Jose, Venezuela is a major oil export terminal and industrial port, central to the country's petroleum industry.
Jose, Venezuela, also known as Puerto José, is located on the northeastern coast in Anzoátegui state, about 10 km west of Barcelona. It is one of Venezuela’s largest and most strategic ports, primarily serving as the country’s main crude oil export terminal and handling nearly 90% of national oil shipments. The port features multiple specialized terminals for oil, petrochemicals, and some containerized cargo. Annual TEU capacity is limited compared to general cargo ports, with container throughput significantly lower than Venezuela’s main container ports. Its strategic importance lies in its role as the core hub for Venezuela’s oil exports.
Jose, Venezuela’s main oil export terminal, features several specialized terminals including the Petroterminal José (TAECJ), cryogenic jetty, two petrochemical docks (Petrozuata and SINCOR), offshore platform, and single point moorings (SPMs) connected by pipelines. Facilities include advanced hydrocarbon handling systems, storage tanks with 500,000 m³ capacity, and modern loading arms. The port accommodates large crude carriers and VLCCs. Equipment includes advanced navigation aids, but there are no automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or container cranes, as operations focus on bulk liquid exports.
Jose, Venezuela’s container terminals have 12 berths and a total of 4 main terminals. The port’s container handling capacity is limited, with most infrastructure focused on oil and bulk cargo. Automation is minimal, with operations largely manual. Major operators include state-owned oil and petrochemical companies such as PDVSA and its joint ventures. The port is primarily designed for energy exports, with only modest container facilities.
Jose, Venezuela is a major oil export terminal on the Caribbean Sea, serving as a key gateway for Venezuela’s petroleum exports. It connects primarily to ports in the United States, Europe, and Asia, with regular tanker routes to the Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean, and East Asia. The port serves the oil-producing regions of eastern Venezuela and is integrated into global shipping lanes, enabling direct access to major international energy markets.
Port of Jose, Venezuela – Key Statistics
