LA PALMA
- Latitude: 8.40628 •
- Longitude: -78.1381 •
- West Coast Central America •
- Port in Panama
Address: La Palma Darién 0836 Panama
La Palma is a small port town located in the Darién Province of Panama. Although not as prominent as major ports like Balboa or Colón, La Palma serves as an important regional hub, particularly for the local communities and for access to the Darién Gap, a dense swath of jungle that forms the border between Panama and Colombia. Below is a detailed overview of La Palma port description and specifications:
Location:
- Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 8.409° N latitude and 78.145° W longitude.
- Region: Darién Province, Panama
- Accessibility: The port can be accessed via the Tuira River, which runs through the town and flows into the Gulf of San Miguel.
Port Specifications:
- Type of Port: Minor seaport, catering primarily to local and regional traffic.
- Primary Functions:
- Cargo handling for local goods, including agricultural produce, livestock, and timber.
- Passenger transport to and from remote areas within the Darién Province.
- Supply and logistical support for local communities and environmental projects.
- Berth/Wharf Details:
- Limited docking facilities mainly suited for small to medium-sized vessels.
- Depth: Depth alongside the wharf varies, with maximum depths generally accommodating draft of approximately 3-4 meters.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
- Terminal Facilities: Basic facilities for loading and unloading cargo; more advanced terminal infrastructure is limited.
- Storage: Limited warehouse space for temporary storage of goods.
- Fuel and Water Supply: Availability of fuel and potable water is limited and typically arranged through local service providers.
- Navigational Aids: Basic aids to navigation are in place but may not be as comprehensive as those at larger ports.
Services:
- Customs: Presence of basic customs services for clearance of goods.
- Security: Local security measures are enforced, but security can be less robust compared to major ports.
- Support Services: Basic repair and maintenance facilities for small vessels.
Connectivity:
- Road Links: Limited connectivity through road, challenging due to the remote and rugged terrain.
- Waterways: Predominantly accessed by river and coastal shipping routes.
- Air Links: Limited air service to the region, typically small aircraft operating out of local airstrips.
Surrounding Area:
- Economic Activity: The region around La Palma is primarily driven by agriculture, fishing, and forestry.
- Tourism: Limited but there is potential for eco-tourism given the proximity to the Darién National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Environmental Considerations: The area is environmentally sensitive, and efforts are made to balance development with conservation.
Future Development:
- Potential Plans: Any future development would focus on enhancing existing infrastructure and improving connectivity to facilitate better economic integration and environmental stewardship.
Given its role and location, La Palma port is crucial for sustaining the local economy and providing access to remote parts of the Darién region. However, its limited capacity and infrastructure underscore the challenges faced by ports in such remote locations.