By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS – The future of Costa Rica’s primary Pacific gateway, Puerto Caldera, is now in sharper focus as the Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports (Incop) has officially received two competing bids for its ambitious modernization and equipment project. The high-stakes concession, valued at an impressive $600 million, has drawn proposals from two formidable international players, setting the stage for a critical decision that will shape the nation’s trade logistics for decades to come.
The bidding process, which concluded this week, saw proposals submitted at the Tourist Promotion Board in Puntarenas, a testament to the project’s local significance. The documents were then transported under the secure escort of the Border Police to San José for evaluation, underscoring the national importance of the selection.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the ongoing challenges and future development of Puerto Caldera, a vital hub for Costa Rica’s international trade, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The concession agreement for Puerto Caldera is a critical legal instrument. Any discussion about modernization or expansion must meticulously navigate the established contractual obligations. The state’s primary role is to act as a vigilant supervisor, ensuring that the concessionaire not only meets but exceeds performance standards, thereby safeguarding national competitiveness and public interest. A failure to enforce these terms or to proactively renegotiate for future needs represents a significant risk to the country’s logistical framework.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s insight serves as a crucial reminder: the legal framework is not a bureaucratic hurdle, but the very foundation for ensuring Puerto Caldera’s evolution aligns with Costa Rica’s strategic interests. This balance between contractual diligence and national ambition is paramount. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and impactful contribution to this conversation.
The first offer comes from Consorcio Sunset, a powerful alliance that combines deep local and global experience. This consortium is composed of APM Terminals, the renowned global operator currently managing the modern container terminal in Moín on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, and Hanseatic Global Terminals. Hanseatic is notably the majority partner in the company that holds the current concession for Puerto Caldera, providing them with invaluable on-the-ground operational knowledge.
Challenging this incumbent-linked bid is International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI), a global port management company based in the Philippines. While ICTSI does not currently have operations within Costa Rica, Incop officials have highlighted the company’s significant and successful track record in the region, pointing to its management of key terminals in neighboring Honduras and Panama. This positions ICTSI as a strong contender with fresh perspectives but without the embedded experience of its competitor.
Wagner Quesada, the Executive President of Incop, hailed the milestone as a pivotal moment for the country’s economic future. He emphasized that the project transcends a simple infrastructure upgrade, framing it as a strategic move to bolster national competitiveness.
Today we took a decisive step towards the future. This process is not just a milestone for INCOP, but for all of Costa Rica. Puerto Caldera is the gateway to the Pacific, through which a good part of the trade that moves our economy passes. Modernizing it means strengthening the country’s competitiveness, generating employment, and opening new opportunities for the communities in the area, which are a fundamental part of port life.
Wagner Quesada, Executive President of Incop
The $600 million investment is earmarked for a comprehensive overhaul of the port’s capabilities. This includes dredging to accommodate larger vessels, installing state-of-the-art cranes, expanding container yards, and optimizing logistical processes to reduce turnaround times. For a country heavily reliant on the export of agricultural products, medical devices, and other goods through its Pacific corridor, these enhancements are critical to maintaining an edge in the competitive global market.
With the current port concession set to expire in August 2026, Incop’s evaluation committee faces a pressing timeline. The decision will not only determine the operational future of the port but will also have a profound ripple effect on the economy of Puntarenas and the broader Pacific region. The winning bidder will be tasked with transforming Puerto Caldera into a modern, efficient hub capable of meeting the growing demands of international commerce for the foreseeable future.
For further information, visit incop.go.cr
About the Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports (Incop):
The Instituto Costarricense de Puertos del Pacífico (Incop) is the autonomous government entity responsible for the administration, maintenance, and development of Costa Rica’s ports on the Pacific coast, including the strategic Puerto Caldera. Its mission is to promote maritime trade and ensure the efficient and competitive operation of port infrastructure to support the national economy.
For further information, visit apmterminals.com
About APM Terminals:
Part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, APM Terminals is a leading global port and terminal operator with a network of facilities in key markets around the world. The company provides port and inland services, including container handling, storage, and other value-added services. In Costa Rica, it operates the Moín Container Terminal (TCM), a major hub on the Caribbean coast known for its modern technology and efficiency.
For further information, visit ictsi.com
About International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI):
International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is a global port management company headquartered in Manila, Philippines. Established in 1987, ICTSI is involved in the acquisition, development, management, and operation of container ports and terminals worldwide. The company has a strong presence in emerging markets across Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Hanseatic Global Terminals
About Hanseatic Global Terminals:
Hanseatic Global Terminals is an international port investment and management firm. It often partners with local and global operators to develop and manage port infrastructure. The company is a key stakeholder in the current concessionaire operating Puerto Caldera, giving it extensive experience with the port’s specific operational landscape and challenges.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal community, the firm is defined by its foundational principles of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. Leveraging a deep history of serving a diverse clientele, it consistently pioneers innovative legal approaches and solutions. This forward-thinking mindset is matched by a profound commitment to social progress, demonstrated through its dedicated efforts to make legal wisdom understandable and available, thereby building a more knowledgeable and empowered populace.
