UN/LOCODE: ARSPD📍 Argentina
Port of San Pedro (UN/LOCODE ARSPD)
❖ Coordinates: -33.6800°N, -59.1700°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Cordoba
❖ UN/LOCODE: ARSPD
## About the Port
San Pedro (UN/LOCODE: **ARSPD**) is a strategically positioned inland port on the western bank of the **Paraná River** in the province of **Entre Ríos**, Argentina. Situated at **33.68° S, 59.17° W** and operating under the **America/Cordoba (UTC‑03)** time zone, the port serves as a critical multimodal hub that links riverine traffic with road and rail networks across the Southern Cone. Its geographic setting—approximately 150 km from the Atlantic coast and 260 km from the provincial capital, Paraná—provides a natural gateway for bulk commodities moving between the agricultural heartland of the Pampas and overseas markets.
The port is administered by the **Dirección Nacional de Puertos (DNPU)**, the Argentine federal agency responsible for overseeing national port operations and compliance with international maritime conventions. San Pedro is classified as a **“dry bulk and container terminal”** under the Argentine Port Code, enabling it to handle a diversified cargo mix that includes grains, oilseeds, timber, steel products, and containerized imports.
*Key identifiers:*
- **UN/LOCODE:** ARSPD
- **Country:** Argentina
- **Province/Region:** Entre Ríos
- **Coordinates:** 33.68 S, 59.17 W
- **Timezone:** America/Cordoba (UTC‑03)
For a full dataset of location codes and facilities, see the United Nations **UN/LOCODE** database.
## History
San Pedro’s origins trace back to the early 19th century when the Paraná River became the principal artery for the export of Argentine grain. The settlement grew around a modest customs post established in **1824**, which facilitated the legal movement of wool and hides. By the late 1800s, the introduction of steam‑powered riverboats spurred the construction of the first **quay walls** and **grain elevators**, turning the locality into a regional export node.
The **1908** inauguration of the Argentine railway line connecting San Pedro with the Buenos Ayres–Rosario corridor marked a pivotal shift, integrating river and rail logistics. The port expanded its facilities during the **1930s** to accommodate the boom in soybean production, adding silos and a dedicated oilseed handling area.
A major modernization program launched in the **1970s** introduced mechanized loading gear, a refrigerated storage block for perishable goods, and the first **container yard** (40 ft and 45 ft equivalents). The 1990s saw the privatization of terminal operations under a 30‑year concession granted to **Grupo PortLog**, which invested heavily in dredging, digital terminal management systems, and environmental safeguards.
In the 21st century, San Pedro embraced **green port initiatives**, adopting low‑sulfur fuel policies and installing shore‑power facilities to reduce emissions from berthed vessels. The latest expansion, completed in **2022**, added a **300‑meter deep‑water berth** capable of receiving vessels up to **60,000 DWT**, positioning the port to capture growing bulk trade volumes generated by the Argentine soy‑bean corridor.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths & Waterway Access
- **Main berth:** 300 m length, dredged to **12 m draft** (max 60,000 DWT).
- **Auxiliary berths:** Two 150 m berths, 10 m draft, handling feeder vessels and barges.
- **Turning basin:** 450 m diameter, providing safe maneuverability for river‑sea vessels.
### Cargo Handling Equipment
| Equipment | Capacity | Typical Use |
|-----------|----------|--------------|
| Gantry cranes (2 × 40 t) | 40 ton lift | Containerized cargo, heavy machinery |
| Mobile harbour cranes (4 × 30 t) | 30 ton lift | Project cargo, steel coils |
| Grain elevators (8 × 30 kt) | 30 kiloton per hour | Soy, wheat, corn |
| Bulk conveyors (2 × 2 kt/h) | 2 kiloton per hour | Coal, limestone |
| Refrigerated stores (3 × 15,000 m³) | – | Perishables, fish |
### Storage & Warehousing
- **Open‑yard space:** 250,000 m² for bulk and container stacking.
- **Covered warehouses:** 55,000 m², climate‑controlled for high‑value goods.
- **Silage and grain silos:** 100 kt total capacity, equipped with aeration systems to preserve grain quality.
### Intermodal Links
- **Rail:** Direct connection to the **Ferrocarril General Roca** network, facilitating container and bulk transfers to the national rail grid.
- **Road:** Proximity to **National Route 12 (RN12)** and **RN18**, providing seamless truck access to the Argentine interior and neighboring Uruguay.
- **River:** Integrated with the **Paraná River Navigation System**, which supports a fleet of **150‑250 DWT** barges on a daily schedule.
