Seatrade Maritime: DP World San Antonio gears up for Chinese New Year cherry exports

DP World San Antonio terminal is expanding capacity and accelerating operations to ensure Chilean cherries reach China ahead of the 2026 Chinese New Year.

Nearly 90% of Chile’s cherries are destined for China, where the fruit symbolises prosperity during Lunar New Year celebrations.

DP World is deploying additional staff and implementing infrastructure and technology upgrades across its reefer operations, while coordinating closely with shipping lines, exporters, maritime agencies, and customs authorities, to maintain reliable express services to Asia.

Last season, the terminal  handled more than 12.8 million boxes of cherries- double the previous year – supported by one of the most advanced reefer operations in the country, with more than 2,700 reefer plugs and advanced terminal technology. In 2024, the value of Chile’s cherry exports reached $3.1 billion.  

 “Chile’s cherry exports are one of the country’s most important agricultural trade flows, and DP World is proud to help ensure their quality and timely arrival to global markets. Through coordinated planning, advanced reefer capacity, and our state-of-the-art mooring system, we are well-positioned to support another record season and give exporters reliable, predictable performance during the most time-sensitive period of the year,” said Curtis Doiron, CEO of DP World Chile.

For the 2025-2026 season, DP World expects the arrival of 13 vessels for cherry exports and approximately 14,800 teu, with a projected increase in refrigerated cherry containers from 4,850 units to 5,350 units.

The season was launched on 28 November with the arrival of the CMA CGM Fort Jame, with peak activity between December 16-22 and completion on January 17 with the CMA CGM Litani.

To handle rising volumes and maintain cold-chain integrity from origin to vessel loading, DP World has strengthened its infrastructure, processes, and workforce capacity, increasing reefer support, including a 20% rise in refrigeration technicians.