SAN JUAN

• PRSJU
• Latitude: 18.45
• Longitude: -66.1115
• Caribbean Sea
• Port in Puerto Rico

Location: San Juan PR 00901 Puerto Rico

San Juan, the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico, is home to one of the busiest and most important ports in the Caribbean. The Port of San Juan plays a significant role in the island's economy, acting as a crucial hub for both cargo and passenger traffic. Here's a detailed description and specification of the port:

General Description:

• Location: The Port of San Juan is located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico, along the San Juan Bay.
• Coordinates: Approximately 18.4655° N latitude and 66.1099° W longitude.
• Harbor Type: Natural/Artificial harbor with several modern facilities.

Port Structure:

1. Terminals:

   • Cargo Terminals: The port is equipped with several terminals that handle containerized cargo, bulk cargo, and break-bulk cargo. Major cargo terminals include Puerto Nuevo, Isla Grande, and the older San Antonio Facility.
   • Passenger Terminals: The Port of San Juan features facilities for cruise ships, including the San Juan Cruise Terminal, which has multiple piers and can accommodate some of the largest cruise vessels in the world.

2. Draft and Depth:

   • Channel Depth: Varies between 30 to 40 feet (approximately 9 to 12 meters) depending on the terminal.
   • Berth Depth: Ranges from 30 to 42 feet (approximately 9 to 13 meters).

3. Berths and Piers:

   • The port offers numerous berths and piers for diverse types of vessels, including container ships, tankers, bulk carriers, and cruise ships.
   • Total Berths: Over 20 dedicated commercial berths.
   • Length: Berth lengths differ but can generally accommodate vessels of up to 1,000 feet or more.

4. Cargo Handling Facilities:

   • Container Handling: Modern container terminals with cranes (both mobile and gantry), reach stackers, and other equipment.
   • Bulk and Break-bulk: Facilities for handling a variety of bulk materials, such as agricultural products, chemicals, and construction materials.
   • Cold Storage: Available at some terminals for perishable goods.

Services and Facilities:

• Bunkering: Fueling services for vessels.
• Ship Repairs: Basic repair and maintenance services for ships, including dry-docking options for smaller vessels.
• Customs and Immigration: Fully operational customs, immigration, and other regulatory offices.
• Logistics and Warehousing: Onsite and nearby warehousing options for cargo storage, including bonded warehouses.

Connectivity:

• Road: Well-connected via major highways and roads that link the port to the rest of the island.
• Rail: Limited rail facilities, primarily used for certain cargo handling.
• Air: Close proximity to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, enhancing cargo connectivity.

Economic Impact:

• Employment: The port is a significant employment center, providing jobs in shipping, logistics, customs, and related services.
• Economic Contribution: As a primary gateway for imports and exports, it plays a pivotal role in the economy of Puerto Rico, supporting trade, tourism, and related industries.

Special Features:

• Cruise Hub: One of the principal cruise ship hubs in the Caribbean, with San Juan serving as both a home port and port of call for numerous cruise itineraries.
• Free Trade Zone (FTZ): Parts of the port operate under the Free Trade Zone program, allowing certain goods to be imported, stored, and re-exported without intervention from customs authorities.

Future Developments:

• Expansion Projects: Ongoing and planned projects aimed at expanding and modernizing the port facilities, driven by increasing traffic and the need for updated infrastructure.
• Environmental Initiatives: Programs focused on reducing the environmental impact of port operations, including initiatives for cleaner energy and emissions reduction.

The Port of San Juan is a dynamic maritime gateway that continues to evolve, adapting to the needs of international trade and tourism while supporting the local economy.