Barcadera, Aruba
Barcadera is Aruba’s main cargo seaport, driving economic growth through modern logistics and free zone benefits.
Port Overview
Barcadera is Aruba’s main cargo port, located in the Santa Cruz district, about five kilometers from Oranjestad. It features a 355-meter wharf and a container terminal covering 90,000 square meters. Ranked 614th globally for port connectivity, Barcadera is strategically important as Aruba’s sole container port, supporting the island’s trade and logistics. The port’s annual TEU capacity is modest compared to major Caribbean hubs, handling approximately 50,000 tonnes of cargo and over 200 ships per year, serving as a key gateway for imports and exports.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Barcadera, Aruba’s main cargo port, features a 440-meter quay with 11-meter depth, a dedicated multi-cargo terminal, and a 90,000 m² container area. Key equipment includes a Panamax-size PACECO STS gantry crane, a LIEBHERR mobile crane (104-ton capacity), four reach stackers, terminal tractors, and forklifts. Facilities support 40 reefer container positions, bulk cargo, breakbulk, and specialized cargo handling. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not currently listed among its equipment.
Container Terminals
Barcadera, Aruba’s main container terminal, features a 440-meter berthing line with approximately 300 meters equipped with gantry crane rails. The terminal has one main berth for containers, a quay depth of 11 meters, and a container yard of about 90,000 m². Annual capacity is around 50,000 TEU. Automation is limited; operations rely on a Panamax ship-to-shore gantry crane, mobile cranes, and reach stackers. The primary operator is Aruba Stevedoring Company (ASTEC).
Port Services
- Container handling: Dedicated container terminal with modern equipment for efficient loading, unloading, and storage.
- Cargo operations: Handles general cargo, breakbulk, dry bulk, RORO, specialized project cargo, and refrigerated goods.
- Ship services: Berthing, stevedoring, pilotage, and vessel clearance support.
- Warehousing: Bonded and open storage areas for various cargo types, including aggregates, machinery, and perishables.
- Customs: On-site customs facilities for import/export processing and efficient cargo clearance.
Global Connectivity
Barcadera, Aruba’s main cargo port, offers direct connectivity to major Caribbean and Latin American hubs, including Miami, Cartagena, Santo Domingo, and Curaçao. It serves the southern Caribbean region and supports regular feeder and container shipping routes to North America, Central America, and regional markets. The port’s multimodal links, including proximity to Aruba’s international airport, enhance its role as a key logistics hub for both imports and exports.
Port Statistics
Barcadera Port, Aruba – Key Statistics
- TEU Throughput: Specific annual TEU figures are not published, but the port handles all containerized cargo for Aruba and manages approximately 160 vessel calls per year.
- World Ranking: Ranked 614th globally in port connectivity.
- Number of Berths: 1 main quay, 440 meters long, with 11 meters depth.
- Area: The harbor area is approximately 610 meters in length and 300 meters in width.
- Shipping Lines: Regular services by Nirint and King Ocean, with feeder and regional connections.
