UN/LOCODE: PEPAI📍 Peru

Port of Paita (UN/LOCODE PEPAI)

Coordinates: -5.0938°N, -81.0962°E
Time Zone: America/Lima
UN/LOCODE: PEPAI
## About the Port Paita Port (UN/LOCODE: PEPAI) represents one of Peru's most strategically significant maritime facilities, strategically positioned on the northern coastline of South America within the department of Piura. Located at coordinates -5.0938488 Latitude and -81.0962172 Longitude, this port operates within the America/Lima timezone and serves as a critical gateway for international maritime commerce along the Pacific coast of South America. The port's location in Piura province positions it approximately 100 kilometers south of the Ecuadorian border, making it an essential maritime hub for regional trade connectivity. Paita's natural harbor characteristics provide deep-water access suitable for large commercial vessels, facilitating efficient cargo handling operations for both bulk and containerized freight. ## History Paita Port's development as a maritime facility emerged during Peru's period of economic expansion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with increased demand for nitrate exports from the coastal regions of northern Peru. The port's strategic importance grew significantly following the establishment of formal maritime trade relationships with Asian markets, particularly Japan and China, in the mid-20th century. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Paita underwent substantial modernization efforts to accommodate increasing vessel sizes and evolving cargo handling requirements. The port's infrastructure development paralleled Peru's diversification from primary commodity exports toward more complex manufacturing and agricultural trade, establishing its role as a multifaceted maritime gateway. ## Infrastructure & Facilities The Paita Port complex encompasses comprehensive terminal facilities designed to handle diverse cargo types including bulk commodities, general cargo, and containerized freight. The port's quay infrastructure provides multiple berthing facilities capable of accommodating vessels up to 10,000 deadweight tons, with modern cargo handling equipment including cranes and conveyor systems optimized for efficient cargo transfer operations. Terminal operations at Paita are supported by adequate warehousing facilities, customs processing areas, and administrative buildings necessary for streamlined port community interactions. The port's connectivity includes direct road access to major national highways, facilitating seamless inland cargo distribution networks throughout northern Peru and into neighboring Ecuadorian markets. ## Economic Importance Paita Port functions as a vital economic engine for the Piura region and broader northern Peruvian economy, generating significant employment opportunities across maritime operations, logistics, and supporting service sectors. The port's cargo throughput directly correlates with export volumes of key regional commodities including agricultural products, minerals, and manufactured goods destined for international markets. The facility's operational efficiency contributes substantially to Peru's balance of trade through its role in facilitating successful export negotiations and import substitution processes. Regional economic development initiatives frequently prioritize port infrastructure improvements due to Paita's demonstrable impact on foreign exchange earnings and supply chain reliability for local industries. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Paita Port maintains established shipping connections with major Pacific Rim destinations including Japan, South Korea, China, and United States West Coast ports, creating regular liner services complemented by frequent bulk carrier rotations. The port's primary cargo composition includes agricultural commodities such as asparagus and other vegetable products, alongside mineral exports and manufactured goods imports. Containerized cargo operations at Paita have experienced significant growth trajectory, reflecting Peru's expanding participation in global supply chains and increased demand for efficient maritime logistics solutions. Bulk cargo handling remains equally prominent, with specialized facilities designed to accommodate grain, coal, and mineral ore cargoes requiring dedicated terminal configurations and enhanced loading equipment. The port's geographic positioning enables competitive transit times to key Asian manufacturing centers, providing Peruvian exporters with strategic advantages in perishable goods markets where time-sensitive delivery requirements necessitate reliable maritime connectivity. This competitive positioning has attracted numerous liner service operators to establish regular calls at Paita, further enhancing its profile as a critical node within South American maritime trade networks. For additional information regarding Peruvian maritime infrastructure development, consult the International Maritime Organization database resources.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

PEPAI

Country

Peru

Province / Region

Piura

Latitude

-5.093849

Longitude

-81.096217

Timezone

America/Lima

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Paita?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Paita is PEPAI.

Where is Port of Paita located?

The Port of Paita is located in Peru, Piura. Its coordinates are -5.0938°N, -81.0962°E.

What time zone is Port of Paita in?

Port of Paita operates in the America/Lima time zone.

🌊 Live Marine Conditions

Wave Height1.24 m
Wave Direction209°
Swell Height1.16 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.