UN/LOCODE: BRMAO📍 Brazil
Port of Manaus (UN/LOCODE BRMAO)
❖ Coordinates: -3.1190°N, -60.0217°E
❖ Time Zone: Europe/Stockholm
❖ UN/LOCODE: BRMAO
## About the Port
Located at the heart of the Amazon Basin, the **Port of Manaus** (UN/LOCODE: **BRMAO**) serves as the primary maritime gateway for Brazil’s northwestern interior. Situated at **‑3.1190275° S, ‑60.0217314° W**, the port lies on the Rio Negro, a major tributary of the Amazon River, and operates under the **Europe/Stockholm** time zone as per the provided data set. Its strategic position enables multimodal connections to a hinterland that covers more than **2 million km²** of rainforest, mineral‑rich terrain, and agricultural zones.
Key attributes that define the port’s profile include:
- **Geographic advantage:** Direct river access to the Atlantic via the Amazon, eliminating the need for over‑land transport for most inland commodities.
- **Regulatory framework:** Governed by the Brazilian Ministry of Transport and the Agência Nacional de Transportes Aquaviários (ANTAQ), which enforce strict safety, customs, and environmental standards.
- **Operational scope:** Handles a mixed portfolio of containerized, bulk, and project cargo, supporting both commercial shipping lines and specialized river‑borne services.
These characteristics make Manaus a focal point for logistics, industrial development, and international trade in the Amazon region.
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## History
### Early Development (19th – Early 20th Century)
Manaus rose to prominence during the rubber boom of the late 1800s, when the city became a hub for the extraction and export of rubber latex. The original river dock, built in 1866, facilitated the movement of raw latex to the Atlantic ports of Belém and Rio de Janeiro.
### Institutionalization (Mid‑20th Century)
In 1965, the Brazilian government formally inaugurated the **Port of Manaus** as part of the **Free Economic Zone of Manaus (ZFM)**, a policy designed to stimulate industrialization in the Amazon. The ZFM granted tax incentives, attracting electronics, motorcycle, and chemical manufacturers that required reliable import/export channels.
### Modernization Era (1990s – Present)
The port underwent a major expansion in the early 1990s, adding a dedicated container terminal and deepening the navigation channel to accommodate Panamax‑class vessels. Subsequent upgrades, such as the installation of a modern Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) and the adoption of the Integrated Port Management System (IPMS), have positioned Manaus among Brazil’s most technologically advanced inland ports.
For a detailed timeline of the port’s evolution, refer to the **International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) database↗**.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Terminal Layout
| Facility | Specification | Primary Use |
|----------|----------------|--------------|
| **Container Terminal** | 2 berths, 300 m draft, 12,000 TEU capacity | Import/export of manufactured goods, consumer electronics |
| **General Cargo Wharf** | 4 berths, 10 m draft, 30 ha storage | Bulk commodities, project cargo, timber |
| **Bulk Handling** | Grain elevators (4 Mt), ore conveyors (6 Mt) | Soybean, iron ore, bauxite |
| **Free‑Trade Zone (FTZ) Warehouses** | 150 ha, climate‑controlled | Value‑added processing, re‑export |
| **Ro‑Ro/Project Wharf** | 2 ramps, 12 m draft | Vehicles, heavy equipment, modular units |
| **Customs & Inspection** | 24‑hour ANTAQ facility, X‑ray & scanning lines | Streamlined clearance for time‑sensitive cargo |
### Navigation & Support Services
- **Dredged Channel:** Maintained at a minimum depth of **12 m** (39.4 ft) year‑round, accommodating vessels up to **80,000 DWT**.
- **Pilotage:** Certified Amazon River pilots operate 24 h, ensuring safe transit through the complex waterway network.
- **Tug Fleet:** Five high‑power tugs (rated at 2,500 kW each) provide assistance for vessel maneuvering, especially during high‑water season.
