In March 2026, the first full-year financial results for Chancay Megaport were reported: a US$11 million loss, despite the terminal moving more than 500,000 TEU.
Putting the numbers in context
The port was designed for a projected capacity of roughly 1 million TEU in its first year and up to 1.5 million in its second, with a natural draft of over 17 meters allowing ships of up to 24,000 TEU. Moving over 500,000 TEU means the port reached roughly half of its projected first-year capacity while still operating at a loss.
Why a new port losing money in year one is not unusual
- Large port terminals typically carry heavy upfront depreciation and financing costs that outweigh early-stage revenue.
- Shipping lines and cargo volumes tend to ramp up gradually as routes and logistics chains adjust around a new terminal.
- The port opened commercially in November 2024, meaning this covers roughly its first 12-16 months of real operation.
Frequently asked questions
- How much cargo has Chancay Port moved?
- Over 500,000 TEU in its first full year of commercial operation, according to the March 2026 financial report.
- Is a first-year loss a bad sign?
- Not necessarily — large port infrastructure projects commonly post losses in early years due to depreciation and financing costs before volumes ramp up.
- What is the port's maximum designed capacity?
- Roughly 1 million TEU in year one and up to 1.5 million TEU in year two, per the terminal's technical specifications.