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Ecuador - 2.1.3 Port of Manta
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 Port Overview 

The biggest advantage of the port of Manta is the depth of the water and easy access to berths. The port is designed to handle 2 million tonnes of cargo, 50,000 TEUs and around 60,000 vehicles per year. However, it lacks modern ship-to-shore cargo handling equipment and few covered storage facilities. The geographically central position of Manta is advantageous for the distribution of vehicles both to the north and south of the country, it is also the ideal geographical point to develop a port terminal for post-Panamax ships, because it is in the center of Ecuador, opposite to Asia. 

The Port of Manta is divided into two main terminals: 1) International Terminal and 2) Fishing and Cabotage Terminal. It also has two private port terminals and three fishing facilities under the same administration in its jurisdiction. Its dock is 110 hectares protected by a breakwater that allows a quick and practical operation for the arrival, loading and unloading of vessels. Being a Multipurpose Port, the facilities facilitate access for all types of vessels, guaranteeing easy maneuvering of vessels and loading, unloading and supplying operations. 

The main export product sent from Manta is fish. Shrimp, tagua, plastic and stationery are also exported. On the other hand, the terminal receives more than 95% of car imports from Ecuador. 

Manta-Manaus multimodal axis 

In the near future, the Port will have a direct connection to the various projects planned within the Manta-Manaus multimodal axis also known as the Central Logistics Corridor of Ecuador. This is articulated with the Manta airport development project, the Special Development Zone, ZEDE, road initiatives such as the Manta-Quevedo and Manta-Guayaquil highway and the new accesses to the Port. 

 

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Source: JSC Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth 

 

The main economic activity of Manta consists of the capture and processing of tuna. The intense port movement in the Fishing and Cabotage Terminal, the same one that during 2022 mobilized 72,475.87 metric tons of industrial fishing landed in 268 vessels. In fact, one of the very important factories in the province is Conservas Isabel. The companies that bring together the largest number of Manabi workers are the tuna companies Inepaca, Conservas Isabel, Seafman, Tecopesca and Marbelize. Between 800 and 1,200 workers work there. Manta being the main fishing port of Ecuador, called the “Tuna Capital of the World” due to its high percentage of capture, unloading and processing of tuna from the Fishing and Cabotage Terminal of the port of Manta, has made Ecuador one of the 6 main countries worldwide that capture the tuna resource, according to a report from the Ministry of Foreign Trade, Aquaculture and Fisheries 

The Manta Fishing and Cabotage Terminal has an extension of more than 620 linear meters of dock for the service of the artisanal and industrial fishing sector. Very soon this dock capacity will increase with the construction of two jetty-type docks. As it is an open port, it has the protection of a breakwater along its entire length against waves and wind, which guarantees and facilitates maritime-port operations. 

Port website: : https://www.puertodemanta.gob.ec/ 

http://www.camae.org/puerto/autoridad-portuaria-de-manta-apm/ 

https://www.instagram.com/aportuariamanta/?hl=en 

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

 

Port Location and Contact 

Country 

Ecuador 

Province or District 

Manabí 

Nearest Town or City 

with Distance from Port 

Manta (4.2 km) 

Port's Complete Name 

Port of Manta 

Latitude 

-0.959722 

Longitude 

-80.71722 

Managing Company or Port Authority 

 

Manta Port Authority 

Management Contact Person 

Ronald Lizandro Muñoz (from 27/06/2023) 

Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures 

Eloy Alfaro International Airport. It is located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean in the city of Manta. Due to its strategic location, the Eloy Alfaro Air Base and the Manta Naval Air Station operate on the runway of this airport. 

Port Picture 

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Description and Contacts of Key Companies 

http://www.puertodemanta.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/OPERADORES-PORTUARIOS.pdf 

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List. 

 

Port Performance 

The port has a storage area of ​​150,500 m2 divided into 12 warehouses for storage of containers, vehicles and general cargo. It has capacity for about 5,000 TEU or 4,000 vehicles. 

Currently, solid dry bulk cargo and international fishing predominate in the total cargo moved in the Port of Manta with approximately 65% ​​of the total. This category includes exports and imports of tuna, wheat and other frozen cereals. On the other hand, general cargo such as automobiles, machinery and equipment, vehicles, assembly parts, etc., represents 11% of the total; while 24% corresponds to liquid bulks such as vegetable oils and hydrocarbons. 

