A delegation from South Korea has arrived in El Salvador this week to support the government in conducting a feasibility study for the establishment and operation of a shipyard at La Unión Port. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and consulting firm Daeyoung Engineering, aims to create a platform for the maintenance of large vessels.
Commissioner of Strategic Projects, Cristian Flores, revealed that the experts from South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and Daeyoung Engineering have expressed optimism about the project’s potential. He emphasized that this endeavor opens up numerous opportunities not only for El Salvador but also for the entire maritime industry in the region and the Americas. Major companies are eyeing the country as a potential main maintenance center for their vessels.
“This project brings a series of opportunities to the entire maritime industry, not only in El Salvador but also in the region and the Americas, including large companies that see our potential to be the main maintenance center for their vessels,” noted Commissioner Flores.
He highlighted the project’s potential to drive social and local development, job creation, and economic growth, all of which would contribute to improving the overall quality of life for the population.
During Thursday’s meeting, the Presidential Commission on Strategic Projects, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA) collaborated with their South Korean counterparts to review the technical considerations of the project and the expected outcomes. Vice Chancellor Adriana Mira stated that once the feasibility study is completed, El Salvador’s embassies worldwide will be activated to identify more interested companies in operating the shipyard.
The establishment of a platform for the maintenance of large vessels is a key component of the government’s strategy to transform the country into a regional logistics hub. The decision to locate it in the eastern part of the country leverages the strategic location and the business opportunity presented by being the only operational shipyard on the Pacific coast from southern Mexico to Ecuador.
Expansion of Acajutla
CEPA President Federico Anliker also revealed that discussions with the South Korean delegation included the expansion project of Acajutla Port. This initiative, part of President Nayib Bukele’s Port Plan, aims to enhance the maritime terminal that handles more than half of the country’s imports and exports.
“In the case of the expansion of Acajutla Port, we have made considerable progress in all the related issues to grow both on the sea and on land,” emphasized the official.