72 port tariffs are discussed

The operation of Puerto Bolivar started a change process since the Yilport Ecu company assumed the concession for 50 years. The firm of Turkish origin aims to turn it into a logistics port platform. From March 1, 2017, the company has executed works such as dredging of docks, purchase of mobile cranes, two container cranes (to arrive on May 15), the hiring of security personnel and operators, according to the Port Authority of Puerto Bolívar (APPB). On Friday, May 5, 2017, workers were observed performing their daily routine.

The workers received the boxes of bananas that arrived from the farms and soon they transferred on pallets into the holds of the ships. This service that previously featured a direct agreement between exporters and operators was assumed by the concessionaire, that hired the staff.

Dockers and other port workers total 36 people. The cost of cargo per box of banana (set at USD 0.135) is one of the 72 new tariffs charged by Yilport Ecu and that has generated a conflict within the banana sector, the main port user. These tariffs were approved on 7 March by APPB.