Port Overview

Panama Ports Company, S.A. is a subsidiary of the Hutchison Ports Holdings (HPH) that initiated operations  in 1997, through an extendable concession of 25 years granted by the government under Law 5 of 16 January 1997, to manage the ports of Balboa and Cristobal.  This concession is based on the development, construction, operation, administration, and management of Ro-Ro, containerized, bulk, liquid, and general cargo (Law N°5 of 16 January 1997; published in the official gazette N° 25454 el 29-12-2005).

Port website: www.ppc.com.pa 

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

 

 

Port Picture

Berths at Balboa Port. Source: Georgia Tech Panama Logistics & Innovation Center. Photo: Port of Balboa. Extracted on 12 March 2020 from https://logistics.gatech.pa/

Security Control Point at Port. Source:  Department of Port Security of the Directorate of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries

Balboa Port general lay-out. Hutchinson Ports PPC (2020). Map of Port of Balboa. Retrieved on 15 March 2020 from https://www.ppc.com.pa/

 

Cargo Handling Equipment (transtrainers) at Balboa Port. Source: External Audit of Port Security 2019 achieved by the Department of Port Security of the Directorate of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries 

Source: View of container yard. External Assessment of Port Safety 2019 achieved by the Department of Port Safety of the Directorate of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries

Bird´s-eye view of Balboa´s container yards and berths. Source: Hutchinson Ports PPC. Photo: Port of Balboa. Extracted on 12 March 2020 from https://www.ppc.com.pa/ 

Description and Contacts of Key Companies  

Port Management: Hutchison Ports Holding - Panama Ports Company. PPC is also the Administrator of the Port of Cristobal in Colon.

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

Port Performance

Due to the geography of the area and the conditions of the current market, port operations are being carried out normally.  Presently the port is not congested.  The maximum draft is 15.7m, specifically at berths 16, 17 and 18.

Waiting time from arrival to anchorage and docking, depends on the complexity of the maneuver, generally an average from 20 minutes to an hour.

The terminals given in concession maintain 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 any humanitarian contingency.     

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

 

Berth Specifications

General Cargo Handling Docks

 

Port Handling Equipment

The equipment in port is managed by the concessionaire.  Balboa is equipped for the handling of containers, loading and unloading of vehicles by ramp, and for handling bulk, and general cargo.

Container Facilities

The container terminal comprises 47 hectares, with an annual capacity of approximately 5 million TEU´s.

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.  

For additional information about Customs in Panama, please visit the following link:  1.3 Customs Information.

Terminal Information

Multiuse Terminal

PPC Balboa has berths that receive containerships, freightliners, bulk carriers, Ro-Ro, and cruise liners. Counting on berths 6 and 7 for Ro-Ro freight, bulk cargo and bunkers. The Ro-Ro feature counts on a storage capacity for 2,750 CEU’s (car equivalent units), with expert drivers available to move heavy equipment.

Main Storage Terminal

PPC Balboa has the capacity to receive and dispatch containers, dry and liquid bulk cargoes, as well as specialized cargo, plus 3,468 reefer electrical outlets.

The storage is an open-air area, with specific areas designated for containerized cargo be it standard, dangerous or refrigerated.  It also has hoppers destined for storage and warehousing of granular or pulverized materials.

Stevedoring

Panama Ports Company PPC, not only relies on its own staff, but also on sub-contracted personnel for its operations, rounding an approximate of 2,200 employees between the terminals of Balboa and Cristobal.

Hinterland Information

The Port of Balboa has direct access to the railroad, allowing as such transshipment of containers bound for the ports of Colon. The port is located approximately at 3 km from the North Bound entrance which connects by road with the Tocumen International Airport, as well as to the east of the city; moreover, connecting with the Province of Colon where the Colon Free Zone is located.  Due to its proximity to the Panama Canal and to the main roads, logistics companies offer ground transport services through an array of heavy-duty trucks and tow trucks, 18 wheelers, and specialized rolling equipment.

