Limon, Costa Rica

Port Overview

Limon, Costa Rica, is the country’s principal Caribbean port, located on the eastern coast near the city of Limón. It ranks as the largest and busiest port in Costa Rica, handling more freight annually than any other national port. Strategically, Limon serves as a critical gateway for Costa Rican exports—especially bananas and other agricultural products—to the United States and Europe, and is a key node in regional maritime trade, situated about 160 nautical miles from the Panama Canal. The adjacent Moín Container Terminal, completed in 2019, significantly expanded capacity, now handling over 1 million TEUs annually and accommodating New Panamax vessels, with further expansions planned to reach 13,000-TEU ship capacity. This infrastructure cements Limon’s role as a vital hub for Costa Rica’s economy and regional trade.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Puerto Limón features two main terminals: the Hernán Garrón Salazar Terminal for cruise ships and passengers, and the Moín Container Terminal operated by APM Terminals. The container facility spans 80 hectares with 650 meters of quay and two berths at 14.5-meter depth. Equipment includes six super-post Panamax container gantry cranes and 29 rubber tire gantry cranes. The terminal specializes in refrigerated cargo with 3,800 reefer plugs, handling over 1.3 million TEUs annually, primarily exporting bananas and pineapples.

Container Terminals

Limon, Costa Rica, primarily relies on the Moin Container Terminal for container operations. The terminal features two berths initially, with plans for expansion. It can handle vessels up to 8,500 TEUs and is equipped with advanced cranes. APM Terminals is the major operator, managing the terminal under a public-private partnership. The terminal is designed to enhance Costa Rica's container handling capabilities significantly.

Port Services

Main Services at Puerto Limon/Moin, Costa Rica

Container Operations

• Modern container terminal at Moin with capacity exceeding 1.3 million TEU
• Specialized reefer container handling with 3,800 refrigerated plugs for agricultural exports
• Accommodation for vessels up to 8,500 TEU capacity

Cargo Handling

• Primary focus on agricultural exports including bananas and pineapples
• General cargo operations at traditional Limon facilities
• Cruise ship operations at dedicated terminal

Port Infrastructure

• Deep-water berths with 14.5-meter draft
• Six super-post Panamax container gantry cranes
• Warehousing and storage facilities

Support Services

• Customs clearance operations
• Ship services and marine operations
• Terminal facilities including break-bulk handling

Global Connectivity

Limon, Costa Rica, is a major Caribbean port complex consisting of the historic Port of Limón and the modern Moín Container Terminal. These ports serve as Costa Rica’s primary Atlantic gateway, handling containerized cargo, refrigerated exports (notably bananas and pineapples), and cruise traffic. They connect Costa Rica’s key agricultural and industrial regions—especially the Central Valley and Caribbean lowlands—to global markets via direct shipping routes to North America, Europe, and Asia. The Moín terminal, with its deep-water berths, accommodates large container ships, including New Panamax vessels transiting the expanded Panama Canal, enhancing Costa Rica’s export competitiveness. Cruise ships also dock at Limón, providing access to the country’s ecotourism destinations.

Port Statistics

Port Limon/Moin, Costa Rica

• TEU throughput (2023): 1.26 million
• World ranking: 123rd (port connectivity)
• Latin America ranking: 13th largest container port
• Number of berths: 2 (APM Terminals Moín)
• Terminal area: 80 hectares (APM Terminals Moín)
• Major shipping lines: Serviced by all major global carriers, including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and others
• Key features: 3,800 reefer plugs, focus on refrigerated exports (bananas, pineapples)