This morning, Federico Anliker, President of the Comisión Ejecutiva Portuaria Autónoma (CEPA), conducted an inspection tour of La Unión Port in eastern El Salvador. This port, one of two key terminals set for significant upgrades, is a focal point of the third phase of President Nayib Bukele’s Economic Plan: Logistics. The upgrades are being carried out through a mixed-economy partnership with Turkish company Yilport Holding Inc.
Anliker was joined by Juan Carlos Canales, the general manager of CEPA, as they reviewed plans for the port, which will undergo extensive improvements alongside Acajutla Port. This initiative represents the largest investment in the country’s history, totaling $1.615 billion.
The initial investment at La Unión Port will focus on dredging the access channel, addressing a long-standing issue inherited from previous ARENA and FMLN administrations. This dredging will allow the port to accommodate larger, deep-draft vessels with greater cargo capacity, unlocking the full potential of the terminal.
«The Government of President Bukele is settling a historical debt with the Salvadoran people, particularly the eastern region, by revitalizing and bringing back to life a port that has been neglected for 20 years,» said Anliker during the tour.
Anliker emphasized the nature of the agreement with Yilport Holding, clarifying that it is a mixed-economy partnership rather than a concession or privatization. «This is a mixed-economy society where we have found a strategic partner to work with hand in hand. Yilport Holding is ranked among the top 12 port operators globally, so we’re not talking about just any operator but one with extensive experience,» he added.
The revitalization of La Unión Port is not only a significant opportunity for El Salvador but also for the entire Central American region. As one of the two endpoints of the dry canal between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, this terminal will connect with Puerto Cortés in Honduras, facilitating regional trade.
The dredging of La Unión’s access channel will enable the port to handle Post-Panamax vessels with a cargo capacity of 4,000 to 5,000 TEUs (20-foot containers). The port’s container yard has the capacity to manage 275,000 containers annually, while the surrounding green areas encompass over 200 hectares of extra-port zones, adding significant value to the terminal’s operations.