Silver bullet for Montevideo terminal
The Terminal Cuenca del Plata (TCP) in Montevideo (Uruguay) in Latin America is investing in new equipment. TCP, a company owned by Katoen Natie (80%) and National Port Authority ANP (20%), has earmarked more than USD 500 million for the expansion of the specialised container terminal.
The project, scheduled for completion in 2026, aims to triple the port’s capacity to 2.3 million teu and involves the construction of a 730 m quay wall and the enlargement of the existing container yard. Currently, TCP is opting for 20 Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers for deployment in the port of Montevideo. This major order was booked in the supplier’s Cargotec's Q4/2023 order intake.
The new hybrid straddle carriers of 60 t capacity are part of a fleet renewal programme aimed at improving TCP’s environmental performance. The units are scheduled to be delivered during Q3/2024. The terminal will then be able to handle three or four vessels simultaneously.
As part of the agreement with the Uruguayan government, Katoen Natie will receive a 50-year extension of its current terminal concession, due to expire in 2031. (cd)