Caldera, Costa Rica

Port Overview

Caldera is Costa Rica’s principal Pacific port, located in the Esparza canton of Puntarenas province, approximately 76 kilometers from San José. As the country’s largest Pacific container terminal, it handles around 348,000 TEU annually and covers over 240,000 square meters. Caldera is strategically vital as Costa Rica’s main gateway for imports, especially cereals and fertilizers, and serves as a key export hub for agricultural products. Its proximity to major highways and industrial zones enhances its role as a critical link between Costa Rica and Asian, North American, and regional markets.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Caldera, Costa Rica’s main Pacific port, features two key terminals: a container terminal with three berths operated by Sociedad Portuaria de Caldera, and a dedicated grain terminal with one berth. The port handles containers, bulk cargo, and general cargo. Facilities include mobile harbor cranes and other cargo handling equipment, but it does not use automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Caldera processes around 300,000 TEU annually and is the country’s primary gateway for imports and exports on the Pacific coast.

Container Terminals

Caldera, Costa Rica’s main Pacific container port, has two container terminals with a combined berth length of about 730–800 meters and a depth of up to 13 meters. The port’s annual container handling capacity is approximately 300,000 TEU, but it frequently operates above 90% capacity. Automation is limited, relying mainly on mobile harbor cranes and reach stackers. The major operator is Sociedad Portuaria de Caldera (SPC), with Hanseatic Global Terminals involved in management.

Port Services

The main services at Caldera, Costa Rica, include:

• Container Handling: Efficient handling of containers for import and export.
• Cargo Operations: Management of general cargo and bulk cargo.
• Ship Services: Comprehensive services for vessels, including berthing and mooring.
• Warehousing: Storage facilities for cargo.
• Customs: Support for customs clearance processes.

Global Connectivity

Caldera, Costa Rica is the principal Pacific port, serving as the main gateway for cargo to Asia and the United States. It connects directly to 12 ports across 8 countries and is served by major global carriers. The port’s strategic location links it by road and rail to San José and the Central Valley, supporting key industrial and agricultural regions. Caldera’s shipping routes facilitate access to major international markets, enhancing Costa Rica’s trade connectivity.

Port Statistics

Caldera, Costa Rica Key Statistics:

• TEU Throughput: Not specified, but handled over 6.3 million tons of cargo in 2024.
• World Ranking: Ranked 272nd in port connectivity.
• Number of Berths: 4 berths.
• Area: Not specified.
• Shipping Lines: Not detailed, but serves as a key maritime gateway for Costa Rica.