2 Guatemala Logistics Infrastructure
Guatemala infrastructure consists of three main ports (one in the Atlantic and two in the Pacific Ocean), with two international airports (La Aurora airport in the heart of Guatemala City and Flores in Petén), and a road network for connecting main cities and rural areas. There is rail road network but is not in operation.
Since the nineties, there have been many improvements in logistics infrastructure, but still there are many things to be done. There are considerable restrictions with the quality of transport services and higher rates in comparison with other countries of similar development. Also Guatemala has serious bottle neck problems, as the regulatory systems in specific sectors such as ports.
Special worries in the inland transport, quality of roads and ability of ports to accommodate larger vessels.
Public Private Partnership investments in Guatemala, ANADIE
The National Agency for Alliances for the Development of Economic Infrastructure -ANADIE- is a decentralized entity with its own assets created with the aim of preparing and coordinating the plans, policies and regulations for the development of contracts under the modality of Alliances for the Development of Economic Infrastructure, known as Public Private Partnerships -APP's- for public institutions in Guatemala.
Guatemala is now planning for investing more than US$1.6 billion in infrastructure investment across a portfolio of six infrastructure projects, which are being studied under the Public-Private Partnerships.
The National Alliance for the Development of Economic Infrastructure (ANADIE) works on the following areas:
- Road infrastructure
- Transport
- Ports and airports
- Public construction projects
Road Infrastructure
Guatemala total road infrastructure network is 16,946.20 Km. The paved roads network is 313.74 km, asphalt 7,152.3 km . accessible to transport cargo and people, connecting its different regions, ports and borders with Mexico and Central America and 9,740.18 km of unpaved roads. [1]
The Ministry of Communications through it office COVIAL, is responsible for the maintenance of existing routes.
It is important to add that currently one of the projects of great connotation in this sector is the construction of the National Northern Transversal Strip Road, which will cross Guatemala from the Atlantic Ocean, through four departments, to the border with Mexico, forming a corridor of 358 Km. The “Franja Transversal del Norte” (FTN) project could be completed in 2023. Its construction began in 2010 and was scheduled to be completed by August 2, 2022, but the work would not be finished until next year. In addition, this project aims to interconnect terrestrial and ports which are important to the pursuit of economic development, benefiting approximately 1,176 million thousand people.
For more road projects please see: https://www.caminos.gob.gt/proyectos.html#Proyectos
National Airport System
The international airport La Aurora is located in the City Center, with capacity to receive 4 million passengers a year. The airport is Category 1 by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) of the United States of America. It has more than 160 weekly flights and direct connections to six cities in the U.S., Mexico, Central America, Peru and Spain.
La Aurora International Airport has an area of 115,000 m2, 98 double desks of common use, 500 meters of linear strips, 24 immigration control points and a capacity to serve 22 aircrafts simultaneously.
At 507 km from Guatemala City is the Mundo Maya International Airport, visited by many tourists interested when visiting Tikal.
In addition to the international airport, there are seven more airports in secondary cities such as Quetzaltenango, Huehuetenango, Retalhuleu, San Marcos, Coatepeque, Puerto de San Jose, and Puerto Barrios.
Maritime Ports in Guatemala
Guatemala currently has five seaports, of which two are located on the Atlantic Coast: Santo Tomás de Castilla and Puerto Barrios. The other three are Puerto Quetzal, San José and Champerico on the Pacific Ocean, and the five ports are connected to each other by the national road network.
The main cargo ports are Puerto Quetzal, Puerto Barrios and San Tomás de Castilla. The other ports are used for recreational and finishing activities, except for San José, which is used mainly for bulk liquid shipments of petroleum and molasses, among others.
Guatemala exceeds three billion US dollars in industrial and agri-food products. A good part of these products are shipped from ports such as:
Santo Tomás de Castilla. This is the largest Atlantic port in Guatemala, located 295km from the capital and connected by road and rail. This modern facility not only handles cargo but is also the main docking point for cruise ships that bring tourists interested in visiting the area's Mayan ruins. More than 5 million tons of products and merchandise pass through the port each year. It has terminals for liquid bulk, general cargo, containers and cruise ships.
Puerto Barrios. Located on the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, Puerto Barrios is the older and smaller of the two ports on this coast. It is modern industrial port. Built by the United Fruit Company, it is located 295km from Guatemala City. Originally planned as a rail terminal that would help connect the country to American commerce, it remains a major hub for fruit and vegetable exports, including Chiquita, Dole, and Del Monte.
Puerto Quetzal. Located on the Pacific side of Guatemala, Puerto Quetzal is the largest seaport in the Pacific. In addition, it benefits from a key location thanks to its proximity to the Panama Canal. It is located 100km from Guatemala City. Puerto Quetzal is a large sugar export center and also the most efficient sugar loading terminal in Central America. It also has a liquefied gas terminal, another for coal and another for cruise ships.
2.1 Guatemala Port Assessment
Guatemala's port infrastructure consists of two ports on the Atlantic coast: Santo Tomas de Castilla and Puerto Barrios, and three in the Pacific side: Puerto Quetzal, Puerto de San Jose and Champerico. Port Quetzal and Santo Tomas de Castilla, are government ports with duties and responsibilities defined by the Constitution of the Guatemala. Puerto Barrios is a government onerous usufruct to the Chiquita Brands Company that will continue for 37 more years.
The National Port Commission is the government entity responsible for providing support, coordination, technical expertise to improve the management of the Guatemalan ports and their exposure to the world market. The CPN comprises of representatives of the port companies, relevant government ministries as well as representative of the private sector.
Source : www.cpn.gob.gt
In the Atlantic coast, the ports are located at 295 Km from Guatemala City, and in the Pacific Coast, Puerto Quetzal, and Boyas San Jose are located 100 Km from Guatemala City. Puerto Quetzal has all the infrastructure for exporting sugar, mainly by Expogranel. The port has the more efficient sugar loading terminal in Latin America. Also, the port has a Liquefied Gas Terminal (LPG), a Coal Terminal and a Terminal for Cruises.
Boyas San Jose is mainly used for bulk liquids, petroleum, and molasses. It is a terminal that works with mooring buoys at high sea, for the mooring of vessels working with hose connection of landing and shipping, to and from deposits on land.
2.1.1 Guatemala Port of Santo Tomas de Castilla
Port Overview
The Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla is located at East Coast Central America, Gulf of Honduras, Amatique Bay in Guatemala at 295 Km from Guatemala City. The official UN/Locode of this port is GTSTC. It is also known as SANTO TOMAS , also called Matías de Gálvez port. Santo Tomás has become the busiest port of Guatemala, handling chiefly general cargo, while Puerto Barrios is limited to agricultural produce. It is the gateway for 60% of Guatemala's containerized cargo, and 65% of liquid bulk. Likewise, it is the export port for Nickel from the Atlantic coast of Guatemala. It is also the headquarters of the Guatemalan navy. Guatemala City is linked to Santo Tomás by highway, and air. Santo Tomás is a medium-sized port. The terminal can handle dry bulk (grains and fertilizers), cruise ships, barges, and reefers, roll on roll off, liquid bulk and containerized cargo.
The Santo Tomás de Castilla National Port Company is the institution responsible for managing and providing maritime port services, such as passenger embarkation and disembarkation, loading, unloading, transfer of merchandise and related services, also to facilitate trade logistics and operations
The Port of Santo Tomás has a fiscal area for liquid bulk, called the Free Zone for Industry and Commerce, also known as ZOLIC, which has 90% of the liquid cargo storage terminals for the aforementioned port.
Zolic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zolic http://www.zolicguate.com/
Port website: https://santotomasport.com.gt/
Port Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Guatemala |
Province or District |
Santo Tomas de Castilla Puerto Barrios, Izabal |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Port |
Puerto Barrios 7.7 Km |
Port's Complete Name |
Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla UN/Locode: GTSTC |
Latitude |
15° 41' 41" N |
Longitude |
88° 36' 59" W |
Managing Company or Port Authority |
Empresa Portuaria Nacional Santo Tomas de Castilla Guatemala C.A. www.empornac.gob.gt |
Management Contact Person |
Kevin Gabriel Comas / gerenciageneral@empornac.gob.gt Phone: 502 7948-3060 Fax: 502 7948-3288 |
Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures |
Airport Name: Aeropuerto de PUERTO BARRIOS Airlines: TAG, Transportes Aereos de Guatemala (Charter) and Private planes |
Port picture
- Cruise Terminal
- Customs bonded warehouse
- Container terminal
- Liquid bulk terminal
- Solid bulk terminal
- Industrial park
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
Proveedora Maya Tzutujil Ship Chandlers
Phone: +502 3103-1379
Fax : +502 4051-4410
sales-jgm@mayatzutujil-supplier.com
Alopsa,
Asistencia y Logistica Portuaria, S.A. Shipping Agency, Ship Chandlers and Container Terminal
Phone: +502 2224-6400
Fax : +502 2224-6422
MECO Ship Chandlers
Phone: +502 3151-4848
Comercializadora Pahame Bulk Logistics, Port and Terminal Services
Phone: +502 2224-6400
Fax : +502 2224-6422
For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List.
