Callao, Peru

Port Overview

Callao, Peru is located just west of Lima on the central Pacific coast and serves as the country’s largest and busiest port. Strategically positioned near the capital, it is Peru’s main maritime gateway, handling about 75–80% of national container traffic and ranking among the top ports in Latin America. Callao is vital for connecting Peru to global markets across the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Its annual container throughput exceeds 2.3 million TEUs, making it a key hub for mineral, agricultural, and manufactured exports.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Callao, Peru’s main port, features two key terminals: the North Terminal (APM Terminals) and the South Terminal (DP World Callao). Facilities include five piers for containers, bulk, and general cargo, advanced grain silos, and specialized warehouses. Equipment includes quay gantry cranes, yard cranes (many electric), continuous ship unloaders, terminal trucks, and reefer plugs. The port uses digital cargo management systems but does not currently operate AGVs.

Container Terminals

Callao, Peru’s main container port, has two major container terminals: the North Terminal (operated by APM Terminals) and the South Terminal (operated by DP World). Together, they offer over 2,000 meters of quay and handle about 3 million TEUs annually. The South Terminal has 1,050 meters of berth and a capacity of 2.7 million TEUs, featuring advanced automation like electric cranes and digitized checkpoints. Both terminals use modern equipment but are not fully automated.

Port Services

• Container handling: Modern terminals for efficient loading, unloading, and storage of containers, including reefer and special cargo.
• Cargo operations: Handling of bulk, breakbulk, Ro-Ro, project cargo, minerals, and general goods, with 24/7 operations.
• Ship services: Docking, mooring, unmooring, vessel scheduling, and data transmission.
• Warehousing: On-site storage facilities for various cargo types, including temporary deposit and segregation areas.
• Customs: Integrated customs offices and digital clearance processes for streamlined import and export procedures.

Global Connectivity

Callao, Peru’s main port, is a strategic Pacific gateway serving Lima and the country’s industrial and mining regions. It connects directly with ports across Asia (notably China), North America, and other Latin American countries via major transpacific and regional shipping routes. Callao is integrated with the Pan-American Highway and rail links to the Andes, supporting efficient inland distribution. Its robust infrastructure and proximity to Jorge Chávez International Airport enable seamless multimodal logistics for global trade.

Port Statistics

Port of Callao, Peru – Key Statistics (2024):

• TEU Throughput: Over 3 million TEUs annually
• World Ranking: 26th in the World Container Port Performance Index
• Number of Berths: South Terminal: 3 main berths (over 1,050 meters); North Terminal: multiple berths for containers and multipurpose cargo
• Total Area: Container yard covers 40 hectares (South Terminal), 30 hectares (DP World Callao)
• Shipping Lines: Served by all major global shipping lines, connecting Peru to Asia, Europe, North America, and regional markets