- Port Industry Challenges and Growth Discussed at SAAM Event in Iquique.
- Dialogue, Leadership, and Strategy at the Core of SAAM’s Port Gathering.
- SAAM Terminals Strengthens Port Collaboration Across Chile.
SAAM Terminals was able to successfully organise its fourth Port Gathering at Iquique, gathering more than 150 port authorities, customers, and business executives. The gathering provided a platform where the main concerns of the port sector and how to improve the multipurpose terminal operations of the firm in Chile—namely, Iquique, Antofagasta, San Antonio, and San Vicente—were discussed, reports SAAM.
CEO Highlights Importance of Dialogue and Teamwork
The CEO of SAAM Terminals, Mauricio Carrasco, emphasised the unique nature of the event within the port sector. “This is already a tradition in the company and a unique activity in the industry that allows us to demonstrate our commitment to the development and care of labour relations based on dialogue and trust,” he said.
“We are convinced that this is a key space for the leaders of our terminals to exercise leadership among their peers and to directly address customer concerns, as this helps us to move forward as a team and always keep safety as a core value.”
Open Dialogue and Customer-Centric Approach
Carlos Chacón, a leader at ITI—the terminal that hosted this year’s gathering—highlighted the value of the open discussions held during the event. “This event was an opportunity to openly raise relevant issues of concern and discuss ways forward. We appreciate having our concerns heard and sharing experiences and good practices from other terminals in the country.”
Pommiez, also from ITI, echoed this sentiment: “For ITI it was an honor to host this meeting. Listening to our customers and understanding their expectations and priorities helps us to continue improving our work to support foreign trade safely and efficiently.”
Strategic Significance of the Bioceanic Corridor
Mauricio Soria, Mayor of Iquique, spoke about the transformative potential of the Bioceanic Corridor project for Chile and the region: “That a world-class giant like Brazil has set its sights on northern Chile to be able to trade with all of Asia Pacific and with the entire Pacific Coast of South and North America opens up great growth potential for us.”
Industry Leaders Discuss Value Creation and Regional Challenges
In the panel How does the port business generate value for customers? Representatives of major companies such as BHP, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, and Cosco Chile analysed regional opportunities and challenges. The session highlighted:
- The strategic role of ITI for Bolivian foreign trade
- The potential influence of the Port of Chancay
- The value of operational continuity and coordination among customers
- Gender integration of port operations, with BHP sharing its experience
Emphasis on Labour and Motivation
The event also treated labor issues from the employees’ point of view. Attendees got a chance to listen to a motivational speech by Francisco “Chaleco” López, a three-time winner of the Dakar Rally, who discussed self-care and professional development best practices.
Cultural and Operational Site Visits Mark End of Event
The conference ended with a trip to the Esmeralda Museum and ITI Site 4, validating the strong cultural and operational connections within Chile’s port infrastructure.
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Source: SAAM