Port Performance
The maximum length of the vessels recorded to having entered this port is 244 meters. The maximum draught is 10.2 meters. The maximum Deadweight is 74,996 t.
Seasonal Constraints |
||
---|---|---|
Occurs |
Time Frame |
|
Rainy Season |
YES |
May to November |
Major Import Campaigns |
NO |
|
Other Comments |
Major Export Campaigns from November to April |
Handling Figures for 2021 |
|
---|---|
Vessel Calls |
1,156 |
Container Traffic (TEUs) |
546,676 |
The types of vessels regularly calling at Puerto Santo Tomás are Oil/Chemical Tanker (29%), Container Ship (27%), Bulk Carrier (15%), General Cargo (7%), Crude Oil Tanker (5%).
Handling Figures Bulk and Break Bulk for YEAR 2013 |
|
---|---|
Bulk (MT) |
9,531,693 mt |
Break bulk (MT) |
N/A |
Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges
For information on port rates and charges, please see the following link: https://santotomasport.com.gt/tarifas/
Berthing Specifications
Type of Berth |
Quantity |
Length (m) |
Maximum Draft (m) |
Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
Conventional Berth |
6 |
913.2 m (total) |
Dock Berths 1, 2, 3: 2.50 m ± 0.25 m Dock Berths 4, 5, 6: 2.70 m ± 0.25 m |
|
Container Berth |
5 (of 6 total) |
152.20m each |
10m to 10.30 m |
|
Silo Berth |
The grain terminal is located in Zone 1, with an area extension of 39,800 m², 75 m away from the wharf’s platform. The terminal counts with six silos with a storage capacity of 3,880 t and a 10,000 t warehouse capacity. It operates using a system of treadmills to load and discharge. |
|||
Berthing Tugs |
4 (3,600HP) |
1 Type “A” classification tug |
||
Water Barges |
n/a |
Water supply YES |
Water Depth
Cargo Pier: 26 – 30 feet, 7.1 – 9.1 m.
Anchorage: 26 – 30 feet, 7.1 – 9.1 m.
Oil Terminal: 26 – 30 feet, 7.1 – 9.1 m.
Mean Tide: 2 feet
Channel: 26 – 30 feet, 7.1 – 9.1 m.
The maximum length of the vessels recorded to having entered this port is 244 meters. Maximum vessel length overall (LOA) is 229 m. The maximum draught is 10.2 meters.
Control Tower
Located on channel 16 VHF
Access
The access channel to the Port of Santo Tomas de Castilla is located in the entrance of the bay of Amatique (15° 57' 8" North 88° 37' 24’’ West), 2 km towards the West (15° 53 ' 36") it has a turn of 90º degrees. The channel has draught restriction of 11m, length of 10.7 km and a width of 90m
Maritime signalling
Buoys, beacons, leading lights (21 signals plus the Villedo lighthouse) (direction of N 4 degrees 53')
General Cargo Handling Berths
Santo Tomás de Castilla has 6 berths, each one 152.20 meters long, making a total of 913.2 meters of berthing frontage. Of these 6 berths, all are multipurpose, which gives versatility and flexibility to port operations, being berth number 6, the one with the connections for unloading liquid bulk; Likewise, during the cruise season in the Guatemalan Caribbean, the pier assigned to attend to passenger ships is Berth 1.
Cargo Type |
Berth Identification |
---|---|
Imports - Bagged Cargo |
Berth 3,4,5,6 |
Exports - Bagged Cargo |
Berth 3,4,5,6 |
Imports and Exports - RoRo |
Berth 3,4,5 |
Other Imports |
Please see below list |
Berth Nº1 Maximum Draft: 10 m. Length: 152.20m. Most common uses: Passengers, containers, RO/RO, conventional vessels, general cargo
Berth Nº2 Maximum Draft: 10 m. Length: 152.20m. Most common uses: Passengers, containers, RO/RO, conventional vessels, general cargo
Berth Nº3 Maximum Draft: 10.30 m. Length: 152.20m. Most common uses: Solid bulk, containers, RO/RO.
Berth Nº4 Maximum Draft: 10.30 m. Length: 152.20m. Most common uses: Solid bulk, containers, RO/RO.
Berth Nº5 Maximum Draft: 10 m. Length: 152.20m. Most common uses: Containers, RO/RO, general cargo, perishable and refrigerated cargo
Berth Nº6 Maximum Draft: 10 m. Length: 152.20m. Most common uses: Liquid bulk
Port Handling Equipment
The port is own and administered by the Government. Most of the equipment is private own but administered by the Port Authority. The port has 5 mobile cranes, clamshells as well as hoppers and all the necessary equipment for loading and unloading products in containers and bulk.
Equipment |
Available |
Total Quantity and Capacity Available |
Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage |
---|---|---|---|
Dockside Crane |
No |
||
Container Gantries |
No |
||
Mobile Cranes |
Yes |
5 /104 ton on cable, and 30.5 MT under automatic spreader / each |
Five mobile cranes on tires with a capacity of 104 tons, whose characteristics are: in its maximum capacity under cables it is 104 metric tons; and its capacity under automatic spreader is 30.5 metric tons. One crane out of service. No forecast to come back in operation. Repair date not defined. 20 September 2022. |
Reachstacker |
Yes |
4 /40 t |
Operational. Four 40 ton Reach Stacker telescopic container carriers |
RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer) |
Yes |
39 /20 t |
Operational. Two Tractor-trailers with a capacity of 20 tons. 36 wagons of 10 tons of capacity. Two wagons that support a capacity of 20 tons. One wagon of 40 tons of capacity. 27 Headers (4×2) with a capacity of 30 tons and one Header (4×4) with a capacity of 30 tons. |
Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines |
No |
||
Transtainer |
yes |
14 /35 t |
Operational |
Forklifts |
Yes |
|
01 forklift with forks of 16 tons and 03 forklifts of 04 and 05 tons, used to handle double pallets, also has 31 forklifts with forks of 04 and 05 tons; 01 forklift with 04-ton forks, which includes a bale handling equipment. Also 05 forklifts with forks of 03 tons; 01 forklift with 2.5-ton forks and 05 mechanical Pallet Jack. |
Container Facilities
Terminal A for full containers: 10,680 m² / 768 TEU’s
Terminal B for full containers and reefers: 16,418 m² / 1,104 TEUs Terminal C for full containers: 16,400 m² / 1,174 TEUs
Container yard (Private Company Cobigua): 14,128 m² / 1,125 TEUs
Container yard (Private Company Almasilos): 4,000 m² / 200 TEUs
Container yard (Private Company Maersk): 16,400 m² / 1,176 TEUs
Container yard (Private Company Servicios Portuarios): 42,230 m² / 4,450 TEUs
Facilities |
20 ft |
40 ft |
---|---|---|
Container Facilities Available |
Yes |
127,222.40 m2 |
Container Freight Station (CFS) |
N/A |
|
Refrigerated Container Stations |
903 reefer plugs |
|
Daily Take Off Capacity |
660/day |
|
Number of Reefer Stations |
803 reefer plugs |
Container yard with electricity supply for refrigerated containers with a capacity of 1,408 TEUs (11,558 m2 of area). Currently there are 633 outlets in Patio No.4 and 10B, 4 Power Boxes with a capacity of 60 outlets, plus 1 of 30 for a total of 903 units. |
Emergency Take-off Capacity |
1,320/day |
|
Off take Capacity of Gang Shift |
N/A |
N/A |
Customs Guidance
When all necessary documentation is presented to the customs authorities and OIRSA, https://www.oirsa.org/ the cargo release process will take an estimate of 5 or 6 days from the time the vessel arrives until cargo is release. The Government of Guatemala has launched since May 2021 a new project with the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation that will simplify, standardise, and digitise documentation and procedures at its major ports, with benefits that can ripple across its economy. Shipping companies, terminal operators, and captains will spend less time meeting administrative demands when ships arrive, dock at, or leave Guatemalan ports. For the public sector, the switch to automated processes will ease the controls performed by customs, health, agriculture, and immigration authorities and permit more effective coordination. The time saved by improving authorisation and inspection processes can allow ports to receive more ships and save operators as much as USD 3,000 in operational costs per hour for each vessel. Delays in port arrivals and departures stemming from incorrect paperwork and discoordination among several actors can cost ships their place at port berths and lead to late fees and time lost in loading or unloading cargo.
Santo Tomas de Castilla Customs
Inside the Puerto Santo Tomas de Castilla Maritime Port on the main street to the pier at kilometer 298 of the Central American highway CA-9 north, municipality of Puerto Barrios, Department of Izabal. Phone (502) 7960-0350 to 54
Services provided: Dispatch of merchandise (import, export and transit, authorization of tourist permits and their movements).
