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    Point Lisas, Trinidad and Tobago

    Point Lisas is Trinidad and Tobago’s premier industrial port and petrochemical hub, driving the nation’s energy economy with world-class facilities and global maritime connectivity.

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    Point Lisas, Trinidad and Tobago

    Port Overview

    Point Lisas is located on the Gulf of Paria, about 32 km south of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. As the country’s second largest port, it spans approximately 27 hectares and features six berths. Strategically positioned between North and South America, Point Lisas is vital for serving the nation’s heavy industry, especially the energy and petrochemical sectors. The port’s annual container throughput capacity is around 200,000 TEU, making it a key regional cargo hub with significant industrial and export importance.

    Facilities & Infrastructure

    Point Lisas, Trinidad and Tobago, features six commercial berths handling containers, dry and liquid bulk, general cargo, and breakbulk. Key terminals include multipurpose and container facilities serving the adjacent industrial estate. The port is equipped with ship-to-shore gantry cranes, mobile harbor cranes, reach stackers, and forklifts for efficient cargo handling. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not currently in use at Point Lisas. The port operates 24/7 and supports major petrochemical and steel industries.

    Container Terminals

    Point Lisas Port operates six commercial berths handling containers, general cargo, dry and liquid bulk. The port has an annual capacity of approximately 240,000 TEUs, with recent throughput around 208,000 TEUs. Located 32 kilometers south of Port of Spain, it serves as Trinidad's second-largest port. The facility is owned and operated by PLIPDECO (Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Limited). The port operates 24/7 as a multipurpose cargo facility with conventional handling equipment including mobile and fixed cranes, with no advanced automation systems.

    Port Services

    Main Services at Point Lisas Port, Trinidad and Tobago

    • Container Handling: Advanced facilities for containerized cargo, supporting both regional and international trade.
    • Cargo Operations: Comprehensive handling of general cargo, bulk, breakbulk, steel, lumber, paper, and consumables across multiple dedicated berths.
    • Ship Services: 24/7 pilotage, tug assistance, bunkering (marine diesel, heavy fuel oil), fresh water supply, waste management, and environmental services.
    • Warehousing: Extensive storage and warehousing facilities integrated with port logistics.
    • Customs: Full customs clearance and documentation support, with the port operating as part of a free trade zone.
    • Additional Services: Security screening, logistics coordination, electrical and mechanical repairs, and multimodal transport connections (road, rail).

    Global Connectivity

    Point Lisas, Trinidad and Tobago, is a key Caribbean port with strong connectivity to major regional and international markets. It serves as a hub for container and bulk cargo, linking directly with ports such as Cartagena, Manzanillo, Kingston, Caucedo, Paramaribo, Miami (Port Everglades), and other Eastern Caribbean destinations. Its strategic location on major shipping routes enables efficient access to North America, Europe, the UK, and the Far East, supporting both industrial exports and regional trade.

    Port Statistics

    Port Name: Point Lisas, Trinidad and Tobago

    TEU Throughput: Approximately 147,000 TEU annually
    World Ranking: 273rd in global port connectivity
    Number of Berths: 6 commercial berths
    Area: 23.33 hectares
    Shipping Lines: Serviced by major lines connecting to the U.S., Europe, UK, and Far East

    Container being moved

    Ship cargo through Point Lisas, Trinidad and Tobago

    Get a freight quote for ocean shipments via Point Lisas, Trinidad and Tobago. Expert cargo handling, customs clearance, transloading, and transportation solutions.

    Operations Logistics & Timelines

    Step-by-step process and transit times for international vessel berthing, customs clearance, transloading, and final delivery.

    For Clients

    Import & export process times from vessel arrival to cargo delivery.

    • Booking confirmationsame day to 1 day
    • Terminal gate-in and documentation4-24 hrs
    • Cargo discharge or load planning12-48 hrs
    • Final pickup or onward drayagesame day to 3 days

    For Employees

    Port authority inspection and transloading procedures and timelines.

    • Berth planning and yard coordinationcontinuous
    • Cargo handling operationsshift-based
    • Customs and compliance processingsame day to 2 days

    For Shareholders

    Performance benchmarks, cargo throughput KPIs and reporting cadences.

    • Throughput monitoringdaily / monthly
    • Asset utilization reviewweekly / monthly
    • Capital project trackingquarterly

    International Import Tips & Tricks

    1. 1

      Confirm cutoffs early

      Confirm vessel cutoffs, customs filing deadlines, and drayage windows before cargo reaches the terminal to avoid storage and rollover costs.

    2. 2

      Track utilization trends

      Review berth productivity, dwell times, and throughput trends alongside capex progress to separate structural bottlenecks from short-term volume swings.

    International Export Tips & Tricks

    1. 1

      Keep gate data aligned

      Keep appointment systems, yard status, and documentation status aligned to reduce avoidable delays in handoff and cargo release.

    Tools & Resources

    Tools and resources for shipping through Point Lisas, Trinidad and Tobago.

    Location & Maps

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    For More Info

    Third-party resources, government portals, ratings, and more.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Point Lisas, Trinidad and Tobago.

    What is the typical process for import containers moving through this international port?

    Typical import flow is vessel arrival, berth assignment, discharge, customs review, terminal release, pickup or rail transfer, and final inland delivery. Timing depends on congestion, documentation, inspections, and local drayage capacity.

    What affects export cargo timing at an international port?

    Export timing depends on gate cutoff windows, booking confirmation, documentation readiness, customs requirements, terminal operating hours, and vessel schedule reliability.

    Glossary / Terminology

    Key terms relevant to international seaport operations and ocean freight.