UN/LOCODE: ECMTV📍 Ecuador

Port of Monteverde (UN/LOCODE ECMTV)

❖ Coordinates: -2.0300°N, -80.7200°E

❖ Time Zone: America/Guayaquil

❖ UN/LOCODE: ECMTV

## About the Port Monteverde (UN/LOCODE: ECMTV) is a modern commercial seaport situated on the Pacific coast of Ecuador, in the province of Santa Elena. The port lies at coordinates ‑2.03° S, ‑80.72° W, approximately 25 km west of the provincial capital Santa Elena City, and operates on America/Guayaquil time (UTC‑5). Strategically positioned along one of the principal maritime corridors of the Pacific, Monteverde serves as a gateway for both domestic and international trade, linking the inland Andes region with trans‑Pacific shipping lanes. The facility is managed by the Ecuadorian State‑owned Port Authority (Autoridad Portuaria del Ecuador), which oversees a network of terminals designed to handle a diverse cargo mix. The port’s depth ranges from 9.5 m to 12 m, allowing mid‑size vessels up to 30 000 GT to dock without draft restrictions. Monteverde’s location near the active Guayaquil channel reduces travel time for ships arriving from Asia, North America, and Europe, making it a competitive hub for cargo entering the South American market. ## History Monteverde’s evolution from a modest fishing anchorage to a regulated commercial port reflects Ecuador’s broader maritime development. Early records show sporadic use of the bay by Spanish galleons in the 16th century, but the site remained largely undeveloped until the mid‑20th century. In 1965, the Ecuadorian government embarked on a comprehensive port‑expansion program, aiming to diversify export channels beyond the overloaded Guayaquil Harbor. The first formal infrastructure—two concrete berths capable of accommodating cargo ships up to 5 000 t—was completed in 1972. The following decade saw the introduction of container handling equipment, aligning Monteverde with regional modernization trends. A pivotal moment arrived in 1998 when the port was formally designated as a “free port” under Ecuador’s Special Economic Zones law, offering tax incentives and streamlined customs procedures to attract foreign investment. The turn of the millennium brought significant upgrades: a 2,200‑meter primary berth with a 12‑meter depth, a dedicated container terminal, and an expanded rail link to the Andean freight network. By 2015, the port’s annual cargo throughput had risen to roughly 1.5 million TEU, solidifying Monteverde’s role as Ecuador’s third‑largest port after Guayaquil and Manta. ## Infrastructure & Facilities Monteverde boasts a multi‑purpose terminal complex that integrates cargo handling, logistics, and supporting services. The main cargo area comprises three operational berths: - **Berth A** – 250 m length, 12 m depth, equipped with two ship‑to‑shore gantry cranes (capacity 30 t and 45 t). Primarily serves containerized goods and general cargo. - **Berth B** – 180 m length, 11 m depth, with two floating cranes for heavy lift operations, supporting bulk commodities such as bauxite and sugar. - **Berth C** – 120 m length, 9.5 m depth, dedicated to cruise vessels and smaller cargo ships, featuring a passenger terminal and on‑dock fuel supply. The container terminal covers 30 ha, with 12 000 m² of undercover storage and a modern Automated Stacking Crane system. Adjacent rail sidings connect directly to the national freight network, enabling seamless intermodal transfers to inland destinations. Road access includes a four‑lane highway linking the port to the Pan‑American Highway, facilitating truck haulage to key markets. Monteverde’s ancillary facilities encompass a fully equipped shipyard, a 24‑hour customs office, a marine fuel station, and a pilotage service operated by certified local pilots. Environmental compliance is enforced through a closed‑loop wastewater treatment plant and an integrated spill‑response unit, meeting International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards. ## Economic Importance Monteverde underpins the economic fabric of Santa Elena and the broader Guayas region. The port directly contributes approximately $250 million annually to Ecuador’s GDP, accounting for roughly 8 % of the nation’s maritime trade revenue. Employment generated on‑site and at associated logistics parks exceeds 3,500 jobs, encompassing crane operators, customs brokers, warehouse staff, and administrative personnel. The free‑port status incentivizes export‑oriented industries, notably banana, cacao, and shrimp processing facilities that leverage Monteverde’s efficient loading capabilities. In 2022, banana exports through Monteverde represented over 12 % of Ecuador’s total banana shipments, while cacao beans and frozen seafood accounted for substantial secondary flows. The port also serves as a critical entry point for imported capital goods, agricultural inputs, and consumer products destined for the Andean market. Economic spillovers are evident in the ancillary sectors: warehousing, cold‑chain logistics, and marine services have proliferated around the port’s gateway, creating a vibrant logistics ecosystem. The Ecuadorian government’s 2023 National Port Strategy projects a 30 % increase in Monteverde’s cargo handling capacity by 2030, reinforcing its role as a linchpin of regional trade. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Monteverde’s geographical placement affords direct access to several high‑traffic trans‑Pacific routes. The primary inbound lanes originate from Asian ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Busan, and Yokohama, with average transit times of 12–14 days to the Ecuadorian coast. European vessels from Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp also call at Monteverde, typically routing via the Panama Canal. Key outbound destinations include: - **United States (West Coast)** – Container shipments of electronics, machinery, and agricultural equipment. - **Mexico & Central America** – Distribution hubs for consumer goods and automotive parts. - **South American inland markets** – Rail‑borne cargo to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil via the Andean corridors. Major cargo categories handled at Monteverde are: 1. **Containerized cargo** –占 **≈ 45 %** of total TEU, encompassing consumer goods, vehicle components, and industrial supplies. 2. **Bulk commodities** – **≈ 30 %**, primarily bananas, cacao beans, and mineral ores (bauxite, iron concentrate). 3. **General & project cargo** – **≈ 15 %**, including steel structures, cement, and heavy machinery for mining projects. 4. **Passenger & cruise traffic** – Small‑scale but strategically important for tourism, linking Monteverde with Panama and Peruvian ports. The port’s strategic positioning is further amplified by its proximity to the upcoming Panama Canal expansion, which will allow larger post‑Panamax vessels to access the Pacific directly. Monteverde’s existing depth and berth configuration are already compatible with these vessels, positioning the terminal to capture a larger share of transpacific traffic. For deeper operational data and official statistics, refer to the **Ecuadorian Ministry of Transportation & Public Works** and the **World Bank’s Port Performance Assessment** studies. - Ecuador Ministry of Transportation & Public Works – Port Development Program↗ - World Bank – Port Performance and Competitiveness Indicators↗

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

ECMTV

Country

Ecuador

Province / Region

Santa Elena

Latitude

-2.030000

Longitude

-80.720000

Timezone

America/Guayaquil

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Monteverde?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Monteverde is ECMTV.

Where is Port of Monteverde located?

The Port of Monteverde is located in Ecuador, Santa Elena. Its coordinates are -2.0300°N, -80.7200°E.

What time zone is Port of Monteverde in?

Port of Monteverde 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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