UN/LOCODE: PEPCH📍 Peru
Port of Puerto Chicama (UN/LOCODE PEPCH)
❖ Coordinates: -7.8480°N, -79.1407°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Lima
❖ UN/LOCODE: PEPCH
## About the Port
Puerto Chicama (UN/LOCODE: **PEPCH**) sits on the Pacific coast of Peru in the La Libertad region, roughly 120 km north of Trujillo. Its geographic coordinates are **‑7.847995 ° S, ‑79.140742 ° W**, and the port operates on **America/Lima (UTC‑5)** time. Nestled at the mouth of the Chicama River, the harbor benefits from a naturally protected inlet that reduces wave energy and sedimentation, making it suitable for both dry‑bulk and break‑bulk cargoes.
The port is administered by the **Autoridad Portuaria Nacional (APN)**, which integrates the facility into Peru’s national maritime network and ensures compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations. Puerto Chicama’s strategic position on the **South American Pacific corridor** links the Andean interior to Asian and North‑American markets, serving as a gateway for agricultural commodities, minerals, and manufactured goods.
*Key identifiers*
- **UN/LOCODE:** PEPCH
- **Country:** Peru
- **Region/Province:** La Libertad
- **Timezone:** America/Lima (UTC‑5)
- **Latitude / Longitude:** −7.847995, ‑79.140742
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## History
### Early Development (19th century)
The Chicama River basin was a modest export point for cotton and coffee during the late 1800s. Small wooden piers accommodated sailing vessels that transferred cargo to larger ships anchored offshore.
### Modernization under the Military Government (1970‑1980)
A systematic port‑modernization program launched in 1972 under General Juan Velasco Alvarado’s administration expanded the quay, introduced a 7‑meter draft, and installed mechanized cargo‑handling gear. These upgrades positioned Puerto Chicama as a regional hub for the burgeoning agro‑export sector.
### Privatization and Expansion (1990‑2005)
In the 1990s, Peru’s neoliberal reforms led to partial privatization of terminal operations. The private concessionaire invested in reinforced concrete berths, a container yard, and a refrigerated storage facility, enabling the port to handle perishable goods such as asparagus and mangoes destined for European and Asian markets.
### Recent Enhancements (2010‑Present)
A 2014 **Infrastructure Development Plan** financed by the World Bank and APN added a 12‑meter draught lane, a modern gantry crane, and a customs‑automation platform compliant with the **UN/LOCODE** system (see the official list at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe). These measures have elevated Puerto Chicama’s handling capacity to **≈2.5 Mtpa** (million metric tons per annum).
---
## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths and Draft
- **Two primary berths**:
- **Berth 1** – 250 m length, 12 m draft, suitable for bulk carriers up to 45 000 DWT.
- **Berth 2** – 180 m length, 10 m draft, optimized for break‑bulk and small container vessels (≤1 000 TEU).
- **Depth‑sensing sonar** and **tide‑prediction software** guarantee safe navigation for vessels up to 150 m LOA.
### Cargo‑Handling Equipment
| Equipment | Capacity | Remarks |
|-----------|----------|---------|
| Ship‑to‑Shore (STS) gantry crane | 30 t lift, 12 m outreach | Handles containerized cargo and oversized project cargo |
| Mobile hydraulic crane | 25 t | Deployed for port‑side maintenance and heavy‑lift operations |
| Conveyor‑belt system | 1 200 t/h | Integrated for grain, fertilizer, and mineral handling |
| Cold‑storage warehouses | 8 000 m³ (‑22 °C) | Supports high‑value perishables for export to EU and Asia |
### Storage & Logistics
- **Open‑yard capacity:** 150 000 m², fenced for security and equipped with GNSS‑based inventory tracking.
- **Warehousing:** 12 000 m² of general cargo space, including fire‑rated silos for agro‑inputs.
- **Rail & Road Connectivity:** A dedicated 2 km rail spur links the port to the **Ferrocarril Central Andino (FCA)** network, while a four‑lane highway (PE‑3) provides direct access to the Pan‑American Highway (Route 5).
