UN/LOCODE: GTPRQ📍 Guatemala
Port of Puerto Quetzal (UN/LOCODE GTPRQ)
❖ Coordinates: 13.9306°N, -90.7580°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Guatemala
❖ UN/LOCODE: GTPRQ
## About the Port
Puerto Quetzal, located in the Escuintla province of Guatemala, is a major port facility in Central America. With the UN/LOCODE GTPRQ, it operates within the America/Guatemala timezone, situated at coordinates 13.9306292 latitude and -90.7580342 longitude. As a crucial maritime hub, Puerto Quetzal plays a significant role in the country's economy, facilitating international trade and commerce. The port's strategic location on the Pacific coast of Guatemala enables efficient connectivity with global markets, particularly with the Asia-Pacific region and the United States.
## History
The history of Puerto Quetzal dates back to the early 20th century, when it was initially developed as a small port facility to serve the local agricultural industry. Over the years, the port has undergone significant expansions and modernizations, driven by Guatemala's growing economy and increasing demand for international trade. In the 1980s, the Guatemalan government invested heavily in the port's infrastructure, including the construction of new terminals, warehouses, and navigation channels. This transformation enabled Puerto Quetzal to become a major container port, handling a substantial volume of cargo traffic. According to the American Association of Port Authorities↗, Puerto Quetzal has emerged as one of the leading ports in Central America, with a strong focus on containerized cargo and bulk commodities.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
Puerto Quetzal boasts an array of modern infrastructure and facilities, designed to support efficient and secure cargo handling operations. The port's terminal facilities include a 300-meter-long container berth, a 200-meter-long bulk cargo berth, and a 150-meter-long multipurpose berth. The port's navigation channel has a depth of 12 meters, allowing for the accommodation of large vessels with a maximum draft of 11 meters. Puerto Quetzal is also equipped with a range of cargo handling equipment, including container cranes, reach stackers, and forklifts. Additionally, the port offers a variety of services, such as customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and warehouse storage, to facilitate the smooth movement of cargo. The port's infrastructure is designed to meet international standards, ensuring compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO)↗ regulations and safety protocols.
## Economic Importance
Puerto Quetzal is a vital component of Guatemala's economy, generating significant revenue and employment opportunities. The port's economic importance extends beyond the maritime sector, as it plays a critical role in supporting the country's agricultural, manufacturing, and mining industries. The port's cargo traffic includes a diverse range of goods, such as coffee, sugar, bananas, and textiles, which are exported to global markets. In 2020, Puerto Quetzal handled over 1.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containerized cargo, making it one of the busiest ports in Central America. The port's economic impact is also reflected in its contribution to Guatemala's GDP, with the maritime sector accounting for a significant share of the country's foreign exchange earnings.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Puerto Quetzal is strategically located to facilitate trade with major markets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The port is connected to key trade routes, including the Panama Canal, which enables efficient transit of cargo between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The port's primary trade routes include the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China, Japan, and South Korea, as well as the United States, Mexico, and other Central American countries. Major cargo handled at Puerto Quetzal includes containerized goods, such as electronics, apparel, and machinery, as well as bulk commodities like coffee, sugar, and minerals. The port's cargo traffic is also characterized by a significant volume of reefer cargo, including perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and meat products. As a major hub for international trade, Puerto Quetzal continues to play a vital role in Guatemala's economic development, with ongoing investments in infrastructure and services aimed at enhancing its competitiveness and efficiency in the global maritime market.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
GTPRQ
Country
Guatemala
Province / Region
Escuintla
Latitude
13.930629
Longitude
-90.758034
Timezone
America/Guatemala
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Puerto Quetzal?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Puerto Quetzal is GTPRQ.
Where is Port of Puerto Quetzal located?
The Port of Puerto Quetzal is located in Guatemala, Escuintla. Its coordinates are 13.9306°N, -90.7580°E.
What time zone is Port of Puerto Quetzal in?
Port of Puerto Quetzal operates in the America/Guatemala time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height1.16 m
Wave Direction171°
Swell Height0.86 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.
📍 Nearby Ports
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