In the administrative area from Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 22:00.
For more information on customs in GUATEMALA please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.
Terminal Information
MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL
The general cargo handling berth is on the 810 m long. The “Commercial wharf” which is composed of four berths of 202.5 m is divided as follows: 1 berth for the handling of general cargo, 2 for general solid/liquid cargo, and1 multipurpose ramp (Ro-Ro). The depth is 11m BHZ.
GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING
The grain terminal is located in Zone 1, with an area extension of 39,800 m², 75 m away from the wharf’s platform. The terminal counts with six silos with a storage capacity of 3,880 t and a 10,000 t warehouse capacity. It operates using a system of treadmills to load and discharge. The treadmills’ output is of 1,000 t per hour. The mechanism is designed to handle different products simultaneously
MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL
The port has various storage facilities for containers, both reefers and dry cargo, full and empty, as well as storage space for vehicle. The storage area also includes space for stripping, re-stuffing and transhipment cargo of containers which have short storage time. There is a ramp and cover space for stripping of container and customs inspection. There is also an area for the loaded trucks to wait for customs inspection.
Storage Type |
Number of Storage Facilities |
Area (m2) |
---|---|---|
Bagged Cargo |
1 |
28,738 m² |
Refrigerated Cargo |
Del Monte has a cold room inside the port facilities for their perishable cargo. |
|
General Cargo |
1 |
8,895.54 m² |
Stevedoring
The port has three stevedoring companies for the vessel operations. They are unionized in the organization SINTRAPSATCA
Hinterland Information
Port Security
Port Santo Tomas de Castilla fulfils all the ISPS regulations. Vessels visiting Santo Tomas de Castilla have to fulfil the regulations and requirements of the ISPS code. It is prohibited within the port premises: washing, painting, welding, refuelling.
Security |
|
---|---|
ISPS Compliant |
Yes |
Current ISPS Level |
1, MARSEC 1 |
Police Boats |
Yes |
Fire Engines |
Yes |
2.1.2 Guatemala Port of Barrios
Port Overview
Puerto Barrios is located at East Coast Central America, Gulf of Honduras in Guatemala at coordinates N 15° 43' 56.09" - W 088° 36' 26.08". The official UN/Locode of this port is GTPBR. It is also known as PTO BARRIOS,BARRIOS,PBARRIOS Access to the port is done via the Santo Tomas de Castilla Port access channel. The Amatique Bay is used as the anchor area. The breakwater concrete pier handles containerized cargo, general cargo, liquid bulk and dry bulk cargo. The types of ships which can moor are: cruise ships, container ships, tankers, barges, general cargo ship, roll on-roll off cargo and vessels other than the above.
The direction of the pier is to the west. There are four berths: Berth #1 (South) 155m, #2 (South) 140m, #3 (North) 175m and #4 (North) 65m. The draft berths of both South and North of the pier is 9.50m.
With the exception of Berth #4 is used for roll-on roll-off and tugs docking port, the other berths are used for container ships, bulk liquids and solids and general cargo.
The port has storage areas for containers (refrigerated, dry) as well as storage areas for vehicles. The port has a capacity for 2,440 TEU’s. There is no storage area for bulk cargo; therefore grains need to be directly transferred to the trucks.
There are 3 shifts which operate from 07:00 to 16:00, from 16:00 to 23:00 and from 23:00 to 07:00 giving 24 hour attention to vessels. Administrative staff works from Monday to Friday, 07:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00
Port website: https://puertobarrios.net/
Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com
Port Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Guatemala |
Province or District |
Izabal |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Port |
Puerto Barrios km: 2 KM |
Port's Complete Name |
Terminal Ferroviaria Puerto Barrios |
Latitude |
15.72778 (N 15° 43' 42") |
Longitude |
-88.59444 (W 088° 36' 26.08") |
Managing Company or Port Authority |
Chiquita Guatemala, S.A. and/or COBIGUA - Portuaria Puerto Barrios, operator of Terminal Ferroviaria Puerto Barrios Diagonal 5, 10-65 zona 10, Centro Gerencial Las Margaritas, Torre 1, nivel 19, oficina 1902, Guatemala City Terminal Ferroviaria Puerto Barrios 9ª Calle, entre 1ª y 2ª Avenida, Puerto Barrios, Izabal. |
Management Contact Person |
Superintendente Abel Cruz Calderón. Other contact: Andrés Vargas jefe de logística @Chiquita Latam Edwin de Paz edepaz@chiquita.com |
Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures |
Airport Name: Puerto Barrios Airport (PBR) (Aeropuerto Internacional de Puerto Barrios) Airlines: TAG, Transportes Aereos de Guatemala (Charter) and Private planes. COBIGUA has a weekly flight for company personnel. Contact port superintendent to request permission to fly in this aircraft. |
Port Picture
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
The loading/unloading goods of handled is by the port’s operations personnel who supervise the labourers. Private companies carry out stevedoring operations on board of the ships.
Three private companies provide transport services from the quay side to the storage areas. Those companies, and the port management, own and operate front loaders and forklifts to move the cargo and containers in the yard.
An indoor area is used for the stripping of containers for Customs (SAT) revision. The port also counts with a parking lot for loaded trucks waiting for the SAT inspection. There are also three container storage areas for export outside the port area, two of them specifically used by DOLE Company and one by COBIGUA.
For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List.
Port Performance
Puerto Barrios is a small port, but woks very efficiently. Average waiting time is less than 5 hours if vessels are included in the weekly program. For humanitarian cargo, contact the port superintendent.
The maximum length of the vessels recorded to having entered this port is 226 meters. The maximum draught is 11.1 meters. The maximum Deadweight is 63495t.
Seasonal Constraints |
||
---|---|---|
Occurs |
Time Frame |
|
Rainy Season |
Yes |
May to October |
Major Import Campaigns |
Yes |
Nov to April |
Other Comments | Load line zone: North Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Mar 1 to Jun 30 and Nov 1 to Nov 30, Summer Jul 1 to Oct 31 and Dec 1 to Feb 28/29. |
The types of vessels regularly calling at PUERTO BARRIOS are Container Ship (47%), General Cargo (18%), Oil/Chemical Tanker (18%), Reefer (2%), Reefer/Containership (2%).
Guatemala, cargo volume movement by type of cargo (Thousands of MT) year 2021
Handling Figures for 2021 |
|
---|---|
Vessel Calls |
602 |
Container Traffic (TEUs) |
547,667 (479,667 in 2020) |
Handling Figures Bulk and Break Bulk for 2022 |
|
---|---|
Bulk (MT) |
1,324.46 (5,036.13 in 2021) |
Break bulk (MT) |
N/A |
Source: Empresas Portuarias de Centroamérica y Autoridad Marítima de Panamá
Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges
THC rates are highly variable. Please check rates on case by case basis.
THC/L - Terminal Handling Charge in Port of Loading, Puerto Santo Tomas De Castilla (GTZST), Puerto Barrios (GTPBR): 20',40'&40'HC: USD 145 40' reefer USD 195 (Effective : 25/03/2022)
Berthing Specifications
Type of Berth |
Quantity |
Length (m) |
Maximum Draft (m) |
Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
Conventional Berth |
1 pier, 4 berths |
See comments |
9.5m |
There are four berths: Berth #1 (South) 155m, #2 (South) 140m, #3 (North) 175m and #4 (North) 65m. |
Container Berth |
N/A |
|
|
|
Silo Berth |
N/A |
|
|
|
Berthing Tugs |
|
|
|
1 (2 engines of 2,974 HP)
1 (957 mt)
1 (859 mt) |
Water Barges |
1 |
|
|
|
Port Barrios shares part of the Puerto Santo Tomas access channel. It is located in the entrance of the bay of Amatique (15° 57' 8" North 88° 37' 24’’ West), 2 km towards the West (15° 53 ' 36") it has a turn of 90º degrees. The channel has draught restriction of 11m, length of 10.7 km and a width of 90m
The direction of the pier is to the west. There are four berths: Berth #1 (South) 155m, #2 (South) 140m, #3 (North) 175m and #4 (North) 65m. The draft berths of both South and North of the pier is 9.50m.
With the exception of Berth #4 is used for roll-on roll-off and tugs docking port, the other berths are used for container ships, bulk liquids and solids and general cargo
Channel: 31-35 feet, 9.4-10 m Cargo Pier: 16-20 feet, 4.9-6.1m. Oil Terminal: 16-20 feet, 7-9m
Max size: LOA 183M. Max draft: 9.5m. Mean Tide: 1 foot Anchorage: 26-30 feet, 7.1-9.1m
The port has facilities for handling bananas, grain, fertilisers and oil.
The port has storage areas for containers (refrigerated, dry) as well as storage areas for vehicles. The port has a capacity for 2,440 TEU’s.
There is no storage area for bulk cargo; therefore grains need to be directly transferred to the trucks.
