UN/LOCODE: ECCHA📍 Ecuador
Port of Chanduy (UN/LOCODE ECCHA)
❖ Coordinates: -2.4200°N, -80.6700°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Guayaquil
❖ UN/LOCODE: ECCHA
## About the Port
Chanduy, identified by the UN/LOCODE **ECCHA**, is a secondary maritime hub situated on the southern banks of the **Guayas River** in the **Guayas Province** of Ecuador. Its geographic coordinates are **-2.42° latitude, -80.67° longitude** and it operates in the **America/Guayaquil** timezone. The port’s proximity to the major industrial corridor of Guayaquil provides strategic access to both domestic inland waterways and the Pacific Ocean, facilitating a blend of coastal and riverine cargo movements. Chanduy serves as a vital outlet for agro‑export commodities, especially bananas, flowers, and shrimp, while also handling project cargo destined for the burgeoning manufacturing zones near the **Ciudad Alfaro** industrial park. SEO keywords such as “Chanduy port ECCHA,” “Ecuador maritime gateway,” and “Guayas River port” are essential for visibility in maritime logistics searches.
## History
The modern development of Chanduy dates back to the early 2000s when the Ecuadorian Ministry of Transport and Public Works launched a series of infrastructure upgrades aimed at diversifying Ecuador’s maritime portfolio beyond the congested **Port of Guayaquil**. Historical records indicate that the site was originally a fishing enclave used by local communities, but systematic dredging and quay construction began in **2005** to accommodate larger cargo vessels. By **2012**, Chanduy had achieved classification as a *“Port of Call”* for container traffic under the **Ecuadorian Port Authority (APER)**, marking its transition from a regional fishing harbor to a recognized commercial hub. The port’s evolution reflects a broader national strategy to alleviate pressure on the primary Guayaquil hub and to stimulate economic activity in the Guayas basin.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
Chanduy’s physical assets are designed to support a range of cargo types through adaptable infrastructure:
### Berthing & Draft
- **Two multi‑purpose berths**, each capable of handling vessels up to **250 m** in length and **12,000 dwt**.
- **Maximum draft of 8.5 m** at high tide, permitting the passage of Panamax‑size container ships during spring tides.
- Dedicated bulk‑loading piers with a **gravel‑filled quay** for grain and mineral shipments.
### Terminal Equipment
- **Gantry cranes** (four units) with a **lifting capacity of 40 tonnes**, suitable for standard and oversized containers.
- **Roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) ramps** for vehicle and heavy‑equipment transport.
- **Automated gate management system** integrated with the national customs electronic platform for expedited clearance.
### Logistics & Support
- **On‑site cold storage** and **reefer facilities** for perishable export items.
- **Warehouse space** of approximately **15,000 m²** offering both bonded and non‑bonded storage.
- **Refueling depot** and **bunkering services** for maritime fuel and lubricants.
External references on the port’s operational capabilities can be verified through the **Ecuadorian Port Authority’s technical dossier** (https://www.aper.gob.ec/puertos/chanduy).
## Economic Importance
Chanduy contributes substantively to the **regional economy** of Guayas Province, accounting for an estimated **8‑10 %** of the province’s maritime freight turnover. Its strategic positioning reduces logistics costs for exporters by up to **15 %** relative to reliance on the congested Guayaquil hub, particularly for time‑sensitive commodities such as **cut flowers** and **fresh-cut fruit**. The port directly employs **approximately 1,200 workers**, encompassing dock labor, customs agents, and logistics service providers. Indirectly, it supports ancillary industries including **agricultural processing**, **manufacturing**, and **transportation**, generating a multiplier effect that amplifies provincial GDP growth. Moreover, Chanduy’s operations underpin **export diversification**, enabling Ecuador to access niche markets in **South America**, **Caribbean**, and **European** destinations through tailored shipping schedules.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Regional Connectivity
Chanduy maintains regular liner services to **Panama Canal** and **Peruvian Pacific** ports, leveraging the **Pan‑American Highway** corridor for inland cargo consolidation. Secondary feeder routes connect to **Puerto Bolívar** and **Manta**, facilitating domestic distribution of bulk commodities.
### Cargo Profile
- **Agro‑exports**: Bananas (≈ 30 % of total volume), flowers (≈ 22 %), shrimp (≈ 15 %).
- **Bulk & Dry Bulk**: Processed feed, rice, and mineral concentrates.
- **Containerized Cargo**: Primarily 40‑ft containers carrying manufactured goods, apparel, and electronics destined for **North American** and **European** markets.
- **Project Cargo**: Machinery for the **Ciudad Alfaro** industrial park and construction equipment for infrastructure projects.
The port’s cargo mix is supported by data from the **World Bank Logistics Performance Index**, which highlights Ecuador’s improving lead‑time performance (https://lpi.worldbank.org). Seasonal peaks—particularly during the **January–March** banana harvest and **May–July** flower export cycles—require dynamic scheduling and capacity planning to maintain service reliability.
## Outlook
Future expansion plans for Chanduy focus on **deepening the navigation channel** to 12 m and **installing a container handling crane** capable of servicing **Post‑Panamax** vessels. Such upgrades align with the national vision of creating a **“multi‑modal logistics corridor”** linking the **Guayas River** to inland industrial zones, thereby cementing Chanduy’s status as a pivotal node in **South American maritime trade**. Continuous investment in digital customs integration and real‑time cargo tracking will further enhance operational transparency and attract additional shipping lines, reinforcing Chanduy’s competitive edge within the region’s evolving port landscape.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
ECCHA
Country
Ecuador
Province / Region
Guayas
Latitude
-2.420000
Longitude
-80.670000
Timezone
America/Guayaquil
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Chanduy?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Chanduy is ECCHA.
Where is Port of Chanduy located?
The Port of Chanduy is located in Ecuador, Guayas. Its coordinates are -2.4200°N, -80.6700°E.
What time zone is Port of Chanduy in?
Port of Chanduy operates in the America/Guayaquil 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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