It is a well known fact that real and great hopes for the development of the Cuban economy lie in the first Special Development Zone (ZEDM) created on the island. Also, that the ZEDM is an ideal space for foreign investment and industrial development, and that Mariel, with one of the best natural ports in the region, is aiming to become the most important logistical hub in the Americas.
Despite the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on the island by the United States, exploiting Mariel’s full potential in order to transform it into a world class logistical platform, remains a challenge.
Located close to several airports and with the construction of highways and train lines, the port of Mariel includes a multimodal transport system, opening the ZEDM up to the world.
The Mariel Container Terminal S.A. (TCM), among the first to begin operating in the ZEDM, exploits the benefits of a safe deep water port located in the heart of global maritime trade traffic, able to receive up to 824,000 TEUs (20 foot container units) per year.
After operating for almost 24 months, the modern TCM is gradually evolving, responding to growing demand. This Cuban mercantile entity, managed by PSA International of Singapore (world leader in port development, investments and operations) has been handling over 80% of all Cuban container traffic since 2014.
According to TCM Director General, Charles A. Baker, the facility took on shipping services from the old Havana Container Terminal over a period of six months and had to train operators with little or no previous experience in port activities.
The British specialist explains that after operating for two years with a staff of mostly young workers, the terminal’s standards have improved, as employees learned to use new technologies, through training and innovation.