Port Security

The PPC terminal of Balboa holds the Statement of Compliance for Port Facility, under the provisions of chapter XI-2 of the SOLAS Convention and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (PBIP- ISPS).

The Panama Maritime Authority sustains direct communications with the Security Staff of PPC Balboa. PPC Balboa Terminal makes improvements to its administrative and operative processes aimed to generate greater safety to its facilities and human resources.  Statistics on port incidents point out to trafficking of illegal substances to be the primary threat, and to a lesser extent denied entry to port, besides stowaways.    

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.   

Port Overview

The Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) began operations in 1995. It is located close to the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal, immediately adjacent to the Colon Free Zone (CFZ) location.  The project area, known as South Coco Solo, was a naval air base of the United States during WWII, which subsequently reverted to Panama due to the Torrijos-Carter treaties of 1977. 

Port website: https://www.mitpan.com/

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

 

Port Image

Bird´s-eye view of Manzanillo Port. Source: Manzanillo International Terminal (2020). Multimedia.  Extracted 17 March 2020 from mit.pan.com

Lay-out of Manzanillo Port.  Source: Georgia Tech Panama. Photo: MIT Port. Extracted on 12 March 2020 from logistics.gatech.pa

View of container cranes at Manzanillo Port.  Source: Assessment by Port Safety achieved by the Department of Port Safety of the Directorate of Auxiliary Maritime Industries

Transtrainers at Manzanillo Ports. Assessment by Port Security achieved by the Department of Port Safety of the Directorate of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries.

 

Description and key business contacts

Manzanillo International Terminal has offices in Panama City and Colon. 

Panama City Offices

Building 201 - Corozal East (next to the railway passenger station)
Omar Torrijos Herrera Avenue, Ancon

Phone: + (507) 304-8200
Fax: + (507) 304-8233

Colon City Offices, Republic of Panamá

Molten Avenue, South Coco Solo

info@mitpan.com

Phone: + (507) 430-9800
Fax: + (507) 430-9809

P.O. Box 0302-00239

Colon Free Zone

Colon, Republic of Panama

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

Port Performance

The access channel is 3 kilometers from the sea buoy.  The breakwater opening is 200 meters wide and the channel has a depth of 16.5 meters. The turning basin is 600 meters in diameter.  The waiting time from arrival to anchorage to dock varies, depending on the complexity of the maneuver on average taking from 20 minutes to an hour.  Presently the port is not congested.  Due to the geography of the area and the current market conditions, operations are being carried out normally.

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

Chart 2 – Results for 2018 and preliminary figures reported to the Statistics Department of the Panama Maritime Authority for 2019.

 

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

For more information about costs and charges, please visit the following link:

https://www.mitpan.com/informacion/reglas-de-operacion/ 

Berthing Specifications

General Cargo Handling Berths

 

Port Handling Equipment

The equipment is managed and operated by MIT.

 

 

Container Facilities  

Container facilities is mainly a stockyard for all types of containers, vehicles and heavy equipment.

 

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.  

To work with on-site customs officials, it is recommended to build a culture of teamwork with other entities, awareness on matters pertinent to industrial security and port protection.

Customs Office and Hours.

Location:         Offices inside the Manzanillo International Terminal 

Hours:              Around the Clock 24 hours 

Phone:             430-9900 ext. 9002 

Zone:                North 

For more information on Customs, please see:  1.3 Customs Information. 

 Terminal Information

Multi-Purpose Terminal  

MIT handles containerized, rolling, general and special projects cargo. In addition, it also offers containerized cargo services through container equipment maintenance (all types of repair and maintenance work on full and empty containers as well as chassis), and maintenance of refrigerated containers (continuous monitoring, inspections, preventive maintenance and repairs of containers and generators). 

 Grain and Bulk Handling

N/A 

Main Storage Terminal

Designed to store containerized, general, rolling and special projects cargo.  

 

Stevedoring 

MIT facility has on-site port equipment, as well as human resources trained to provide services of loading/unloading of cargo efficiently and safely.  Operations are managed by Manzanillo International Terminal – Panama, S.A., and has approximately 1,270 employees.

