Paita, Peru

Port Overview

The Port of Paita is located in northern Peru, near Piura, approximately 500 miles north of Callao. It ranks as Peru's second-largest port by container volume, handling about 10% of the country's total freight trade. The port holds strategic importance as the primary gateway for Peru's northern agricultural exports, particularly refrigerated cargo including mangoes, grapes, and seafood products. Paita also serves as a key connection point for trade with the United States, Asia, and Europe. The port currently handles over 300,000 TEUs annually and operates within a special economic zone offering tax incentives for exporters.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Paita is a strategic port in northern Peru specializing in agricultural exports. The port features modern cargo handling infrastructure including 2 yard cranes and 2 gantry cranes, enabling efficient processing of containerized cargo and perishable products. The terminal handles significant volumes of agricultural commodities, particularly avocados, mangoes, grapes, bananas, and frozen fish. Its facilities are designed to accommodate modern vessels while maintaining smooth export operations. Paita serves as a key alternative to Callao, offering specialized services for agricultural exporters with direct connections to international markets.

Container Terminals

Paita, Peru’s main container terminal is operated by Terminales Portuarios Euroandinos and features 2 main berths for container vessels, with a total quay length of about 360 meters. The terminal handled over 309,000 TEUs in 2024. Automation is moderate, with standard container handling equipment but limited advanced automation. Terminales Portuarios Euroandinos is the primary operator, focusing on efficiency and regional connectivity.

Port Services

Main Services at Paita Port

Container Operations

• Container handling with 2 yard cranes and 2 gantry cranes
• Capacity for approximately 650,000 TEUs annually
• Accommodation for modern, larger vessels

Cargo Handling

• Specialized in agricultural exports (avocados, grapes, mangoes, onions)
• Frozen fish transportation
• General freight operations

Warehousing & Logistics

• Free zone storage facilities
• Regional distribution services
• Deconsolidation operations

Customs Services

• Primary customs zone designation
• Tax-free successive sales
• Import nationalization processing

Connectivity

• Direct shipping routes to Mediterranean, Europe, and USA
• Transshipment connections via Panama

Global Connectivity

Paita serves as Peru's second-largest port, strategically connecting northern Peru to major global markets. The port maintains direct shipping routes to the United States West Coast, Northern Europe (including Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg), and the Scan-Baltic region. It primarily serves Peru's northern agricultural regions, facilitating the export of perishable goods like mangoes, avocados, and grapes. Recent partnerships with California's Port of Hueneme strengthen its North American connectivity, while established services provide efficient access to European markets through both direct routes and transshipment via Panama.

Port Statistics

Key Statistics for Paita, Peru

• TEU Throughput: Approximately 310,000 TEUs in 2024, making it Peru’s second-busiest container port.
• World Ranking: Not among the top 100 global container ports; primarily a regional hub within Peru.
• Number of Berths: Specific berth count not publicly detailed in major industry reports, but as a mid-sized port, it typically operates multiple berths for general cargo and containers.
• Port Area: Exact area not specified in open sources, but Paita is a medium-sized port facility serving northern Peru’s export-import traffic.
• Shipping Lines: Serves major international and regional carriers, though exact names are not routinely published; connectivity includes routes to Asia, North America, and Europe.

Paita specializes in breakbulk and container traffic, with modernized infrastructure supporting Peru’s growing trade. While smaller than Callao, it remains vital for regional commerce and mining exports.