UN/LOCODE: HNTEA📍 Honduras
Port of Tela (UN/LOCODE HNTEA)
❖ Coordinates: 15.7733°N, -87.4654°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Tegucigalpa
❖ UN/LOCODE: HNTEA
## About the Port
Tela Port (UN/LOCODE: HNTEA) represents one of Honduras' most strategically significant Atlantic coastal terminals, positioned along the southwestern Caribbean Sea coastline of Atlantida Department. This major maritime gateway operates at coordinates 15.7732601°N, -87.4653502°W, placing it approximately 120 kilometers southeast of San Pedro Sula and 180 kilometers northeast of Tegucigalpa. The port functions within the America/Tegucigalpa timezone and serves as a critical link in Central America's maritime infrastructure network.
The facility accommodates substantial vessel capacities, handling diverse cargo types including containerized freight, bulk commodities, and roll-on/roll-off cargo. Its deep-water berths accommodate Panamax-class vessels, supporting efficient cargo operations for international shipping lines connecting the Americas with global markets.
## History
Tela Port's maritime development traces to the early 20th century, capitalizing on the region's natural harbor characteristics and proximity to extensive timber resources. The port initially emerged as a logging terminal during Honduras' banana export boom period, leveraging the Caribbean coast's accessibility for raw material transportation.
Strategic infrastructure improvements accelerated during the 1960s and 1970s, coinciding with Honduras' broader maritime modernization initiatives. The facility underwent significant expansion to accommodate growing containerized cargo volumes, incorporating modern cargo handling equipment and deep-draft berths designed for contemporary shipping demands.
Political stability and economic liberalization in the 1990s facilitated private sector investment in port operations, leading to operational efficiency enhancements and international standardization adoption. These developments positioned Tela Port as a regional cargo consolidation hub within Central America's Atlantic corridor.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
Tela Port encompasses comprehensive terminal infrastructure supporting multi-modal cargo operations. The facility features dedicated container terminal areas equipped with gantry cranes, rubber-tired gantry (RTG) systems, and sophisticated cargo tracking technologies enabling efficient vessel loading and unloading processes.
Bulk cargo handling capabilities include specialized facilities for agricultural commodities, mineral exports, and forest products processing. The port maintains adequate depth navigation channels accommodating vessels up to 12 meters draft, ensuring reliable year-round operational capability.
Terminal amenities encompass administrative offices, customs processing facilities, cargo inspection zones, and secure storage yards. Modern electrical systems support vessel shore power connections, reducing emissions during extended port stays. Security infrastructure includes perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, and controlled access protocols meeting international port security standards.
## Economic Importance
Tela Port constitutes a cornerstone of Honduras' maritime economy, generating substantial employment opportunities across direct port operations and indirect supply chain activities. The facility facilitates approximately 2.5 million tons of cargo annually, supporting domestic industrial development and export revenue generation.
Container traffic through Tela Port enables critical import functions, delivering consumer goods, construction materials, and industrial equipment essential for national development. Export operations concentrate on banana shipments, palm oil products, beef exports, and timber products, maintaining competitive positioning in international markets.
The port's economic impact extends to regional development, stimulating logistics service providers, transportation companies, and supporting businesses in surrounding communities. Investment in port infrastructure continues attracting international shipping line services, enhancing connectivity and reducing cargo transit times.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Tela Port operates primary trade routes connecting Honduras with major North American ports including New York, Miami, and Houston, alongside Caribbean islands and South American Pacific coast destinations. Regular vessel services maintain weekly sailings to key Latin American markets, supporting efficient cargo circulation patterns.
Containerized cargo represents the predominant cargo type, encompassing electronics, textiles, agricultural products, and manufactured goods. Bulk cargo volumes include coffee beans, palm oil, beef products, and mineral ores, reflecting Honduras' comparative advantage in agricultural production and natural resource extraction.
Roll-on/roll-off operations facilitate automobile imports and construction equipment exports, supporting Honduras' automotive market growth and infrastructure development initiatives. Petroleum product imports utilize port facilities for domestic distribution, ensuring energy security and economic stability.
The port's strategic location enables competitive cargo routing alternatives within Central America's Atlantic maritime network, providing cost-effective logistics solutions for regional traders and manufacturers seeking efficient market access.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
HNTEA
Country
Honduras
Province / Region
Atlantida
Latitude
15.773260
Longitude
-87.465350
Timezone
America/Tegucigalpa
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Tela?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Tela is HNTEA.
Where is Port of Tela located?
The Port of Tela is located in Honduras, Atlantida. Its coordinates are 15.7733°N, -87.4654°E.
What time zone is Port of Tela in?
Port of Tela operates in the America/Tegucigalpa 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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