UN/LOCODE: PECLL📍 Peru

Port of Callao (UN/LOCODE PECLL)

❖ Coordinates: -12.0508°N, -77.1260°E

❖ Time Zone: America/Lima

❖ UN/LOCODE: PECLL

## About the Port Callao (UN/LOCODE: **PECLL**) is Peru’s premier maritime gateway, situated on the Pacific coast just north of Lima. The port’s coordinates—**12°00′S, 77°07′W**—place it in the bustling Lima metropolitan area, which handles more than 80 % of Peru’s international trade volume. Managed by the **Port Authority of Callao (APN)**, the facility operates under the legal framework of Peru’s Ministry of Transport and Communications, ensuring compliance with international maritime standards and regional safety protocols. The harbor comprises a natural depression in the coastal plain, providing deep-water access with drafts up to **15 meters** even at low tide. This depth accommodates panamax‑class vessels and larger post‑panamax ships, making Callao a key node in transpacific and inter‑American logistics chains. The port’s time zone (**America/Lima**, UTC − 5) aligns with most of South America’s business hours, facilitating smooth coordination with Asian, North American, and European markets. ## History ### Colonial Origins Callao’s strategic importance dates back to the **16th century**. In 1537, Spanish conquistador **Diego de Almagro** established a small settlement, and by 1552 the Crown designated Callao as the official port of **Lima**, the capital of Spanish Peru. The natural harbor’s protection from Pacific storms quickly transformed it into a critical hub for the **Spanish treasure fleet**, which annually transported silver and gold from the Andes to Spain. ### Republican Era and Expansion After Peru’s independence in 1821, Callao continued to evolve. In **1850**, the Peruvian government inaugurated the first modern dockyard, laying the groundwork for naval infrastructure. The **late 19th century** saw the arrival of the **Guaycurí railway**, linking the port to the inland mining regions of Cerro de Pasco and Huancavelica, dramatically increasing the throughput of mineral bulk cargo. ### 20th‑Century Modernization World War II accelerated Callao’s modernization. The United States Navy constructed additional piers and expanded the berth capacity to support wartime logistics. Post‑war, Peru embarked on a series of infrastructure projects: the **Jorge Chávez International Container Terminal (TIC)** opened in **1968**, followed by the **Callao Dry Dock** in the 1970s. These investments positioned Callao as the dominant container hub on Peru’s Pacific coast. ### Contemporary Developments In the **2000s**, Callao underwent a radical upgrade. The **Port Reforma** initiative (2005‑2012) introduced state‑of‑the‑art container handling equipment, including **Gantry Cranes** with statutory load capacities of 50 t, and automated container terminals. The **Mega‑Port** project, launched in **2015**, expanded the total berth length from 1,200 m to over **3,500 m**, enabling simultaneous handling of two **post‑panamax** vessels. Today, Callao ranks among the top ten ports in Latin America for container volume, according to the **International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH)**. ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Terminal Layout - **Jorge Chávez International Container Terminal (TIC)** - Berth length: **1,200 m** (three berths) - Cranes: **7 STS gantry cranes**, **4 rubber‑tyred gantry cranes (RTG)**, and **2 reach stackers** - Capacity: **2.5 million TEU** annually (2023 data) - Automated stackingyards with GPS‑guided inter‑handlers - **General Cargo Terminal** - Dedicated berths for break‑bulk, vehicles, and steel products - **4 dry docks** for ship repair and maintenance (largest in the Pacific South America region) - **Bulk Cargo Facilities** - **Iron ore**, **copper concentrate**, and **fertilizer** handling basins with conveyor systems - **Two loader/unloader stations** capable of processing **10,000 t** per day - **Passenger and Cruise Berth** - Modern cruise ship terminal with immigration, customs, and recreational amenities, serving **~30** cruise vessels per season ### Ancillary Services - **Maritime Industry Park** – housing shipyards, logistics centers, and offshore support vessels. - **Free Trade Zone (FTZ)** – offering tax incentives for warehousing, reprocessing, and re‑export activities. - **Digital Port Management System (SIMAP)** – an integrated platform for cargo tracking, berth scheduling, and customs clearance, aligned with **UN/LOCODE PECLL** standards. ## Economic Importance Callao is the **principal economic