Mollendo, Peru

Port Overview

Mollendo is a coastal port town in southern Peru, located in the Arequipa Region on the Pacific Ocean. Historically, it was the principal port for the region, but its commercial significance declined after the development of nearby Matarani. Today, Mollendo mainly serves local fishing and limited industrial exports such as wool, textiles, cement, canned fish, and cheese. It is not ranked among Peru’s major container ports and does not have a significant annual TEU capacity, with most containerized cargo routed through Matarani. Its strategic importance is now primarily regional.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Mollendo, Peru features a fuel storage and distribution terminal with a capacity of 550,000 barrels, primarily serving liquid bulk cargo such as diesel and petroleum products. The main facilities include dedicated storage tanks, distribution infrastructure, and basic cargo handling equipment. The port does not have container terminals or advanced cargo automation like AGVs. Cargo operations are supported by tugboats and pilotage services, but ship-to-ship transfers and container provisions are not permitted.

Container Terminals

Mollendo, Peru does not have dedicated container terminals. The port primarily handles bulk and general cargo, with no specialized container berths or significant container handling capacity. There are no automated container facilities, and the port infrastructure is basic. Major operations in the region are managed by Terminal Internacional del Sur S.A. (TISUR), but containerized cargo is mainly routed through the nearby Port of Matarani, not Mollendo.

Port Services

• Container handling: Limited; Mollendo primarily handles bulk and general cargo, with minimal container operations.
• Cargo operations: Stevedoring, loading and unloading of bulk, general, and liquid cargoes.
• Ship services: Basic bunkering, fresh water supply, and ship chandler services.
• Warehousing: On-site storage and warehousing facilities for various cargo types.
• Customs: Full customs clearance and documentation support for import and export cargo.

Global Connectivity

Mollendo, Peru, is a Pacific coastal port primarily serving the Arequipa region and southern Peru. It is closely linked to the nearby port of Matarani, which handles most commercial shipping, while Mollendo itself mainly supports tanker operations. The port connects to inland regions via rail and highway networks, facilitating access to Arequipa, Cuzco, and Puno. Shipping routes from Mollendo and Matarani reach major Pacific markets, including other South American ports and Asia.

Port Statistics

Mollendo, Peru – Key Port Statistics

• TEU Throughput: Minimal container activity; primarily handles bulk and liquid cargo, not a major container port.
• World Ranking: Not ranked among major global container ports.
• Number of Berths: No dedicated container berths; port operates offshore terminal facilities.
• Area: Exact land area not specified; functions mainly as an offshore terminal.
• Shipping Lines: Serves bulk and tanker vessels; main trading partners include China, Japan, and Spain.