Arlen Siu, Nicaragua

Port Overview

Arlen Siu, also known as Puerto Arlen Siu or El Rama, is a river port located in the El Rama municipality in Nicaragua’s Southern Caribbean Autonomous Region. It is a small port by regional standards, ranking below major Nicaraguan ports like Corinto. Strategically, it serves as a key gateway for cargo moving between the Caribbean coast and the country’s interior, supporting regional trade and economic activity. The port has an annual container handling capacity of approximately 300 TEUs, focusing on bulk cargo, vehicles, and limited containerized goods.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Arlen Siu (Puerto El Rama) is a river port in Nicaragua’s South Caribbean region with two main docks: a floating metal dock (93x24 m) and a multipurpose spring dock (105x35 m). Key cargo facilities include two storage terminals (1,200 MT and 2,200 MT), a seasonal refrigerated container, and an 8,000 m² parking area. Equipment features two fixed cranes (70 MT each), a front loader, trucks, and 40-foot wagons. The port does not use AGVs.

Container Terminals

Arlen Siu, Nicaragua’s main container terminal, has two berths: a floating dock (93 x 24 m) and a spring dock (105 x 35 m), supporting annual throughput of about 300 TEUs. The port operates with low automation, relying on two fixed cranes (70 MT each), front loaders, trucks, and wagons. The terminal is managed by Empresa Portuaria Nacional (EPN), Nicaragua’s national port authority.

Port Services

Main services at Arlen Siu, Nicaragua:

• Container handling for import and export shipments
• General cargo operations including loading and unloading
• Ship services such as vessel berthing and support
• Warehousing for storage and distribution of goods
• Customs clearance and brokerage assistance for international trade

Global Connectivity

Arlen Siu port, located on the Escondido River near El Rama, connects Nicaragua’s inland regions to the Caribbean Sea. It serves as a key river-sea interface, linking with Puerto Cabezas and Bluefields, and supports cargo transshipment for the eastern and central regions. Shipping routes from Arlen Siu provide access to major Caribbean and Atlantic markets, facilitating trade with the United States, Europe, and regional ports in Central America.

Port Statistics

Port of Arlen Siu (El Rama), Nicaragua – Key Statistics

• TEU throughput: Approximately 300 TEUs annually
• World ranking: Not ranked among major global container ports
• Number of berths: 2 (one floating metal dock, one multipurpose spring dock)
• Area: Parking area of 8,000 m²; two storage terminals (1,200 MT and 2,200 MT capacity)
• Shipping lines: Handles bulk cargo, automobiles, transshipment goods, and limited container traffic; serves regional and international vessels