engine** for Lima province and Peru’s national trade balance. In **2023**, the port handled **~$45 billion** in cargo value, representing **≈70 %** of Peru’s total import‑export volume. Key sectors driving this activity include: - **Minerals**: Copper, zinc, and iron ore exports account for **~45 %** of outbound cargo revenue. - **Agricultural Products**: Asparagus, blueberries, and coffee are shipped to North American and European markets, often via **direct sail** routes from Callao to **Los Angeles**, **Long Beach**, and **Savannah**. - **Manufactured Goods**: Imports of machinery, electronics, and automotive parts dominate inbound traffic, supporting Peru’s internal production chains. Employment generated directly at the port exceeds **12,000** workers, with an additional **30,000** jobs in associated logistics, warehousing, and distribution sectors. The port’s **FTZ** attracted **$1.2 billion** in foreign direct investment (FDI) between **2018‑2022**, reinforcing its role as a regional trade hub. The Peruvian government’s **“Port Reform Law” (2020)** further liberalized access to Callao’s facilities, encouraging private sector participation while preserving state oversight for strategic navigation safety. This balance has improved turnaround times: average vessel dwell time fell from **48 hours (2015)** to **24 hours (2023)**, according to APN statistics. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Transpacific Links Callao serves as the primary gateway for **Asia‑Peru** trade. Main destination ports include: - **Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen (China)** – Export of minerals, import of consumer goods. - **Yokohama, Tokyo, Osaka (Japan)** – Vehicle parts and electronic components. - **Busan, Port of Singapore** – Diversified container cargo and bulk commodities. Service frequency is typically **weekly** for container vessels, with several **bi‑weekly** bulk carriers serving the iron‑ore terminals. ### North‑American & European Routes - **West Coast USA**: Direct feeder services to **Los Angeles**, **Long Beach**, and **Oakland**, transporting consumer electronics and machinery. - **East Coast USA**: Via the Panama Canal, Callao vessels call at **Miami**, **New York**, and **Savannah**, handling agricultural and processed food products. ### Intra‑South American Corridors Callao participates in **Pacific Alliance** trade flows, linking with **Mexican Pacific ports** and **Chilean terminals** (e.g., **Valparaíso**, **Antofagasta**) for regional distribution of perishable goods and manufactured items. ### Major Cargo Types | Cargo Category | Annual Volume (2023) | Key Export/Import Sources | Notable Vessels | |----------------|----------------------|---------------------------|-----------------| | Containers (TEU) | 2.5 million | Asia, USA, Europe | Panamax, Post‑panamax container ships | | Iron Ore | 30 Mt | Peruvian mining zones | Bulk carriers (Capesize) | | Copper Concentrate | 8 Mt | Southern Peru | Handymax bulkers | | Asparagus & Berries | 150 kt | Lima region | Refrigerated reefers | | Vehicles & Auto Parts | 250 kt | Japan, South Korea | Roll‑on/roll‑off (RORO) ships | | General Cargo (steel, construction) | 500 kt | Global | Dry‑bulk and break‑bulk vessels | The port’s strategic positioning, deep water, and expansive terminal capacity enable it to accommodate a **diverse cargo mix**, making Callao indispensable for both **resource‑rich export economies** and **import‑driven consumer markets**. ### External Resources For the most current operational data, see the **Port Authority of Callao** official portal: www.puertos.gob.pe↗. Complementary trade statistics can be cross‑checked with the **International Maritime Organization (IMO)**’s port database and the **Panama Canal Authority** for transit route details. --- *Callao continues to evolve as a modern, efficient maritime hub that underpins Peru’s economic trajectory, bridging the Pacific’s dynamic trade lanes with the burgeoning markets of South America.*

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

PECLL

Country

Peru

Province / Region

Lima

Latitude

-12.050849

Longitude

-77.125984

Timezone

America/Lima

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Callao?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Callao is PECLL.

Where is Port of Callao located?

The Port of Callao is located in Peru, Lima. Its coordinates are -12.0508°N, -77.1260°E.

What time zone is Port of Callao in?

Port of Callao 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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