PANAMA CITY

• Latitude: 8.99004
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• Longitude: -79.4895
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• West Coast Central America
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• Port in Panama

Address: Panama City Panama

Phone number: +507-272-1414

Web-site: http://www.pancanal.com/eng/index.html

Panama City Marine Port Overview

Location: Panama City, the capital and largest city of Panama, is strategically located on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal. This makes it a critical hub for maritime trade routes connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Port Facilities:

1. Balboa Port:

   • Coordinates: 8°57'N 79°34'W
   • Operator: Hutchison Ports PPC
   • Capacity: Modern container terminal with an annual capacity of approximately 5 million TEU.
   • Infrastructure: Equipped with 5 berths capable of handling large post-Panamax vessels. It also includes extensive container storage yards, automated gates, and numerous cranes including Super-Post Panamax gantry cranes.
   • Services: Offers container handling, general cargo services, maintenance and repair facilities, and support for roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels. Additionally, the port provides bunkering, fresh water supplies, and waste disposal services.

2. Port of Cristobal (Closely connected via the Canal):

   • Coordinates: 9°21'N 79°54'W
   • Specialization: Primarily facilitates transshipment and regional distribution.
   • Facilities: Contains modern terminals, storage areas for various cargo types, and can accommodate vessels transiting the Panama Canal.

Logistics and Connectivity:

• Panama Canal: The port's proximity to the Panama Canal - a critical waterway - significantly enhances its strategic importance for global trade, particularly for routes from Asia to North America and Europe.
• Intermodal Connections: Strong intermodal connections including road, rail, and air support through the nearby Tocumen International Airport.
• Free Trade Zone: The Colón Free Trade Zone, one of the largest in the world, further complements the port's capacity to handle diverse and voluminous shipments.

Economic Significance: The port complex at Panama City plays a pivotal role in the country's economy, being a major contributor to employment, trade volume, and overall economic activity. Its position serves as a key logistics and distribution center for Central and Latin America.

Technological Innovations:

• Automation: Incorporation of automated systems for gate operations and container handling has increased efficiency.
• Security: Advanced security measures including inspection areas and surveillance systems ensure safety compliance and cargo integrity.

Environmental Initiatives:

• The port actively engages in sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact, including pollution control measures, energy-efficient equipment, and adherence to international maritime environmental standards.

Future Prospects:

• Expansion Plans: Ongoing projects aimed at increasing capacity and modernizing infrastructure to handle growing maritime traffic.
• Digital Innovations: Implementation of smart port technologies for improved operational efficiency and real-time tracking of cargo.

Summary

The marine port in Panama City, dominantly featuring the Balboa Port, is a modern, high-capacity facility vital to global maritime logistics. Its unique positioning by the Panama Canal, advanced infrastructure, and strong intermodal connections underscore its importance in international trade. The port's continuous upgrades and sustainable practices ensure its adaptability and future growth in the competitive global maritime industry.