The Salvadoran government and Turkish company Yilport Holding are making significant strides in the modernization of the country’s ports, with an investment of $1.615 billion that promises to reshape the future of maritime infrastructure. The ambitious project, which includes the modernization of the port of Acajutla and the activation of the port of La Unión, marks the largest private investment in El Salvador’s history.

This week, the head of the Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA), Federico Anliker, met with Robert Yuksel Yildirim, President and CEO of Yildirim Group, to lay the groundwork for a joint partnership between CEPA and Yilport Central America Holding. Their collaboration will focus on enhancing maritime services through the Pacific Port Union, S.E.M. de C.V., outlining the rights and responsibilities for the major investment program.

The deal was also discussed in a high-level meeting between President Nayib Bukele and Yildirim, underscoring the importance of this project in strengthening El Salvador’s logistics sector and boosting its economic growth. As part of the first phase, the port of Acajutla will undergo significant infrastructure upgrades and acquire new equipment to streamline operations and reduce port response times. Meanwhile, the port of La Unión will see initial dredging to activate its terminal, as well as the purchase of modern cranes, loaders, and backhoes.

Looking ahead, the second stage of the project will expand Acajutla’s terminal capacity, further cementing its role as a key logistics hub in the region.

«This strategic alliance with Yilport Holding positions El Salvador as a partner of choice for world-class operators, enhancing the ports of Acajutla and La Unión while ensuring the Salvadoran state remains the absolute owner of these maritime terminals,» said the government.

This investment is part of the third phase of President Bukele’s Economic Plan, called «Logistics,» which aims to position El Salvador as a logistics leader in Central America and open new business opportunities for the country.

The modernization of these key ports marks a transformative step forward in the government’s vision to modernize infrastructure and strengthen the nation’s economy.