General Cargo Handling Berths
Cargo Type |
Berth Identification |
|
---|---|---|
Imports - Bagged Cargo |
Berth #1, #2, #3 |
|
Exports - Bagged Cargo |
Berth #1, #2, #3 |
|
Imports and Exports - RoRo |
With the exception of Berth #4 is used for roll-on roll-off and tugs docking port, the other berths are used for container ships, bulk liquids and solids and general cargo |
|
Other Imports |
There is no storage area for bulk cargo; therefore grains need to be directly transferred to the trucks. |
Port Handling Equipment
Equipment |
Available
|
Total Quantity and Capacity Available |
Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage |
---|---|---|---|
Dockside Crane |
No |
|
|
Container Gantries |
No |
|
|
Mobile Cranes |
Yes |
03 Liebherr / 124 ton ea. |
LHM 420, for ships in the Post-Panamax class. Mobile harbour crane raises and lowers loads at up to 120 metres per minute. The LHM 420 has a maximum load capacity of 124 tonnes and handles up to 38 containers per hour. It is also suitable for the efficient handling of bulk cargoes, and general cargoes. All three 03 cranes are operational |
Reachstacker |
Yes |
12 |
|
RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer) |
Yes |
82 |
|
Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines |
No |
|
There is no storage area for bulk cargo; therefore grains need to be directly transferred to the trucks. |
Transtainer |
No |
|
|
Forklifts |
Yes |
19 |
9 x 4t, 8 x 3t, 2 x 10t |
Container Facilities
Facilities |
20 ft |
40 ft |
---|---|---|
Container Facilities Available |
2,440 TEU’s 450,000 TEU’s annual capacity |
- |
Container Freight Station (CFS) |
N/A |
|
Refrigerated Container Stations |
250 / 600 |
|
Other Capacity Details |
680 trucks in/out daily 24 inspection ramps |
|
Daily Take Off
Capacity
|
114 containers / day |
|
Number of Reefer
Stations
|
1100 plug stations |
|
Emergency Take-off Capacity |
114 containers Max. |
|
Off take Capacity of Gang
Shift
|
N/A |
|
Customs Guidance
Puerto Barrios is a Temporary Customs Warehouse (DAT) for @SATGT. When all necessary documentation is presented to the customs authorities and OIRSA, https://www.oirsa.org/ the cargo release process will take an estimate of 5 or 6 days from the time the vessel arrives until cargo is release. The Government of Guatemala has launched since May 2021 a new project with the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation that will simplify, standardise, and digitise documentation and procedures at its major ports, with benefits that can ripple across its economy. Shipping companies, terminal operators, and captains will spend less time meeting administrative demands when ships arrive, dock at, or leave Guatemalan ports. For the public sector, the switch to automated processes will ease the controls performed by customs, health, agriculture, and immigration authorities and permit more effective coordination. The time saved by improving authorisation and inspection processes can allow ports to receive more ships and save operators as much as USD 3,000 in operational costs per hour for each vessel. Delays in port arrivals and departures stemming from incorrect paperwork and discoordination among several actors can cost ships their place at port berths and lead to late fees and time lost in loading or unloading cargo.
Puerto Barrios Customs
Within the Puerto Barrios seaport on 9th Final Street, Colonia Las Champas, Municipality of Puerto Barrios, Department of Izabal. Tel. (502)7948-0595, (502)7948-0132, (502)7948-2375, (502)7948-1554 and (502)7948-7943.
Services provided: Dispatch of goods (import, export and transit).
Open from, to: In the administrative area: from Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 16:00.
In the operational area: Monday to Sunday, from 07:00 to 23:00. Extraordinary services are authorized from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Delegation Entre Ríos: From Monday to Sunday, from 06:00 to 18:00.
For more information on customs in GUATEMALA, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.
Terminal Information
MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL
No information available
GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING
There is no storage area for bulk cargo; therefore grains need to be directly transferred to the trucks. The port has handling facilities for discharge grain and bulk directly from ship, but no bagging equipment.
MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL
The Port of Barrios has no functional storage space for dry cargo.
Storage Type |
Number of Storage Facilities |
Area (m2) |
---|---|---|
Bagged Cargo |
N/A |
|
Refrigerated Cargo |
6 |
2,250 pallets |
General Cargo |
N/A |
Stevedoring
The stevedoring services are subcontracted by Puerto Barrios. Fees are already included in the port tariffs. The loading/unloading goods of handled is by the port’s operations personnel who supervise the labourers. Private companies carry out stevedoring operations on board of the ships. Stevedoring services can be coordinated directly with companies such as Serpa or Omarsa, and they will organize the vessel unloading.
Hinterland Information
Heavy and light vehicle access to the terminal in/out is normally done through the main avenue Avenida de Puerto Barrios. Inside the terminal premises three private companies provide transport services from the quay side to the storage areas. Those companies, and the port management, own and operate front loaders and forklifts to move the cargo and containers in the yard. An indoor area is used for the stripping of containers for Customs (SAT) revision. The port also counts with a parking lot for loaded trucks waiting for the SAT inspection. There are also three container storage areas for export outside the port area, two of them specifically used by DOLE Company and one by COBIGUA.
Port Security
Non-intrusive X-ray inspection system for containers. Since 1990, Puerto Barrios has continually increase security in the port premises. In 2004 the port implemented the international code of Vessel Protection. Also the port has CCTV in all port premises, access control, Vessel Monitoring (AIS), Canine unit.
Security |
|
---|---|
ISPS Compliant |
YES |
Current ISPS Level |
1 |
Police Boats |
YES |
Fire Engines |
YES |
2.1.3 Guatemala Port Of Quetzal
Port Overview
Puerto Quetzal, UN/LOCODE GTPRQ, also known as PTO QUETZAL,QUETZAL is located on the southwestern Pacific Ocean coast of Guatemala about 55 kilometres northwest of the border with El Salvador. It is Guatemala’s biggest Pacific Ocean port, important for both cargo and as a stop-over for cruise passengers, located about five kilometres east of Guatemala’s Port of San Jose; 98 kilometres from Guatemala City, about 80 minutes on the highway to Puerto Quetzal.
It is the gateway for solid bulk and containers from Guatemala, and for fuels for the western part of the country. Likewise, it is the door through which sugar and its derivatives such as molasses and alcohols are exported. It has an annual container throughput capacity of 450,000 TEU’s (2022) and is currently the largest facility between the port of Lázaro Cardenas in México, and the Panama Canal, on the west coast of Central America. It is the only terminal in Guatemala capable of handling 10,000 TEU vessels due to its 14.5 m max. draft.
Puerto Quetzal has a privileged geographical position in the Central America Region as it is situated in an equidistant point to the Panama Canal and the big Mexican ports in the Pacific.
The Empresa Portuaria Quetzal is the institution responsible for the management and administration of Puerto Quetzal; they foresee that in 2023 Puerto Quetzal will be an intelligent port, the first of its kind in all of Central America, the third or fourth in Latin America excluding Panama.
APM Container Terminal, https://www.apmterminals.com/en/puerto-quetzal , is the main terminal operator, according to its master plan [1mn TEU’s / year] it should have carried out its second phase of invetsments, which is another berth, equipment and yards, in 2019. Due to a current legal situation with the Guatemalan government, it has not been done, so the capacity of the port has already reached its limit above 60%, and that the international demand is very high, so it is required that the expansion phase continue that it had in its port conception plan when it began operations. If more investments are not made, there will be more and more congestion with delays in container export cargo.
At the closure of the present LCA edition 2022, the Guatemalan government is currently negotiating with APM the purchase of the container terminal.
APM Institutional video Puerto Quetzal: https://youtu.be/yow5OBs2NQM
Port website: www.puertoquetzal.gob
Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com
Port Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Guatemala |
Province or District |
Escuintla |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Port |
Name: San Jose km: 5 km (next town: Escuintla 41 km) |
Port's Complete Name |
Puerto Quetzal |
Latitude |
13º 55' 00.0382 N (N13°55′50.27) |
Longitude |
90º 47' 03.7361 W (E -90°45′28.92) |
Managing Company or Port Authority |
Empresa Portuaria Quetzal Km. 102 Autopista Escuintla Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, C.A. PBX: (502) 7828-3500 Offices in Guatemala City 4a. Calle 7-53 Zona 9, Edificio Torre Azul, 1er. Nivel Oficina 105 Guatemala, C.A. 01009 Tel. (502) 2312-5000 |
Management Contact Person |
General Manager Francisco Antonio Anleu Quijada Operations Manager Mario Véliz Lopez Ludwin Apixola estadisticas@quetzal.com Focal point for Estadísticas Portuarias - COCATRAM Phone (502) 7828-3500 |
Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures |
Guatemala La Aurora Int'l, 110 km Airlines: Private planes |
Port Picture
Puerto Quetzal facilities can accommodate Panamax-size vessels and can serve carriers of solid and liquid bulk cargoes, containers, roll-on/roll-off cargoes, cruise fleets, fishing boats, sailboats, frigates, and recreational vessels. The port authority or the Empresa Portuaria Quetzal operates and administers the port functions. The harbour of this port is sheltered by breakwaters. The main dock is near the eastern side of the harbour and is 1,140 meters long.
