LIMON
- Latitude: 9.98774 •
- Longitude: -83.0246 •
- East Coast Central America •
- Port in Costa Rica
Address: Limón Limón Province Costa Rica
Web-site: https://www.japdeva.go.cr/
Port of Limón, Costa Rica
Overview: The Port of Limón, officially known as Puerto Limón, is one of the most significant ports in Costa Rica, located on the Caribbean coast. It serves as a key link for both commercial and passenger maritime traffic in and out of the country. The port is in the city of Limón and operates alongside the nearby Port of Moín, which generally handles the bulk of container traffic.
Location:
- Coordinates: Approximately 10.0000° N, 83.0333° W
- Proximity: The port is approximately 160 km east of the capital, San José.
Facilities:
Berths:
- The port has a number of berths that serve different types of vessels including container ships, general cargo ships, and cruise liners.
- Dedicated berths for cargo handling and separate facilities to accommodate cruise ships.
Terminals:
- Container Terminal: The adjacent Moín Container Terminal (TCM) operated by APM Terminals mainly handles containerized cargo.
- General Cargo Terminal: Facilities for handling a variety of commodities including bananas, coffee, and other general cargo.
- Passenger Terminal: Equipped to handle cruise ship passengers, with amenities for tourists and customs operations.
Equipment:
- Cranes: Various types of cranes including mobile harbor cranes and ship-to-shore cranes to handle cargo efficiently.
- Storage: Warehousing and storage facilities for various types of cargo including refrigerated storage for perishable goods.
Draft and Depth:
- Water Depth: Varies across different berths, but generally, it ranges between 9 to 14 meters.
- Channel Depth: Access channels are continuously dredged to maintain depths suitable for larger vessels.
Navigational Aids:
- Modern navigational aids and services including pilotage, tugboats, and mooring assistance.
Operations:
Cargo Handling:
- Handling of both exports and imports, with key export commodities including agricultural products like bananas and pineapples.
- The port is involved in significant transshipment operations due to its strategic location in the Caribbean.
Customs and Security:
- The port operates modern customs facilities ensuring efficient processing of cargo and passengers.
- Security protocols align with international standards, including the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
Connectivity:
Land Transport:
- Well-connected via road networks to major regions in Costa Rica.
- Rail connectivity also exists, albeit limited, primarily for cargo transportation.
Sea Routes:
- The port serves as a crucial node in the Caribbean Sea for international shipping routes connecting to North America, Europe, and other parts of Latin America.
Environmental and Social Aspects:
Sustainability Efforts:
- Ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact through various initiatives aimed at controlling pollution and enhancing operational efficiency.
Community Involvement:
- The port plays a significant role in the local economy by providing employment and engaging in community development projects.
Key Operators:
- APM Terminals: Operates the nearby Moín Container Terminal, a major facility contributing to the overall capacity of the Limón port area.
- JAPDEVA: The Board of Port Administration and Economic Development of the Atlantic Slope is an important governmental body overseeing the port operations.
Conclusion: The Port of Limón is a vital maritime gateway for Costa Rica, supporting its trade and tourism sectors with modern facilities and strategic location. Continuous improvements and expansions ensure it remains capable of meeting the growing demands of international maritime commerce.