Digitalizing Port Procedures to Increase Competitiveness in Guatemala

Revisions and digitalisation of outdated trade processes at Guatemala’s four main ports are delivering new efficiencies, with benefits that can ripple across its economy.

Port arrival and departure processes traditionally have required shipping agents and ships’ captains to make multiple in-person visits to satisfy a range of paper-based formalities, slowing inspection and clearance times, and stalling shipments because of inadequate interagency coordination.

Trade depends on tight schedules and port delays can result in ships losing their berthing windows at other ports in their route. This, in turn, can trigger late fees, leave port cranes and ships idle, and lead to additional fuel consumption, driving up costs that ultimately are passed on to consumers.