UN/LOCODE: ESLPA📍 Spain
Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (UN/LOCODE ESLPA)
❖ Coordinates: 28.1000°N, -15.4200°E
❖ Time Zone: Atlantic/Canary
❖ UN/LOCODE: ESLPA
## About the Port
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (UN/LOCODE: **ESLPA**) is the premier maritime gateway of the Canary Islands, situated on the north‑west coast of Gran Canaria at **28.1° N, 15.42° W**. Operating in the **Atlantic/Canary** timezone, the port enjoys a strategically advantageous position straddling the Atlantic‑North Africa shipping lane and the Europe‑South America corridor. It functions as a **multimodal hub** handling container traffic, bulk commodities, Ro‑Ro vessels, and a vibrant cruise‑ship market. The port’s authority, **Puerto de Las Palmas**, manages over **10 million TEU** of annual container throughput and serves as the primary hub for inter‑island connectivity, supporting both commercial logistics and regional passenger mobility.
## History
The maritime legacy of Las Palmas dates back to the **15th‑century conquest**, when natural anchorage facilitated early trade with the Iberian Peninsula and the Portuguese Atlantic fleet. During the **17th–18th centuries**, the harbor evolved into a modest fishing and supply base for the island’s burgeoning sugar economy. The **late 19th century** saw the construction of the first quay walls, enabling the export of gofio and other agricultural products.
A pivotal transformation occurred in **1974** with the inauguration of the **modern container terminal**, which introduced automated berths and mechanized handling, positioning the port as a regional logistics hub. Subsequent expansions—particularly the **2000–2005 deep‑water berth upgrade** and the **2018 Ro‑Ro terminal opening**—enhanced capacity to accommodate ultra‑large container vessels (ULCVs) up to 24 000 TEU. The port’s evolution reflects a consistent focus on **infrastructure modernization** and **strategic diversification** into cruise tourism and energy logistics.
### Early Era
- Fishing and modest coastal trade (pre‑1500s)
- Natural harbor used during Spanish colonization
### 19th‑20th Century Developments
- Expansion of quays for agricultural exports
- 1974 launch of the first container terminal
### Contemporary Era
- 2005 deep‑water berth commissioning
- 2018 Ro‑Ro and cruise‑ship terminal inauguration
## Infrastructure & Facilities
Las Palmas boasts a **diverse set of facilities** designed to handle a wide spectrum of cargo and vessel types.
### Container Terminals
- **Terminal 1** and **Terminal 2** feature **12 deep‑water berths**, each capable of handling ULCVs.
- State‑of‑the‑art **Automated Container Handling System (ACHS)** provides real‑time tracking and reduces turnaround time to under 24 hours for 10,000‑TEU ships.
### Bulk & Liquid Bulk Facilities
- Dedicated **bulk cargo terminals** for phosphates, cement, and aggregates, equipped with **high‑capacity conveyor systems**.
- **Oil and LNG terminals** support the storage of up to **150,000 m³** of liquid fuels, with dedicated **tanker berths** meeting stringent EU safety standards.
### Cruise & Passenger Terminal
- The **modern cruise terminal** offers **four berths**, handling **over 3 million passengers annually**.
- Facilities include **customs clearance**, **embarkation lounges**, and **shuttle services** to the city center.
### Intermodal Connectivity
- **Rail link** to the **Gran Canaria Airport freight hub** and **continental Spain** via the **Algeciras–Las Palmas rail corridor**.
- **Truck‑parking yards** and **container depots** with **40,000 m²** of covered storage ensure efficient inland distribution.
### Support Services
- **Pilotage**, **tug assistance**, and **VTS (Vessel Traffic Service)** operations comply with **IMO standards**.
- **Security measures** adhere to **ISPS Code**, featuring CCTV surveillance and restricted‑area patrols.
## Economic Importance
The port generates roughly **€1.2 billion** in annual economic activity, accounting for **8 % of Gran Canaria’s GDP**. It directly employs **over 4,500 workers** and supports **15,000 indirect jobs** across logistics, warehousing, and ancillary services. Cargo throughput data underscores its pivotal role: in 2023, the port handled **9.8 million TEU**, **12.5 million tonnes** of bulk cargo, and **2.3 million** cruise passengers. Exports of **canary bananas, mojo sauces, and specialty wines** rely heavily on the port’s refrigerated logistics, while imports of **automotive parts, electronics, and renewable‑energy equipment** sustain the island’s industrial base.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Las Palmas maintains a dense network of **regional and trans‑Atlantic trade routes**, linking Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
### Regional Connectivity
- **Europe–North Africa**: Frequent services to Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Algeciras (≈ 1 week transit).
- **Canary Islands Loop**: Inter‑island ferries and cargo ships provide daily connectivity to Tenerife, La Gomera, and La Palma.
### Containerized Cargo
- **Primary exports**: Agricultural products (bananas, tomatoes), automotive components, and manufactured goods.
- **Key imports**: Electronics, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods, predominantly from Spain, China, and the United States.
### Bulk Commodities
- **Phosphates** from Western Sahara are transferred for fertilizer production in Europe.
- **Cement and aggregates** flow to construction projects across the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco.
### Energy & Project Cargo
- **Liquefied natural gas (LNG)** shipments originate from Qatar and the United States, destined for European markets via the Suez Canal corridor.
- **Wind‑turbine components** and **solar‑panel installations** are periodically handled for renewable‑energy projects in West Africa.
### Cruise & Passenger Traffic
- The port’s cruise‑ship terminal serves as a **gateway to the Atlantic archipelagos**, with itineraries that traverse the **Caribbean, South America, and the Atlantic Islands**.
> **Further Reading:**
> - Official information is available at the Port of Las Palmas website↗.
> - Detailed UN/LOCODE specifications can be consulted via the UN/LOcode reference guide↗.
Through its robust infrastructure, strategic geographic position, and diversified cargo portfolio, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria continues to cement its status as a **critical maritime node** in the Atlantic economy.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
ESLPA
Country
Spain
Province / Region
Las Palmas
Latitude
28.100000
Longitude
-15.420000
Timezone
Atlantic/Canary
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is ESLPA.
Where is Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria located?
The Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is located in Spain, Las Palmas. Its coordinates are 28.1000°N, -15.4200°E.
What time zone is Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in?
Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria operates in the Atlantic/Canary 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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