The port contains 437 thousand square meters of storage space, 5.6 thousand square meters of warehouse, 8 thousand square meters of sheds, and an open storage area of 21.3 thousand square meters. An additional 2.1 thousand square meters is available for handling roll-on/roll-off cargoes, and 16.4 thousand square meters is available for vehicles. Its facilities are home to the largest storage facilities for grain, fuel, molasses, sugar and other solid and liquid cargo that moves in the port.
List of the areas identified in the Port Picture: http://www.puertoquetzal.gob.gt/muelle/
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
Index
For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List.
Port Performance
It is the only terminal in Guatemala capable of handling 10,000 TEU vessels due to its 14.5 m max. draft.
The port can handle huge vessels and is operational all year. The commercial dock has four berths. Its main berth is 820 meters long and can accommodate ships with 11 meters draft. It handles general cargo. The other two berths handle both solid and liquid cargo and it also has a multipurpose ramp, plus a 203 m long container berth and three berthing tugs.
List of main shipping lines serving the port: ALIANCA, APL, CCNI, COSCO, CHINA SHIPPING, CMA CGM, CP SHIPS, HAMBURG SUD, Hapag Lloyd, HANJIN, LIBRA, Maersk, NORASIA, NYK, Seaboard, Wan Hai
Traffic figures: Approx 5,000,000 mt of cargo, 1,100 vessels, 17,000 passengers and 550,000 TEU are handled annually. Reduced waiting time for vessels due to dedicated berthing windows
The main commercial dock is situated in the eastern part of the harbour. The W basin houses a cruise jetty, with a power station on its N side and an LPG terminal on the S side.
The harbour is protected by breakwaters; the major dock is 1,140m in length; the minor of 307m in length; with also a dyke of 367m. The main dock is situated in the eastern part of the harbour.
Control tower: Located on channel 16 VHF.
Max vessel size: LOA 280m, beam 32m, draught 10.5m.
Max. Size: Draft 11.1 m. (tidal). Containers: Draft 11.1 m. (tidal). Passengers: Draft 12.0 m. (tidal). Ro-Ro: Draft 11.1 m. (tidal). Bulk: Draft 11.1 m. (tidal). Tankers: Draft 11.6 m. (tidal). Gas: Draft 12.5 m. (tidal).
Seasonal Constraints |
||
---|---|---|
Occurs |
Time Frame |
|
Rainy Season |
Yes |
May to October |
Major Import Campaigns |
Yes |
Sugar cane exports from November to April |
Other Comments | Load line zone: North Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Mar 1 to Jun 30 and Nov 1 to Nov 30, Summer Jul 1 to Oct 31 and Dec 1 to Feb 28/29. |
The types of vessels regularly calling at PUERTO QUETZAL are Bulk Carrier (31%), Container Ship (29%), Oil/Chemical Tanker (20%), General Cargo (6%), Vehicle Carrier (5%).
Guatemala cargo movement chart, by type (Thousands of MT) during year 2021
Handling Figures for 2021 |
|
---|---|
Vessel Calls |
1,186 |
Container Traffic (TEUs) |
581,030 (2020 519,570) |
Guatemala vessel movement chart, year 2021
Handling Figures Bulk and Break Bulk for 2021 |
|
---|---|
Bulk (MT) |
13,407.88 mt (2020 12,433.37 mt, +7.8%) |
Break bulk (MT) |
1,537.97 thousand mt |
Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges
THC rates are highly variable. Please check rates on case by case basis.
For information on port rates and charges, please see the following link:
http://www.puerto-quetzal.com/web/guest/tarifa
Berthing Specifications
Type of Berth |
Quantity |
Length (m) |
Maximum Draft (m) |
Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
Conventional Berth |
02 |
820m |
11m |
Commercial Dock: 2 berths to handle general cargo; 2 for solid/liquid general cargo; 1 multipurpose ramp. Dimensions: 820 meters long Depth: 11 meters. It offers space for four (04) vessels. |
Container Berth |
|
|
|
|
Silo Berth |
|
|
11m |
The grain terminal is situated in Zone 1 and spans 39,800 m². The terminal has six silos with a storage capacity of 3,880 tonnes |
Berthing Tugs |
3 (1 port, 2 private*) |
|
|
*Azimut type: Robert Allan R Amparts 2300MM, has a length of 23 meters, CAT 3512C engines and Rolls Royce US205 FP azimuth thrusters, with a speed of approximately 12 knots. (Bollard Pull) of 60 tons. |
Water Barges |
N/A |
|
|
Water supply, Yes |
The main berth is 820m long with 11 meters draft. It offers space for four (04) vessels.
The “Commercial wharf” which is composed of four berths of 202.5 m is divided as follows: 1 berth for the handling of general cargo, 2 for general solid/liquid cargo, and1 multipurpose ramp (Ro-Ro). The depth is 11m BHZ.
Coal and Fuel Terminal: 1 berth formed by 4 dolphin pilings, for unloading mineral coal and fuels.
Dimensions: 10.67 meters long and 10.36 meters wide
Depth: 12 meters.
Cruise Terminal: 1 berth formed by 6 dolphin piling, for the berthing of passenger ships.
Dimensions: 185 meters long
Depth: 13 meters.
Services or Link Dock: connection between the general dock and the south dock, it is used to maintain small boats.
Dimensions: 50 meters long and 40 meters wide
Depth: between 5 and 11 meters.
Auxiliary Dock: 1 berth to handle general cargo (shallow draft vessels) on the north side.
Dimensions: 170 meters long
Depth: 5 meters
Gas Terminal: 1 berth formed by 2 retention piles and 6 mooring piles, with specialized connections for the discharge of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Dimensions: 58 meters long
Depth: 13 meters.
General Cargo Handling Berths
The general cargo handling berth is on the 810 m long. The “Commercial wharf” which is composed of four berths of 202.5 m is divided as follows: 1 berth for the handling of general cargo, 2 for general solid/liquid cargo, and1 multipurpose ramp (Ro-Ro). The depth is 11m BHZ.
Cargo Type |
Berth Identification |
---|---|
Imports - Bagged Cargo |
N/A |
Exports - Bagged Cargo |
N/A |
Imports and Exports - RoRo |
1 multipurpose ramp (Ro-Ro) at the Commercial Wharf |
Other Imports |
N/A |
Port Handling Equipment
Is the port equipment managed by the government or privately? Privately
Currently operating at around 60% capacity, the terminal is equipped with three Super Post Panamax Ship-to-Shore cranes (20 container outreach) on a 350m quay. With 610 reefer plugs, the terminal handles fruits and vegetables, coffee, grains, fertilizer, fish, cotton, textiles and tobacco.
Equipment |
Available
|
Total Quantity and Capacity Available |
Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage |
---|---|---|---|
Dockside Crane |
Yes |
03 three Super Post Panamax Ship-to-Shore cranes |
Operational, Kone |
Container Gantries |
Yes |
05 / 60 tons |
Operational |
Mobile Cranes |
No |
1 of 36 t, 4 of 45 t, 1 of 42 t |
|
Reachstacker |
Yes |
14 / 40 ton ea. |
|
RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer) |
Yes |
20 Tug and trailer |
|
Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines |
Yes |
|
|
Transtainer |
Yes |
05 / 60 tons |
Operational |
Forklifts |
Yes |
50 |
|
Container Facilities
Terminal A for full containers: 10,680 m² / 768 TEU’s
Terminal B for full containers and reefers: 16,418 m² / 1,104 TEU’s Terminal C for full containers: 16,400 m² / 1,174 TEU’s
Container yard APM: 130,000 m2
Container yard (Private company Cobigua): 14,128 m² / 1,125 TEU’s
Container yard (Private company Almasilos): 4,000 m² / 200 TEU’s
Container yard (Private company Maersk Sealand): 16,400 m² / 1,176 TEU’s
Container yard (Private company Servicios Portuarios): 42,230 m² / 4,450 TEU’s
Facilities |
20 ft |
40 ft |
---|---|---|
Container Facilities Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Container Freight Station (CFS) |
Yes |
Yes |
Refrigerated Container Stations |
_ |
610 Reefer positions |
Other Capacity Details |
|
Annual container throughput capacity of 340,000 TEU. Rapid truck turnaround times are made possible thanks to 5 gate lanes and a digital appointment system |
Daily Take Off Capacity |
_ |
930 TEUs /day |
Number of Reefer Stations |
_ |
610 reefer plugs |
Emergency Take-off Capacity |
_ |
1000 TEUs /day |
Off take Capacity of Gang Shift |
N/A |
|
Customs Guidance
There are no unique customs formalities for Port of Quetzal. Inside Port Quetzal the SAT office is the busiest customs office from Guatemala, followed by Santo Tomas and Guatemalan central customs office.When all necessary documentation is presented to the customs authorities and OIRSA, https://www.oirsa.org/ the cargo release process will take an estimate of 5 or 6 days from the time the vessel arrives until cargo is release. The Government of Guatemala has launched since May 2021 a new project with the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation that will simplify, standardise, and digitise documentation and procedures at its major ports, with benefits that can ripple across its economy. Shipping companies, terminal operators, and captains will spend less time meeting administrative demands when ships arrive, dock at, or leave Guatemalan ports. For the public sector, the switch to automated processes will ease the controls performed by customs, health, agriculture, and immigration authorities and permit more effective coordination. The time saved by improving authorisation and inspection processes can allow ports to receive more ships and save operators as much as USD 3,000 in operational costs per hour for each vessel. Delays in port arrivals and departures stemming from incorrect paperwork and discoordination among several actors can cost ships their place at port berths and lead to late fees and time lost in loading or unloading cargo.
