UN/LOCODE: PAPTY📍 Panama

Port of Panama, Ciudad de (UN/LOCODE PAPTY)

❖ Coordinates: 8.9700°N, -79.5300°E

❖ Time Zone: America/Panama

❖ UN/LOCODE: PAPTY

## About the Port Panama, Ciudad de (UN/LOCODE: PAPTY) is a pivotal maritime hub located in the Republic of Panama, serving as the primary Pacific gateway for one of the world’s most critical shipping routes. Situated within Panama Province at coordinates 8.97°N, 79.53°W, the port is strategically positioned adjacent to the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, a feat of engineering that connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. This location places PAPTY at the heart of interoceanic trade, facilitating the movement of goods through one of the busiest maritime chokepoints on Earth. The area is part of the Amador Causeway, a reclaimed land extension linked to the mainland, which houses commercial and industrial facilities. The port operates under Panama’s UTC-5 timezone, aligning with the nation’s economic activities and global trade schedules. PAPTY serves as a linchpin for Panama’s maritime infrastructure, supporting both canal transits and commercial cargo operations. Its proximity to Panama City, the country’s financial and logistics center, enhances its role as a hub for transshipment and value-added services. The port’s operations are managed by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) and private enterprises, reflecting the nation’s hybrid approach to maritime governance, which balances public oversight with private sector efficiency. ## History The port’s development is intrinsically tied to the Panama Canal, whose construction began in 1904 following Panama’s independence from Colombia in 1903. The United States initially controlled the Canal Zone, including the port infrastructure, until the Torrijos-Carter Treaties of 1977 paved the way for Panamanian sovereignty. On December 31, 1999, Panama assumed full control of the Canal and its associated port facilities, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s maritime autonomy. PAPTY’s modernization accelerated in the early 2000s with privatization agreements, such as the concession of the Balboa Container Terminal to the Panama Ports Company in 2000. The 2016 Panama Canal Expansion, which added a third set of locks, significantly boosted the port’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels, solidifying its role in global trade. These developments transformed PAPTY into a sophisticated logistics hub, capable of handling the increased volume of post-expansion traffic. ## Infrastructure & Facilities PAPTY’s infrastructure seamlessly integrates with the Panama Canal’s operations, featuring state-of-the-art terminals and cargo-handling systems. Key facilities include the Balboa Container Terminal, one of Latin America’s most advanced container ports, and the Pacific LNG Terminal, designed to handle liquefied natural gas shipments. The port also includes multi-purpose terminals for bulk cargo (e.g., grains, coal, and iron ore), roll-on/roll-off facilities for automobiles, and dedicated areas for refrigerated containers. The port’s cargo-handling equipment includes super-post-Panamax cranes and advanced conveyor systems, enabling efficient operations for mega-ships. Over 2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) are processed annually, supported by expansive container yards and bonded warehouses. The Amador Causeway’s reclaimed land has expanded berthing capacity, while digital logistics platforms streamline customs and cargo tracking. Environmental and security measures are paramount. The port adheres to ISO 14001 standards for sustainability and incorporates smart port technologies to enhance efficiency and safety. Recent investments have focused on automation and renewable energy integration, aligning with Panama’s green growth initiatives. ## Economic Importance PAPTY is a cornerstone of Panama’s economy, contributing over 70% of the nation’s GDP through maritime and logistics services. The port’s role in canal transits generates billions in toll revenue annually, fueling national infrastructure projects and social programs. It directly employs thousands and supports an extensive supply chain of logistics providers, shipyards, and freight forwarders. The port’s strategic location has positioned Panama as a global logistics hub, exemplified by the Colón Free Trade Zone—the largest in the Americas—and the Panama Pacifico Special Economic Area. PAPTY’s connectivity to global markets via the Canal also attracts foreign investment, with multinational corporations leveraging Panama’s dollarized economy and trade facilitation policies. The port’s operations underpin Panama’s ranking among the world’s top 10 most competitive economies, according to the World Economic Forum. Additionally, it drives the growth of ancillary industries, including warehousing, insurance, and maritime law services. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo PAPTY serves as the Pacific terminus for the Panama Canal, facilitating trade between Asia, the U.S. West Coast, and Europe. Approximately 14,000 vessels transit the Canal annually, with an estimated 3% of global maritime trade passing through the waterway. The port handles a diverse cargo portfolio, including containerized goods (electronics, textiles, and machinery), dry bulk commodities (soybeans, corn, and coal), and liquid cargo (LNG and petroleum products). Key trading partners include China, Japan, the United States, and South Korea, reflecting the Canal’s role in linking Asia’s manufacturing hubs to North and South American markets. PAPTY also serves as a transshipment node for Latin American cargoes, redistributing goods to Caribbean and European destinations. The port’s expansion has enabled handling of Neo-Panamax vessels (up to 14,000 TEUs), accommodating the growing trend toward megaships. Seasonal peaks in grain exports and LNG shipments highlight its adaptability to global market demands. As the Canal continues to expand its influence post-2016, PAPTY remains a critical node in redefining maritime trade dynamics. For further details, visit the Panama Canal Authority↗ or explore Panama’s maritime statistical reports from the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses↗.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

PAPTY

Country

Panama

Province / Region

Panamá

Latitude

8.970000

Longitude

-79.530000

Timezone

America/Panama

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Panama, Ciudad de?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Panama, Ciudad de is PAPTY.

Where is Port of Panama, Ciudad de located?

The Port of Panama, Ciudad de is located in Panama, Panamá. Its coordinates are 8.9700°N, -79.5300°E.

What time zone is Port of Panama, Ciudad de in?

Port of Panama, Ciudad de operates in the America/Panama time zone.

🌊 Live Marine Conditions

Wave Height0.42 m

Wave Direction270°

Swell Height0.22 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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