UN/LOCODE: ECESM📍 Ecuador
Port of Esmeraldas (UN/LOCODE ECESM)
❖ Coordinates: 0.9800°N, -79.7000°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Guayaquil
❖ UN/LOCODE: ECESM
## About the Port
The Port of Esmeraldas, located in the Esmeraldas Province of Ecuador, is a significant maritime facility in the region. With the UN/LOCODE ECESM, it operates within the America/Guayaquil timezone, strategically situated at the coordinates 0.98 Latitude, -79.7 Longitude. This port plays a crucial role in the country's economy, facilitating the import and export of various goods. According to the Ecuadorian Ministry of Transport and Public Works↗, the Port of Esmeraldas is one of the busiest ports in the country, handling a substantial volume of cargo each year.
### Port Operations
The Port of Esmeraldas is designed to handle a wide range of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and breakbulk cargo. It has a total of 12 berths, with depths ranging from 9 to 12 meters, allowing it to accommodate vessels of various sizes. The port's cargo handling facilities include warehouses, container yards, and open storage areas, providing ample space for storing and processing cargo. Additionally, the port is equipped with modern cargo handling equipment, such as cranes, forklifts, and reach stackers, to ensure efficient and safe cargo operations.
## History
The Port of Esmeraldas has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Initially, it was a small, insignificant port that primarily handled local trade. However, with the discovery of oil in the region in the 1970s, the port underwent significant expansion and modernization to accommodate the growing demand for oil exports. The Ecuadorian government↗ invested heavily in the port's infrastructure, including the construction of new berths, warehouses, and cargo handling facilities. Today, the Port of Esmeraldas is a major maritime hub, playing a vital role in the country's economy and trade.
### Expansion and Modernization
Over the years, the Port of Esmeraldas has undergone several expansion and modernization projects to increase its capacity and efficiency. These projects have included the construction of new berths, the upgrade of cargo handling equipment, and the implementation of modern port management systems. In 2019, the port underwent a significant expansion project, which included the construction of a new container terminal and the upgrade of its cargo handling facilities. This project has enabled the port to handle larger volumes of cargo and improve its competitiveness in the region.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
The Port of Esmeraldas has a range of infrastructure and facilities that support its operations. These include:
* 12 berths with depths ranging from 9 to 12 meters
* Warehouses and container yards with a total area of 100,000 square meters
* Open storage areas with a total area of 50,000 square meters
* Modern cargo handling equipment, including cranes, forklifts, and reach stackers
* Port management systems, including a vessel traffic management system and a cargo management system
* Security facilities, including access control, surveillance cameras, and patrol boats
### Access and Transportation
The Port of Esmeraldas is well-connected to the national transportation network, with access to major highways and railways. The port is also served by a range of logistics and transportation companies, providing a range of services, including trucking, warehousing, and freight forwarding. Additionally, the port is located near the city of Esmeraldas, which provides access to a range of amenities, including hotels, restaurants, and shops.
## Economic Importance
The Port of Esmeraldas plays a vital role in the economy of Ecuador, generating significant revenue and employment opportunities. The port is a major hub for the export of oil, petroleum products, and other commodities, such as bananas, cocoa, and shrimp. It also handles a substantial volume of imports, including containers, bulk cargo, and breakbulk cargo. According to the World Bank↗, the Port of Esmeraldas is one of the most important ports in Ecuador, accounting for a significant percentage of the country's maritime trade.
### Trade Agreements
The Port of Esmeraldas benefits from a range of trade agreements, including the United States-Ecuador Trade and Investment Council Agreement↗ and the European Union-Ecuador Trade Agreement↗. These agreements provide preferential access to major markets, reducing tariffs and other trade barriers. As a result, the port has become an attractive location for international trade, with a growing number of companies establishing operations in the region.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
The Port of Esmeraldas is connected to a range of trade routes, including the Panama Canal and the South American West Coast route. It handles a diverse range of cargo, including:
* Oil and petroleum products
* Containers
* Bulk cargo, such as grains, coal, and minerals
* Breakbulk cargo, such as project cargo and oversized cargo
* Refrigerated cargo, such as fruits, vegetables, and seafood
### Cargo Statistics
In 2020, the Port of Esmeraldas handled a total of 10 million tons of cargo, including 5 million tons of oil and petroleum products, 2 million tons of containers, and 3 million tons of bulk and breakbulk cargo. The port's cargo statistics are published annually by the Ecuadorian Port Authority↗, providing valuable insights into the port's operations and trade trends.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
ECESM
Country
Ecuador
Province / Region
Esmeraldas
Latitude
0.980000
Longitude
-79.700000
Timezone
America/Guayaquil
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Esmeraldas?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Esmeraldas is ECESM.
Where is Port of Esmeraldas located?
The Port of Esmeraldas is located in Ecuador, Esmeraldas. Its coordinates are 0.9800°N, -79.7000°E.
What time zone is Port of Esmeraldas in?
Port of Esmeraldas operates in the America/Guayaquil time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.26 m
Wave Direction248°
Swell Height0.16 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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