DP World launches first direct Chile-Asia trade route

DP World has launched Chile’s first weekly shipping connection to Asia via the new ACSA 1 service—an important milestone in strengthening the country’s global trade network. The inaugural vessel, CMA CGM Legacy, docked at DP World’s multipurpose terminal in San Antonio on June 20, highlighting the company’s dedication to advancing trade infrastructure across Latin America.

The newly launched ACSA 1 service establishes a direct shipping link from San Antonio to Busan (South Korea), Shanghai, and Ningbo (China), substantially cutting transit times and enhancing supply chain efficiency. Previously serving as the final port of call for Asia-bound shipments, San Antonio now plays a central role in optimizing cargo arrivals and departures. On its return leg, ACSA 1 will connect Chile with major ports across Peru, Ecuador, Japan, and South Korea, including Chancay, Callao, Posorja, Yokohama, and Busan.

Designed to handle approximately 4,000 containers per week, the direct route is expected to boost trade volumes for both imports and exports, reinforcing San Antonio as a critical logistics gateway for Latin America.

The launch of ACSA 1 aligns with DP World’s broader strategic growth across Latin America. The company recently opened new freight forwarding offices in Mexico City and Brazil, further enhancing connectivity and end-to-end logistics operations across the countries. In the Dominican Republic, DP World finalized an MOU agreement with the government to invest US$760 million to expand capacity for the Port of Caucedo and its adjacent Free Trade Zone. These initiatives reflect DP World’s ongoing investment in bolstering infrastructure, enhancing trade efficiency, and supporting economic expansion across the Americas.