Ecuador agreement strengthens port security and exports

DP World has signed a cooperation agreement with Carga Segura (Secure Cargo), part of the European Union-funded Security, Hope and Resilience Program for Peace in Ecuador (SERPAZ). The three-year initiative, valued at nearly US$1.8 million, is intended to strengthen Ecuador's role in international trade by reinforcing security standards across logistics chains, enhancing institutional collaboration, and supporting measures against contamination.

The agreement is being implemented by the Ecuadorian Export and Investment Promotion Corporation (CORPEI) and the Ecuadorian Federation of Exporters (FEDEXPOR), co-financed by the EU, with support from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Since operations began six years ago, DP World's Port of Posorja has handled more than 3 million TEUs and received over 1,500 vessels. Security measures at the terminal include X-ray scanners, automated gates, surveillance using smart cameras, a "zero pedestrian" policy, and the presence of Ecuador's National Anti-Narcotics Police. Cooperation agreements are also in place with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ecuadorian Navy.

The new agreement extends these efforts by creating governance mechanisms to strengthen public–private coordination, establishing working groups between government and industry, and expanding training programs for port staff and logistics actors, led by international security specialists.

The focus is on safeguarding Ecuador's export reputation by ensuring that key products such as cocoa, bananas, shrimp, and other agricultural commodities reach global markets without disruption.

According to DP World, the agreement is part of wider efforts to reinforce trade resilience and enhance port security in Ecuador.