DP World has made history in Chile by successfully completing the largest single-vessel vehicle discharge ever recorded in the country at its multipurpose terminal in the Port of San Antonio. This monumental operation involved unloading an impressive 6,338 vehicles from the M/V Morning Lily, surpassing the previous national record of 6,185 vehicles set at the same terminal in 2021.
Record-Breaking Operation Details
The discharge was executed with precision, leveraging DP World's advanced roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) infrastructure, optimized yard layouts, and streamlined gate and delivery processes. This achievement highlights the company's ability to manage high-volume automotive cargo efficiently, safely, and at scale, solidifying its reputation as a leader in logistics.
Leadership Insights
Curtis Doiron, CEO of DP World in Chile, emphasized the significance of this operation, stating, "This reflects the strength of our automotive capabilities in Chile – from vessel planning and Ro-Ro execution to yard management and onward delivery. San Antonio is a critical hub in global automotive trade lanes, and our teams are purpose-built to support growing volumes, new vehicle technologies, and increasingly complex supply chain demands."
Chile's Primary Automotive Gateway
With over two decades of experience in the Chilean market, DP World's San Antonio terminal serves as the country's primary entry point for vehicle imports, handling more than 95% of all vehicles entering the national market. The terminal supports a diverse ecosystem of automotive manufacturers, distributors, shipping lines, and logistics providers through reliable, high-throughput operations.
Vessel and Cargo Information
The M/V Morning Lily, operated by Eukor and represented locally by Taylor, arrived from Shanghai carrying vehicles from leading global manufacturers, including:
- Suzuki
- Kia
- Changan
- Great Wall
- Mazda
- Ford
- Volvo
- SAIC Motor
- Tesla
Discharge operations were supported by specialized Ro-Ro ramps, equipment, and coordinated yard and gate processes, which helped reduce dwell times and accelerate distribution to dealerships and distribution centers across Chile.
Growing Volumes and Market Momentum
Automotive volumes through San Antonio continue to grow steadily, reflecting Chile's importance in regional and global vehicle trade. DP World projects handling nearly 248,000 vehicles in 2025, up from 235,822 units in 2024 and 227,601 units in 2023. This consistent year-on-year growth underscores the terminal's scalable capacity and operational resilience.
Supporting New-Energy Vehicles
These increasing volumes also highlight DP World's role as a long-term logistics partner for both established original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and emerging brands entering the Chilean market. The company is actively supporting the transition to new-energy vehicles, aligning with global trends towards sustainable transportation.
This record-setting operation not only demonstrates DP World's logistical prowess but also reinforces its commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in Chile's automotive supply chain, positioning the country as a key player in the global automotive industry.