 

Hinterland Information

MIT has 3 entrance lanes and 3 exit lanes.  It also has a gate with direct access to the Colon Free Zone, specifically to France Field (largest warehouse holding area) enabling import and export movement through 2 entrance lanes and 2 exit lanes. The port also provides access to the railroad through an inter-modal ramp which has 2 entrance lanes and 2 exit lanes. Common modes of ground transport for cargo transportation include unit trucks, mule trucks, and variety of heavy equipment.

Port Security 

MIT 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 MIT’s Protection Staff. As per the latest statistics the potential threats to MIT are the trafficking of illicit substances, port entry denial and stowaways.  This port installation invests in next generation protection equipment for access control and monitoring of operations.

Port Overview

 Law 12 of 3 January 1996, approved the agreement for the development, construction, operation, administration, and management of a container terminal at the Port of Coco Solo North, Province of Colon.  The port terminal specializes in container handling, general cargo and Ro-Ro shipments. The Terminal is operative through the main routes towards Evergreen which connects North America, Asia and Europe andextended services to South America, South Africa, and Australia.

Port Web Site: http://www.cct-pa.com/

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

Port Image

Source: Assessment of Port Security achieved by the Department of Port Security of the Directorate of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries – Confidential

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

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

Port Performance

CCT has a total area of 74.33 hectares, with an access channel of 14.0 meters in depth and a maneuver basin with a 600 radius for vessel rotation.  The entrance access of the breakwater is 200 meters.  The waiting time from arrival to anchorage and dock is variable, depending on the operation involved averaging from 20 minutes to an hour. 

The entrance access of the breakwater is 200 meters. The waiting time from arrival to dock and berth is variable, depending on the operation is usually 20 minutes to an hour.

Currently the port is not congested. Due to the geography of the area and the current market conditions, operations are carried normally.

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

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

 

Berth Specifications

 

Port Handling Equipment

Port equipment is handled by Colon Container Terminal.

 

Port Security Inspection achieved by the Department of Port Safety of the Directorate of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries 2019

Container Facilities

The total area of the port facilities is 74.33 hectares, of which 27.8 correspond to the container yard with an estimated capacity for 45,000 TEUs. This includes 1,032 reefer plugs.

Source: Port Safety Inspection achieved by the Department of Port Safety of the Directorate of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries 2019

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

Location:      Offices inside the Colon Container Terminal

Hours:           8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Phones:        430-9649 / 9648

Zona:             North

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

Terminal Information

Multi-Purpose Terminal

N/A

Grain and Bulk Cargo Handling

N/A

Main Storage Terminal

N/A

Stevedoring

Port operations are managed by Colon Container Terminal, S.A. and has approximately 500 workers.

Hinterland Information

Colon Container Terminal is located in North Coco Solo, province of Colon, at the Atlantic Coast of Panama. It has roadway access by mule trucks towards the Province of Colon and the railway, Colon Free Zone and borders through its surroundings and proximity to Manzanillo International Terminal and Panama Colon Container Port (which is under construction). 

Port Security

CCT 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).

Historically, crime groups have had a large presence in the Province of Colon, the number of active members is estimated to be at 5 thousand and growing.  Such groups, along with firearms and drugs, one of the major detonators of violence in the country.  The Panama Maritime Authority sustains regular follow-ups with the terminal’s port security staff and statistics are received concerning security incidents, which have been minimal.

Some planned enhancements are the placing of cameras with optical character reading, digitization in processes, and additional measures at access control points. 

Port Description

Law 5 of January 16, 1997approved the contract between the State and the Hutchison Ports Panama Ports Company, for the development, construction, operation, administration, and management of Ro-Ro, containerized, bulk, liquid and general cargo at the ports of Balboa and Cristobal.

The Panama Maritime Authority granted Panama Ports Company, S.A., Cristobal, the concession through the Addendum N°1, N°2 and N°3 to Contract Nº 309 of 24 October 1997.

