Work advances on upgrades to Ecuadorian ports
The Government of Ecuador is currently overseeing modernisation of the Port of Esmeraldas and the development of a Multipurpose Bulk Terminal (TGM) at the Port of Guayaquil.
TGM is being given technical assistance by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and is part of a public private development. For its part, the upgraded port at Esmeraldas is needed to help Ecuador boost economic development both in the surrounding province and in the country as a whole.
Both port projects come under the National Logistics Infrastructure Repowering Plan, whose18 strategic projects are costing an estimated $2.586 billion. One of the key projects affecting ports is construction of the so-called Fifth Bridge, which will connect the main production corridors of Ecuador with port terminals at Guayaquil.
TGM was originally awarded as a concession to Andipuerto Guayaquil, which has been extended to 21 November 2026. It is the only specialist dry bulk terminal in Ecuador, handling 45% of total dry bulk tonnage in Guayaquil and 78% for the country as a whole. However, a lack of investment in both dredging and infrastructure expansion has been an issue.
The existing terminal covers an area of 13ha, and is served by a 220-metre-long quay. Annual capacity is 2.5 million tonnes, of which 60% is agribulk and 20% industrial bulk.