
Container traffic at the Port of Acajutla has increased by approximately 50%, a growth directly linked to the addition of new maritime routes and the arrival of Ocean Network Express (ONE), one of the world’s six largest shipping lines, which now operates weekly calls in the country.
According to Luis Canto, general manager of the Pacific Port Union, this surge in cargo movement is not an isolated event, but rather part of an upward trend strengthened by the confidence of international shipping lines in the port’s operations and the country’s economic growth. He explained that ONE’s arrival (with ships arriving every sunday at 3:00 p.m.) has reinforced connectivity and boosted the flow of imports and exports.

Canto detailed that the port’s overall increase in container traffic exceeds 30% in the last year, but that the greatest impact is reflected in specific sectors. For example, the movement of construction materials such as iron and cement saw an increase of approximately 40% last year and is currently at nearly 50%, coinciding with the increased frequency of operations and new active shipping routes.
This trend is also observed in grain cargo, where sustained growth has been reported, associated with the greater availability of international connections and the logistical efficiency generated by the arrival of new shipping lines.

The port representative highlighted that the incorporation of ONE, which operates direct routes from Los Angeles and has a presence in hundreds of ports worldwide, has been key to strengthening the country’s competitiveness. Its specialized refrigerated cargo operations and high punctuality have reduced logistics times and expanded options for importers and exporters.

Finally, he noted that this dynamism also responds to factors such as economic stability, improved security, and existing trade agreements, which have positioned El Salvador as a more attractive destination in international maritime trade.
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