Challenges and opportunities for the La Guaira container terminal in multimodal transport

Introduction: International maritime transport faces geopolitical and commercial challenges that have impacted Venezuela, causing a 60 % decrease in its port activity (1). This situation highlights the necessity to analyze and optimize the existing port infrastructure. Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the challenges and opportunities of the Specialized Container Terminal (TEC) in La Guaira to support its development as a central node for multimodal transport in the country. Method: A qualitative methodology with a descriptive-exploratory approach was used, employing methodological triangulation to validate the findings. The data collection instruments included: a documentary review of 41 sources, non-participant observation, and conducting 9 semi-structured interviews with key sector stakeholders. Results: the results indicate that TEC-La Guaira operates at only 10 % of its installed capacity of 1,2 million TEU/year. The analysis revealed three main barriers limiting its development: technological obsolescence (56 % of the cranes are over 15 years old), legal fragmentation (there are 7 contradictory regulations in port management), and intermodal disconnection (only 12 % of the cargo integrates land and maritime transport). Conclusions and Proposal: despite its strategic importance, there is a lack of empirical studies proposing comprehensive solutions for the modernization of this terminal. As a contribution, a Multimodal Strategic Plan (PEM) is proposed, structured around four pillars: technological: adoption of blockchain for supply chain management, financial: public and private investment in 4.0 infrastructure, legal: unify regulations under UNCTAD standards, and sustainable: implementation of green corridors (SDGs 9 and 13).