Export packaging is a must to reduce loss or damage potential. Argentina is seeking foreign investment to revive this port as a grain export terminal and to develop it as a container port. It would initially handle 100,000 containers a year-more than twice what Argentina's chief gateway can accommodate now. The province expects La Plata container traffic to increase sharply after a free trade zone begins operating there in the near future. The port officials have also replaced the approach channel buoys and lighting to conform with regulations set by the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities.
Some shipping lines serve the Argentine market.
The government's measures for upgrading its marine infrastructure are enhancing overall port operations, including the alleviation of much of the congestion that has previously plagued Argentina's gateways. The enormous surge in trade has prompted a number of ocean carriers that call there to expand their existing operations. Since the government's regulatory grip has been loosened, ocean service to the US East and Gulf Coasts, to other South American ports, to the Caribbean, and to northern Europe has been consistent and of sufficient capacity to meet demands. Likewise, reliable ocean service is now being provided between the R o de la Plata and Pacific Rim destinations by several well-known carriers, as well as by a few newcomers. As a consequence, traders need no longer use the US as a point of transshipment for goods being moved between Argentina and East Asia.