Puerto Quetzal Customs
Kilometer 111 of the Central American Highway number CA-9 South, Puerto Quetzal. Municipality of San José, Department of Escuintla. Tel. (502) 23297070 Ext. 6130, 6131, 6140 and 6143.
Services provided: Dispatch of goods (import, export and transit).
Open from, to: In administrative areas: Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 22:00. The Collection and Management area: Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:00 and Saturday from 08:00 to 12:00. In operational areas: from Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., carrying out extraordinary services during the hours that users request from the Coordination of Modules, Shipments and Landings, and Exports.
For more information on customs in Guatemala, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information here.
Terminal Information
Please see APM Puerto Quetzal institutional video: https://youtu.be/yow5OBs2NQM
MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL
The main berth is 820m long with 11 meters draft. It offers space for four (04) vessels.
The “Commercial wharf” which is composed of four berths of 202.5 m is divided as follows: 1 berth for the handling of general cargo, 2 for general solid/liquid cargo, and1 multipurpose ramp (Ro-Ro). The depth is 11m BHZ.
GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING
The grain terminal is situated in Zone 1 and spans 39,800 m². The terminal has six silos with a storage capacity of 3,880 tonnes. It also has a warehouse with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes. The terminal has treadmills for loading and unloading grains. They can handle different products together.
MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL
The Compania Bananera Independiente Guatemala – COBIGUA owns warehouses for storing dry and refrigerated cargo. The warehouse for refrigerated cargo spans 10,620 m² with a capacity of 4,115 tonnes. It is said to be the biggest refrigerated cargo warehouse in Latin America.
The warehouse for dry cargo is spread across 10,500 m² and it receives, stores and ships general cargo and cargo packed in containers. . It has a storage capacity of approximately 4,000 t. Another container yard of 14,400 m² with a capacity for 1,125 TEU’s is available in the port.
Total floor space for storage = 437,623 m² |
Quantity |
Floor area (m²) / t |
---|---|---|
Bunker storage tank (Enron) |
2 |
3,000 t |
Clinker Storage Warehouse (Private company: Global Cement) |
1 |
4,417 / 50,000 |
Consolidating Warehouse |
1 |
5,600 / 22,400 |
Customs Warehouses |
4 |
2,843 m² (Ematessa) 9,177 m² (Almacenes Silos, SA) 42,229 m² (Servicios Portuarios) 131,779 m² (Compania Bananera) |
General Cargo Warehouse |
1 |
8,000 / 32,000 |
General Cargo Warehouse (Private company: Cobigua) |
1 |
10,500 / 31,500 |
Grain storage silos (Terpac) |
6 |
4,000 t |
Grain storage silos (Terpac) |
1 |
1,200 t |
Grain Storage Warehouse (Private company: Terpac) |
1 |
1,600 / 7,500 |
Refrigerated Freight Warehouse (Private company: Cobigua) |
1 |
9,000 / 3,500 |
Sugar Storage Warehouse (Private company: Expogranel) |
1 |
47,592 / 200,000 |
Sugar Storage Warehouse (Private company: M&M) |
1 |
11,480 / 90,000 |
Stevedoring
Port operations are from Monday to Friday, operating in three shifts as follows: 1st shift: 07:00 to 14:30 Hours. 2nd shift: 14:30 to 21:30 Hours, 3rd shift: 21:30 to 07:00 Hours,
- Administration Monday thru Friday 8:00 to 16:00 hrs
- Non-Working days: New Year, From 14:30 hrs. December 31 to 07:00 hrs. January 02
- Holy Week: From 21:30 hrs. Holy Thursday to 07:00 hrs. Holy Saturday.
- International Worker´s Days. From 00:00 hrs. May 01 to 07:00 hrs. May 02.
- Christmas: From 14:30 hrs. December 24 to 07:00 hrs. to December 26.
Hinterland Information
Good road infrastructure provides a fast link to the Caribbean Sea coast.
Port Security
The port is quite safe with fixed cameras installed in all the areas, 24/7 live monitoring through high resolution equipment. There is an Access Control System with digital fingerprints, biometric readers and mechanised vehicle barriers. It also has a maritime surveillance system and trained staff which performs regular port inspections. All this has led to greater port productivity.
Gantry crane control cabins provide customers officials with access to 10 strategically located cameras, to supervise and control the codes of each container entering or leaving a ship. Recordings from the cameras are available for up to 90 days for internal use by the authorities to give greater traceability to container loading.
Both maritime and land surveillance system, with highly trained personnel to perform access control, intrusive and non-intrusive inspections. The port has an integrated communication system via VHF marine radio band, mobile telephones, internet, internal network and vessel detection system.
Security |
|
---|---|
ISPS Compliant |
YES |
Current ISPS Level |
1 |
Police Boats |
YES |
Fire Engines |
YES |
2.1.4 Guatemala Port of Boyas De San Jose
Port Overview
Located on the Pacific coast, San Jose is used as a liquid bulk terminal. In 2013, 136 vessels were attended in San Jose for a total of 1.788 million t of liquid bulk (mainly imports). The San Jose port also has a 150m wharf that is currently not operational.
Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com
Port Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Guatemala |
Province or District |
Escuintla |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Port |
Name: San Jose |
Port's Complete Name |
Boyas de San Jose |
Latitude |
13° 54' 56" N |
Longitude |
90° 50' 45" W |
Managing Company or Port Authority |
No information available |
Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures |
Airport Name: Airport San Jose Airlines: Private Planes |
Port Name |
Port of San Jose |
---|---|
Harbor Type |
Off-shore Terminal |
Maximum Vessel Size |
Over 160m |
Port Size |
Small |
Water depth – Oil terminal |
12.5 – 13.7 meters |
Water depth - Cargo Pier |
9.4 – 10.0 meters |
Water depth - Anchorage |
20.1 – 21.3 meters |
2.2 Guatemala Aviation
Overview
Key airport information may also be found at: http://worldaerodata.com/
Guatemala has two (3) Airports with International category, the International Airport La Aurora –AILA–, the Mundo Maya International Airport –AIMM– and the International Airport Los Altos in Quetzaltenango. Most operations are carried out at the Airport International La Aurora -AILA-, serving around 300 daily operations between aviation commercial, military aviation and general aviation; commercial airline flights include direct routes with same-day arrival to more than ten countries, including the US, Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. In Guatemala there are aviation and aerial work companies that offer flight services charter, regular passenger transport, aerial photography, aerial advertising, fumigation, mail, securities and cargo, as well as aircraft rental for personalized trips, among which are Guatemalan Air Transport –TAG–, Aero Ruta Maya, Tropic Air, Helicopters of Guatemala, among others.
The National Airport Network –RAN– is made up of by three international category airports and national or domestic category aerodromes.
The general aviation activity is private and is offered to through small private aircraft. Nevertheless general aviation is oriented to serve those areas of agro-industrial production, which by operating requirements or accessibility problems, uses small aircraft with a average load of ten quintals. At the national level, general aviation mainly provides services in the Pacific Coast in the Departments of Jutiapa, Santa Rosa, San Marcos, Retalhuleu, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez and Escuintla.
The Ministry of Communication, Infrastructures and Housing, through the Civil Aeronautic General Direction (DGAC) is the civil aviation authority of Guatemala. DCAG is responsible for all traffic air control, airport administration, functioning and acquisition of all aircrafts in the country. Its headquarters is on the property of La Aurora International Airport in zone 13 of Guatemala City.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), according to figures from their economic area, as of May 2022, passenger traffic in the Americas showed a clear recovery. Both North America and Latin America and the Caribbean lead the recovery of the sector worldwide, with 90% and 84% of the volumes of 2019, respectively.
The Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil de Guatemala (DGAC) is aware that the country's aviation has been able to recover faster than previously believed, as the load and start-up of infrastructure in the interior increased, but acknowledges there are still some problems at i. e. La Aurora airport. This international airport serving Guatemala City, before the Covid pandemic, registered 44 flights a day; in September 2020 it restarted with 5 daily services and currently in 2022 between 35 and 55 services is operated per day.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Central America, Cuba Ecuador and Venezuela representative stated on a recent analysis that the significant challenges for the growth of air transport in Guatemala are: the delay in infrastructure investments; the lack of a national civil aviation plan; the lack of clarity in the roles and responsibilities of airport authorities; and the updating of digital processes that facilitate the import and export of goods. IATA also recommends the separation of roles of regulator in matters of civil aviation and the airport operator. These two functions are currently performed by the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics,
On the other side, the current Guatemalan government is firmly focused in the construction of a Cargo Airport, in the operative Escuintla Air Base San José, Escuintla. The plans are to create an industrial and commercial area on the south coast, which includes the airport as part of cargo logistics. In the short term, the Government will look for this to become the alternate airport of La Aurora, because when there is bad weather or some situation such as volcanic eruptions, operations have had to be closed and the planes have had to fly to other alternate airports such as El Salvador, Cancun, Mexico or San José, Costa Rica representing high expenses for airlines and all air operators.
Runway conditions
The DGAC stated that on 2022 the Guatemala Government has carried out the maintenance of all country's airports and airfields. Maintenance and marking was completed on all the tracks in the country, including the last ones in Cobán, Alta Verapaz; already in optimal conditions. In some cases the runway has been re asphalted, such as the one in Esquipulas, Chiquimula, which is already being used by domestic flights. Similar work was also done with the San Marcos runway.
The DGAC administrates two international airports and other national airports.
International Airports
- Aeropuerto Internacional La Aurora, Ciudad de Guatemala
- Aeropuerto Internacional Mundo Maya, Santa Elena, Peten
National Airports (*)
- Aeropuerto de Quetzaltenango, Quetzaltenango
- Aeropuerto de Puerto San Jose, Puerto San Jose
- Aeropuerto de Puerto Barrios, Puerto Barrios
- Aeropuerto de Sn Marcos, San Marcos
- Aeropuerto de Retalhuleu, Retalhuleu
- Aeropuerto de Coatepeque, Coatepeque
- Aeropuerto de Huehuetenango, Huehuetenango
(*) non limited list
For more information on government agency and airport company contact information, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List and 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List .
Procedures for Foreign Registered Aircraft
International flight from and to Guatemala are subject to the Annex 9 of the convention on International Civil Aviation. The commercial transport aircraft operating in Guatemala must comply with the RAC OPS 1 (K, B and L)
For non-regular flights, landing authorization must be previously obtained to the DGA. The request (Form AMDT 01-09 AIS-GUATEMALA) must be sent in advanced to aisguate@gmail.com, aispublica@gmail.com or Fax +502 2260 6637 or +502 2260 6546 along with the following supporting documentation:
- Copy of the Aircraft Certificate (ID)
- Copy of the certificate of airworthiness
- Insurance certificate covering Guatemala territory and/or Central America with as a minimum requirement the third party coverage
- Air Operator’s Name
- Reason for request
- Route and schedule
- Pilot license, certificate of validity (if applies), Medical certificate
Once landed the documents must be presented at the AIS-ARO office (original documents and photocopies) and the Airport fees must be paid
If a pre-landing authorization is requested by the air craft carrier, request must be send with the above mentioned documents. The request must be sent to Air transport Department of the DGA by email or fax to: Fax: +502 2321 5313
For Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft and personnel landing authorization, the DGA should be contacted directly to facilitate the procedure.
For more information please see http://www.dgac.gob.gt/
2.2.1 Guatemala La Aurora International Airport
Airport Overview
La Aurora International Airport is located 6.4 Km south of Guatemala City´s center and serves the capital of Guatemala. La Aurora is the country's main gateway is the fourth busiest airport in Central America in terms of passenger traffic, surpassed by Tocumen in Panama, Juan Santamaria in Costa Rica and Comalapa in El Salvador.
The airport is a focus city for AVIANCA Airlines, who offer connections throughout the region as well as to the United States. Further US connections are provided by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines, while Iberia provides the sole European connection. The airport is also a significant cargo hub, with connections throughout Central America and the United States. La Aurora is operated by Guatemala's Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC), whose head office is on-site.
The airport went through massive modernization and expansion since 2008. The airport is now able to accept greater number of flights and larger aircraft.
Cargo operations are handled beside the passenger terminal building by COMBEX-IM, and any aid cargo can go directly to CONRED, which is located in front of the passenger terminal.
In June 2007, the airport was certified as Category I by the FAA.
Airport Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
GUATEMALA |
Province or District |
Guatemala |
Nearest Town or City |
Guatemala |
Latitude |
14.583272 |
Longitude |
14° 34' 59.78" N |
Elevation (ft and m) |
14.583272 |
IATA Code |
MGGT |
ICAO Code |
MGGT |
Managing Company or Airport Authority |
Information not available |
Open From (hours) |
24 hours |
Airport Picture
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List.
Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/
Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator
It is important to notice that cargo transported through La Aurora has been increasing for the last 5 years, for more than 15% per year. Only between 2012 and 2013 there was a 32% cargo increase.
- Combex IM has received a 15 year warehouse concession from the Government to handle imported and exported of cargo. Combex IM handled approximately 22,000 t of import and 28,000 t of export per year.
- Their facility includes a high security compound with a large warehouse divided in two sections of 3,000 m² each. All the cargo landing/leaving in/from Aurora airport is moved by ground handling companies from and to the Combex IM warehouse. Combex IM handling equipment consists of seven 2.5 t forklifts.
- The facilities for perishable cargo have a capacity of 136,000 kg. Two planes can be handled simultaneously.
- Combex schedule works 24 hrs, 365 day/yr
The number of passengers entering during 2013 was 1,059,220 and exiting the country was 1,048,450.
For airport statistics please see the following link: http://www.dgacguate.com/index.php/departamentos/estadisticas-de-transporte
Performance for Year 2013 |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Per Year |
Per Month |
Per Day |
|
Total Aircraft Movements |
99,583 |
8,300 |
276 |
Total Passengers |
2,107,670 |
175,638 |
5,854 |
Total Capacity of the Airport (MT) |
4,155,480 |
364,290 |
11,543 t |
Current Activity of the Airport (MT) |
25,376,675 t |
2,114,722 t |
70,490 t |
Current use by Humanitarian Flights (UNHAS) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Runways
Runway #1 |
|
---|---|
Runway Dimensions |
2,800 (m) X 60 (m) |
Orientation |
South/North |
Surface |
Asphalt |
Do not confuse parl street lgt 2000' E with rwy. Flw taxi line turning to Rwy 19to avoid jet blast damage to LCZR Ant at thld. Rwy 01-19 clsd every Mon 0900-0930Z for insp and maint. Twr 1.08NM dep end Rwy 19 elev 5170'. Obst SW dep endRwy 19 elev 5058'. Avoid ovft of mil areas on AD.
Helicopter Pad(s)
Helipad #1 |
|
---|---|
Present |
YES |
Largest Helicopter that can Land |
Chinook |
Width and Length (m) |
9 m x 9 m |
Surface |
Concrete |
Airport Infrastructure Details
Several Air Terminal and Ground Handling Services (ATGHS) companies are operating in Aurora Airport providing services such as Ground Operation Control, aircraft push back and towing, baggage handling, passenger services, aircraft loading/unloading, cleaning (interior/exterior), ground power units, water supply services, passenger and crew stairs, etc. All types of commercial cargo up to B-747/400 and Galaxy can be attended.
Customs |
Yes |
JET A-1 fuel |
Yes |
---|---|---|---|
Immigration |
Yes |
AVGAS 100 |
No (Tanks) |
Terminal Building |
Yes |
Single Point Refueling |
Yes |
Passenger Terminal |
Yes |
Air Starter Units |
Yes |
Cargo terminal |
Yes |
Ground Power (mobile) |
Yes |
Pax Transport to Airfield |
Yes |
Ground Handling Services |
Yes |
Control Tower |
Yes |
Latrine Servicing |
Category: 9 |
Weather Facilities |
Yes |
Fire Fighting Category (ICAO) |
No |
Catering Services |
Yes |
De-icing Equipment |
Yes |
Base Operating Room |
Yes |
Parking Ramp Lighting |
Yes |
Airport Radar |
Yes |
Approach & Runway Lights |
Yes |
NDB |
Yes |
VOR |
Yes |
ILS |
Yes |
Airport Operating Details
Operating Details |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Maximum Sized Aircraft that can be Offloaded on Bulk Cargo |
A340 or B747 |
||
Maximum Sized Aircraft that can be Offloaded on Pallet |
Antonov 124 |
||
Total Aircraft Parking Area (m²) |
11,543 m2 |
||
Storage Area (m3 and MT) |
m3 not applicable MT information not available |
||
Handling Equipment |
|||
Elevators / Hi Loaders |
YES |
Max Capacity (MT) |
N/A |
Max Height (m) |
Information not available |
||
Loading Ramps |
NO |
||
Other Comments |
Can elevators / hi loaders reach the upper level of a B747 |
Customs Guidance
For more information on customs in Guatemala, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information here.
