The strategic location of Panama has fostered foreign trade through the various ports that handle different kinds of imports and exports.
If you are using sea freight from or to Panama, probably one of the most fundamental things you need is choosing a suitable port.
There are both major and minor ports, among them being:
Major Panama Ports
1. Balboa
Founded in 1914, the port of Balboa is located across the Panama Canal on the west coast of Central America. Its prime location makes it a major port that connects to several other ports in the Caribbean, as well as the Central and West Coast of South America.
Given its container terminal size of 47 hectares, Balboa Port handles around 5 million TEUs every year.
Initially, the United States had full control of the port. However, in 1979, the management was taken over by the Panama Canal Commission, which consists of the United States and the Republic of Panama. 20 years later, Panama took full control of the port under the Panama Canal Authority which reports to the government of Panama.
2. Manzanillo
Manzanillo Port is located along Manzanillo Bay, which is on the Atlantic side of Panama. Since its establishment in 1971, it has grown to have 14 private terminals and 26 berths housed in its 58-acre piece of land.
As such, the port has a high handling capacity, which ranges from 1.9 to 3.5 million TEUs, and connects to more than 125 ports. Among the cargo handled in Manzanillo port are agricultural products, consumer goods, heavy equipment, and minerals.
3. Cristobal
The port of Cristobal was founded in the year 1914, making it one of the oldest ports in the Atlantic. During this time, the United States was in charge of the port, which primarily handled materials that were being used to build the Panama Canal.
Its location at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal facilitates the connection of the port to other ports in the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean.
As of now, the port of Cristobal has an annual handling capacity of 2.2 million TEUs. In addition to that, there are also three berths, 13 quay cranes, and 28 hectares of container yard.
4. Colon
The port of Colon is located in Coco Solo North on the Atlantic coast. It started its operations in 1997 and has since grown to cover an area of 74 hectares. Every year the port of Colon handles up to 2.4 million TEUs, and it’s easy to see why.
With facilities such as 11 quay cranes, 4 container berths, and other available equipment, the turnover is boosted. Not only does it connect to the Caribbean but also a large part of America, which includes the North, South, as well as the Central part.
5. Panama International Terminal
Panama International Terminal was established in December 2010, and so it’s the newest port among the above-mentioned. Regardless of that, reaches an annual handling capacity of 2 million TEUs.
This can be attributed to the adequate facilities and labor available. Not only does the port handle Ro-Ro cargo but also containerized cargo. Panama International Terminal is located on the Pacific coast and this strategic location facilitates the movement of Asian cargo to America.
Minor Ports in Panama
· Vacamonte
Located on the Pacific coast, Vacamonte is a commercial port with a handling capacity of 1,130 TEUs. It handles bulk goods, general cargo, and containerized cargo.
· Almirante
The port of Almirante is located on the Atlantic coast and is known for handling banana exports. Not forgetting that it also handles Ro-Ro services.
· Mutis
Famously known for tourism and fishing, the port of Mutis facilitates the movement of tourists to other areas. Also, the boats and yachts either transport locals or seafood.
· La Palma
It is a small port that plays a crucial role in connecting locals to the Darién Gap and handling timber, agricultural, and livestock cargo.
· Pedregal
Pedregal is located on the Pacific coast and facilitates the movement of fertilizers, bulk materials, and general goods. Shipping vessels also use this port.
· Panama Canal
Panama Canal was initially a military base. Right now, it links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, enhancing economic benefits to surrounding areas.
· Puerto Armuelles
It is located in Charco Azul Bay. The main commodities handled in Puerto Armuelles are crude oil and bananas for export. The United Brands company manages Puerto Armuelles port.
· Bahia Las Minas
Bahia Las Minas port is famous for handling oil products, including crude oil and refined products. Private companies manage this port.
· Chiriqui Grande
Chiriqui Grande port is located on the Atlantic coast and handles timber, bananas, autos, and steel cargo. Being a small port, it receives 433 vessels annually.
· Taboga
Located on Taboga Island, the port of Taboga is primarily used by locals for transportation and tourism.
· Aguadulce Port
The port of Aguadulce is located on the Pacific coast and mainly handles exports. Some of the exported cargo includes sugar and molasses.
· Charco Azul
Initially, Charcol Azul Port was used to unload oil. It’s situated on the Pacific coast and handles cargo such as petroleum products, transshipment, pipeline transportation, as well as blending.
· Isla Taboguilla
The port of Isla Taboguilla is located at 8.8106N, 79.5224W, which is south of Panama City. The port plays a role in fuel storage.
· Bocas Del Toro
Bocas Del Toro port handles exports of plantains, cacao, and coconuts along the Caribbean coast of Panama. Additionally, it’s also used for tourism owing to the cruise ships that dock at the port.
Conclusion
As you can see, Panama has only 5 main ports. Others are minor ports that actually play an integral role in their international business.
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