The operator of the Caucedo Port in Santo Domingo province, DP World announced the port recently received the largest container ship ever to dock at a Dominican port, the MSC Marie. The port operator says the arrival of the ultra-large container vessel solidifies the country’s position as a key logistics hub in the Americas.
The MSC Marie, owned by Mediterranean Shipping Company, arrived from Panama on 10 November 2024. With a length of 366 meters and a width of 51 meters, the vessel boasts a capacity of 17,644 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This significant milestone underscores the growing importance of the Dominican Republic in global trade.
Manuel Martínez, CEO of DP World in the Dominican Republic, expressed his pride in this achievement, stating: “This milestone demonstrates DP World’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the sector and supporting the Dominican Republic’s ambitious trade growth goals. Our strategic location and state-of-the-art infrastructure provide seamless access to sea, air, and land transportation.”
The arrival of the MSC Marie was made possible by DP World’s substantial US$700 million investment in the Port of Caucedo. This expansion project increased the terminal’s annual operational capacity from 1.4 million to 2.5 million TEUs and added 450 meters to the main dock. The terminal now operates four docks with a depth of 17 meters, enabling it to accommodate ULCVs like the MSC Marie.
To further enhance its capabilities, DP World acquired advanced terminal equipment, including four super-post-Panamax cranes and 10 rubber-tired gantries (RTGs). This expansion brings the total number of RTGs to 32 and the number of gantry cranes to 10.
Beyond its operational advancements, DP World prioritizes sustainability. The MSC Marie was serviced exclusively by electric equipment, including super-post-Panamax cranes and internal transfer vehicles (ITVs), as part of the company’s multi-phase electrification initiative at the Port of Caucedo. DP World aims to achieve net-zero emissions across all its operations by 2050.
Martínez emphasized the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility, stating: “We are dedicated to minimizing our environmental impact and leading the way in sustainable logistics solutions. The use of 100% electric equipment for the MSC Marie’s arrival is a testament to our ongoing efforts.”
With connectivity to 51 ports globally, including eight weekly routes to 12 ports in Asia, the Port of Caucedo plays a crucial role in facilitating trade for thousands of importers and exporters. DP World’s significant contributions to the Dominican Republic’s trade infrastructure were recognized in 2023 with the Port Industry Excellence Award, aligning with the government’s vision of establishing the country as a premier logistics hub in the Americas.
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DP World Caucedo Port
28 November 2024