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

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

Port Image

Source: Image cited by Panama Maritime Authority at www.ppc.com.pa

Source: Cristobal (2020). Port Map. Retrieved on 15 March 2020 from ppc.com.pa

Description and Contacts of Key Companies 

The Port of Cristobal is managed by the Hutchinson Ports Panama Ports Company.

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

Port Performance

Due to the geography of the area and current market conditions, operations are carried out normally. Presently, the port is not congested.  Average waiting time upon arrival to anchorage and docking depends on the complexity of the maneuver generally taking between 20 minutes to an hour. Maximum draft is at 13.5m, specifically at Berths 7 and 10. This Port handles containerized cargo, as well as bulk and general cargo.

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

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

Berth Specifications

The port of Cristobal also has berths for the handling of general cargo, cruiseliners, tugs and grains.

Port Handling Equipment

Port equipment is managed by the concessionaire. Cristobal is equipped to handle containerized, bulk, liquid and general cargo.

Source: Assessment of Port Security achieved by the Department of Port Safety of the Directorate of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries

Source: Assessment of Port Safety achieved by the Department of Port Safety of the Directorate of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries.

Container Facilities

Container yard of 28 hectares with an annual capacity of approximately 2 million TEU’s, amongst other types of cargo.

Source: Assessment of Port Safety achieved by the Department of Port Safety of the Directorate of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries

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

Location:                     Colon City, 15th Street and Balboa, behind the Bus Terminal

Business Hours:          8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Phone:                         445-2834

Customs Area:            North

For more information about customs in Panama, please go to the following link: 1.3 Customs Information. 

Terminal Information

Multi-Purpose Terminal

PPC Cristobal has a covered area of approximately 3,700 meters of berthing space, for general cargo, cruiseliners, dry and liquid bulks, containership, and tankers.  Offering five multi-purpose berthing positions through Berths 6 and 16.  Additionally counting on two berthing positions for dry and liquid bulks at Berth 16.

Main Storage Terminal

PPC Cristobal has a container yard apt for all types of containers, and yard space to exclusively handle general cargo and steel. It is an open storage area with assigned locations for containers and bulk or loose cargo alike.  The refrigerated container area offers 1,360 reefer-outlets.

It also has a container freight station consisting of 5,400 m² of covered storage area to consolidate and deconsolidate cargo, and to handle other types of sensitive cargoes.

Stevedoring

Panama Ports Company PPC, relies on its own staff, plus sub-contracted personnel for its operations, with approximately 2,200 employees in total between the terminals of Balboa and Cristobal.

Hinterland Information

The Port of Cristobal has road access to the Colon Free Trade Zone, along with an internal rail connection, which facilitates the movement of cargo with the Port of Balboa in the Pacific. Due to its proximity to the Panama Canal and to the main roads, logistics companies offer ground transport services through an array of heavy-duty trucks and tow trucks, 18 wheelers, and specialized rolling equipment.

Source: Assessment of Port Safety achieved by the Department of Port Safety of the Directorate of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries

Port Security

PPC terminal of Cristobal 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 direct communications with the Security Staff of PPC Cristobal.   Just like PPC in Balboa, the primary threat at PPC Cristobal is the trafficking of illegal substances, and to a lesser degree port entry denial, besides stowaways.   

Port Overview

Bocas Fruit Company, Ltd., is located at the Port of Almirante of the municipality of Changuinola, province of Bocas del Toro. The port due to its location in Almirante Bay has natural protection and its maritime facilities consist of a dock of reinforced concrete slabs 304 meters long and 28.95 meters wide.  The dock provides two piers and depths of 11 meters.

The Terminal of Bocas Fruit Company, Ltd., is currently operative and is responsible of shipping bananas produced at the farms of the district of Changuinola, which are owned by Chiquita Panama.

Shipments are dispatched in two modalities: 

• Fruit in Cargo Hold, transported in refrigerated containers from the farm of origin to the port, to later be taken out in pallets (each pallet has 48 boxes), and are placed at the dock platform from where they are then stacked into the cargo hold with a special cage using the ship cranes.
• Fruits on Deck, transported in refrigerated containers from the farm of origin to the Port, said containers are then loaded on board using the ships crane gear.

