DP World launches AX4 Asia service at Posorja, doubling Ecuador port connectivity
DP World has invested approximately US$700 million in its deep-water port terminal in Posorja since operations began in 2019.
ECUADOR – DP World has launched the AX4 shipping service at the Port of Posorja, offering Ecuadorian exporters an additional direct link to Asia and reducing reliance on transhipment hubs, as the company seeks to strengthen Ecuador’s connectivity to one of its fastest-growing customer markets.
Operated jointly by Ocean Network Express and Hyundai Merchant Marine, the new weekly service uses vessels exceeding 8,000 TEUs and offers transit times of approximately 21 days.
It supports key import and export sectors, including shrimp, bananas, broccoli and other temperature-sensitive products that rely on reliable transport to Asian markets. The launch marks the third direct Asia service operating through DP World’s Port of Posorja.
Carlos Merino, CEO of DP World in Ecuador, Peru and Colombia, said: “The addition of this new direct service strengthens Ecuador’s connectivity with Asia while giving exporters faster and more reliable access to one of the world’s most dynamic markets. Combined with our continued investment in infrastructure and operational excellence, it reinforces Posorja’s position as a strategic gateway for Ecuadorian trade.”
Infrastructure Investment and Capacity Expansion
Since 2023, the Port of Posorja has doubled the number of shipping services calling at the terminal, from four to eight weekly services, connecting Ecuador with more than 40 ports across Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean and the Americas.
Additionally, DP World has invested approximately US$700 million in its deep-water port terminal in Posorja since operations began in 2019.
In April 2026, the company inaugurated the port’s new 700-metre berth, enabling the simultaneous handling of two large container vessels. By the end of 2026, the berth will extend to 800 metres, increasing annual capacity to 1.4 million TEUs.
The port was also ranked first in Latin America and 20th globally in the 2025 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), reinforcing its standing among the world’s most efficient container ports.
Ecuadorian Export Leadership and Agricultural Impact
The Port of Posorja plays a key role in Ecuador’s export economy. According to the Ecuadorian Banana Marketing and Export Association (ACORBANEC), the terminal handled more than 100 million boxes of bananas in 2025, representing 28.16% of the country’s total banana export volume. Its share of containerized banana exports was even higher, at approximately 35%.
Finally, through increased capacity and efficiency, the port continues to drive long-term economic growth for the Ecuadorian export sector.
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