ACAJUTLA

• SVAQJ
• Latitude: 13.5761
• Longitude: -89.845
• West Coast Central America
• Port in El Salvador

Location: El Salvador

Acajutla Marine Port, El Salvador

Overview: Acajutla Port is the principal seaport in El Salvador, serving as a critical hub for the country's imports and exports. Located on the Pacific coast, it plays a vital role in the nation's economy by facilitating maritime trade.

Geographical Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 13°35'N latitude and 89°50'W longitude.
• Situated: In the department of Sonsonate, southwest El Salvador.

Port Characteristics:

1. Harbor Type:

   • Artificial seaport with breakwater protection.

2. Draft Depth:

   • Channel Depth: Approximately 13 meters (42.65 feet).
   • Anchorage Depth: Around 9.4 meters (30.84 feet).
   • Cargo Pier Depth: Roughly 12.2 meters (40 feet).

3. Facilities:

   • Berths: Multiple berths including container, bulk, and general cargo terminals.
   • Storage: Warehousing facilities available for different types of cargo.
   • Cranes: Equipped with modern container cranes, mobile harbor cranes, and other cargo handling equipment.

4. Cargo Handling:

   • Containerized Cargo: Includes imports like electronics, machinery, and exports like textiles, sugar, coffee.
   • Bulk Cargo: Handles shipments of cement, grains, coal, fertilizers.
   • General Cargo: Versatile handling including steel products, vehicles.

5. Services:

   • Pilotage: Pilot services are compulsory.
   • Tug Assistance: Available 24/7 for docking and undocking operations.
   • Bunkering: Fuel bunkering services provided.
   • Fresh Water Supply: Available for vessels.
   • Repairs: Minor repairs and maintenance services on-site.
   • Customs Clearance: Efficient customs services for quick clearance of goods.

6. Infrastructure:

   • Road and Rail Connectivity: Good road network linking the port to the rest of the country; limited rail access, mostly serves by road transportation.
   • Security: Equipped with modern security measures, including surveillance and patrols.

7. Environmental Considerations:

   • The port complies with international environmental regulations to minimize its impact on the nearby coastal and marine environments.

8. Navigation:

   • Tidal Range: Moderate tidal changes.
   • Approach Channel: Well-marked and navigable.
   • Meteorological Information: Regular updates on weather conditions provided to mariners.

Port Operability:

• The port is operational year-round, with peak activities generally correlating with agricultural harvest seasons and peak consumer demand periods.

Conclusion: Acajutla Port is not only a fundamental infrastructure for maritime trade in El Salvador but also a symbol of the country's commitment to embracing global trade dynamics. Equipped with modern facilities and efficient services, it stands as a robust entry and exit point for various goods, bolstering the nation's economic development.