BALBOA

• Latitude: 8.95079
•
• Longitude: -79.5658
•
• West Coast Central America
•
• Port in Panama

Address: Balboa Panama Province Panama

Phone number: +507 207-9600

Web-site: https://www.ppc.com.pa/en/container_terminals/balboa

Port Description and Specification: Balboa Port, Panama

Overview: Balboa Port is a significant container and cargo handling hub located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, in the city of Panama City, Panama. It serves as a critical transshipment center due to its strategic geographical position, facilitating trade routes between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Geographical Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 8.95° N latitude and 79.55° W longitude
• Accessibility: Situated within the Panama Canal's western terminus, it provides access to major maritime routes across North, Central, and South America, as well as connections to Asia and Europe.

Port Infrastructure:

• Terminals: The port features multiple terminals designed for containerized, breakbulk, and Ro-Ro cargo.
• Berths: Equipped with standardized and specialized berths to handle a variety of vessels ranging from small feeders to large post-Panamax ships.
• Quay Length: Extensive quay length to accommodate numerous vessels simultaneously.
• Draught: Maximum alongside depth of approximately 15 meters, suitable for large deep-draft vessels.
• Storage Facilities: Includes ample container yards, bonded warehouses, and open storage areas for different cargo types.

Equipment and Technology:

• Cranes: Modern gantry cranes capable of handling large container ships, mobile harbor cranes for diverse cargo operations.
• Terminal Operating System (TOS): Advanced systems for efficient cargo tracking, scheduling, and management.
• Support Equipment: Fleet of reach stackers, forklifts, and terminal tractors to facilitate swift cargo handling.

Services:

• Cargo Handling: Full suite of services including loading, unloading, transshipment, and storage for containers, general cargo, and bulk goods.
• Provisioning: Supply of fresh water, bunkering services, and ship supplies.
• Maintenance: Ship repair facilities and technical support for vessel maintenance and emergency services.
• Customs and Documentation: On-site customs, inspection facilities, and documentation processing to expedite cargo clearance.

Connectivity:

• Road Access: Well-connected to the national highway network for ground transport of goods to and from the port.
• Rail Infrastructure: Rail connections to key logistic centers and intermodal facilities.
• Aerial Proximity: Close to Tocumen International Airport for air cargo consolidation and courier services.

Security:

• ISPS Code Compliance: Adherence to International Ship and Port Facility Security Code for ensuring secure port operations.
• Surveillance: Comprehensive surveillance systems, controlled entry points, and security personnel.

Environmental Initiatives:

• Sustainability Programs: Eco-friendly practices for waste management, emissions reduction, and energy-efficient equipment usage.
• Wildlife Protection: Measures to protect the surrounding marine and terrestrial ecosystems from port activities.

Usage and Operations:

• Operational Hours: Typically operates 24/7 to maximize throughput and minimize vessel waiting times.
• Primary Usage: High volume of transshipment activities, regional distribution, and export-import trades.

Economic Significance:

• Employment: A major employer in the region, providing direct and indirect job opportunities.
• Revenue Generation: Significant contributor to the national economy through trade facilitation and port-related services.

Future Developments:

• Expansion Projects: Ongoing and planned developments to expand capacity, enhance logistics infrastructure, and integrate advanced technology for smarter port operations.

Balboa Port's prime location and comprehensive facilities make it a pivotal player in global maritime logistics and trade, crucial for connecting the economies of the Americas with the rest of the world.