State-owned Ecopetrol has made its first petrochemical export from the port of Buenaventura, sending 1,400 tons of xylene and toluene to Peru and Chile. This event marks the beginning of a new stage in the company’s logistics strategy, which seeks to optimize its operations and strengthen its presence in the South American Pacific markets.
Petrochemical export strategy
The export of petrochemical products produced at the Barrancabermeja refinery represents a significant improvement in logistical efficiency, as the petrochemicals were transported in tanker trucks to the Algranel terminal in Buenaventura, where they were stored and then transported by pipeline to the dock of the Sociedad Portuaria Regional de Buenaventura. From there, the products were shipped to their destinations in the Pacific.
With this new export model, the company expects to move 12,400 tons of xylene and toluene per year, which will generate a value of close to US$6 million in exports. In addition, the Colombian state-owned company has highlighted that this port alternative will allow an increase in the profit margin of US$40 per ton.
About 1,550 tons of petrochemicals will be exported every 45 days. petrochemicals from Buenaventura, with a focus on increasing product participation in key markets such as Ecuador, where sales are expected to grow between 20% and 70% in the coming years.
Buenaventura’s strategic location on the Pacific coast has been a determining factor in this decision, allowing a more direct and efficient connection with South American markets. With this new export route, Ecopetrol optimizes costs compared to the previous export model from the Caribbean, while strengthening its international presence, contributing to the development of the region and the port of Buenaventura.
Source and photo: Ecopetrol