COSCO Shipping’s Asia-Central and South America 5 (WSA5) service made its inaugural call at the Port of Guayaquil on 21 February, marking a significant milestone in Ecuador’s foreign trade. The service is the first direct shipping connection between Ecuador and Asia, utilizing the Port of Chancay in Peru.

The WSA5 route offers a faster, more efficient shipping option, reducing transit time to Shanghai to just 27 days, compared to other routes with longer delays.

The service stops in Chancay, providing a cost-effective and reliable way for Ecuadorian exports, such as bananas and shrimp, to reach Asian markets.

“This service connects millions of people, businesses, and projects in just 27 days and 27 minutes,” said Javier Lancha, CEO of Contecon Guayaquil, the terminal operator. The 27 minutes refers to the average time it takes for vehicles to complete transactions at the terminal.

The addition of the WSA5 service strengthens the Port of Guayaquil’s position as a key trade gateway for Ecuador, expanding access to one of the largest consumer markets in the world.

The service also aligns with Ecuador’s trade strategy, which leverages its Free Trade Agreement with China to enhance exports.

The WSA5 service includes stops at major ports such as Dalian, Ningbo, Shanghai, and Qingdao in China, as well as Ensenada, Manzanillo, and Lázaro Cárdenas in Mexico.

It also calls at Buenaventura, Colombia, Guayaquil, Ecuador, and Chancay, Peru, completing a seamless trade loop between Latin America and Asia.

Contecon Guayaquil continues to provide high-quality port services, contributing to economic growth and improving trade connectivity for Ecuador.