BergerWorld: 3rd Quarter 2007

Peru (population 28,000,000) has historically relied on raw material and agricultural exports such as cotton, sugar, copper and oil. Following a series of economic reforms, rising mineral prices and increased trade, Peru’s economy rose over eight percent in 2006, and trade is expected to continue to expand following the recent implementation of a Free Trade Agreement with the United States.

The Peruvian National Port Authority (APN) retained the Agency for Private Investment (PROINVERSION) to carry out a series of studies to determine the 30-year infrastructure and equipment needs for the regional ports of Paita, General San Martin and Ilo. The studies will analyze current capacity, forecast future demand, and establish short-, medium- and long-term development recommendations for the ports.

The Berger Group was commissioned by PROINVERSION to analyze each port’s current operations and evaluate whether the facilities can accommodate anticipated cargo demand. The Team will then determine the necessary improvements required at the ports, including infrastructure rehabilitation and terminal expansion. Berger will also develop design alternatives and provide detailed designs for the recommended improvements. Additionally, Berger experts will analyze the local transportation network and port terminal access in order to recommend improvements to alleviate congestion. Finally, the Team will recommend environmental management practices to mitigate adverse impacts during construction.

The Louis Berger Group was also selected by OSITRAN, Peru’s transportation regulatory agency, to assist in improving the agency’s efficiency and ability to regulate ports, airports, railroads and highways. Berger specialists developed a manual for the supervision of transportation development projects under concession agreements, including procedures for the monitoring and supervision of port development projects and operations, and the approach to establishing appropriate rates for the use of Peruvian port facilities. Finally, Berger provided training to OSITRAN staff to encourage more efficient port operations.