region.
“Ocean-bound vessels skip some ports, usually Buenos Aires, due to draft restrictions, resulting in significant number of containers in Montevideo that need to be transshipped,” it said. “With this latest offering, ICTSI said that TecPlata reaffirms its support for Argentina’s foreign trade by enhancing access to international markets and strengthening the country’s global connectivity.
