Asuncion, Paraguay

Port Overview

Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, is strategically located on the Paraguay River, serving as a key economic and transportation hub. It is the largest city in Paraguay, with a significant population. Asunción's port plays a crucial role in regional trade, connecting Paraguay with neighboring countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. However, specific annual TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) capacity details for Asunción's port are not readily available. The city's strategic position supports its role as a major economic center in the region.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Asunción’s main port facilities include Puerto Caacupe-mí, which spans 100 hectares with 3 piers, 2 Liebherr cranes (45t/32m and 80t/18m), 17 reach stackers, 17 terminal tractors, 15 forklifts, and 500 reefer plugs. The port features 15,000 sqm of warehouse space and 6 warehouses. Key terminals are Caacupe-mí, Puerto Fénix, and Puerto San José. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not currently in use.

Container Terminals

Asunción’s main container terminals include Puerto Caacupemí and Puerto Seguro Fluvial. These terminals have a combined total of 3–4 berths, with an estimated annual capacity of around 100,000–120,000 TEU. Automation is limited, with operations relying mainly on conventional equipment and manual processes. Major operators include MSC, CMA CGM, and local companies such as Navemar and Copanu. The terminals serve as key river links for transshipment to larger South American ports.

Port Services

Main Services at Port of Asunción

The Port of Asunción provides comprehensive maritime services including:

Container Operations: Loading, stowage, consolidation, and handling of dry and refrigerated containers

Cargo Handling: Full freight operations with transport cranes and modern infrastructure for cargo verification and processing

Storage Facilities: Both sheltered and open-air warehousing for containers, bulk cargo, and refrigerated goods

Ship Services: Complete vessel loading and unloading operations for riverine cargo transport

Customs Clearance: Comprehensive customs verification and processing facilities integrated into port operations

Global Connectivity

Asunción, Paraguay’s main river port, is a key logistics hub on the Paraguay River, connecting to regional ports such as Villeta, San Antonio, Encarnación, and Pilar. It serves central Paraguay and links to Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina via road and river. Through the Paraguay-Paraná Waterway, Asunción accesses Atlantic ports like Buenos Aires and Montevideo, enabling shipping routes to major global markets in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Port Statistics

Port of Asuncion, Paraguay:

• TEU throughput: Approximately 38,000 TEU annually (2020)
• World ranking: Not ranked among major global container ports
• Number of berths: Main quay extension project targets over 320 meters of berth space; typically 3–4 berths for container and general cargo
• Port area: Compact river port, area under 20 hectares
• Shipping lines: Served by regional and international lines, including Maersk and MSC, with frequent feeder and barge connections via the Paraná–Paraguay waterway