CialPort Buenaventura Achieves Success for Colombia's First Dedicated Coal, Bulk and Fuel Port

March 3, 2011 - PRLog -- March 3,  2011
Cartagena, Colombia , McCloseky Coal Conference of the Americas 2011, CIALPORT,  announced today further progress in their joint venture agreement to develop the first modern coal, bulk goods and bunker fuel focused port facility to  be located in the main Pacific port city of Buenaventura, Colombia.

Cial Port, “ZONA FRANCA PERMANENTE ESPECIAL CIAL PORT SAS "CIALPORT” is a privately-owned port company focused on developing and operating the Cial Port project in Buenaventura, Colombia.   Cial Port is an integrated port facility focused on the increase in global seaborne trade and the growing demand for coal and bulk commodities.  The Cial Port will be the first integrated Coal, Bulk Goods and Bunker Fuel focused port in Buenaventura, Colombia. Buenaventura is Colombia’s largest and busiest port facility will serve as a critical link to key Pacific and Atlantic markets.  

CialPort will offer docks for medium sized vessels, a free trade zone, coal loading and unloading, coal/bulk handling infrastructure, coal stockyard and blending facilities, fuel, bunkering, port and shipping services, logistics and related activities for international commerce.  The modern coal handling infrastructure will solve the current lack of loading facilities in the region. The port will provide producers, exporters and shipping lines with efficient and more cost effective access to strategic Pacific trade routes. Cial Port is the missing piece to recent announcements to improve Colombia’s infrastructure and transportation network.  The CialPort plans also call for the port to be designated as a “free trade” zone, further promoting growth and development.

The current project plans call for the construction and development of an integrated port facility and logistics platform. CialPort owns in an area of 154,000 Meters located along the main key highway into Buenaventura.  The Harbour will be dredged with dockage for several deep sea vessels. The initial plans are for a port loading area of 3,500 meters (700 linear mts x5 width) to handle multiple vessels with further area for expansion and growth.  Cial Port will provide handling, control and distribution of goods managed from a single physical center.

Cial Port brings together a well-qualified team with a proven track-record of success developing port projects on the Pacific Coast of Colombia and in Buenaventura.  The project is estimated to cost approx. $150MM which will promote development and provide tremendous economic benefits to the local community in Buenaventura.  CIALPORT will also stimulate Foreign Direct Investment, growth and jobs throughout other coal and bulk good producing regions of Colombia.  Colombian companies can now have access to modern export facilities to help grow their business.”    

Fernando Durango, the CIALPORT spokesman stated: “Buenaventura is the busiest port in Colombia. We have experience in Buenaventura and we have had great success with previous port projects in the area.  Unfortunately, EVERY port facility in the area is focused on container traffic, there is severe overcrowding, congestion and those port facilities handle only a very small amount of coal and bulk good business.  They completely lack proper loading and handling facilities and they have no dedicated on-site areas for coal or bulk storage. It is common knowledge amongst shipping, transportation and logistics operators that for coal and bulk goods the current facilities are completely inadequate.  CialPort addressed each area of concern and will be THE solution.  Together, with Lombardia and several other strategic partners, we are excited to be working on such an important Colombian infrastructure project.  CIALPORT will change the future for the Colombian coal and bulk goods market and allow access to key Pacific and Asian seaborne trade routes”.  

Growth in the Colombian Mining Sector  
Colombia’s stable, business friendly government and the abundance of high-quality coal has positioned the country as a leader in the global seaborne coal trade.  Utilities across South America, the US, Europe and Asia are regular buyers of Colombian coal and global mining giants such as Drummond, BHP Billiton, Glencore, Xstrata have long been active in Colombia with integrated mining operations that include private rail networks and shipping ports.  

The growing Colombian economy, educated and experienced workforce and the increasing global demand in Brazil, India, China and other developing countries have fueled explosive growth in the thermal and metallurgical sectors.  

Colombia, which is now considered the most democratic country in South America, has traditionally promoted growth in the sector and recently enacted legislation that creates an even more business friendly structure for the mining industry.  There is increasing demand and support for new port facilities in Colombia.      

About CIALPORT
ZONA FRANCA PERMANENTE ESPECIAL CIAL PORT SAS "CIALPORT” is a team of seasoned developers of port facilities in Buenaventura.   The CIALPORT project has been in development and has progressed rapidly throughout 2010.   The CIALPORT team consists of specialist in civil works, engineering, marine construction, environmental issues, legal and finance.      

CIALPORT Key Highlights:
•   Experienced Port Development team
•   Free trade zone status potential  
•   Modern port facilities and related services
•   Advanced coal loading and unloading facilities
•   Docking for medium-sized vessels
•   Stock yard for met coal and coke with direct loading
•   Key coal/bulk handling infrastructure
•   Large docking area (700 linear meters)
•   Activities for international commerce
•   Professional port management, operations and services

About Lombardia SA
Lombardia S.A. is a Panamanian-based privately held company focused on Energy, Natural Resources and Capital Markets. Lombardia combines global project management expertise with extensive access to capital sources - providing a proven platform for executing real-world development strategies.

The Lombardia team is headed by seasoned industry veterans who leverage their experience and proven success to provide a range of strategic advisory services in mergers and acquisitions, fundraising, capital markets, management, operations and corporate finance.

Lombardia’s executives have a proven track record of success in fundraising & capital markets.  Lombardia’s merchant banking model also provides for direct investment into energy and resource companies.

Commitment to Sustainable Development
The companies are committed to quality, safety and the sustainable and responsible development of resources.

For more information, please contact us at:  
info@lombardiagroup.com  
www.lombardiagroup.com