ESMERALDAS

• ECESM
• Latitude: 1.0108
• Longitude: -79.667
• West South America
• Port in Ecuador

Location: Esmeraldas Ecuador

Port of Esmeraldas, Ecuador

General Information:

• Location: The Port of Esmeraldas is situated on the northwest coast of Ecuador, near the border with Colombia. It is nestled in the province of Esmeraldas, on the Pacific Ocean.
• Coordinates: Approx. 1° 0' N latitude, 79° 37' W longitude.
• Type: Seaport.
• UN/LOCODE: ECOUN.

Port Specifications:

• Water Depth:

  • Channel depth: Approx. 11.5 meters.
  • Anchorage depth: Approximately 12.5 to 13 meters.
  • Oil terminal depth: Specialized for deep-draft vessels, typically around 14 meters.

• Berths and Facilities:

  • Equipped with multiple general cargo berths.
  • Specialized terminals for handling crude oil and petroleum products managed by the state-owned company, PetroEcuador.
  • Facilities for container handling, although traditionally, it has focused more on bulk and break-bulk cargo.

• Cargo Handling:

  • The port primarily handles general cargo, oil, and timber.
  • Facilities include warehouses, open storage areas, and equipment for loading and unloading oil and timber products.
  • Container handling capabilities are available but are not as extensive compared to the major Ecuadorian port of Guayaquil.

• Services:

  • Pilotage services are compulsory.
  • Tugboats available for assistance.
  • Bunkering services for ships.
  • Provisions for waste disposal and other standard port services.

Hinterland and Connectivity:

• Transport Links:

  • Connected by major roads to Quito, the capital of Ecuador, facilitating easy inland transport of goods.
  • No direct railway link; relies on road transportation for hinterland connectivity.

• Economic Importance:

  • The port plays a crucial role in the local economy, particularly in the export of oil, timber, and agricultural products.
  • Acts as a gateway for imports needed for the local industry including machinery, vehicles, and other manufactured goods.

• Strategic Projects and Development Plans:

  • There are ongoing and planned improvements to enhance the port's infrastructure.
  • Efforts are being made to modernize facilities to handle a wider variety of cargoes and to boost efficiency in cargo handling.

Security and Regulations:

• The Port of Esmeraldas adheres to international maritime security standards.
• Ships must comply with ISPS Code regulations.
• Customs and immigration checks are conducted in accordance with Ecuadorian law.

Summary:

The Port of Esmeraldas is a significant maritime gateway on Ecuador’s northwest coast, specializing in handling oil, timber, and various general cargoes. While it has facilities for container handling, its primary focus has historically been on bulk and break-bulk cargo. The port is well-connected by road to the national transport network and continues to evolve with infrastructure enhancements aimed at expanding its capacity and efficiency.