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

 

Port Image  

 

Source: Rodríguez, Reines (2020). Maersk Shipping incorporates services in Port Almirante, Bocas del Toro. Extracted on 18 March from: ensegundos.com.pa 

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

The Terminal is found inside of Port Almirante.

Phone: + (507) 758-3821

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

 

Port Performance 

Maritime access is done through a navigational channel which leads to the State Dock and other berths at Bay Almirante, it has an approximate length of 18.4 nautical miles and a variable depth, wherein its minimum depth is 16.3 meters. Waiting time between arrival and docking varies, averaging a little more than 1 ship per week, it does not take more than a day. Presently the port is not congested.  Due to the geography of the area and given the actual market conditions, operations are normal. 

The terminal granted through concessions sustain internal protocols and communication with the Panama Maritime Authority, Customs Authority, Maritime Health, National Aeronaval Service, National Immigration Service and other first responders to adequately attend to a humanitarian contingency.

Chart 2 – Results for 2018 and preliminary figures reported to the Statistics Department of the Panama Maritime Authority for 2019. 

Berth Specifications

On-Site Cargo Handling Equipment

The equipment is managed and operated by the Terminal Bocas Fruit Company.

 

Source: External Audit Office of Port Protection achieved by the Department of Port Protection of the Directorate of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime 2019

Source: External Audit Office of Port Protection achieved by the Department of Port Protection of the Directorate of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime 2019

Container Facilities

The total port area is 77,790 m², of which 8,823 m² are harbor.  The port does not have a covered storage area.  It’s an open container yard, which has a station area for refrigerated containers and also has available 20 patio chassis.   

Source: External Audit Office of Port Protection achieved by the Department of Port Protection of the Directorate of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime 2019

 

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 time depends on the complexity of the operation, considering that ships load/unload directly with their cargo gear and cranes.

Customs Office and Hours

Location:         Offices inside of the Terminal of Bocas Fruit Company in Port Almirante 

Hours:              8:30am. - 3:30pm. - 11:00 pm. 

Phone:             758-4163 

Zone:                North-West

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

Stevedoring 

The main activity of stevedoring consists in loading and unloading containers through two “Liebherr” brand gantry cranes which has improved terminal output.  These cranes were implemented during 2019, replacing the ship’s crane gear.   

Operations are administered by Chiquita Panamá, LLC. The company in total has a workforce of approximately 400 to 500 employees, and it is an important employer in Bocas del Toro. 

 

Hinterland Information

The movement of cargo to hinterland is carried out in refrigerated containers transported in mule trucks from the farms of the District of Changuinola onto the port facilities.  Common modes of transport, capacity and companies available to move cargo, include 18 wheelers and various types of forklifts for cargo handling.

 

Port Security  

The Terminal Bocas Fruit Company, Ltd., 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 Workforce, and statistics are received about safety incidents, which have been minimal.

Airport Description

Tocumen International Airport is the regional hub for many commercial and cargo airliners.  In 2019, over 16 million national and international passengers were mobilized through this airport terminal.  Its operations average from 400 to 420 flights per day.  

Every airline company must request for their operating permit at the Civil Aeronautics Authority of Panama (AAC). Only then will AAC submit to Tocumen, S.A., said information in order to achieve the pertinent analysis concerning facilities and capacity. If and only if the airport is able to guarantee a minimal service level (parking position, boarding hall and passenger check-in counters) proceeds to its approval and informs the AAC, who notifies the airline.

 

Airport Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

The main services offered at the Tocumen International Airport are the following:

• Airliners
  • Main Operator (passengers): Copa Airlines, followed by the Avianca Taca Group
  • Main Operator (cargo): DHL Group
• Handlers: (5) Ground handling service providers and (5) passenger billing providers
• Fuel Provider: CLH Aviación, S.A.
• In-Flight Kitchen: Sky Chef
• Cargo handling and storage companies: COPADASA, UPS, DHL, FEDEX, PACT
• Private Flight Service Companies and Fixed Based Operators (FBOs): Aerosupport, MAPIEX, Blas, Signature

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List.

