Chiriqui Grande Terminal, Panama

Port Overview

Chiriqui Grande Terminal is located on the Atlantic coast of Panama in the Laguna de Chiriquí, approximately 214 km west-southwest of the Panama Canal entrance. It is a small but strategically significant oil transshipment port operated by Petroterminal de Panama, serving as the Atlantic terminus of the Trans-Panama Pipeline that links to the Pacific coast. The terminal primarily handles crude oil exports to the US East and Gulf coasts. While it is not ranked among the world’s major container ports and has minimal container throughput, its annual TEU capacity is negligible compared to Panama’s larger ports.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Chiriqui Grande Terminal in Panama features a dedicated oil transshipment terminal with SBM and CALM buoys for large tankers, two tank farms with over 7 million barrels of storage, and a general cargo terminal handling containers, bulk, break-bulk, and liquid cargo. Facilities include multiple berths, advanced container cranes with 50-meter outreach, covered and open storage areas, and specialized zones for refrigerated and hazardous cargo. The terminal does not currently use AGVs.

Container Terminals

Chiriqui Grande Terminal in Panama features multiple multi-purpose berths with a total berth length of approximately 500 meters. Its container terminal has an annual handling capacity of around 150,000 TEU, supported by advanced container cranes and integrated logistics systems. The terminal is semi-automated, utilizing modern equipment but not fully automated processes. Major operations are managed by Petroterminal de Panamá S.A., focusing on both container and oil transshipment activities.

Port Services

• Container handling: Modern terminal with advanced cranes, capacity up to 150,000 TEU annually.
• Cargo operations: Handles containers, bulk, break-bulk, project cargo, and liquid cargo.
• Ship services: 24/7 pilotage, tugboat support, bunker fuel supply, fresh water, provisions, emergency repairs, and waste management.
• Warehousing: Covered and open storage areas totaling 15,000 square meters, including specialized zones for refrigerated and hazardous cargo.
• Customs: Advanced digital customs clearance and integrated logistics support.

Global Connectivity

Chiriqui Grande Terminal in Panama is a key Atlantic oil transshipment hub linked by pipeline to the Pacific coast, enabling efficient crude transfers between oceans. It primarily serves US East and Gulf Coast refineries, with shipping routes connecting to major North American markets. The terminal also handles general cargo, supporting regional trade across Central America and providing access to global shipping lanes via the Caribbean and Atlantic.

Port Statistics

Chiriqui Grande Terminal, Panama – Key Statistics

• TEU Throughput: 150,000 TEU annual capacity
• World Ranking: Not ranked among major global container ports
• Number of Berths: Multiple multi-purpose berths, total berth length approximately 500 meters
• Area: 15,000 square meters of covered and open storage
• Shipping Lines: Serves various international operators, primarily focused on oil, breakbulk, and limited container cargo.
• Main Operator: Petroterminal de Panama SA
• Primary Cargo: Oil, bananas, steel, autos, timber, wire reels