Dominican Republic Is a “Critical Juncture” for Cargo Handling in the Americas
By Simon West
DP World has named Manuel Martinez as the new CEO for DP World Dominicana in the Dominican Republic, one of the Dubai-based global port operator’s key strategic locations in the Americas.
Martinez, who boasts more than 20 years of experience in global logistics and port management, joined DP World in 2010. The executive most recently served as general manager of the DP World-operated Terminales Portuarias Euroandinos in Paita, Peru, where he oversaw operational and commercial strategy.
Prior to that, he served as director of operations for DP World Buenos Aires in Argentina, where he managed operations, security and the expansion of services in the cargo container and cruise terminals at Terminales Rio De La Plata.
“I am deeply honored to assume the role of CEO for DP World Dominicana, particularly during this time of growth and expansion,” Martinez said. “I am eager to leverage DP World's global expertise to enhance our portfolio of supply chain solutions and contribute to the region's economic development.”
DP World has been active in the Dominican Republic since 2003. Its facilities include a port terminal, a world-scale logistics center and a new air cargo logistics hub that began operations in late-2023.
Speaking to Breakbulk last year, Morten Johansen, COO of DP World Americas, said the country had emerged as the Caribbean’s “premier trade and logistics hub”, acting as a “critical juncture” for cargo redistribution across the Americas.
DP World’s operations in the Dominican Republic – which shares the Caribbean island of Hispaniola with Haiti – are centered around the Punta Caucedo peninsula some 25 kilometers from capital city Santo Domingo.
The Punta Cana Air Cargo Hub, a joint venture between DP World and the Punta Cana Free Trade Zone (PCFTZ), features an air cargo terminal, logistics center, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, a fuel supply terminal, a maintenance and repair workshop for aircraft, and a general service building.
Speaking before its launch, Johansen told Breakbulk the new air hub would “propel a dynamic regional commerce strategy, aiming to draw increased re-export and import cargo volumes from global commercial, tech, industrial, and agricultural sectors.”
DP World is a sponsor and exhibitor at Breakbulk Europe 2024.