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicators

Currently standing-by to receive a completed Terminal 2, which will mean improvements in runways (in addition to taxiways, and the same for the project of a third airport runway).

The airport sustains parking for 13 conventional aircrafts, and 3 combined for wide body aircraft. 

Runways

The general condition of the airport runways is carried out operationally.   A predominant difficulty for runway use is the weather.

Helipads

Sustains parking positions apt for helicopters (with guided parking). 

Airport Infrastructure Details

The equipment of the airdrome is provided with preventive maintenance.  Some of the difficulties the carriers report at the airdromes are delays due to customs paperwork.

Currently, in process of certification for operation and security by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).

Airport Operation Details

Customs Guidance

Customs cargo processes usually take two (2) hours improvements in technology would reduce this operational time.  Customs office is located at the entrance of the cargo building of Tocumen International Airport, Anden Building, with business hours from 07:00 a.m. -to- 06:00 p.m.

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

Storage Facilities

The airport cargo terminal has six (6) warehouses with direct access to the platform. Bottlenecks are believed to take place upon customs operations. 

Airfield Costs

Navigation Charges

Fuel Rate

Cargo Terminal Rate

Security

Overall, the security of the airport is considered good, with on-site support of the SENAN (National Aeronaval Service), as well as with the Fire Department of Panama. Management continuously reviews security plans of the airport with the national security authorities.

Airport Overview

It is the biggest and most important airport for domestic flights within Panama.  It is a State airport located in Panama City and is operated by the Civil Aeronautics Authority of Panama.

The airport is located at a former US runway, next to the Port of Balboa and to Panama Railway.  It undertakes passenger operations and cargo operations.      

Airport Photo

Source: Georgia Tech Panama (2020). Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport.

Extracted on 22 March 2020 from https://logistics.gatech.pa/

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List.

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator

Runways

Airport Infrastructure Details

Airport Operation Details

 

CUSTOMS OVERVIEW

Location:                      Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport

Office Hours:               Monday to Sunday 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.           

Telephone:                   315-0809         

Customs Zone:            East Zone Panama

 

Airport Charges

Navigation Charges

Fuel Rate

Cargo Terminal Rate

Airport Overview

The Panama Pacifico International Airport was a former U.S. Air Force Base.  On January 1, 2014, it was granted in concession to Tocumen, S.A., by Panama Pacifico Agency.  This airport is approximately 15 minutes from Panama City, in the Corregimiento of Veracruz, District of Arraijan.  Office Hours are from 06:00 a.m. -to- 10:00 p.m. Type of traffic allowed is VFR and IFR, currently geared at low cost Airlines, charter flights, as well as private, executive and official flights

It has an airstrip 2,591 meters long by 45 meters wide, has 5 taxiways and two platforms. The Fire Extinction Rescue Service at the airfield is Category 7. It provides fuel service to aircrafts through the company CLH, as well as other government services such as immigration, customs, health, quarantine, etc. 

Currently, the passenger terminal can handle up to two (2) flights simultaneously.  Nevertheless, when there are more than two flights, the space in general becomes more complex given the reduced area on the land and air sides, which causes delays

Airport Photo

The key areas of operation are the runway, taxiways, platform and the passenger terminal building.

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

The main services offered at the Panama Pacifico Airport are:

• Airlines: WINGO, the company that tends passengers and service on platform is BLAS.
• Other FBO services: MAPIEX, AEROSUPPORT, Aircraft Services, Rlab Media.
• Fuel Service: CLH Panamá

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List.

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicators

In regard to operation improvements, Panama Pacifico International Airport has an on-going certification process before the Civil Aeronautics Authority of Panama (AAC), which leads to improvements in design and operations of the airdrome.  Also, in the near future, Panama Pacifico Airport foresees the expansion of the Passenger Terminal to service twice as much passengers, extensively enhancing the overall service at the terminal.