It has two docks, one 200 meters long and the other 300 meters long, with the capacity to receive 4 vessels simultaneously, that is, 800 linear meters of berths for the operation of container ships, bulk carriers, carts, fishing vessels and cruise ships. . . Both docks have a platform width of 45 meters each. It also has another 620 linear meters for exclusively fishing and cabotage activities. 

In 2022, 106,515 units of vehicles and machinery were serviced between import, export and transhipment, which represented 53% compared to 2021 (69,571 units); while liquid bulk -vegetable oils- had an increase of 17%. 

In the Port of Manta, three projects will be executed for a total of USD 10 million, which include the expansion of International Pier number 2 by an additional 60 meters, the construction of multipurpose warehouses and the enlargement of the monitoring center (CCTV). 

Seasonal Constraints 

 

Occurs 

Time Frame 

Rainy Season 

Yes  

From December to March. It rains between 150 to 250 mm³ annually 

Major Import Campaigns 

No 

 

Other Comments 

This area, due to the direct influence of the Cold Humboldt Current most of the year, is very dry and rainfall is extremely scarce. Unlike the rest of the Ecuadorian coast, whose climate is extremely hot, rainy and humid par excellence, the climate of Manta is very different, due to its geographical location in the Center – South of Ecuador. 

 

Handling Figures for 2022 

Vessel Calls 

700 international and ECU ships, 

 

(2021, 515 Intl and Ecu ships; 2020 186 ships) 

Container Traffic (TEUs) 

6500 containers in 2022. 

 

(2021 8,019 TEU's, 3,548 TEU's impo and 4,471 TEU's expo with average of 169 TEU's per vessel) 

 

 

Handling Figures Bulk and Break Bulk for 2022 

Bulk (MT) 

Total Bulk and Loose Cargo 

1,096,317 MT 2022 

 

(1,168,534 MT served in 2021; 1,013,000 MT in 2020) 

 

(463,333 MT in 1st half of 2023) 

Break bulk (MT) 

See previous figure 

Additional note: The Fishing and Cabotage Terminal mobilized 72,475.87 metric tons of industrial fishing landed in 268 vessels in 2022 

 

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges 

For detailed information on rates visit: https://www.tpm.ec/servicios-generales/  

 

Berthing Specifications 

Container, bulk and Ro-Ro operations can be carried out at berths with a 12m draft, allowing vessels with a draft of 11m. For RoRo vessels that only have a stern ramp, there are two dock ramps, at the end of each side of the first (inner) dock. Boats can approach to starboard or port, but the tidal range of approximately 3 meters should be considered when working on a fixed concrete ramp. 

Type of Berth 

Quantity 

Length 

(m) 

Maximum 

Draft (m) 

Comments 

Conventional Berth 

200m x  

45m w) 

 

Two 200-meter-long jetty-type docks with the capacity to receive 4 vessels simultaneously, that is, 800 linear meters of berths for the operations of container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, fishing vessels and cruise ships. 

 

Both docks have a platform width of 45 meters each. 

Container Berth 

Yes 

185m 

10m 

 

Silo Berth 

Yes 

N/A 

15m 

 

Berthing Tugs 

Yes 

 

 

Water Barges 

N/A 

 

 

Water supplier https://www.searates.com/port/manta_ec  

 
TPM has 2 jetty docks, one of 200 meters and the other that was extended by 100 meters, leaving 300 meters in length, which in turn offer 4 berths totaling 1000 linear meters capable of receiving four large vessels at the same time (commercial, tourism, fishing, etc.) simultaneously, that is, intended for the operations of container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, fishing vessels and cruise ships. Both docks have a platform width of 45 meters each and an average depth of 12.5 meters (MLWS). 

 

DOCK 1: 

Length: 200 meters. Width: 45 meters. Area: 9000 square meters 

Berth 1: Depth: 11 meters Cargo: All types of ship 

Berth 2: Depth: 12.5 meters Cargo: All types of ship 

 

DOCK 2: 

Length: 300 meters. Width: 45 meters Area: 9000 square meters 

Berth 1: Depth: 12.5 meters. Cargo: All types of ship 

Berth 2: Depth: 12.5 meters Cargo: All types of ship 

 

SUPPLIES 

Provisions: Yes 

Bunker: Yes. 

