Interviews with PSA BDP and with Hoyer Global
Helio Coelho, Director of Global Chemical Sales, Latin America,
PSA BDP
How is the acquisition by PSA International transforming (now) PSA BDP’s capabilities?
The acquisition brought about a transformative synergy for BDP, now called PSA BDP as announced in April of this year, as we gained access to a broader spectrum of resources, expertise, and infrastructure, as well as expanded our portfolio with Port+ added-value services like port terminal handling, forward hubbing, contract logistics and warehousing. PSA International (PSA) is a global terminal operator and trusted supply chain solutions provider that operates various strategic terminals across Latam, including the Exolgan Container Terminal in the port of Buenos Aires in Argentina, the Sociedad Puerto Aguadulce S.A. (SPIA) Terminal at the port of Buenaventura in Colombia, and the PSA Panama International Terminal, which is very close to the Panama Canal. We now also benefit from a global structure of both physical assets and intellectual capital, together with many collaborative opportunities that naturally come from being a member of the PSA Group. Altogether, these synergies enable us to offer a more integrated, door-to-door solution.
Could you tell us more about PSA BDP’s presence and capabilities in Latam?
PSA BDP’s network in Latam consists of 12 fully owned offices in six countries, where we employ 400 people. Our footprint stretches across Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Uruguay. Our end-to-end services include import-export, supply chain orchestration, customs brokerage, air and ocean freight management, warehousing, and inland transportation, all enhanced through sophisticated visibility tools. Thanks to this highly integrated setup and digital capabilities, we have been able to arrive at creative cost initiatives to mitigate unfavourable market conditions.
What are your priorities for 2024?
PSA BDP will continue to focus on innovation, sustainable growth, and an unwavering commitment to customers. We are always aiming for further global expansions and the use of technology to enhance efficiencies. While continuing to grow, PSA BDP champions green logistics and sustainable practices.
Murilo Costa, Commercial Manager, Latin America,
Hoyer Global
Could you give us an overview of Hoyer’s presence in Latin America?
From our regional headquarters in São Paulo, Hoyer Latin America manages 30 plus countries across Central America, South America and Caribbean. We have 75 years of experience in the transportation of liquid bulk products, serving the chemical, petroleum, gas and food industries. Beyond providing ISO tanks and flexi tanks, HOYER offers end-to-end supply chain logistics.
How is Hoyer positioned within a bearish chemical market in 2023?
The recessionary conditions in the US and Europe have affected the Latam region too, with many contracts being lost to lower-cost producers from Asia. However, with volumes dropping in the traditional chemical markets, some niche market stands-up, creating a high demand for ISO and flexitanks. Government tenders for biodiesel production in Brazil, for instance, are increasingly asking for higher purities, therefore stimulating the production of subsequential products (by-products or sub-products like glycerine and fatty acids). These products also require ISO or flexitank transports.
How have logistics costs evolved since last year?
This year we see low demand, overwhelmed by supply; products can be moved easily and cheaply from A to B this year, but there are just not enough contracts being closed. For chemical companies, the cost of logistics dropped significantly versus last year, but, unfortunately, this does not correlate to higher profits due to wavering demand.
How does Hoyer differentiate itself in the areas of “smart” and “green” logistics?
Hoyer recently published our Sustainability Report 2022. Hoyer also invested in the digitalization of our equipment, which we call Smart Tank, to offer the seamless monitoring of asset- and product- related information (e.g. location, temperature or pressure).