Belize, Belize

Port Overview

Belize is located on the northeastern coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea. Covering 22,970 square kilometers, it is the smallest and least populated country in Central America. Strategically, Belize serves as a regional trade and logistics hub due to its access to both Caribbean and Central American markets, and its English-speaking status enhances international connectivity. The main port, Belize City, handles approximately 50,000–60,000 TEU annually, supporting the country’s import-export activities and regional maritime trade.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Belize’s main port facilities are centered in Belize City at the Port of Belize, which handles about 95–98% of the country’s imports and exports. Key terminals include conventional and container berths, each 25 meters long, and a multipurpose terminal. Cargo facilities feature two dockside cranes, two mobile cranes, a reach stacker, two transtainers, and a forklift. The port has twelve reefer stations, cold storage, fuel storage tanks, and two container yards. Automated systems manage container tracking and vehicle entry. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not currently in use.

Container Terminals

Belize’s main container terminals are in Belize City and Big Creek. Belize City Port has about 750 meters of berth, handles around 44,000–45,000 TEU annually, and features one main container berth with limited automation—operations are semi-mechanized with computerized tracking but not fully automated. Big Creek has three container berths, a capacity of about 1,200 TEU, and moderate mechanization. Major operators are government-owned, with oversight by the Belize Port Authority.

Port Services

• Container handling: Dedicated container berths, container yards, and modern terminal operating systems for efficient loading, unloading, and tracking.
• Cargo operations: Bulk and general cargo handling with dockside cranes, mobile cranes, and reach stackers; 24-hour navigation aids and pilotage.
• Ship services: Pilotage, berthing tugs, water barge, firefighting equipment, and vessel docking support.
• Warehousing: Main storage facilities include dry goods warehouses, cold storage, and fuel storage tanks.
• Customs: On-site customs clearance and computerized systems for import/export processing.

Global Connectivity

Belize is a Central American country with its main commercial ports at Belize City (Port of Belize) and Big Creek. These ports primarily connect Belize to regional hubs such as Port Everglades (USA), Kingston (Jamaica), and Port of Palm Beach, serving trade routes to North America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Shipping lines include Hyde, Caribbean Feeder Service, Tropical Shipping, and CMA CGM, facilitating access to major markets despite limited connectivity and vessel size restrictions.

Port Statistics

Port of Belize – Key Statistics

• TEU Throughput: Approximately 20,259 TEU (2019)
• World Ranking: Not ranked among major global container ports
• Number of Berths: 2 main berths (Belize City Port)
• Port Area: Around 5 hectares (main port zone)
• Shipping Lines: Served by regional and international lines, including Crowley, Tropical Shipping, and King Ocean

Belize’s port handles modest volumes, primarily supporting regional trade and feeder services.