 

Water: Yes 

Lubricants: Yes 

Engines, parts: Yes 

https://www.searates.com/port/manta_ec 

General Cargo Handling Berths 

Services 

A) Solid Bulks (Wheat, corn, soybean paste, urea, klinker, Pet coke) National and International Fisheries 

Unloading cereal to truck • Direct unloading of frozen fish • Port area operation by crane • Use of Infrastructure for dry bulk • Use of Infrastructure for fishing 

B) Liquid Bulks (Fatty oils, sunflower, olive, caustic soda, biodiesel) 

• Loading/Unloading of liquid bulk from/to truck • Port area operation by crane • Use of Infrastructure for liquid bulk 

C) Refrigerated and Dry Containers 

• Loading and unloading of full container • Loading and unloading of empty container • Loading of full container transshipment • Container re-stacking • Crane movement (hold lids and removals) • Power connection of refrigerated containers for export • Power connection of containers refrigerated import • Container storage • Positioning and transfer for container inspection • Return inspection to container yard • Reception and delivery of full containers • Late arrival of containers • Transportation of full containers • Reception and delivery of empty containers • Shipping services support for the physical inspection of containerized merchandise • Consolidation and deconsolidation • Import weighing • Import seals 

D) Vehicles, Machinery 

Loading and Unloading of vehicles of equal or less than 3 tons • Loading and Unloading of vehicles of more than 3 tons • Reloading of vehicles less than 3 tons to the dock • Reloading of vehicles less than 3 tons on board • Movement of vehicles greater than or equal to to 3 tons • Movement of vehicles less than 3 tons • Tray • Fuel tanking • Vehicle storage • Reception and delivery of vehicles 

E) General Cargo 

Loading and unloading of general merchandise • Storage of general merchandise • Positioning for inspection of general merchandise • Return of inspection of general merchandise • Reception and delivery of general merchandise • Support services for the physical inspection of loose general merchandise 

 

Cargo Type 

Berth Identification 

Imports - Bagged Cargo 

N/A 

Exports - Bagged Cargo 

N/A 

Imports and Exports - RoRo 

N/A 

Other Imports 

In Imports, Ro-Ro Cargo Vessels arrive at the Port, General Cargo such as Iron, steel and other metals, various machines and equipment and parts for vehicle assembly, as well as containerized cargo with Tuna, Chemical Compounds and Various Preserved Foods. 

 

 

Port Handling Equipment 

TPM currently has the following port equipment: 

• 5 Tract trucks 

• 5 Platforms 

• 1 3 ton forklift 

• 2 Reach Stackers Container Ships (Full Containers) 

• 1 Reach Stacker Container Machine (Empty Containers) 

• 4 Scales 

• 60 Reefer Shots 

• 2 Mobile Port Crane (G HMK) 

• 4 Hoppers capacity 50 cubic meters 

• 4 SMAG Lifting Technologies Peiner Spoons capacity 12 cubic meters 

 

Equipment 

Available 

 

Total Quantity and Capacity Available 

Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage 

Dockside Crane 

Yes  

Gottwald Kone Crane HMK 41mt 

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Container Gantries 

No 

 

 

Mobile Cranes 

Yes  

Gottwald Kone Crane HMK 41mt 

image-20231023110554-5

Reachstacker 

Yes  

Reach stackers 40 tons, 2 x Kalmar (45 mt) Full cntnr. 1 x Kalmar 9 (mt) Empty cntnrs only 

image-20231023110554-6

RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer) 

Yes  

5 “Ottawa” tracto/trailers 

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Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines 

No* 

 

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4 Hoppers 50m3 

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4 Peiner scoop*  SMAG Lifting Technologies cap12m3 

 

Transtainer 

No 

 

 

Forklifts 

Yes  

Forklift 3 TM, Forklift  7 TM 

image-20231023110554-10

(*)Institutional Video unloading bulk cargo at Port of Manta: https://youtu.be/btutNgnecPE  

Container Facilities 

 

The Gottwald mobile crane can support the entire unloading process, but to be able to work with more than one group it is necessary to use ship rigging (Self Sustained Cranes). A port user reported that the mobile crane is often out of service. Once unloaded, the containers must be transported by truck for approximately 1.5 km to the storage yard. 

