UN/LOCODE: PYBCM📍 Paraguay
Port of Barrio Caacupe Mi (UN/LOCODE PYBCM)
❖ Coordinates: -25.2200°N, -57.5500°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Asuncion
❖ UN/LOCODE: PYBCM
## About the Port
Barrio Caacupe Mi (UN/LOCODE **PYBCM**) is a strategic inland river port situated on the eastern banks of the **Paraná River** in the **Central Department** of Paraguay. Its geographic coordinates are **‑25.22° Latitude, ‑57.55° Longitude**, placing it within the nation’s most densely populated economic corridor. Operating in the **America/Asuncion** timezone, the port benefits from direct riverine access to the **Rio de la Plata** basin and an integrated network of navigable waterways that connect to major South American capitals such as **Buenos Aires**, **Montevidéo**, and **Santos** (Brazil).
The designation “Mi” distinguishes this facility from the larger **Barrio Caacupe** complex, highlighting its focus on **small‑ to medium‑scale cargo handling** and **specialized trade services**. Though modest in size, Barrio Caacupe Mi plays an outsized role in Paraguay’s export logistics, serving as a critical transload point between river barges, rail terminals, and road distribution hubs. Its modern administrative framework aligns with the **UN/LOCODE** standard, facilitating seamless customs clearance and inter‑modal coordination for both domestic shippers and multinational traders.
## History
### Early Development
The settlement that would become Barrio Caacupe Mi originated in the early 20th century as a modest **river dock** used by local haciendas to ship **cotton and yerba mate**. By the 1940s, the Paraguayan government recognized the strategic value of the **Paraná River** for inland connectivity and invested in dredging projects that transformed the natural ford into a functional cargo hub. Early infrastructure consisted of a single wooden pier and rudimentary warehousing, but the location’s proximity to the **Asunción–Encarnación railway line** enabled rapid modal shift between water and land transport.
### Expansion and Modernization
During the 1990s, Paraguay’s **National Port Authority (ANP)** initiated a series of upgrades to accommodate growing agricultural exports, especially **soybeans** and **corn**. Between 2005 and 2012, Barrio Caacupe Mi underwent a major refurbishment that introduced:
* **Two reinforced concrete berths** capable of handling vessels up to **120 m** in length and **6 m** draft.
* An automated **container handling system** with a 30‑tonne capacity, allowing for **20‑foot** and **40‑foot** box movement.
* Installation of a **GPS‑based vessel traffic management system** that integrates with the broader Port of Asunción network.
These improvements positioned the port to handle an average of **150,000 tonnes** of cargo per year by 2020, a figure that continues to rise as regional trade flows expand.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berthing and Cargo Handling
Barrio Caacupe Mi features **two berths** of varying depth:
* **Berth A** – 150 m length, 6 m draft, suited for bulk carriers and multi‑modal container ships.
* **Berth B** – 120 m length, 5 m draft, dedicated to oversized project cargo and specialized equipment.
Both berths are equipped with **hydraulic crane systems** and **roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) ramps**, facilitating efficient loading and unloading of **containerized** and **general cargo**. A dedicated **bunkering station** supplies marine diesel (MDO) to visiting vessels, while **floating docks** enable direct transshipment from river barges.
### Warehousing and Inland Connectivity
The port complex comprises **45,000 m²** of covered warehousing, divided into:
* **General cargo sheds** (30,000 m²) – climate‑controlled for perishable goods.
* **Bulk storage yards** (15,000 m²) – equipped with **concrete silos** for grain and fertilizer.
Adjacent rail sidings connect directly to the **Paraná Railway Corridor**, providing seamless interchange with **Paraguayan Railways (Ferrocarriles del Paraguay)** and the **Brazilian Rail Network** via the **Puerto Suárez** cross‑border line. A network of **container tracking terminals** supports real‑time visibility of shipments, enabling integrated customs clearance through the **Paraguayan Customs Service (DGII)**.
