CHAMPERICO

• GTCHR
• Latitude: 14.2957
• Longitude: -91.9159
• West Coast Central America
• Port in Guatemala

Location: Champerico Retalhuleu Guatemala

Certainly! Here is a description and specification for the marine port of Champerico in Guatemala:

Port Overview

Port Name: Puerto de Champerico

Location:

• Latitude: 14.2986° N
• Longitude: 91.9208° W
• Country: Guatemala
• Department: Retalhuleu

General Information

The port of Champerico, on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, is one of the smaller, developing ports in the country. It primarily serves as a hub for regional maritime trade and local fishing activities. Historically, it was a principal port during the height of the coffee export boom.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Berths:

• Generally, Champerico does not have extensive berthing facilities for larger ocean-going vessels. The port entails basic berths suitable for smaller vessels and fishing boats. The depth at the berthing area can accommodate smaller vessels but is not suitable for deep-draft ocean-going tanker ships.

Cargo Handling:

• The port mainly handles smaller cargo loads, including agricultural products, seafood, and other regional commodities.
• Due to its limited infrastructure, more specialized or heavy cargo handling is often directed to larger Guatemalan ports like Puerto Quetzal.

Storage:

• Storage facilities primarily consist of open areas for temporary storage and smaller warehouses.

Navigational Aids:

• The port does not have extensive navigational aids, given it caters to smaller vessels operating in coastal waters.

Operational Details

Pilotage:

• Not compulsory, but pilots can be arranged if needed.

Towage:

• Limited availability. Towage services must be arranged in advance or sourced locally.

Bunkering & Supplies:

• Bunkering and supply services are relatively basic compared to larger ports. Refueling facilities are available for smaller vessels, including fishing boats.

Repairs:

• Only minor repairs can be undertaken at Champerico. For more extensive repair services, vessels often need to travel to larger ports equipped with necessary facilities.

Connectivity and Access

Road Access:

• Champerico is connected by road to the larger cities of Retalhuleu and Quetzaltenango, facilitating the transport and logistics of cargo.

Rail Access:

• No current rail services directly connect to Champerico.

Economic Role

The economy of Champerico relies heavily on fishing and agriculture, with a presence of small-scale marine trade. The port supports the local economy by enabling the export of regional products and providing employment opportunities related to maritime and port activities.

Challenges

• One of the significant challenges for Champerico is the need for significant infrastructural development to handle larger vessels and more diverse types of cargo.
• The port faces competition from larger and better-equipped Guatemalan ports.

Development Prospects

There have been discussions and plans around revitalizing and expanding the port infrastructure to enhance its capacity and utility. This includes potential investment in deeper dredging, improved cargo handling facilities, and expanding the range of services offered.

In summary, Champerico is a small yet pivotal port that plays an essential role in serving local maritime needs in Guatemala. Investments in infrastructure and services could potentially expand its influence and operational capacity in the future.