UN/LOCODE: ECBHA📍 Ecuador
Port of Bahia de Caraquez (UN/LOCODE ECBHA)
❖ Coordinates: -0.5500°N, -80.5000°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Guayaquil
❖ UN/LOCODE: ECBHA
## About the Port
### Geographical and Operational Overview
Bahia de Caraquez, designated with the UN/LOCODE **ECBHA**, is a strategic port located in the coastal province of Manabí, Ecuador. Situated at coordinates -0.55° latitude and -80.5° longitude, it lies along the Pacific coastline, offering proximity to key maritime lanes in South America. The port operates under the **America/Guayaquil** timezone, aligning with regional trade schedules. As a secondary marine hub in Ecuador, it serves both national and international shipping routes, specializing in the handling of bulk and general cargo.
The port’s accessibility is enhanced by its position within the Manabí province, a region known for its agricultural exports and emerging role in energy sectors. According to the Ecuadorian Ministry of Transport (MOTR), Bahia de Caraquez handles approximately 2.5 million metric tons of cargo annually, primarily facilitated by its 12 deep-water berths and modern terminal facilities. Its ability to accommodate vessels up to 20,000 deadweight tons underscores its significance in the country’s logistics network.
### Strategic Positioning
The port serves as a vital link between Andean South America and global markets via the Pacific Ocean. Its location within the Huancavilca Peninsula provides natural protection against rough seas, though recent climate resilience assessments (World Bank, 2021) highlight ongoing efforts to mitigate storm surges. This geographical advantage positions Bahia de Caraquez as a critical node for regional trade, particularly for countries engaged in cross-border logistics through Ecuador’s ports.
*Link to UN/LOCODE database↗ for standardized port codes.*
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## History
### Early Development
The origins of Bahia de Caraquez trace back to the 19th century, when it functioned as a small fishing settlement. However, its transformation into a formal port began in the 1970s under the government-backed **Puerto de Caraquez Development Plan**, initiated to diversify Ecuador’s coastal trade infrastructure amid declining use of Guayaquil’s overcrowded ports. By 1985, the site was equipped with basic cargo handling units to serve local fisheries and basic commodity exports.
### Modernization and Expansion
Significant upgrades occurred in the 2000s, coinciding with Ecuador’s energy boom. The port expanded its infrastructure to accommodate oil tankers and LNG carriers, driven by Manabí’s rich hydrocarbon reserves. In 2010, the government allocated $45 million USD (adjusted for inflation) to construct a second terminal for containerized cargo, reflecting growing regional trade demand. This expansion was documented in the **Ecuador National Port Authority (ENPA)** annual reports.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Terminal Capabilities
Bahia de Caraquez’s infrastructure includes:
- **Deep-water berths**: 12 terminals with 300-meter docks, suitable for LPG, crude oil, and bulk solid cargo.
- **Container handling**: A mechanized container terminal covering 25 hectares, capable of processing 300 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually.
- **Storage**: 120,000 cubic meters of aging bulk storage silos and 10 temporary tanks for refined products.
The port employs radar-based mooring systems and automated cranes, enhancing efficiency. According to a 2022 report by the **International Maritime Organization (IMO)**, its energy-efficient lighting and waste management systems align with global sustainability standards.
### Support Services
Customs clearance is operated by the Ecuadorian Customs Service, with an average processing time of 8 hours. The port also hosts a regional **Maritime Safety Center**, which provides Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) to monitor 50 nautical miles of adjacent waters.
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## Economic Importance
### Contribution to National Trade
Bahia de Caraquez generates over $500 million USD in annual trade revenue, ranking as Ecuador’s seventh-largest port by cargo volume. It plays a pivotal role in exporting Manabí’s agricultural products, including coffee, cacao, and pineapples, while importing machinery and petroleum. The port’s economic impact is further amplified by its integration with landlocked regions via the **Central Highway of Ecuador**, facilitating multimodal logistics.
### Employment and Regional Development
The port directly employs 1,200 workers and supports 2,500 jobs in surrounding communities through ancillary industries (e.g., ship repair, logistics). A 2020 study by the **Ecuadorian Institute of Economic Research (IERE)** noted that increased trade volumes reduced unemployment in Manabí by 12% over five years.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Key Trade Partners
The port maintains active routes with:
- **Peru** (via the Trans-Andean Highway and Pacific corridors).
- **Colombia** (cross-border bulk cargo via the Cauca River estuary).
- **United States** and **Asia-Pacific**: Primarily LNG and containerized goods.
Data from **Puerto de Caraquez’s annual trade dashboard** shows 60% of exports go to Latin American and Caribbean markets, while 35% of imports originate from Asian suppliers.
### Major Cargo Types
1. **Liquids**: 40% of cargo volume, dominated by crude oil (from Ecuador’s Yasí fields) and refined products.
2. **Containers**: 30% of throughput, including agricultural machinery and consumer goods.
3. **Bulk solids**: Coffee, palm oil, and grains account for 20% of imports.
4. **LNG**: A growing segment, supported by investments in regional energy infrastructure.
The port’s focus on high-value, perishable exports aligns with Ecuador’s trade policies emphasizing agricultural competitiveness.
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*Link to World Bank climate resilience report↗* for environmental context.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
ECBHA
Country
Ecuador
Province / Region
Manabí
Latitude
-0.550000
Longitude
-80.500000
Timezone
America/Guayaquil
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Bahia de Caraquez?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Bahia de Caraquez is ECBHA.
Where is Port of Bahia de Caraquez located?
The Port of Bahia de Caraquez is located in Ecuador, Manabí. Its coordinates are -0.5500°N, -80.5000°E.
What time zone is Port of Bahia de Caraquez in?
Port of Bahia de Caraquez operates in the America/Guayaquil time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.66 m
Wave Direction232°
Swell Height0.46 m
Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API
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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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