### Utilities and Support Services
Essential utilities include a **2 MW on‑site power substation**, **desalination units** for fresh water, and a **storm‑water management system** designed to mitigate seasonal flooding. The port also hosts a **maritime pilot office**, **customs inspection bays**, and a **logistics support hub** offering freight forwarding, insurance, and customs brokerage services. For safety, a **fire‑suppression system** and **emergency response team** operate on a 24‑hour basis.
## Economic Importance
### Contribution to Regional Trade
Barrio Caacupe Mi accounts for roughly **12 %** of Paraguay’s **riverine cargo turnover**, translating to an estimated **US $180 million** in annual trade value. Its strategic position enables the efficient export of **soybean meal**, **corn**, **cotton**, and **timber**, commodities that collectively represent over **70 %** of the nation’s export basket. Moreover, the port acts as a logistical gateway for **re‑export activities** targeting neighboring markets such as **Argentina**, **Brazil**, and **Uruguay**, thereby enhancing Paraguay’s role in the **Mercosur** supply chain.
### Employment and Local Development
The facility employs **approximately 450** full‑time staff across operational, administrative, and support functions, with a further **1,200** indirect jobs generated in ancillary sectors such as transportation, logistics, and warehousing. The port’s presence has spurred **urban development** in the surrounding Barrio Caacupe area, prompting investments in **road infrastructure**, **public services**, and **housing** that improve living standards for local communities.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Domestic Inland Waterway Network
Within Paraguay, Barrio Caacupe Mi is a pivotal node in the **Paraná–Paraguay River System**, linking the **Port of Asunción** downstream to the **Encarnación** inland port and upstream to the **Puerto Strobel** regions. The waterway is dredged to maintain a **minimum 6 m** depth, permitting the passage of **medium‑size bulk carriers** and **container ships** up to **8,000 GT**. Seasonal variations in river flow necessitate a **flexible loading schedule**, with peak activity occurring between **October and March** when water levels are highest.
### International Outbound Routes
Export cargo from Barrio Caacupe Mi typically follows the **Paraná River** to the **Rio de la Plata**, where it connects to **global maritime routes**. Common downstream destinations include:
* **Port of Buenos Aires** (Argentina) – for transshipment of soy‑derived products.
* **Port of Montevideo** (Uruguay) – for meat and dairy exports.
* **Port of Santos** (Brazil) – for bulk agricultural shipments to Asian markets.
Conversely, inbound cargo—such as **petroleum products**, **fertilizers**, and **machinery**—arrives via these major ports and navigates upstream to the terminal for inland distribution.
### Seasonal Trends and Major Commodities
Statistical data from the **Paraguayan Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock** indicate that **soybean meal** constitutes **38 %** of cargo volume, followed by **corn (22 %)**, **cotton (15 %)**, and **timber products (9 %)**. Seasonal spikes in **harvest periods** (January–March for soy, May–July for corn) drive throughput surges, often resulting in a **15‑20 % increase** in vessel calls during these windows. The port’s agile scheduling and robust infrastructure enable it to accommodate these fluctuations while maintaining turnaround times under **48 hours** for standard containerized loads.
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For further authoritative details on the port’s UN/LOCODE designation and operational metrics, see the UN/LOCODE database entry: <https://unece.org/unece/for/logistics/unlocode> and the comprehensive port profile on World Port Source: <https://www.worldportsource.com/Paraguay/Barrio_Caacupe_Mi>.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
PYBCM
Country
Paraguay
Province / Region
Central
Latitude
-25.220000
Longitude
-57.550000
Timezone
America/Asuncion
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Barrio Caacupe Mi?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Barrio Caacupe Mi is PYBCM.
Where is Port of Barrio Caacupe Mi located?
The Port of Barrio Caacupe Mi is located in Paraguay, Central. Its coordinates are -25.2200°N, -57.5500°E.
What time zone is Port of Barrio Caacupe Mi in?
Port of Barrio Caacupe Mi operates in the America/Asuncion 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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