
China has unveiled a massive new port in Chancay, Peru, a development poised to alter global trade dynamics while signaling Beijing’s growing influence in Latin America. The $3.5 billion facility, constructed by China’s state-owned Cosco Shipping, stands as a testament to the nation’s strategic expansion under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Peruvian President Dina Boluarte heralded the project as a transformative “nerve center” connecting South America to Asia’s lucrative markets.
The Chancay megaport is more than just a regional game-changer. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure will facilitate larger container ships, slashing shipping times to Asia from 35 to 23 days. The benefits extend beyond Peru—countries like Chile, Brazil, Ecuador, and Colombia will likely use this hub for exports ranging from soybeans to copper. For China, whose appetite for Latin American raw materials continues to grow, the port cements its logistical foothold while bypassing traditional U.S.-dominated trade routes.
A standout feature of Chancay Port is its commitment to sustainability and efficiency. It integrates smart technologies such as automated loading and unloading systems and electric container trucks that reduce energy consumption by over 25%. This green approach aligns with the project’s goal to minimize environmental impact while enhancing operational performance.
With direct access to the Pacific Ocean and seamless logistics connections. It spans 1,500 meters and includes four berths: two dedicated to container traffic and two multi-purpose docks. This setup allows the port to accommodate some of the largest container vessels in the world. The port is designed to handle a capacity of 1 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), 6 million tons of bulk cargo, and up to 160,000 vehicles annually.
The timing is significant. As the U.S. recalibrates its foreign policy, critics argue that years of neglect in Latin America have allowed China to entrench itself. Peterson Institute for International Economics, notes that the U.S. has been “absent” from the region, leaving a vacuum that Beijing has adeptly filled. President Xi Jinping’s attendance at the port’s inauguration during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit underscores its importance in China’s broader geopolitical strategy.
Fears come as China’s investment in Latin America grows. Beijing has largely succeeded in aligning its interests with those of local governments. The political left and right alike have warmed to China, often out of necessity, as traditional U.S. aid and investment fail to meet the region’s pressing needs.