### Support Services
- **Customs and quarantine labs** certified under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
- **Pilotage and towage** operated by APN‑approved local pilots, with 24‑hour on‑call tugs capable of 250 t bollard pull.
- **Environmental compliance** follows the MARPOL Annex V framework; a shore‑based oil‑spill response team maintains a 10‑km contingency radius.
---
## Economic Importance
### Regional Catalyst
Puerto Chicama is the primary maritime outlet for La Libertad’s agricultural belt, which accounts for **≈30 % of Peru’s exportable horticulture**. The port’s ability to ship chilled produce directly to European Union entry points has spurred value‑added processing plants in nearby Chicama and Otuzco districts, generating an estimated **USD 350 M** in annual revenue.
### National Contribution
Within Peru’s port system, Puerto Chicama ranks **4th** in cargo tonnage after Callao, Paita, and Matarani. Its throughput of **≈2.5 Mtpa** supports an employment base of **≈1 800** direct jobs and over **5 000** indirect positions in logistics, customs brokerage, and agri‑business services. The port’s contribution to the country’s GDP is estimated at **0.8 %**, a figure that is projected to rise as new freezer‑chain facilities come online.
### Investment Outlook
The Peruvian Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) has earmarked **USD 45 M** for a **Phase‑II expansion** slated for 2027‑2031. The plan includes a third berth with a 15 m draft, a 5‑story container terminal, and enhanced digital customs clearance powered by blockchain technology—positioning Puerto Chicama as a **smart‑port** within the Pacific Alliance framework.
---
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Export Commodities
| Commodity | Approx. Annual Volume | Destination Highlights |
|-----------|----------------------|------------------------|
| Fresh asparagus | 210 000 t | EU (Spain, Germany), USA (California) |
| Mangoes & papaya | 150 000 t | China, Japan, EU (Netherlands) |
| Fishmeal & fish oil | 120 000 t | Thailand, South Korea |
| Copper concentrate | 80 000 t | China, India |
| Cement and construction aggregates | 65 000 t | Domestic and neighboring Andean markets |
### Import Profile
- **Industrial inputs**: Sodium carbonate, urea, and fertilizers from Chile and the United States.
- **Machinery and spare parts**: Heavy equipment for mining and agro‑processing, mainly sourced from Japan, Germany, and the United States.
### Shipping Lines & Frequencies
- **Maranavi Shipping** – weekly services to Rotterdam (via the Panama Canal).
- **Pacific Line Logistics** – three times per month to Shanghai and Busan.
- **Andean Coastal Carriers** – bi‑weekly runs to Guayaquil, Ecuador, supporting intra‑regional trade.
### Strategic Trade Corridors
Puerto Chicama’s proximity to the **Panama Canal** (≈6 000 km) enables efficient trans‑Pacific connections, while the **Andean hinterland rail link** facilitates cargo flow from mining districts such as Cerro Coroata. The port also participates in the **Pacific‑Lago Atlantic (PLA) corridor**, leveraging the Inter‑Oceanic Railway project under study to connect the Pacific coast with Brazil’s Atlantic ports, potentially reducing cargo‑shipping time by 10–12 days.
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### References & Further Reading
- United Nations Economic Commission for Europe – **UN/LOCODE Directory**: <https://www.unece.org/cefact/locode/>
- Autoridad Portuaria Nacional – **Port of Chicama Operational Data**: <https://www.apn.gob.pe/puerto-chicama>
*This article provides a compact yet thorough maritime intelligence portrait of Puerto Chicama, integrating historical context, technical specifications, and its pivotal role in Peru’s trade ecosystem.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
PEPCH
Country
Peru
Province / Region
La Libertad
Latitude
-7.847995
Longitude
-79.140742
Timezone
America/Lima
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Puerto Chicama?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Puerto Chicama is PEPCH.
Where is Port of Puerto Chicama located?
The Port of Puerto Chicama is located in Peru, La Libertad. Its coordinates are -7.8480°N, -79.1407°E.
What time zone is Port of Puerto Chicama in?
Port of Puerto Chicama operates in the America/Lima time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height1.16 m
Wave Direction209°
Swell Height1.12 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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