US Plans $1.5B Investment to Modernize Peru’s Naval Base at Callao Port

Part of the plan seeks to reduce the civilian-military interactions at the current base in Callao Port (Peruvian Navy)

Published Jan 16, 2026 3:15 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

The U.S. Department of State announced that it has approved a plan to modernize Peru’s naval base at the port of Callao and delivered the required notification to the U.S. Congress. The plan, which is valued at an estimated $1.5 billion, is seen as a move to counter China’s influence while the State Department highlighted U.S. interest in South America.

The naval base, which is the main facility for Peru’s navy, is located to the north of the commercial port in Callao. It dates to the 1930s and shares the waterways with the commercial port operated by AMP and Dubai World. 

The Government of Peru had made a request to the U.S. to permit it to buy equipment and services to support the modernization of the maritime and offshore facilities at the Callao Naval Base.  The State Department approval includes design and construction support, management, engineering, construction management, and logistics and other support. The approval also requires the assignment of up to 20 U.S. government or contractor representatives for up to 10 years to provide construction management and oversight.

The State Department said the project will improve Peru’s port infrastructure. It will also provide a safer, more efficient platform for naval operations by reducing civilian-military interactions at the existing facility.

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important partner which is a force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South America,” the State Department said, announcing its decision.

Analysts point out that the U.S. has been working to counter China’s presence in South America. In 2024, COSCO completed an investment reportedly of $1.3 billion to develop the new commercial port of Chancay, which is located approximately 50 miles north of Lima. The U.S. countered with an agreement to expand the relationship between the ports of Hueneme in California and Paita in Peru.

Inchcape Opens Office in Peru, Strengthening Presence in South America

Published Jan 16, 2026 2:14 PM by The Maritime Executive

[By Inchcape Shipping Services]

Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS), a global leader in port agency and marine services, is proud to announce the opening of its newest office in Mollendo, Peru. This expansion reinforces ISS’s commitment to supporting customers in key regional markets and delivering world-class shipping solutions across South America.

Located in Mollendo, Arequipa, the branch is ideally positioned to serve both the Mollendo Terminal and the adjacent Matarani Port, operated by TISU. These facilities are vital gateways for Peru’s import and export trade, handling a diverse range of commodities including ultra-low sulphur diesel oil (ULSDO), gasolines, grains, general cargo, containers, and copper concentrates.

The new office will provide a comprehensive suite of services, including full port agency, customs clearance, P&I matters, cash to master, crew logistics, husbandry services, cruise call management, and protective agency. This broad portfolio ensures clients benefit from seamless, efficient, and compliant operations, whether handling liquid bulk, dry bulk, general cargo vessels, or container ships.

By establishing a dedicated presence in Mollendo, Inchcape strengthens its ability to deliver reliable, transparent, and cost-effective solutions for shipowners, charterers, and traders operating in Peru’s maritime sector. The move also accelerates Inchcape’s entry into the vital dry bulk market while enhancing service delivery for oil and gas customers.

Hector Cardenas, Peru Marine Services Manager, commented:

“Inchcape’s move into Mollendo marks a pivotal step in strengthening our presence and capabilities within Peru’s maritime sector. With the support of our global network and local expertise, and a highly experienced team led by Jean Arevalo, Operations Manager, and Roberth Velez, Branch Manager for Mollendo & Matarani, we are ideally placed to meet customers’ requirements and support the evolving needs of the shipping industry in this region.”

This latest development highlights Inchcape’s focus on combining international standards with local know-how to deliver value-driven solutions for customers across the shipping industry.
 

The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.