panamaPACTB

Cristobal Port

Cristobal Port - A Crucial Maritime Gateway in Panama

Discover Cristobal Port, a vital hub for international trade and logistics in Panama, strategically located near the Panama Canal.

Overview of Cristobal Port

Cristobal Port, positioned at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal, is a crucial maritime hub for international trade in Panama. It serves as a key gateway for containers and bulk goods entering and leaving the Central and South American regions. The port handles a significant volume of cargo, making it an essential element of Panama's logistics infrastructure. Its strategic location allows for efficient access to maritime routes, enhancing its appeal to shipping lines and exporters alike. The facilities at Cristobal Port are designed to support large vessels, ensuring swift turnaround times for cargo handling.

Operationally, Cristobal Port is equipped to accommodate container shipping, bulk carriers, and RORO vessels, reflecting its versatility and capacity to manage diverse trade activities. The port has been undergoing modernization efforts to improve infrastructure and operational efficiency, further bolstering its role in facilitating trade. As a deep-water port, it plays a vital role in supporting local economies and industries, especially in logistics, shipping, and manufacturing, while actively engaging in sustainability practices to minimize its environmental impact.

Port Details

Comprehensive technical information and facilities available at Cristobal Port

Basic Information

AddressBuilding 1010 Roosevelt Ave.P.O. Box 0301-03240PanamaPanama
Phone507-433-7900
Fax507-441-4676
Coordinates9º 20' 28'' N, -79º -53' -53'' W
Decimal9.3411977, -79.8980713
U N/ L O C O D EPACTB
Websitewww.ppc.com.pa
RegionCaribbean Sea

Port Facilities

TerminalYes
Channel41 - 45 feet 12.5 - 13.7 meters
Anchorage31 - 35 feet 9.4 - 10 meters
Oil Terminal31 - 35 feet 9.4 - 10 meters
Harbor SizeMedium
Max Vessel SizeOver 500 feet in length
Harbor TypeCoastal Breakwater
Wharves-

Services & Equipment

ServiceDetailsStatus
Port AuthorityPanama Ports Company (PPC)
Port TypeSeaport
Port SizeMedium
Inland portNo
Mean tide1 foot m
TideNot specified
Overhead LimitNot specified
SwellNot specified
Cargo Pier31 - 35 feet 9.4 - 10 meters
Mean Tide1 foot
ShelterGood
Turning AreaYes
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 RepairsEmergency Only
Marine RailroadMedium
DegaussNot specified
Drydock SizeSmall
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 Cristobal Port

Annual TEUs

Approximately 450,000 TEUs, underscoring its role in regional trade

Last 12 months container volume

Monthly Vessel Calls

Around 200-250 vessel calls per month, indicating robust shipping activity

Average monthly vessel traffic

Average Port Stay

24-36 hours depending on cargo operations

Typical vessel turnaround time

Berth Occupancy

Estimated at 80% during peak operations

Current utilization rate

On-Time Arrivals

Approximately 82%, reflecting efficient scheduling practices

Schedule reliability

Anchorage Wait Time

1-3 hours, generally reliable with operational schedules

Average waiting at anchorage

Most Frequent Shipping Lines

Hapag-Lloyd
Maersk
ZIM Integrated Shipping Services

Regional shipping lines servicing routes within Asia and beyond

Main Trade Routes

Transshipment activities for Europe and Asia-bound goods
Import/export channels for North and South America

Major routes connecting with Asia, Europe, and North America

Common Delay Causes

Weather conditions impacting vessel arrivals
Congestion during peak shipping seasons

Weather conditions and peak season congestion factors

Vessel Schedule Performance

Analysis of vessel scheduling efficiency and common operational challenges

Schedule Performance Factors

Adverse weather conditions
High-volume traffic periods affecting arrival times

Common operational challenges and efficiency factors

Carbon Emissions & Sustainability Index

Environmental initiatives and sustainability measures at Cristobal Port

Green Initiatives

Development of a sustainable port management plan
Community engagement programs focusing on environmental protection

Environmental sustainability initiatives

CO2 per TEU

Under evaluation as part of environmental management initiatives

Carbon emissions efficiency

Emission Score

Working towards compliance with international emission reduction standards

Relative environmental performance

Port Congestion & Real-Time Status

Current port congestion levels and vessel traffic information

At Berth

5-7 vessels typically at berth during busy operational periods

Vessels currently docked

At Anchorage

3-4 vessels often found anchored awaiting service

Vessels waiting

Dwell Time

Around 20 hours for standard cargo handling

Average cargo stay

Congestion Trends

Mild congestion fluctuations monitored with proactive management

30-day congestion analysis

Regional Context & Economic Impact

Understanding the broader economic and regional significance of Cristobal Port

Economic Significance

Cristobal Port is a central component of Panama's economic framework, positioned strategically at the entrance to the Panama Canal, making it a critical hub for regional and international trade. It supports the flow of goods through one of the busiest maritime corridors in the world, contributing significantly to Panama's GDP and employment. With a continuous focus on improving its infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiency, Cristobal Port aims to reinforce its status as a pivotal player in global trade networks while committing to sustainable development practices that benefit both the environment and the local communities.

Regional economic impact and significance

Shipping Lines Serving Port

Shipping companies operating at Cristobal Port

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and answers about Cristobal Port