 

Facilities 

20 ft & 40 ft 

Container Facilities Available 

Yes 

Container Freight Station (CFS) 

Yes 

Refrigerated Container Stations 

60 Reefer outlets 

Other Capacity Details 

4 scales 

Daily Take Off Capacity  
(Containers per Day)  

N/A 

Number of Reefer Stations  
(Connection Points) 

60 outlets 

Emergency Take-off Capacity  

N/A 

Off take Capacity of Gang Shift  
(Containers per Shift)  

N/A 

 

Customs Guidance 

For import procedures, the following documentation/information will be required at the service windows of the Billing Department to obtain a gate pass: 

 

The cargo number authorized by SENAE. 

For procedures with SENAE authorizations through administrative acts, you must present a copy of the document (Providencia) 

Exit Authorization Letter (CAS) (Electronic or Physical) 

Copy of the Bill of Lading (BL), for the cases of General Cargo and Loose Cargo 

Data from the transport company, or name of the driver and license plate of the vehicle that will pick up the load. 

This documentation will be required by the access control booths before access. The gate pass may also be issued to the customs agent/assistant or other personnel authorized by the importer to carry out customs formalities. The requirements of the “Port Security Manual for the Issuance of Credentials and Provisional Permits” must be met. 

 

For cargo dispatch, warehouses have a scheduled delivery service with assigned shifts, taking into account the following aspects: 

 

Depending on availability, the customer chooses the most convenient shift to pick up their load. Shifts include the earliest and latest pick-up times. 

In the event that a client misses their turn (that is, does not arrive at the assigned time), it is possible to request another one the same day at the access control booths. 

For cases of Direct Debit (DD) or Advance Clearance (DA), verify that the customs procedure has been authorized and the operation is scheduled in the Customer Service Department. 

 

Terminal Information 

Malecón Avenue, Jaime Chávez Gutiérrez S/N and 20th Street (next to the entrance to the port) Blanket 

(+593) 5 370 2490 ext. 5100 

info@tpm.ec 

The Terminal has a registry of registered Land Transport Operators. For more information see: https://www.tpm.ec/operadores-de-transporte-terrestre/  y  https://tpm.ec/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Copia-de-BASE-OTT18072022.pdf 

MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL 

image-20231023110554-11

Photo: Courtesy TPM 

The Port of Manta is considered multipurpose; In other words, it can serve various market segments; Today, its international terminal, delegated to the company Manta Port Terminal (TPM), moves solid bulk cargo (wheat, urea and fish), liquid bulk (vegetable oils) and general cargo (machinery and vehicles); Meanwhile, the Port Authority of Manta, in charge of the administration of the Fishing and Cabotage Terminal, serves the industrial and artisanal fishing fleet; In addition, it has been making important investments in infrastructure to rebuild said terminal and recover port and fishing activity in the city of Manta, an objective that has been achieved with the help of the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works, with whom efforts are intensified to have with new pier-type docks that will double the capacity to serve the fishing fleet in terms of linear meters for docking vessels at 10, 9 and 7 meters draft; enabling more than 620 linear meters of access roads to the fishing terminal to facilitate port operations. 

 

GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING 

For the unloading manoeuvre it is necessary to use the ship's rigging (self-unloading peiner scoop). Best case: practical size bulk carrier of approximately 40,000 TDW, 4 to 5 hatches. The port has sufficient hoppers into which the cargo is unloaded; trucks pass underneath to take the cargo to a warehouse outside the dock. 

Institutional Video unloading bulk cargo at the Port of Manta: https://youtu.be/btutNgnecPE  

 

MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL 

For the storage of containers, vehicles and general cargo, there is a total area of ​​110,500m2, divided into 7 different patios. Depending on the type of cargo, it has capacity for 5,010 TEU or 4,240 vehicles (passenger cars). 

TPM has two yards for storage of different types of cargo such as vehicles, containers, general cargo, dangerous cargo, and bulk cargo. 

  • PATIO 600: 32,768.57 m2 

  • PATIO 500: 30,731.34 m2 

  • PATIO 200: 8,020.55 m2 

  • PATIO 800: 11,706.26 m2 

 

Storage Type 

Number of Storage Facilities 

Area (m2) 

Bagged Cargo 

110,500m2 TOTAL 

Refrigerated Cargo 

N/A 

General Cargo 

Stevedoring 

Cargo Operators are registered companies that provide services in the Port of Manta, whose services allow the management and execution of specialized technical activities for the transfer of loading and unloading carried out on ships/vessels; loading, unloading, storage, warehousing, mobilization services in the port area, stowage, re-stowage and unloading, etc. Port cargo operators have specialized machines, equipment, tools and safety implements for their properly trained and specialized workers. 

