In Chile,Terminal Puerto Arica (TPA) has recently undertaken the discharge of 3,000 tonnes of sodium sulphate en route for Bolivia on behalf of Unilever Bolivia. The importer unloaded a consignment direct from the vessel into waiting trucks, without using any of the port’s storage facilities. This proved to be faster, more efficient and cheaper.

A fleet of 120 trucks based in Cochabamba and belonging to three road haulage companies was deployed. The whole operation took place over seven work shifts.

Previously, other consignments imported by Unilever Bolivia were held in the port of Arica for eight to twelve weeks prior to onward movement. The new, direct discharge method is the first time Arica has successfully undertaken this.

BC