CRISTOBAL

• PACTB
• Latitude: 9.3451
• Longitude: -79.9071
• East Coast Central America
• Port in Panama

Location: Panama

Port of Cristobal, Panama - Overview and Specifications

General Information:

Location:

• Situated at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal, in the city of Colón, Republic of Panama.
• Coordinates: Approximately 9°21'N latitude and 79°54'W longitude.

Function:

• One of the key maritime hubs serving the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal, facilitating both international and regional trade.
• A focal point for transshipment, warehousing, and logistics operations in the region.

Port Specifications:

Facilities:

• The port is well-equipped with modern container terminals, general cargo berths, dry and liquid bulk facilities, and specialized ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) berths.
• Major terminals include:
  • Cristobal Container Terminal (CCT): Operated by Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH), featuring over 1,200 meters of quay length.
  • Other Terminals: There are also terminals managed by Panama Ports Company (PPC) and other operators, catering to varied cargo.

Depth and Tidal Information:

• Depth: The port has deep-water berths with draughts typically ranging up to 15.0 meters, allowing accommodation of large Panamax and post-Panamax vessels.
• Tide: The tidal range is relatively moderate, with a mean tidal range of approximately 0.5 to 0.6 meters, depending on the location within the port.

Cargo Handling Equipment:

• Equipped with advanced container cranes, mobile harbor cranes, and various other cargo handling machinery.
• The layout facilitates efficient loading and unloading of vessels, with specialized equipment for containerized, bulk, and break-bulk cargoes.

Services:

• Comprehensive services include vessel berthing, pilotage, towage, bunkering, ship repairs, and provisions.
• Extensive warehousing and cold storage facilities are available, supporting customs bonded storage and value-added services.

Connectivity:

• Excellent connectivity to the Pan-American Highway and internal rail networks, ensuring smooth inland transportation.
• Adjacent to the Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) and within close proximity to the Colón Free Zone, one of the largest free trade zones globally.

Port Operations:

Operating Hours:

• The port operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring continuous service for arriving and departing vessels.

Security and Safety:

• Adheres to ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code standards ensuring high levels of security for vessels and cargo.
• Equipped with modern surveillance systems and security protocols to mitigate risks.

Environmental Compliance:

• Committed to environmentally sustainable practices, including waste management, pollution control, and measures to minimize the environmental impact of port operations.

Strategic Importance:

Role in Global Trade:

• The Port of Cristobal plays a pivotal role in global maritime trade due to its strategic location at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal.
• Facilitates significant volumes of cargo through the Panama Canal, impacting global shipping routes between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Economic Impact:

• An essential component of Panama's economy, contributing significantly to employment, trade revenue, and economic development.

In summary, the Port of Cristobal is a crucial maritime facility in Panama, characterized by its strategic location, modern infrastructure, extensive services, and significant role in facilitating international maritime trade.