At the easternmost tip of Cuba, bathed by the waters of the Atlantic. It lies a vital enclave for the national economy. The Puerto Moa Comandante Raúl Díaz Argüelles Company is not only the gateway for the country’s main export product. It is also transforming itself to diversify its services and become a driving force for territorial development. Committed to innovation and strategic alliances.
Considered one of the five ports with the highest volume of operations on the island. Located in the municipality of Moa, and classified as a Category 1 port, it handles 75% of its operations with foreign-flagged vessels. Demonstrating its high level of international activity. Its primary purpose has been, above all, to guarantee the export of nickel and the import of raw materials for this strategic sector. However, its potential extends far beyond this.
With a workforce of 600 employees and a fleet of tugboats that grant it complete operational autonomy. Including three tugboats and one with 1,200 horsepower—the company has begun to explore new horizons. “We have identified services that are perhaps a little removed from nickel. Which is our core business,” explained Adolis Leyva, technical director of the port facility.
A clear example of this new vision was the milestone achieved last November at its docks. “We managed to break away from coal exports. These operations weren’t being carried out through the port of Moa. There was logistics in place at the ports of Mariel and Santiago de Cuba, and many producers in this area weren’t taking advantage of this opportunity,” Leyva noted.
This diversification opens a path for local producers and alleviates the logistical burden on other ports in the country. In addition to commercial cargo, the company maintains a close relationship with local industry. Its Basic Maritime Operations Unit is dedicated to the extraction of carbonated sludge. A fundamental raw material for the Moa Nickel S.A. Pedro Sotto Alba Joint Venture. Guaranteeing a direct and essential service for the continuity of the nickel industrial hub in Moa.
In a step forward to expand its reach and modernize its management, Puerto Moa has established a strategic alliance with the Holguin Science, Technology, and Industrial Park. This collaboration aims to transform the port into an innovation platform. “We came to Puerto Moa seeking topics related to the energy sector. Other projects have emerged from our interactions with the workers,” noted Dr. Carlos Rafael Batista Matamoros, president of the Holguin Science, Technology, and Industrial Park.
Batista Matamoros emphasized that this center seeks to be “the platform for innovators.” A place where ideas are transformed into tangible solutions. Under his leadership, the joint work plans are ambitious and include the development of fertilizers, biofuels, and transportation solutions. “The park has an international reach and can serve as an amplifier of Puerto Moa’s services to the world,” he emphasized.
This synergy promises not only an economic impact but also mutual enrichment through the exchange of experiences and technologies with other parks and similar entities worldwide.
Also the context for this port modernization is the nickel industry. A high-priority sector for the Cuban economy. Cuba possesses the world’s fifth-largest nickel reserves. With lateritic deposits located primarily in the Holguin regions of Moa, Nicaro, and Mayari, and in the province of Camagüey. These mines are also rich in cobalt, making the island the world’s fourth-largest reserve of this mineral.
According to official data, nickel is Cuba’s main export product. However, its production faces challenges. In 2024, metal production reached 83.3% of its target. Export sales reached 68%, results influenced by the drop in international nickel and cobalt prices. As well as by internal energy disruptions. The nickel market is volatile and heavily influenced by the global geopolitical situation. Forcing the Cuban industry to implement austerity measures and cost controls to maintain its competitiveness.
Despite projections that currently exploited reserves could be depleted in 17 years. Cuba has untapped resources that could extend their availability for more than a century. The industry, grouped under the joint venture Moa Nickel S.A. (associated with the Canadian company Sherritt) and the state-owned companies Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara and Nicaro, is working to stabilize its production volumes.
With an eye toward that future, Puerto Moa stands as an irreplaceable pillar. This is not only due to its role in the nickel value chain. Also to its multipurpose logistical potential in eastern Cuba. The diversification of its services and the alliance with the Holguin Science and Technology Park. Led by scientist Batista Matamoros, point to a more integrated development model. Also where science, innovation, and existing infrastructure combine to generate new production chains. Strengthening the local and national economy from the northern coast of Holguin.
By: Daimy Peña Guillén
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