Currently there is a lack of adequate infrastructures to handle cargo, hence, it’s a topic to be developed, so as to render this service to Airlines.

Key restrictions are:

• Operation hours for regular flights are restricted. Under discussion with Panama Pacifico Agency in order to expand. 
• Lack of space to accommodate more passengers, offices and the kind, is a type of constraint for the growth of the airport. The short-term expansion plans and development of the Master Plan would greatly improve this situation.

Runways

The actual runway, in general, is in good condition. There are some areas that do require either maintenance or change of pavement due to some level of deterioration.

Helipads

Presently there is no helipad based on the ICAO standard.  However, an aircraft parking position may be used as parking for a helicopter.

Airport Infrastructure Details

The maintenance of equipment in the airdrome is provided by Maintenance Management.

The operation and security certification process of the airport will require the implementation of improvements.  It contemplates the expansion of the terminal and duplication of spaces, and currently process of installing the vertical and horizontal signage of the airport.

Airport Operation Details

 

Customs Guidance

Customs Office:           Panama Pacifico Special Economic Zone          

Work Hours:                 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.    

Address:                        Panama Pacifico Special Economic Zone, Building No. 1, in front of the Banco Nacional de Panama

Phone:                           504-2554         

Customs Zone:             Panama Pacifico Special Economic Zone

Airport Costs

Navigation Charges

At this moment the INTELISIS System for billing is being updated. The ideal would be to have an additional person assigned specifically for this task, given that the Operations Officer who carries out the billing, many times has to interrupt his work in order to comply with the documentation required by Statistics and Billing on a monthly basis.  There is only one person commissioned to receive cash payments Monday through Friday during office hours; hence it would be highly recommended to assign a cashier outside of office hours, since currently, operation officers are in charge of billing flights paid in cash.

Fuel Service Charges

Fuel charges are not handled at the airport, the contract itself is through Tocumen International Airport, S.A. (AITSA, for its acronym in Spanish) with Operations Management.

Cargo Terminal Rates

Security

Airport security is handled by the Security Management (AVSEC), supported by units of the SENAN (National Aeronaval Service) who patrol the airport premises off-airport-operating-hours.  Security is considered to be good, notwithstanding, there are areas where cameras and lights are recommended be placed to avoid vulnerabilities, as well as more security-trained personnel to attend risk areas and challenges from new airliners.

As to Aviation Security matters, there is international and national documentation which abide to Panamanian Regulations controlled by the Civil Aeronautics Authority of Panama (AAC), and the ICAO Annexes.

Airport Overview

Located four kilometres to the East of the Corregimiento of Rio Hato, District of Anton, with proximity to hotels in the region. It sustains an elevation of 121 feet.  Transit type allowed comprises IFR (Instrumental Flight Rules) and VFR (Visual Flight Rules). It receives regular and non-regular air transportation of passengers and general aviation.

It counts on a 2450mts long by 45mts wide runway, a single taxiway (Alpha) and platform with eight (8) positions. Radio navigation system for navigation and landing: DVOR/DME, ILS/LOC, ILS/GS/DME.

So far, there are no delays related to procedures that commonly affect operators or customers.

      

Airport Photo

The hangar area is used in weather cases if the platform is occupied and in coordination between Operations-Control Tower-Pilots of the aircraft.  Only used with small high-wing aircrafts.

 

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

The main companies that operate in this airport are:

• Air Transat: charter flights coming from Canada.
• Sunwing Airlines: charter flights coming from Canada.
• Aircraft Services: landing and ground handling services.

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List.

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/

Passenger & Cargo Performance Indicators

Operations are described as normal within established standards and with satisfactory performance.

The current measure to improve operations would be to the removal of two lighting towers.  Date of removal is pending of confirmation. 

Runways

Some pending repairs, but overall it’s in good condition.

Helipads

There are no helipads in this airport.

Airport Infrastructure Details

Maintenance is constant.  There are no improvement plans thus far.  It counts on JET-A with dual tanks of 30,000gls each (60000gls).  Fuel is distributed by the company CLH. 

