Driven by a massive wave of infrastructure investment and skyrocketing cargo volumes, global maritime powerhouse Ocean Network Express (ONE) has officially reinstated its operations in El Salvador. The return of the world’s sixth-largest shipping line underscores a dramatic shift in the country’s logistical capability. Under a major modernization partnership between the government and Yilport via the Unión Portuaria del Pacífico (UPDP), the nation is quickly transforming into a competitive logistics hub for the Americas.
The strategic comeback is directly anchored to a weekly route connecting Los Angeles, California, to the Port of Acajutla, with vessels scheduled to arrive every Sunday. The revival of this corridor was officially marked by the arrival of the container ship NYK Laura. For U.S. importers and exporters, ONE’s return is highly significant due to the carrier’s specialized expertise in refrigerated cargo, a crucial asset that promises to streamline and secure the international food supply chain.
This logistical expansion is backed by explosive growth metrics at El Salvador’s primary ports. At the Port of Acajutla, container movement grew over 10% in 2025 and has already surged by more than 30% in 2026. General cargo has seen an even steeper trajectory, climbing past 50% this year. Meanwhile, the Port of La Unión is experiencing a parallel boom, tracking a 30% increase in vessel arrivals compared to 2025, a year that saw 70 ships dock at the terminal.
According to UPDP General Manager Luis Canto, the decision by a giant that operates over 230 vessels and employs 14,000 people worldwide stems from a renewed trust in the country’s operational stability. “First, because of the growth El Salvador is experiencing, they saw a greater business potential; second, because the port is functioning well… they can be provided with security across all operations,” Canto explained, noting that enhanced public and legal safety are driving international interest.
This structural overhaul is successfully repositioning El Salvador within global trade networks. As foreign investors increasingly eye the region for logistics setups, the combination of modernized infrastructure and strategic trade agreements is yielding tangible economic results. For the North American market, this revamped gateway offers a more reliable, efficient, and secure alternative for nearshoring and Latin American trade.