Bahia Blanca, Argentina

Port Overview

Bahía Blanca is a major port city in southwest Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, situated on the Atlantic coast about 680 km from Buenos Aires. It ranks among Argentina’s most important ports and is a key logistics hub for agricultural, petrochemical, and industrial exports from the Pampas and Patagonia regions. The port’s deepwater facilities allow it to handle large vessels year-round. Bahía Blanca’s annual container throughput is approximately 300,000 TEU, making it one of the country’s leading maritime gateways. Its strategic location supports both domestic and international trade.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Bahía Blanca, Argentina’s main port complex features key terminals at Ingeniero White and Puerto Galván, handling bulk grains, byproducts, petroleum, and general cargo. Facilities include deepwater berths (up to 14.1 meters), extensive grain silos, conveyor systems, and liquid bulk tanks. The port is equipped with mobile and gantry cranes for cargo handling. While automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not standard, the port supports efficient bulk and general cargo operations with modern equipment and high loading rates.

Container Terminals

Bahía Blanca’s container terminal has one main container facility operated by Terminal de Servicios Portuarios Patagonia Norte S.A. The terminal features two berths dedicated to container operations, with an annual handling capacity of approximately 300,000 TEU. Automation is limited, with operations primarily semi-mechanized and reliant on conventional equipment. Terminal Patagonia is the major operator, managing all containerized cargo at the port.

Port Services

• Container handling: Facilities for loading, unloading, and storage of containers.
• Cargo operations: Handles dry and liquid bulk, breakbulk, LPG, and general cargo.
• Ship services: Includes pilotage, tug assistance, ship repairs, provisions, fuel, water, and waste disposal.
• Warehousing: On-site storage and warehousing for various cargo types.
• Customs: Full customs clearance and inspection services for imports and exports.

Global Connectivity

Bahía Blanca is a major deep-water port in southern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, serving as a key export gateway for grains, petrochemicals, and minerals. It connects inland regions such as Córdoba, Tucumán, and Jujuy via rail and road, and handles cargo for Argentina’s agricultural and industrial heartlands. The port offers direct shipping routes to major global markets, including Europe, Asia, and North America, and is integrated into regional cabotage and international trade networks.

Port Statistics

Bahía Blanca, Argentina

• TEU throughput: Approximately 250,000 TEU annually
• World ranking: Not in the global top 100 container ports
• Number of berths: 10
• Port area: About 1,000 hectares
• Shipping lines: Serviced by major carriers including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd

The port handles containers, bulk, and liquid cargo, and is a key export hub for grains and petrochemicals.