Argentina: Plans to Transform Mar del Plata Port into a Strategic Hub

Emilio Bustamante, director of Container Terminal 2 (TC2), has set the goal of transforming the Port of Mar del Plata into a strategic hub for Argentina’s foreign trade.

“We have a huge volume of production that could be exported, but the port is still underutilized,” Bustamante noted, highlighting a precise diagnosis and untapped potential in the region, according to ArgenPorts.

The transformation began 25 years ago, when containerization revolutionized foreign trade, prompting a reevaluation of how port space was utilized.

Historically linked to fishing and bulk cargo, the Port of Mar del Plata has since incorporated new methods of cargo handling and export, paving the way for productive diversification.

This shift has enabled regional products—such as fruits, vegetables, and manufactured goods—to connect with international markets. “It was a call to break the status quo and think big,” Bustamante explained.

One of the main challenges remains infrastructure. According to the TC2 director, the issue isn’t a lack of space, as many claim, but rather a lack of vision.

“There is available space, and many improvements can be made if we change the way we view the situation,” Bustamante told Infobae.

Currently, each vessel must bring its cranes to operate, which raises operational costs. To reverse this, Bustamante proposes allowing private sector investment in equipment and infrastructure to optimize logistics processes.

The report also warns about abandoned vessels carrying contaminants, such as asbestos, which remain in the water and complicate port operations. “Port logistics directly impact economic development and daily life,” Bustamante said.

According to the director, an efficient port facility creates jobs, improves local business competitiveness, and boosts sectors such as tourism and trade.

Modernizing the Port of Mar del Plata could boost regional exports, attract investment, and establish the city as a key player in Argentina’s foreign trade.

“The port’s future depends on our ability to innovate and collaborate,” Bustamante emphasized. He proposes a comprehensive strategy combining public-private partnerships, technological integration, operational improvements, and a management approach focused on sustainable development.

He also stressed the importance of cooperation with port authorities to expand operational capacity and adapt the port to the demands of a constantly evolving global market. If the necessary reforms are implemented, Mar del Plata could position itself as a logistics leader in the South Atlantic.

Source: Portal Portuário

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