DP World sets Chile record at San Antonio terminal

DP World continues to reinforce its role as Chile’s leading provider of automotive logistics after successfully discharging 6,338 vehicles in a single vessel operation at its multipurpose terminal at the Port of San Antonio.

The operation, conducted from the vessel M/V Morning Lily, surpassed the previous national record of 6,185 vehicles set at the same terminal in 2021, and demonstrates DP World’s ability to manage high-volume automotive cargo efficiently, safely, and at scale, supported by specialized roll-on/roll-off infrastructure, optimized yard layouts, and streamlined gate and delivery processes.

Curtis Doiron, CEO of DP World in Chile, stated that San Antonio is a critical hub in global automotive trade lanes, and the teams are purpose-built to support growing volumes, new vehicle technologies, and increasingly complex supply chain demands.

With more than two decades of experience in the Chilean market, DP World’s San Antonio terminal serves as the country’s primary entry point for vehicle imports, handling more than 95% of all vehicles entering the national market.

The terminal supports a broad ecosystem of automotive manufacturers, distributors, shipping lines, and logistics providers through reliable, high-throughput operations.

The M/V Morning Lily, operated by Eukor and represented locally by Taylor, arrived from Shanghai carrying vehicles primarily from leading global manufacturers including Suzuki, Kia, Changan, Great Wall, Mazda, Ford, Volvo, SAIC Motor, and Tesla.

Discharge operations were supported by specialized Ro-Ro ramps, specialized equipment, and coordinated yard and gate operations to reduce dwell times and accelerate distribution to dealerships and distribution centers across the country.

Automotive volumes through San Antonio continue to grow steadily, reflecting Chile’s importance in regional and global vehicle trade.

DP World projects handling nearly 248,000 vehicles in 2025, up from 235,822 units in 2024 and 227,601 units in 2023, reflecting consistent year-on-year growth that underscores the terminal’s scalable capacity and operational resilience.