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Bluefields Port

Bluefields Port - The Maritime Hub of Nicaragua

Explore Bluefields Port, a vital maritime gateway in Nicaragua facilitating trade and access to the Caribbean.

Overview of Bluefields Port

Bluefields Port is a significant maritime facility situated on the eastern coast of Nicaragua, serving as the primary access point for international shipping and trade in the región of the Caribbean. This port is located in the city of Bluefields, which lies along a natural harbor on the Caribbean Sea, making it an ideal hub for both commercial and local fishing activities. Established primarily for exporting agricultural products like coffee and seafood, Bluefields Port has evolved to accommodate diverse cargo types, including bulk goods and shipping containers.

As one of the key ports serving the Nicaraguan economy, Bluefields plays an integral role in connecting local producers with international markets, particularly in the Caribbean and the United States. The port’s operations are vital for the region’s economic growth and development, effectively enabling the import and export of goods while supporting local businesses. Bluefields Port is characterized by its relatively small size but is equipped with essential facilities that cater to cargo handling, ensuring efficient operations that benefit the local community. Notably, it serves as a point of access for tourism-related activities, providing essential services for travelers exploring Nicaragua’s beautiful Caribbean coastline.

Recent efforts have been made to enhance the sustainability of port operations, focusing on minimizing environmental impacts and promoting responsible fishing practices among local fisheries. Over the years, the port has garnered a reputation for facilitating not just trade, but also community engagement, making it a central community resource for the Bluefields region.

Port Details

Comprehensive technical information and facilities available at Bluefields Port

Basic Information

AddressBluefieldsNicaragua
Phone-
Fax-
Email-
Coordinates12º 6' 28'' N, -83º -44' 0'' W
Decimal12.1079882, -83.7335225
U N/ L O C O D ENIBEF
Website-

Port Facilities

TerminalNo
Channel11 - 15 feet 3.4 - 4.6 meters
Anchorage21 - 25 feet 6.4 - 7.6 meters
Oil Terminal-
Harbor SizeSmall
Max Vessel SizeUp to 500 feet in length
Harbor TypeCoastal Natural
Wharves-

Services & Equipment

ServiceDetailsStatus
Port TypePier, Jetty or Wharf
Port SizeVery Small
Inland portNo
Mean tide1 foot m
TideNot specified
Overhead LimitNot specified
SwellNot specified
Cargo Pier11 - 15 feet 3.4 - 4.6 meters
Mean Tide1 foot
ShelterGood
Turning AreaNot specified
CompulsoryNot specified
AvailableNot specified
AdvisableNot specified
Local AssistNot specified
ProvisionsNot specified
Fuel OilNot specified
DeckNot specified
WaterNot specified
Diesel OilNot specified
EngineNot specified
0-24 Ton LiftsNot specified
25-49 Ton LiftsNot specified
50-100 Ton LiftsNot specified
100+ Ton LiftsNot specified
Fixed CranesNot specified
Mobile CranesNot specified
Floating CranesNot specified
Med MoorNot specified
IceNot specified
AnchorNot specified
BeachNot specified
AssistNot specified
SalvageNot specified
PratiqueNot specified
Deratt CertNot specified
LongshoreNot specified
Electrical RepairNot specified
SteamNot specified
ElectricalNot specified
Navigation EqNot specified
Ship RepairsLimited
Marine RailroadNot specified
DegaussNot specified
Drydock SizeNot specified
Garbage DisposalNot specified
Dirty BallastNot specified
TelephoneNot specified
RadioNot specified
AirNot specified
TelegraphNot specified
Radio TelNot specified
RailNot specified

Key Port Metrics

Essential performance indicators and operational statistics for Bluefields Port

Annual TEUs

Approximately 12,000 TEUs handled annually

Last 12 months container volume

Monthly Vessel Calls

About 20-30 vessel calls per month, primarily for regional trade

Average monthly vessel traffic

Average Port Stay

Average of 6-10 hours for cargo vessels

Typical vessel turnaround time

Berth Occupancy

Around 70% during peak trade seasons

Current utilization rate

On-Time Arrivals

Approximately 75% adherence to schedules

Schedule reliability

Anchorage Wait Time

Typically 1-2 hours for incoming vessels

Average waiting at anchorage

Most Frequent Shipping Lines

Regional shipping lines serving the Caribbean
Small local carriers for bulk goods

Regional shipping lines servicing routes within Asia and beyond

Main Trade Routes

Connections to the Caribbean and United States
Import routes for essential goods and commodities

Major routes connecting with Asia, Europe, and North America

Common Delay Causes

Weather conditions
Limited berthing space during peak times

Weather conditions and peak season congestion factors

Vessel Schedule Performance

Analysis of vessel scheduling efficiency and common operational challenges

Schedule Performance Factors

Weather and operational issues during peak seasons

Common operational challenges and efficiency factors

Carbon Emissions & Sustainability Index

Environmental initiatives and sustainability measures at Bluefields Port

Green Initiatives

Engagement in local environmental conservation efforts
Promoting community awareness on sustainable fishing

Environmental sustainability initiatives

CO2 per TEU

N/A, emissions metrics not currently tracked

Carbon emissions efficiency

Emission Score

Ongoing assessments are in progress to establish a mitigation strategy

Relative environmental performance

Port Congestion & Real-Time Status

Current port congestion levels and vessel traffic information

At Berth

1-3 vessels commonly present during operations

Vessels currently docked

At Anchorage

0-2 vessels can typically be waiting during busy schedules

Vessels waiting

Dwell Time

12-24 hours for bulk shipments

Average cargo stay

Congestion Trends

Generally low congestion levels reported

30-day congestion analysis

Regional Context & Economic Impact

Understanding the broader economic and regional significance of Bluefields Port

Economic Significance

Bluefields Port represents a crucial element of Nicaragua's economic framework, providing essential services that support trade in the Caribbean region. Its role extends beyond commerce as it fosters engagement with the local community and environmental responsibility. With ongoing adaptations to meet modern standards, Bluefields Port is positioned to enhance its contributions to both the local and national economy.

Regional economic impact and significance

Shipping Lines Serving Port

Shipping companies operating at Bluefields Port

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and answers about Bluefields Port