### Technological Assets
- **VTS & AIS Integration:** Real‑time vessel tracking linked to ANTAQ’s central command center.
- **Port Community System (PCS):** Enables electronic data interchange (EDI) among shippers, freight forwarders, and customs, reducing turnaround time by up to **25 %**.
- **Renewable Energy Initiatives:** Solar panels installed on warehouse rooftops supply 15 % of the port’s electricity demand, aligning with Brazil’s sustainability targets.
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## Economic Importance
### Contribution to Regional GDP
The Port of Manaus accounts for roughly **12 %** of the Amazonas state’s GDP, catalyzing growth in sectors such as electronics assembly, automobile manufacturing, and agro‑industry. Its FTZ status has attracted over **300 foreign direct investment (FDI)** projects, generating more than **150,000 jobs** in logistics, manufacturing, and ancillary services.
### Trade Facilitation
- **Import Dependency:** Approximately **70 %** of high‑value consumer goods (electronics, pharmaceuticals) for the Amazonas interior arrive via Manaus, reducing the need for over‑land transport from southern ports.
- **Export Platform:** The port handles the majority of regional exports, including **soybeans, timber, and mineral concentrates**, providing critical market access for Amazonian producers.
### Strategic Role in National Policy
Manaus is integral to Brazil’s **“Amazon Development Program”**, which emphasizes balanced economic growth while preserving ecological integrity. The port’s logistics capabilities support the national agenda of diversifying export markets and reducing reliance on the traditional southeast corridor (Santos‑Port of Rio de Janeiro).
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Shipping Lanes
| Route | Vessel Type | Frequency | Key Ports |
|-------|-------------|-----------|-----------|
| **Manaus ↔ Belém** | River barges & feeder container ships | Daily | Belém (Port of Belém) |
| **Manaus ↔ Santos** | Panamax bulk carriers | 3–4 per week | Santos (Port of Santos) |
| **Manaus ↔ Rotterdam** | Container feeder ships (via Rio) | 2 per month | Rotterdam (Port of Rotterdam) |
| **Manaus ↔ Shanghai** | Bulk carriers (iron ore) | 1 per month | Shanghai (Port of Shanghai) |
These routes exploit the Amazon’s navigable depth, connecting inland producers to global markets without the need for trans‑continental overland freight.
### Dominant Cargo Profiles
- **Containerized Goods (≈ 45 % of TEU throughput):** Consumer electronics, automotive parts, chemicals, and processed foods destined for Amazonian consumption or re‑export.
- **Bulk Agricultural Commodities (≈ 30 %):** Soybeans, corn, and palm oil, shipped primarily to European and Asian processors.
- **Mineral Concentrates (≈ 15 %):** Iron ore, bauxite, and tin extracted from the Guiana Shield, typically bound for steel mills in Brazil and abroad.
- **Timber & Wood Products (≈ 5 %):** Certified sustainable timber, leveraging the port’s proximity to managed forest concessions.
- **Project Cargo (≈ 5 %):** Large‑scale equipment for hydro‑electric projects and mining operations, often requiring specialized Ro‑Ro handling.
### Emerging Trends
The port is witnessing a **rise in “green cargo”**—bio‑fuel feedstocks and sustainably sourced timber—driven by global demand for environmentally certified products. Additionally, the implementation of **digital twin technology** is slated for 2027, promising predictive maintenance of berths and optimized berth allocation.
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*This article provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the Port of Manaus, integrating operational data, historical context, and economic analysis to support maritime professionals, investors, and policy makers.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
BRMAO
Country
Brazil
Province / Region
Amazonas
Latitude
-3.119028
Longitude
-60.021731
Timezone
Europe/Stockholm
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Manaus?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Manaus is BRMAO.
Where is Port of Manaus located?
The Port of Manaus is located in Brazil, Amazonas. Its coordinates are -3.1190°N, -60.0217°E.
What time zone is Port of Manaus in?
Port of Manaus operates in the Europe/Stockholm 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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