DP World has cemented its position as the premier automotive logistics gateway for the West Coast of South America by successfully discharging 6,338 vehicles in a single vessel operation. The record-breaking feat, completed at the DP World San Antonio multipurpose terminal, represents the largest single vehicle discharge in Chile’s maritime history.
The operation utilized the vessel M/V Morning Lily, surpassing the previous national record of 6,185 vehicles set at the same terminal in 2021.
A High-Precision Operation for Global Brands
The M/V Morning Lily arrived in San Antonio from Shanghai, carrying a diverse mix of internal combustion and new-energy vehicles. The successful discharge of over 6,300 units required a synchronized effort between specialized stevedores, yard management teams, and gate operations to prevent port congestion.
Key Manufacturers Onboard:
- Electric & Tech-Forward: Tesla, Volvo, and SAIC Motor.
- Established Giants: Ford, Mazda, and Suzuki.
- Rising Brands: Changan, Great Wall, and Kia.
To maintain high throughput, DP World utilized optimized yard layouts and streamlined delivery processes to accelerate the movement of vehicles from the quay to dealerships across Chile.
Chile’s Primary Automotive Gateway
The San Antonio terminal is the backbone of Chile’s automotive supply chain, handling more than 95% of all vehicle imports entering the country. The port’s importance is reflected in its consistent year-on-year growth, with volumes rising from 227,601 units in 2023 to 235,822 units in 2024. For 2025, DP World projects a further increase to nearly 248,000 vehicles.
Curtis Doiron, CEO of DP World in Chile, highlighted that the terminal is “purpose-built to support growing volumes and increasingly complex supply chain demands,” particularly as the market shifts toward more sophisticated logistics requirements.
Powering the Green Mobility Transition
Beyond traditional passenger cars, DP World San Antonio is playing a critical role in Chile’s national electrification strategy. The terminal has become a specialist hub for:
- Electric Buses: Handling some of the world’s largest shipments of e-buses to support the greening of Santiago’s public transport fleet.
- Tesla Imports: Managing the specialized handling and storage requirements unique to high-end electric vehicles (EVs).
- New-Energy Infrastructure: Adapting safety protocols and storage facilities to accommodate the rise in lithium-ion battery-powered cargo.
Scaling for the Future
As automotive volumes continue to climb, DP World is investing in scalable capacity and operational resilience. By integrating Ro-Ro execution with end-to-end logistics planning, the company aims to reduce dwell times and provide a seamless “factory-to-dealer” link for both established OEMs and emerging manufacturers entering the Latin American market.
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