Latin American maritime capacity shifts amid logistical challenges

The maritime shipping industry is seeing a strategic reorientation of capacity toward Latin America. Analyst Jon Monroe notes a shift in services from the Far East toward South America, as shipping lines adjust to changing international trade flows and commercial strategies. Recent data indicates that approximately 46 new vessels were added to the global market in September and October, with a significant portion of this capacity being directed toward routes between Asia and Latin America.

However, regional port operations face several constraints. Ocean Network Express (ONE) reports that terminal capacity in Latin America has been limited by external factors, including climate change impacts such as droughts in the Panama Canal and severe hurricanes in Mexico. Additionally, post-pandemic import peaks have created operational challenges in port yards.

In Guyana, Tristar Inc. – Port of Guyana has reported difficulties due to a lack of government-led dredging in the Demerara River and a shortage of available labor. The company has resorted to using its own dredging equipment to maintain necessary depths, as the river channel remains at 6.5 meters instead of the required 9 meters.