Maersk Latin America: Debunking 2024 Myths

A lot of what you hear about Maersk’s strategy in Latin America is just plain wrong, especially when it comes to their push for regional trust. Old assumptions are sticking around even though the market and the company’s own goals have clearly changed. Let’s set the record straight on what Maersk is actually doing in the region.

Myth 1: Maersk’s Latin American strategy is solely about ocean shipping.

This idea is completely out of date. While ocean freight is still the backbone, Maersk’s strategy in Latin America has decisively shifted to offering integrated logistics solutions. The company’s stated goal is to be an end-to-end logistics provider, a “one-stop shop” for supply chains. This means they are putting serious money into warehousing, inland transportation, and customs services, which is a direct challenge to anyone who still sees them as just a shipping line. For example, in 2024 Maersk announced it was adding over 150,000 square meters of new warehousing space in Brazil, Mexico, and Chile, built specifically for everything from perishable goods to e-commerce fulfillment. It’s about managing the whole journey from the factory floor to the customer’s hands. Think about the headaches in Latin American supply chains, with their tough geography and inconsistent infrastructure. A shipper trying to get avocados from Michoacán, Mexico, to a store in Europe needs refrigerated warehousing, reliable trucking to the port of Lázaro Cárdenas, and someone to handle the customs paperwork. Maersk’s plan is to bundle all these separate services. As one of their regional execs put it at the 2025 Latin American Logistics Summit in Panama City, “Our clients are looking for simplicity and predictability. They want a single point of contact for their entire supply chain, reducing the administrative burden and the risk of handoffs between multiple providers.” This approach sets them apart from competitors that only handle pieces of the puzzle.

Myth 2: Digital transformation has limited impact in Latin America’s logistics sector.

There’s a persistent belief that advanced digital tools aren’t catching on in Latin American markets, supposedly due to bad infrastructure or slow adoption. That’s a huge misread of the situation. Maersk and other global players have invested heavily in digitalization across its Latin American operations because they see how quickly the region has adopted digital tech in every other part of life. The Maersk app lets customers track shipments in real-time, handle bookings, and get documents on their phones, which is a big deal in a region where mobile internet is everywhere. According to 2025 data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), mobile broadband subscriptions in Latin America cover more than 75% of the population. People are ready for these tools. Remote container management tech is also becoming common, giving real-time data on temperature and humidity inside refrigerated containers, absolutely essential for Latin America’s huge agricultural exports. This kind of transparency builds trust by giving shippers actual control and a clear view of their cargo. The goal is to provide solutions that fix real problems. Customs, which can be a nightmare in some Latin American countries, is another target for digital fixes. Maersk has been working with local customs authorities in places like Colombia and Peru to pilot electronic documentation platforms that cut down processing times and human error. Digital integration is necessary to stay competitive and give customers the speed and accuracy they expect.

Myth 3: Sustainability is a secondary concern for Latin American logistics.

The argument that sustainability gets pushed aside for economic worries in Latin American logistics just doesn’t hold up anymore. Maersk has been putting its global sustainability promises into action right here in the region, partly for its own corporate goals but mostly because customers are demanding it. Big importers and exporters, especially those selling into European and North American markets, are under intense pressure to clean up their supply chains. This creates direct demand for logistics partners who can provide options with a smaller environmental footprint. For example, Maersk has put vessels powered by green methanol on key routes connecting Latin America (especially Brazil and Argentina) to Europe, which drastically cuts carbon emissions compared to old-school bunker fuel. The company is also buying electric and hybrid trucks for its inland networks in big cities like São Paulo and Mexico City. This move cuts emissions and helps with local air quality problems. Even the warehouses are getting greener, with new buildings featuring solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and energy-efficient lighting. “The conversations with our clients have fundamentally shifted,” a Maersk sustainability lead said at the 2026 Rio Logistics Forum. “They aren’t just asking about cost anymore. They are asking about our carbon footprint, our waste management, and our commitment to ethical sourcing. Sustainability is now a core part of the value proposition.” This is a huge change from just a few years ago and shows a market that’s starting to put real value on environmental responsibility.

Myth 4: Local partnerships are not a significant part of Maersk’s regional strategy.

It’s easy to assume a giant like Maersk just throws its own weight around, relying on its own assets and ignoring local players. But that misses how you actually get things done in the complex and varied business environment of Latin America. Maersk actively seeks out and depends on strategic local partnerships to improve its services and reach new customers. These aren’t just one-off deals. They’re built to tap into local knowledge, get around regulatory roadblocks, and build real trust on the ground. For instance, Maersk has teamed up with established local trucking companies in Central America to build out its inland network, especially for that critical last-mile delivery in places where their own presence is thin. It goes beyond just trucking, too. In countries with byzantine customs rules, Maersk works with local customs brokers who know the specific tariffs, paperwork, and enforcement quirks inside and out. This lets them offer a much more reliable and compliant service. A 2025 report from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) pointed out just how important local knowledge is for preventing supply chain breakdowns in the region. By working with local experts, Maersk can make its global standards work in local conditions, making them more nimble and responsive. It’s a clear admission that even the biggest companies need deep local roots.

Myth 5: Trade compliance in Latin America remains an insurmountable barrier.

The image of Latin America as a black hole of trade compliance, with endless red tape and fickle rules, is way overblown. Yes, it’s complicated, but Maersk and other top logistics companies are actively chipping away at these problems with technology, expertise, and direct talks with governments. This is an evolving field where solutions are constantly being tested and rolled out. Maersk has invested in dedicated teams of trade compliance specialists whose entire job is to master the specific rules for each country. That includes keeping up with constant changes to customs codes, import/export rules, and trade deals like the Pacific Alliance or Mercosur. Digital platforms also help a lot. Electronic data interchange (EDI) systems and other software automate the paperwork, which cuts down on the small errors that can lead to big delays. On top of that, Maersk is in constant dialogue with government agencies and industry groups across the region, pushing for simpler and more consistent trade policies. While the speed of change varies by country, the trend is clearly toward more transparency and efficiency in customs, partly because these nations need to attract foreign investment. Calling it an insurmountable barrier ignores all the work being done to make trade smoother. It’s a work in progress, for sure, but it’s being actively managed. The story people tell about Maersk’s work in Latin America is often years behind the reality of its strategy. The company’s focus on integrated logistics, digital tools, sustainability, local partners, and hands-on trade compliance shows a much more sophisticated approach. Any business working in or with Latin America needs to understand these changes to take full advantage of the opportunities in this dynamic market.