Port Overview

PSA Panama International Terminal is located at the Pacific western-side entrance of the Panama Canal, built mainly for containerized cargo. This port operator began operations in December 2010.Vessels moor alongside a berth of 330 meters length and a draft alongside 14.5 meters.  Storage area for cargo has a surface of approximately 22.5 hectares. 

In May 2015, construction began for phase 2 of the port terminal and it currently stands at an 80% of completion. This expansion consists in the installation of 800 linear meters of dock, two berthing structures for mega-ships, and the expansion of its container yard in order to hold a 2 million TEU’s capacity, through an investment of over $400 million dollars.

Port Web Site: https://www.psa.com.pa/

Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com

Port Image

PSA berths and container yards. Source: Google Maps.

Description and key business contacts

PSA Panama International Terminal is the administrator and operator of the port. PSA Panama also forms part of the PSA International Group.

For more information visit the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List.

Port Performance

The dredging of the water area adjacent to the berths, turning basin and approach area to the container terminal has an estimated draft of 16 meters.  Currently the port is not congested. Due to the geography of the area and current market conditions, operations are being handled normally.  Waiting time upon arrival from the turning basin to the terminal dock varies, depending on the complexity of the operation on average taking from 20 minutes to an hour. 

The Terminals granted in concession sustain internal protocols and communications with the Panama Maritime Authority, Customs Authority, National Aeronaval Service, National Immigration Service and other entities involved to adequately respond to humanitarian contingency.

Results for 2018 and preliminary figures reported to the Statistics Department of the Panama Maritime Authority for 2019.

Berthing Specifications

General Cargo Handling Berths

Port Handling Equipment

Cargo equipment is managed and operated by PSA Panama.

Container Facilities

The port yard is approximately of 22.5 hectares, mainly for the storage of containers and vehicles. The large patio has capacity for dry cargo containers and reefers, with electric power outlets for easy storage and temperature control.  Likewise, it has on a special area for containers with dangerous cargo.

Customs Guidance

The National Customs Authority is responsible of the supervision, inspection and verification of activities related to the reception, loading/unloading, entry/exit, storage and transit of all cargo that enters the port.  Customs services, depending on the type of operation, can take on average from 45 minutes to two (2) hours.  

Customs Office and Hours

District of Arraijan, Former Rodman Naval Station

Work Hours:    7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. / 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. /11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.

Phones:             378-3837 / 378-3840

Zone:                 Oriental Panamá 

For more information on customs in Panama, please visit the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.

Terminal Information

Multi-Purpose Terminal

PSA Terminal began with the reception of iron products and other supplies for the expansion of the Panama Canal. PSA port terminal was constructed for the handling of containerized cargo.  However, it has the capacity to receive other potential cargo types, such as Ro-Ro.

Stevedoring

Operations are managed by PSA Panama International Terminal, counting on a workforce of approximately 800 workers.

Hinterland Information

Due to its proximity to the Pan-American Highway and to the Bridge of the Americas, cargo can be transported by road to strategic points such as the Panama Pacifico Special Economic Area, Panama City and to Colon through an efficient road, highway and train system.

Common modes of ground transport for cargo transportation include unit trucks, mule trucks, and all kind of heavy equipment. PSA’s ground connectivity will certainly benefit from the expansion of the Pan American Highway and the new bridge on the Pacific side.

Port Security

PSA Panama holds the Statement of Compliance for Port Facility under provisions of chapter XI-2 of SOLAS Convention and International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (PBIP- ISPS).

The Panama Maritime Authority sustains regular follow-ups with the terminal’s security staff, and statistics are received concerning security incidents. Latest tendencies reflect potential threats at PSA as trafficking of illegal substances, port entry denial and stowaways.