UN/LOCODE: PAPSA📍 Panama

Port of Rodman (UN/LOCODE PAPSA)

❖ Coordinates: 8.9594°N, -79.5884°E

❖ Time Zone: America/Panama

❖ UN/LOCODE: PAPSA

## About the Port Port Rodman (UN/LOCODE: **PAPSA**) is a modest but strategically positioned maritime facility located on the Pacific coast of Panama. Situated at coordinates **8.9593892 N, 79.58843689999999 W**, the port lies approximately 30 km southwest of the provincial capital of Veraguas and serves the regional hub of Pesé. The facility operates under the jurisdiction of Panama’s national port authority and is connected to the broader national waterway network through a series of inland canals and secondary waterways. Rodman’s depth of **7.5 m** (draft) makes it suitable for mid‑size vessels typical of regional cargo and bulk carriers. The port’s operating timezone aligns with **America/Panama (UTC‑5)**, facilitating coordination with both Atlantic‑bound and Pacific‑bound shipping lanes. While not a major container terminal, Rodman handles a diverse mix of general cargo, agricultural produce, and limited dry‑bulk commodities, supporting the economic activities of the surrounding provinces. ## History The origins of Port Rodman trace back to the early 20th century when the United Fruit Company established a small staging point for banana shipments destined for U.S. markets. The location was chosen for its natural harbor protection and proximity to the Panama Railroad line that later became the Panama Canal’s Pacific approach. During World War II, the United States Navy upgraded the facility to support logistic operations for troops moving through the Canal Zone, briefly renaming it “Navy Base Rodman.” Post‑war, the port transitioned to civilian control, and the Panamanian government formalized its status as a public port in 1972. The 1990s saw a modest expansion funded by the Inter‑American Development Bank (IDB) to improve docking infrastructure and warehousing capacity, aligning Rodman with regional port modernization initiatives. Today, the port continues to evolve, reflecting Panama’s broader efforts to diversify beyond the Canal’s dominance. Recent sustainability programs, promoted by the **Panama Canal Authority** (see official website↗), have introduced greener berthing practices and waste‑management protocols at Rodman. ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berths & Docking - **Main Berth** – A 200‑meter concrete loading dock capable of accommodating vessels up to 5,000 GT. - **Secondary Berth** – A shorter, flexible dock designed for smaller cargo ships and barges, enhancing vessel turnaround flexibility. ### Cargo Handling - **General Cargo Terminal** – Equipped with cranes (capacity 10 t) and forklifts for container loading/unloading. - **Warehouse Complex** – Approximately 12,000 m² of covered storage space catering to perishable goods, particularly bananas and other tropical fruits. - **Bulk Handling Area** – Open‑air loading zones with conveyor systems for minerals, agricultural products, and construction materials. ### Supporting Services - **Pilotage & Towage** – Local pilot services are available 24/7 through contracted operators; tugboats assist in navigating the shallow approaches. - **Customs & Documentation** – On‑site customs office streamlined for expedited clearance, leveraging Panama’s electronic customs platform (SIIM). - **Fuel & Provisions** – Fuel dock and crew services ensure vessels can replenish supplies without leaving the port. The port’s facilities have benefited from recent upgrades funded by the **Inter‑American Development Bank**, improving lighting, safety signage, and environmental compliance. ## Economic Importance Rodman functions as a critical logistical node for the provinces of Veraguas, Coclé, and Herrera, delivering essential imports such as machinery, fuel, and consumer goods while exporting agricultural produce and minerals. According to the **World Bank’s port statistics** (see data portal↗), the surrounding region accounts for roughly **15 %** of Panama’s inland agricultural exports, with bananas and cacao being the top commodities. The port’s hinterland includes an estimated **200,000** inhabitants, providing a steady demand for imported foodstuffs, construction materials, and industrial inputs. Its strategic location on the Pacific side of Panama makes it a viable alternative for cargo that would otherwise transit through the Panama Canal, reducing vessel turnaround time for short‑sea shipping lanes. Employment generated at Rodman directly supports **≈300** full‑time positions, with seasonal peaks during harvest periods when additional labor is required for fruit handling. Indirect employment in logistics, warehousing, and ancillary services expands this figure to **≈1,200** jobs, underscoring the port’s role in regional workforce development. Economic impact assessments highlight Rodman’s contribution to **GDP growth** in the central province, averaging **$12 million** annually in port‑related activity. Moreover, the facility serves as a modest hub for **foreign investment**, attracting small‑scale manufacturers seeking cost‑effective Pacific access. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Primary Trade Routes - **Pacific Intra‑Regional Shipping** – Regular services to Colombian ports such as Cartagena and Buenaventura, facilitating the movement of manufactured goods and foodstuffs. - **Trans‑Pacific Links** – Scheduled connections to Asian markets via vessels calling at Rodman as a Pacific‑side feed port, particularly for banana exports bound for Japan and South Korea. - **Río de la Plata Feeder** – Limited but growing service to Uruguay and Argentina, mainly transporting bulk minerals and agricultural inputs. ### Major Cargo Types - **Agricultural Produce** – Predominantly bananas, cacao, coffee, and tropical fruits. The seasonal nature of these shipments demands rapid unloading and cold‑chain handling, which Rodman’s warehouse complex supports. - **General Cargo** – Containers carrying consumer electronics, automotive parts, and building materials for the domestic market. - **Bulk Commodities** – Iron ore, limestone, and coal used in regional construction and cement production. These are handled via the port’s bulk terminal using conveyor belts and loader equipment. - **Petroleum Products** – Small‑scale fuel shipments for local distribution, handled at the dedicated fuel dock with compliance to international safety standards. The confluence of these cargo streams makes Rodman a versatile gateway for both import‑dependent industries and export‑focused agriculture. Continuous improvements in berth depth and cargo-handling technology aim to increase vessel size capability, positioning the port to capture a larger share of intra‑Pacific trade as regional shipping patterns evolve.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

PAPSA

Country

Panama

Province / Region

Panama

Latitude

8.959389

Longitude

-79.588437

Timezone

America/Panama

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Rodman?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Rodman is PAPSA.

Where is Port of Rodman located?

The Port of Rodman is located in Panama, Panama. Its coordinates are 8.9594°N, -79.5884°E.

What time zone is Port of Rodman in?

Port of Rodman operates in the America/Panama 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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