The recurring delays with transit shipments lead to complaints from maritime operators from other countries that use the capital’s terminal, especially from Paraguay.
Digital media Ambito confirms that the problems related to Paraguayan shipments represent a major risk to the future development of the port.
He added that the arrival of goods via transit is one of the drivers of port activity.
Taking more cargo from third countries would boost Montevideo’s growth in its quest to become a regional hub, the National Ports Administration (ANP) has indicated.
Under the current administration, Paraguayan cargo traffic, arriving via the Paraná-Paraguay waterway, has been restored.
But there are indications that businessmen from that country will migrate to Buenos Aires, according to Amplio Front representative on the Philippine National Police Board, Alejandra Koch.
The latest problem, Ambito said, was the delay of 9,000 containers from Paraguay, as a result of a conflict between the port terminal operators and the union.
At the time, 58 Paraguayan trade unions linked to foreign trade warned of a series of strikes that affected normal operations.
Delays are frequent, in some cases, for up to 15 days, with additional losses and costs for exporters and carriers in Paraguay.
Last year, the Afghan National Police made agreements with Paraguayan authorities so that businessmen from that country could maintain the port of Montevideo as a transit destination, both public and private.
To provide better conditions, the Uruguayan organization offered exemptions from mooring fees, which is where boats anchor while waiting for the dock to unload cargo.
Last year, the Afghan National Police recorded the highest number of containers in transit in the past five years, driven strongly by Paraguayan movements.
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