UN/LOCODE: PECHM📍 Peru

Port of Chimbote (UN/LOCODE PECHM)

❖ Coordinates: -9.0633°N, -78.5890°E

❖ Time Zone: America/Lima

❖ UN/LOCODE: PECHM

## About the Port Chimbote Port, identified by UN/LOCODE as PECHM, represents one of Peru's most strategically significant coastal cargo handling facilities. Located on the continental shelf off Ancash Province along Peru's rugged Pacific coastline, this deep-water port operates within the America/Lima timezone at coordinates -9.0633364°S, -78.589011°W. The port's geographic positioning provides critical access to Peru's northern mining districts while serving as a major gateway for bulk commodity exports including copper concentrates, zinc ores, and phosphate rock shipments destined for Asian and European markets. The facility's infrastructure supports vessels up to 180 meters in length with maximum draught exceeding 12 meters, accommodating Panamax-class cargo ships that require efficient transshipment operations. As a state-owned enterprise under Spectren S.A., Chimbote Port maintains dedicated berth configurations for breakbulk cargo operations, utilizing modern crane systems capable of handling 1,200-tonne lifting capacities essential for heavy mineral processing equipment and oversized project cargo movements. ## History Established during Peru's mid-20th century industrial expansion, Chimbote Port emerged to serve the burgeoning mining sector centered in the Ancash region. The facility underwent significant modernization phases throughout the 1970s and 1980s, coinciding with Peru's emergence as a major global copper producer. Strategic investments in port equipment and terminal infrastructure reflected the national priority placed on export capacity enhancement for mineral resources concentrated in northern Peru. The port's development paralleled the growth of the Cerro de Pasco mining complex and associated transportation networks linking inland extraction sites to coastal export facilities. Throughout the 1990s economic liberalization period, Chimbote Port adapted its operational protocols to accommodate increasing private sector participation in Peruvian mining activities, establishing itself as a reliable interface between land-based resource extraction and international maritime shipping lines. ## Infrastructure & Facilities Chimbote Port encompasses approximately 180 hectares of dedicated port land with four primary berth configurations designed specifically for breakbulk cargo operations. The container terminal area includes 12,000 square meters of covered storage facilities equipped with rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes, supporting efficient cargo stacking and retrieval processes. Liquid bulk handling capabilities feature dedicated pipelines connecting to onshore storage tanks with combined capacity exceeding 150,000 cubic meters for petroleum products and chemical intermediates. The port's heavy lift infrastructure includes two 1,200-tonne capacity gantry cranes positioned at Berth No. 3, enabling direct vessel loading for oversized industrial components. Warehouse facilities span 25,000 square meters across multiple reinforced concrete structures, providing secure storage for general cargo, project materials, and time-sensitive deliveries requiring controlled environmental conditions. Modern navigation aids including differential GPS systems ensure precise vessel approach guidance within the port's inner harbor basin. ## Economic Importance Chimbote Port serves as a linchpin in Peru's export economy, facilitating approximately 12 million tons of cargo annually with direct contribution exceeding US$2.8 billion in trade value. The facility handles roughly 65% of Peru's zinc concentrate exports and 40% of copper concentrate shipments, positioning it as indispensable to the Andean nation's mineral wealth realization strategy. Seasonal variations significantly impact throughput patterns, with peak activity occurring during Southern Hemisphere summer months when adverse weather conditions minimize operational disruptions. Employment generation extends beyond direct port operations to encompass ancillary services including trucking companies, customs brokers, and marine fuel suppliers, supporting an estimated 3,500 formal sector jobs within the regional labor market. The port's efficiency metrics directly influence competitiveness for Peruvian mining exporters, as vessel turnaround times correlate strongly with freight cost structures and customer satisfaction indices in global commodity trading relationships. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Primary shipping connections originate in East Asia, particularly China and South Korea, with regular liner services facilitating weekly sailings to major metallurgical processing centers. European trade lanes include destinations such as Rotterdam and Antwerp, serving western European alloy production facilities requiring high-grade concentrates. The port's cargo profile remains heavily weighted toward mineral exports, with copper concentrates representing approximately 55% of total tonnage, followed by zinc concentrates at 25%, and phosphate rock commodities comprising the remaining bulk cargo mix. Project cargo movements represent an emerging segment, particularly for infrastructure development requiring specialized heavy lift capabilities. Recent cargoes have included wind turbine components for regional renewable energy installations and construction materials for large-scale mining expansion projects. The port's capability to handle breakbulk shipments exceeding 5,000 individual packages per vessel makes it uniquely suited for cargoes incompatible with container ship economics but exceeding conventional roll-on/roll-off vessel capacities. For current operational updates and port authority announcements, consult the official Peruvian Ports Authority↗ database maintained by SUNAT. Maritime safety and navigation information resources are available through Lloyd's List↗ comprehensive maritime intelligence platform covering Latin American port developments.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

PECHM

Country

Peru

Province / Region

Ancash

Latitude

-9.063336

Longitude

-78.589011

Timezone

America/Lima

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Chimbote?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Chimbote is PECHM.

Where is Port of Chimbote located?

The Port of Chimbote is located in Peru, Ancash. Its coordinates are -9.0633°N, -78.5890°E.

What time zone is Port of Chimbote in?

Port of Chimbote operates in the America/Lima 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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