PUERTO SANTO TOMAS
- Latitude: 15.6984 •
- Longitude: -88.6165 •
- East Coast Central America •
- Port in Guatemala
Address: Santo Tomás de Castilla Guatemala
Phone number: +502 7947 1372
Web-site: http://www.puertoticapa.com.gt/
Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla (Puerto Barrios), Guatemala
Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla, often referred to simply as Puerto Santo Tomás, is one of Guatemala's principal maritime ports. Located on the eastern coast along the Caribbean Sea in the Bay of Amatique, it plays a crucial role in the country's maritime trade and logistics. Here is a detailed description and specifications for Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla:
General Description:
- Location: Situated in the municipality of Puerto Barrios, in the Department of Izabal, Guatemala.
- Coordinates: Approx. 15.6833° N latitude and 88.5833° W longitude.
- Type: Deep-water seaport.
Port Specifications:
- Harbour Type: Natural with artificial enhancements.
- Pier Length: 550 meters.
- Draft Depth: Varies across different berths, generally around 10 to 12.5 meters.
- Berths: Multiple berths available catering to different kinds of vessels including container ships, break bulk, general cargo, and Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels.
- Anchorage Depth: Typically ranges from 7.2 to 9.1 meters in designated anchorage areas.
- Terminal Operators: Terminales de Santo Tomás de Castilla (TCQ).
Facilities and Equipment:
- Container Facilities: Equipped with modern container handling equipment, including gantry cranes, reach stackers, and forklifts.
- Bulk Cargo Handling: Facilities for grain, fertiliser, and other bulk commodities. Includes conveyor belts and storage silos.
- General Cargo: Warehouses and open storage areas for various types of general cargo.
- Ro-Ro Facilities: Specific berths designed for Ro-Ro vessels facilitating the efficient loading and unloading of vehicles and heavy machinery.
- Cold Storage: Refrigerated storage facilities for perishable goods.
- Rail Connectivity: The port is connected to Guatemala’s railway network, though the usage and operational status may vary.
Services Available:
- Pilotage: Compulsory for all inbound and outbound vessels.
- Bunkering: Fueling services available.
- Warehousing: Secure storage options for various types of goods.
- Customs and Immigration: On-site facilities for customs clearance and immigration checks.
- Repair Services: Limited ship repair and maintenance services available.
- Tug Services: Available for assisting vessel movements within the port.
Economic Impact:
Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla is an essential node for Guatemala’s international trade, facilitating the import and export of a wide range of goods including coffee, sugar, bananas, and manufactured products. The port significantly contributes to both local and national economies by providing employment and supporting commercial activities.
Accessibility:
- Road Access: Well-connected by road infrastructure to major cities and industrial areas within Guatemala.
- Air Access: Puerto Barrios Airport (ICAO: MGPB), located nearby, supports the port's operations though primarily handling domestic flights.
Environmental and Safety Considerations:
The port adheres to international maritime safety regulations and environmental standards, including waste management protocols and oil spill contingency plans. Continuous efforts are made to reduce the environmental impact of port activities through various sustainability initiatives.
Future Developments:
Plans and projects are often underway to expand and modernize the port facilities to accommodate growing trade volumes and larger vessel sizes. Investments in technology, infrastructure, and service improvements are regular aspects of continued growth.
Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla is a dynamic and strategic asset for Guatemala's maritime commerce, ensuring the efficient flow of goods between Guatemala and global markets.