Airport Operation Details

Critical Aircraft: B 757 200.

Customs Guide

Customs Office:         Scarlett Martinez International Airport    

Office Hours:              6:00am. - 10:00pm.      

Location:                     Scarlett Martinez International Airport, Rio Hato, Inter-American Highway.

Customs Zone:           Central Zone and Azuero

Airfield Costs

Navigation Charges

The difficulty in billing issues is that there is only one single cashier who only covers a shift (rotating) and is off during weekends. 

Fuel Service Charges

Cargo Terminal Charges

Security

Abides with all established standards.

Airport Overview

The Enrique Malek International Airport handles international arrivals/departures for chartered, commercial, and military flights.  The Terminal has two airlines that operate on daily frequencies according to their itineraries.   

Furthermore, the airport offers air traffic services for VFR (Visual Flight Rules) and IFR (Instrumental Flight Rules).  It seeks to ensure operational security in the areas of maneuvers and movementsthrough an operational safety management system which consists in supervision and follow-ups of hazards present at the airport.

There are no operational delays per se, nevertheless, the situations that affect and cause delays in operations are the adverse weather conditions on the station. 

Airport Photo

Aerial view of the Terminal. Source: Tocumen S.A.

Aerial view of the runway. Source: Tocumen S.A.

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

The main services offered at the airport are:

• Airlines: COPA and PARSA
• Commercial Fight Service

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List.

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicators

Pertinent to performance, the airport is not at its 100%.  Currently awaits development of the platform improvement project, specifically from the taxi lane to the parking positions, which present sinking, cracking, unevenness and material detachment.

The airport does not have a cargo terminal.  Yet, Copa Airlines handles approximately 10,500kg of cargo (bracken, coffee, and fish) per month (it does not have an assigned storage area for their cargo).

Some restrictions in the Enrique Malek International Airport are:

• Runway Strip
• Declared Distances
• RESA (Runaway End Safety Area)
• PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator)
• Vertical Signage
• Horizontal Signage
• Poor location of fuel tank  
• High intensity lights
• Platform lighting
• TWY A (expansion)
• Relocation of the SEI (Safety Emphasis Items) Station

Runways

It currently has a longitudinal runway profile of 2600mts by 45mts wide, maintaining a 4D reference key established in the Panama Civil Aviation Regulations (RACP for its initials in Spanish) book XXXV.  This runway currently exposes sinking and cracking at the first 200mts from threshold 04. Nevertheless, it does not affect aircraft landing for the contact area is found at 150mts distant from the affected area.

Helipads

Enrique Malek Airport does not have a helipad.

Airport Infrastructure Details

Currently there is no equipment to address impacts suffered at the runaway and platform.  Whenever an affected surface is reported which could jeopardize the operation of any aircraft, coordination personnel provide support by placing materials such as cold asphalt or solid tar over the area. Each situation is reported in order to take action and solve these issues.

The Infrastructure Maintenance Department requires more staff to deal with situations of airport-side-impacts, specifically human resource with knowledge of field work.

Airport Operation Details

Customs Guidance

Place:                          Statewide Section, Enrique Malek Airport

Office Hours:             6:00am. - 10:00 pm.       

Address:                     Red Gray Avenue, David

Phone:                        721-1672            

Customs Zone:          Occidental

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

Storage Facilities

The airport does not have a cargo terminal.  Yet, Copa Airlines handles approximately 10,500kg of cargo (bracken, coffee, and fish) per month (it does not have an assigned storage area for their cargo).

Airfield Costs

Navigation Charges

Navigation fee collection is handled by the Civil Aeronautics Authority of Panama, such as: air space, internal circulations, among others.  The Airport Operations Department is responsible for invoices landing, parking and passenger fees in compliance with resolutions of Tocumen, S.A.  

Fuel Rate

Cargo Terminal Rate

Security

The airport does not have sufficient personnel during peak hours to cover the entire airport perimeter. The terminal complies with certain security levels such as passenger and flight crew review.