Puerto Cortes, Honduras

Port Overview

Puerto Cortés is a strategic port city located on Honduras' north Caribbean coast. It is the largest seaport in Central America and ranks among the world's top ports. The city's port handles significant trade volumes, including bananas, coconuts, coffee, and hardwood. With an annual TEU capacity of approximately 2,872, it plays a crucial role in regional trade. Its proximity to US Gulf ports enhances its importance in international shipping. Puerto Cortés is a key economic hub, supporting Honduras' trade activities and contributing significantly to the country's maritime sector.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Puerto Cortes, Honduras’s main facilities include a modern container terminal with gantry cranes, multi-purpose berths for bulk and general cargo, and specialized storage warehouses. The port handles containers, dry and liquid bulk, and break-bulk cargo. Equipment includes reach stackers and trailers for container movement, but there are no shore cranes or automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The port features deep-water berths, secure warehousing, and integrated road and rail connections for efficient cargo transfer.

Container Terminals

Puerto Cortes, Honduras, features a modern container terminal with approximately 1,150 meters of quay and 6 berths, including the recently added Pier 6. The terminal’s annual capacity is up to 1.8 million TEU. Automation is moderate, with advanced port technologies, automated gate controls, and sophisticated cargo tracking systems. The major operator is Operadora Portuaria Centroamericana (OPC), a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI).

Port Services

• Container handling: Modern terminals with gantry cranes and reefer infrastructure for efficient container operations.
• Cargo operations: Handling of bulk, break-bulk, general, and project cargo, including stevedoring and specialized cargo management.
• Ship services: Bunker fuel supply, ship repair, maintenance, pilotage, crew changes, and ship chandler services.
• Warehousing: Secure, climate-controlled storage facilities and logistics support for various cargo types.
• Customs: On-site customs clearance, digital documentation, and expedited processing for imports and exports.

Global Connectivity

Puerto Cortes serves as Central America's primary maritime gateway, offering direct connections to major US Gulf ports including Houston, New Orleans, and PortMiami with transit times of 2-5 days. The port maintains frequent service to Boston and Port Everglades, facilitating efficient trade throughout the Caribbean and North American markets. Its strategic location enables seamless intermodal connectivity through national rail and road networks, linking to industrial zones across Honduras within an hour. The facility handles Caribbean and Central American trade routes while serving as a vital transshipment hub for the region's containerized cargo, bulk goods, and agricultural exports.

Port Statistics

Puerto Cortes Port Statistics

TEU Throughput: Honduras's total container throughput reached 923,321 TEU in 2022, with Puerto Cortes handling the majority as the country's primary port.

World Ranking: Recognized as the 36th largest seaport globally and the largest in Central America.

Capacity: Approximately 2,872 TEU cargo capacity, with plans to expand to 1.9 million TEU.

Operational Scale: Receives about 1,500 vessels annually, handling 130,000 tons of cargo yearly. Currently serves 990 active shippers.

Key Feature: Only deepwater port in Central America with advanced container facilities.