WAVE Logistics Group - Montevideo, Uruguay

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Interview with

Mr. Olivier Chetanneau
President & CEO

When did you arrive in Latin America, Olivier? What has made you stay, and where do you originate from? How come you choose a career in shipping and logistics?

I landed in Montevideo in 2007 after a direct flight from Paris. This was not my first time in Uruguay. I was quite familiar with the River Plate countries from my former jobs as Airfreight Route Manager for Latin America in the Bolloré Group and then their Branch Manager for Argentina and Uruguay. My career took me far away from South America (Europe, Asia, Australia), but I always kept in my heart and soul a little crush on South America. So when I eventually decided to start my own business, it was easy for me to pick the right area. It had to be South America.

What can you tell our readers about Wave Logistics? Where are you located in LATAM?

The company WAVE LOGISTICS started in 2007 in Uruguay with the standard– easy part—of our industry: General cargo. However, we quickly had the opportunity to jump into the major leagues with project and OOG cargoes. The first opportunity came from our Korean friends who trusted in WAVE LOGISTICS to make all transit and chartering arrangements from Montevideo to their new Antarctic Research Station. Since then, 2008, we never stopped, so we became one of the key players in the area for project shipments and OOG cargoes.

Wave Logistics is a global logistics provider specializing in integrated supply chain solutions. The company focuses on efficiency, flexibility, and customized services to meet diverse client needs. Wave Logistics operates in various sectors, ensuring all shipments are delivered promptly and safely.

In Latin America, Wave Logistics has established a strong presence, with strategically located offices in key countries including Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay & Bolivia. This regional setup allows for effective management of transportation and warehousing, catering to local and international clients alike. Our commitment to excellence and customer service has made Wave Logistics a trusted partner in the logistics industry throughout LATAM.

Many of our readers are keen on project and OOG cargoes. Do you have experience in handling such projects and could you provide our readers with a couple of examples?

Yes, we have extensive experience in managing project and Out-of-Gauge (OOG) cargoes, which often require specialized handling and logistics solutions. One notable example involved the transport of large industrial machinery for a manufacturing facility. We coordinated the entire logistics chain, including route surveys to accommodate the oversized dimensions, securing necessary permits, and utilizing specialized equipment for loading and unloading.

Another example is the movement of modular units for a construction project. This involved close collaboration with multiple stakeholders to ensure timely delivery, managing both road and sea transport, and supervising the installation phase at the site. These experiences underscore our capability to navigate the complexities associated with project cargoes, ensuring efficiency and adherence to safety standards.

Uruguay is a small but interconnected country between two large neighbours in particular. That must mean that transhipment is often done via ports in Uruguay. What can you tell us about this? Which places can you reach via Uruguayan ports, and do you have experience with this?

Absolutely, Uruguay’s strategic location between Argentina and Brazil indeed allows for the distribution of goods to all the region.

Montevideo Port serves as a vital hub for trans-shipment activities, connecting various trade routes and facilitating the movement of cargo of any size. The efficiency and reliability of the Montevideo Port infrastructure, as well as local custom authorities, contribute to its attractiveness as a logistics and trading hub in the region. From Montevideo, we can easily reach Paraguay and Bolivia by barge transportation or truck service.

Is customs clearance difficult in Uruguay for transit cargo?

Customs clearance for transit cargo in Uruguay is generally streamlined but can vary in complexity depending on several factors.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and considerations for transit cargo:

Overall Process:

Simplicity: Uruguay is known for having relatively efficient customs procedures compared to some other countries in the region. The process for customs clearance in Uruguay, including for transit cargo, tends to be straightforward, especially at Montevideo Port.
Electronic Systems: Uruguay has implemented electronic customs systems for electronic submission of customs declarations, which helps speed up the clearance process.

Key Point to Consider:

Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met is crucial. While the customs process is generally efficient, non-compliance with regulations can lead to delays.

In summary, customs clearance for transit cargo in Uruguay is relatively efficient and straightforward. While there can be some variability depending on the specific port and type of cargo, adherence to regulations and accurate documentation generally ensure a smooth process. If you’re managing transit cargo, leveraging local customs brokers and staying informed about specific requirements can further facilitate ease of clearance.

How do you view the market leading up to 2025?

The market is expected to see significant developments and growth leading up to 2025. Here are some insights into how these segments might evolve:

Infrastructure development, including port expansions and upgrading of intermodal connections, will play a crucial role in meeting the growing demands of containerized cargo transportation.

Regarding the project cargo market, it is expected to grow as industries such as construction, infrastructure and renewable energy activity continue to expand.

Overall, both the containerized cargo and project cargo segments are poised for growth and transformation leading up to 2025. Companies that adapt to evolving customer needs, embrace technological advancements, prioritize sustainability, and focus on building resilient supply chains will be well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in these dynamic markets.