ALMIRANTE

• PAPAM
• Latitude: 9.29011
• Longitude: -82.3936
• East Coast Central America
• Port in Panama

Location: Almirante Bocas del Toro Panama

Almirante Marine Port - Overview and Specifications

Location: The Port of Almirante is situated on the northwestern Caribbean coast of Panama, within the Bocas del Toro archipelago. It resides near the town of Almirante in the Bocas del Toro Province.

Importance: The port is a pivotal maritime gateway for the region, primarily known for handling banana exports, which are a key economic driver for the area. It is operated by the Chiquita Brands International, a major player in the global banana trade.

Key Specifications:

Type:

• Primarily a commercial cargo port, with a focus on containerized and bulk cargo.

Coordinates:

• Latitude: Approximately 9°18′N
• Longitude: Approximately 82°24′W

Draft and Depth:

• Entrance Channel Depth: around 10 meters.
• Berth Depth: around 10 meters.
• Anchoring Depth: around 10 meters.
• The port can handle vessels with a maximum draft of up to 10 meters.

Berths and Terminals:

• The port has multiple berths dedicated mainly to container ships and bulk carriers.
• Equipped with cargo handling facilities that are specialized for banana loading.
• Modernized loading systems to ensure efficient and rapid turnarounds.

Cargo Types:

• Major: Bananas (primary export commodity).
• Others: General cargo.

Facilities:

• Temperature-controlled storage facilities to ensure the freshness of perishable goods, particularly bananas.
• Dockside equipment for efficient loading and unloading includes cranes and conveyor systems.
• Customs and quarantine services to handle international shipments.

Connectivity:

• Road: Good connectivity with local road networks linking the port to banana plantations and other commercial centers in the region.
• Sea: Well connected for maritime routes within the Caribbean and to major international destinations.
• Rail: There is no direct mention of rail infrastructure linked to the port, which indicates reliance predominantly on road transport for hinterland connectivity.

Economic Role:

• Key exporter of bananas, driving significant economic activity in the region.
• Supports local agriculture and industrial sectors by facilitating international trade.

Challenges:

• Being a specialized port, it might face challenges such as dependency on single commodity exports, which could be vulnerable to market fluctuations.
• Weather conditions, particularly during the hurricane season, could impact port operations.

Future Developments:

• Potential for expansion and diversification of cargo handling facilities.
• Investment in infrastructure improvements to accommodate larger vessels and increased cargo volumes.

The Port of Almirante, with its specialization in banana exports and efficient handling capabilities, remains a crucial economic hub in Panama's maritime network. Its role in supporting both local and international trade underscores its strategic importance.