### Supporting Services
- **Customs & Inspection:** Full‑service customs office with pre‑arrival processing and electronic data interchange (EDI).
- **Pilotage & Tug Assistance:** Certified river pilots and two 1,200 hp tugs for berthing support.
- **Safety & Security:** 24/7 maritime rescue coordination centre (MRCC) and compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
## Economic Importance
San Pedro stands as a **pivotal economic engine** for Entre Ríos and the broader Central Argentina region. In 2023, the port handled **approximately 9.4 million tonnes** of cargo, accounting for **12 %** of the province’s total export tonnage. The bulk of this throughput comprises **soy‑bean meal, corn, and wheat**, reflecting the province’s status as a major agricultural production zone.
The container terminal contributes an estimated **US$ 1.2 billion** in annual trade value, supporting downstream industries such as **food processing, automotive parts, and pharmaceuticals**. The port’s multimodal connectivity reduces logistics costs by up to **15 %** compared with exclusive truck transport, enhancing the competitiveness of Argentine exports in global markets.
Employment impact is considerable: the terminal directly employs **≈ 1,800** workers, while ancillary services (logistics, freight forwarding, supply‑chain consulting) sustain an additional **≈ 3,500** jobs in the region. Tax revenues generated by port activities contribute significantly to the provincial budget, financing infrastructure upgrades and community development projects.
Moreover, San Pedro’s **environmental compliance**—including waste‑water treatment, ballast‑water management, and participation in the **Global Maritime Pollution Prevention (GMPP)** framework—positions it as a model of sustainable port operation in South America.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Trade Corridors
| Origin/Destination | Mode | Typical Transit Time |
|--------------------|------|----------------------|
| **Buenos Aires → San Pedro** (river) | River barge | 2–3 days |
| **São Paulo (Brazil) → San Pedro** (river‑road) | River barge + truck | 5–7 days |
| **Montevideo (Uruguay) → San Pedro** (river) | River barge | 2 days |
| **San Pedro → Rotterdam (Netherlands)** (container) | Vessel + rail to Montevideo | 30–35 days |
| **San Pedro → Guangzhou (China)** (bulk) | Pan‑American rail to Atlantic, then vessel | 45–50 days |
The port’s **river‑sea hybrid capability** enables it to act as a hub for “**short‑sea shipping**” along the Paraná‑Paraguay basin, linking Argentine interior producers with Atlantic export points without the need for transshipment at larger oceanic ports.
### Major Cargo Profiles
- **Grains & Oilseeds (≈ 55 % of tonnage):** Primarily soy‑bean meal, wheat, and corn. Bulk handling is facilitated by high‑capacity elevators and deep‑water conveyors.
- **Bulk Minerals (≈ 15 %):** Iron ore fines and limestone destined for regional steel mills.
- **Containerized Goods (≈ 20 % by value):** Finished consumer products, automotive components, and refrigerated foodstuffs. The container yard’s **15‑day dwell time** reflects efficient turnaround.
- **Project Cargo (≈ 5 %):** Heavy equipment for hydro‑electric projects and agricultural machinery, managed via mobile cranes and reinforced quays.
- **Perishables (≈ 5 %):** Fresh fruit, frozen seafood, and dairy products stored in refrigerated blocks with shore‑power support.
### Emerging Markets
Recent trade data indicates a **growing demand for Argentine bio‑fuel feedstocks** in the European Union, prompting a modest but steady increase in **biodiesel‑grade soy imports** processed through San Pedro. Additionally, the **export of specialty wood products** to Asian markets has begun to leverage the port’s improved container facilities and direct rail linkage to the **North‑East Corridor**.
For detailed cargo statistics and vessel schedules, consult the **World Port Index** and the Argentine Ministry of Transport’s maritime data portal.
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*San Pedro’s blend of historic riverine heritage, modernized infrastructure, and strategic intermodal links makes it a linchpin of Argentina’s export economy, while its commitment to sustainability and technological advancement ensures continued relevance in an increasingly competitive global logistics landscape.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
ARSPD
Country
Argentina
Province / Region
Entre Ríos
Latitude
-33.680000
Longitude
-59.170000
Timezone
America/Cordoba
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of San Pedro?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of San Pedro is ARSPD.
Where is Port of San Pedro located?
The Port of San Pedro is located in Argentina, Entre Ríos. Its coordinates are -33.6800°N, -59.1700°E.
What time zone is Port of San Pedro in?
Port of San Pedro operates in the America/Cordoba time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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