 

Hinterland Information 

Malecón Avenue, Jaime Chávez Gutiérrez S/N and 20th Street (next to the entrance to the port) Blanket 

(+593) 5 370 2490 ext. 5100 

nfo@tpm.ec 

The Terminal has a registry of registered Land Transport Operators. For more information consult: 

https://www.tpm.ec/operadores-de-transporte-terrestre/   and 

https://tpm.ec/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Copia-de-BASE-OTT18072022.pdf 

ACCESS TO THE PORT AREA 

Access to the port facilities is through Jaime Chávez Gutiérrez Avenue (Malecón) and 4 de Noviembre Avenue, which is 4 km long and connects the port with the routes to Quito and Guayaquil. The lateral passage, 18 km long, interconnects the port with the Manta - Rocafuerte - Quito road; Manta - Montecristi - Jipijapa - Nobol - Guayaquil, built to decongest vehicular traffic. The 8.5 km long Puerto - Airport road forms the peripheral ring with the lateral passage and connects with the Manta-Montecristi-Guayaquil highway. The Coastal Route connects the port of Manta with all the tourist sites in Ecuador. The Avenue of Culture is quickly interconnected with the lateral passage allowing quick mobilization towards the road to Portoviejo. 

 

ACCESS TO THE SERVICE AREA 

Dock access rules 

Access to the docks and traffic areas of the ports, to people and vehicles that, due to their functions or services therein, are duly authorized. It is the responsibility of the maritime authority and/or whoever has jurisdiction to grant these authorizations to passengers and other people boarding the ships, as well as to the crew of the ships in port. It is the responsibility of the APM to grant access authorizations to all types of vehicles and people involved in the execution and conservation of works and facilities, in loading, unloading operations, circulation in the docks and everything related to the use of the different works intended for them. to port operations. Non-public servants who depend on the authorities who, due to their function, must enter the port, will be provided with sufficient documentation, and must show said documentation to the guards and security when required to do so. 

Industrial vehicles and machinery. 

The access of industrial vehicles and mobile machinery will be authorized in each case by the Comprehensive Security Directorate of the APM, which may control the characteristics and state of conservation and operation, in accordance with the provisions of the ISPS Code and/or BASC, without any liability arising for the APM or its staff, in the event of an accident. 

MOVING AROUND THE SERVICE AREA 

Vehicles 

Vehicles of all types that circulate through the port must do so with due precautions and respecting existing traffic signs. When crossing the tracks or stopping on them to take or leave cargo, in cases where this is not expressly prohibited, they will do so with the driver being willing to remove it from the road as soon as necessary. The unit loads per axle, as well as the tire inflation pressure, will not be higher than those established by national road standards or specific standards issued by the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works, MTOP. The exhaust pipes of internal combustion engines will be closed or explosion-protected type. The circulation of light vehicles (cars, motorcycles, etc.) is prohibited due to the loading and unloading area, understood as that located under the radius of action of cranes and other facilities for handling goods. Vehicles will not be allowed to travel through the general circulation areas of the docks and service roads at speeds greater than 60 kilometers per hour, nor through other places other than the roads intended for their transit. 

Port Security 

Ecuador has implemented the maritime security requirements contained in Chapter XI-2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of ​​1974 and the International Code for the Protection of Ships and Port Facilities (ISPS) through the Merchant Marine Law of 2004 and the Maritime Protection Regulations of 2004. These regulations apply to all seaports in Ecuador, as well as passenger ships, cargo ships of 500 GRT or more and mobile offshore drilling units on international trips. 

Security Level 1 applies in territorial waters and maritime ports of Ecuador. Any change in the level of security or its area of ​​application will be communicated through notices to mariners, nautical advisories, circulars, VHF communication or any other appropriate means. 

 

Security 

ISPS Compliant 

Yes  

Current ISPS Level  
(Level 1 = Normal, Level 2 = Heightened, Level 3 = Exceptional) 

Police Boats 

Yes  

Fire Engines 

Yes  

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