Storage Facilities
Documents required for imports of goods
1. Air waybill
2. Mayor Policy, Minor Policy, handling baggage treatment, provisional policy, Transit waybill, Consignee waybill, internal act, Diplomatic pouch, Guvernative franchaise
3. Invoice for Combex Services. Can be paid at Banco Industrial, Credito Hipotecario or BAM at Combex
4. Additonal information, please call +502 2387-4800
Airfield Costs
NAVIGATION CHARGES
Charges |
Aircraft Weight - MTOW (kg) |
||
---|---|---|---|
0 - 7,000 |
7,001 - 136,000 |
136,001 and over |
|
Navigation (per journey) USD - $ |
N-A |
||
Landing USD - $ |
US$ 150 |
US$ 150 |
0.00367/kg |
Night Landing USD - $ |
US$ 100 |
US$ 150 |
US$ 100 |
Parking |
US$ 0.00625/kg |
US$ 0.00625/kg |
US$ 0.00625/kg |
Handling Charges |
US$ 200 |
US$ 400 |
US$ 650 |
Security
The CGAG (Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil) through the GNSA (Gerencia Nacional de Seguridad Aeoportuaria) is the government entity responsible for issue the norms and regulations of everything related to Civil Aviation Security.
Airport complies with International Standards.
2.2.2 Guatemala Mundo Maya International Airport
Airport Overview
Mundo Maya International Airport (IATA: FRS, ICAO: MGMM), also called Anacleto Mazá Castellanos International Airport or Flores Airport, is the second largest and most congested airport in Guatemala, after La Aurora. It is located 488 km from Guatemala City, in the city of Santa Elena de la Cruz, department of Petén and serves the central area of the entire department. This airport receives local flights from all over Guatemala, Central America, Mexico and during some times of the year from the United States. It is administered by the General Directorate of Aeronautics.
Airport Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Guatemala |
Province or District |
Peten |
Nearest Town or City |
Flores |
Airport’s Complete Name |
Aeropuerto Internacional Mundo Maya |
Latitude |
16.9082880335 |
Longitude |
-89.8598265607 |
Elevation (ft and m) |
118 m / 387 ft |
IATA Code |
FRS |
ICAO Code |
MGMM |
Managing Company or Airport Authority |
Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil Phone: +502 7926 0533 |
Management Contact Person |
Francis Argueta Aguirre, Director https://www.dgac.gob.gt/ |
Open From (hours) |
The earliest departing flight is 5U121, bound for Guatemala City at 07:35 hrs |
Open To (hours) | The last flight is 5U111, which leaves for Guatemala City at 20:15 |
Airport Picture
Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator
Performance for 2021 | |||
---|---|---|---|
|
Per Year |
Per Month |
Per Day |
Total Aircraft Movements |
5,505 From Jan to July 2022 (incl. nat, intl, priv, mil) |
917 |
30 |
Total Passengers |
100,160 From Jan to Jul 2022 (72,259 2021) [nat+intl pax] |
6,021 (2021) |
201 (2021) |
Total Capacity of the Airport (MT) |
N/A |
- |
- |
Current Activity of the Airport (MT) |
N/A |
- |
- |
Current use by Humanitarian Flights (UNHAS) |
No
|
- |
- |
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List
Runway
The Mundo Maya runway is the longest of Guatemalan airports. It has the capacity of parking 23 planes simultaneously.
Runway |
|
---|---|
Runway Dimensions |
3,000 m X 45 m (9,843 ft) |
Orientation |
10/28 |
Surface |
Concrete, Cat 4E |
Airport Infrastructure Details
Customs |
Yes |
JET A-1 fuel |
Yes |
---|---|---|---|
Immigration |
Yes |
AVGAS 100 |
Yes |
Terminal Building |
Yes |
Single Point Refueling |
Yes (tanks) |
Passenger Terminal |
Yes |
Air Starter Units |
Yes |
Cargo terminal |
Yes |
Ground Power (mobile) |
Yes |
Pax Transport to Airfield |
No |
Ground Handling Services |
Yes |
Control Tower |
Yes Control Tower: 118.3 Approach control frequency is 121.4 |
Latrine Servicing |
Yes |
Weather Facilities |
Yes |
Fire Fighting Category (ICAO) |
N/A (**) |
Catering Services |
Yes |
De-icing Equipment |
No |
Base Operating Room |
Yes |
Parking Ramp Lighting |
Yes |
Airport Radar |
Yes (***) |
Approach & Runway Lights |
Yes (*) |
NDB |
YES (***) |
VOR |
YES (***) |
ILS |
YES (***) |
(*) Approach & Runway Lights
The runway has lighting systems for aircraft landing and takeoff required by international aviation -VASIS, ALS and Runway Lights. The runway approach lighting system is CAT I type and starts 300 meters from the beginning of the contact zone. The runway lights are also governed by international regulations, with white runway edge lights, unidirectional green runway threshold lights, red runway end lights and alternate runway centre line lights working, red and white, red on the last section and blue on the platform, all these systems are currently in optimal conditions.
(**) Fire Fighting Category (ICAO)
Regarding the prevention of fires and accidents, the Airport has a Fire Department which has its headquarters in the center-south side of the interior itself and is identified with the color Green. However, due to the fact that the Airport is located in an area with low altitude, warm weather and good visibility, there have been no major incidents in the Airport's history.
(***) Airport Radar, Approach and Navigation Systems
The Airport Radar and navigation systems, as well as the radar controllers and air traffic control, are directed from the control tower, however the radar that works with the multistatic VHF omnidirectional radio beacon system (VOR) is distributed in various points of the Department.
Airport Operating Details
Maximum Sized Aircraft that can be Offloaded on Bulk Cargo |
N/A |
---|---|
Maximum Sized Aircraft that can be Offloaded on Pallet |
N/A |
Total Aircraft Parking Area (m²) |
The parking platform has the capacity to house up to 18 aircraft and 5 large commercial aircraft simultaneously. |
Storage Area (m3 and MT) |
N/A |
Handling Equipment | |
Elevators / Hi loaders |
Yes, private, electric self-propelled pantograph Max Capacity 500 kg; Max Height 12 m |
Loading Ramps | N/A |
Other Comments |
The aeronautical characteristics available at the Mundo Maya International Airport are:
|
Customs Guidance
The customs office is located in the West terminal of the airport, it is the area for loading and unloading merchandise and then being rerouted to the central air customs office at La Aurora Airport.
Tikal Customs
Building "A". Mundo Maya International Airport. Santa Elena, Flores, Department of El Petén. Phone (502) 2329-7070 ext. 7390
Services provided: Minor Declarations.
Open from, to: In the administrative area from Monday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 16:00.
Documents required for imports of goods
- Air waybill
2. Mayor Policy, Minor Policy, handling baggage treatment, provisional policy, Transit waybill, Consignee waybill, internal act, Diplomatic pouch, Government franchise
3. Invoice for Combex Services. Can be paid at Banco Industrial, Crèdito Hipotecario or BAM at Combex
4. Additonal information, please call +502 2387-4800
To obtain updated information on quota allocation procedures, and advisory committee meetings, please contact Mrs. Yasmin Afre, “yaafre@mineco.gob.gt” and / or Dinora Alvarez, “malvarez@mineco.gob.gt”.
For more information on customs in Guatemala, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information here.
Storage Facilities
No storage facilities available, only minor declarations.
Fuel Services Charges
|
Price per Litre USD - $ |
---|---|
Jet A-1 |
$4.50 US Gal / $1.18 Lt |
Avgas |
$7.95 US Gal / $ 2.09 Lt |
Note: 22 November 2022 JET A1 Price in Mundo Maya Airport. Prices subject to variation according to FBO handler.
Air Bridge Charges
Service not available.
Security
Regarding the security systems of the Airport, the exterior area, the runway and the terminal are protected by a 4.7 kilometre perimeter wall in which there are 14 checkpoints with Army personnel. In addition, there is constant patrolling by the Ports and Airports Protection Division of the National Civil Police. Regarding the prevention of fires and accidents, the Airport has a Fire Department which has its headquarters in the center-south side of the interior itself and is identified with the color Green. However, due to the fact that the Airport is located in an area with low altitude, warm weather and good visibility, there have been no major incidents in the Airport's history, for which reason the Airport Fire Department's greatest participation has been in support of the 57th Fire Company operating in the City.
2.2.3 Guatemala Poptun National Airport
Airport Overview
Poptún Airport is a small airport in Poptún, Guatemala. The airport has one runway: 9/27. The ICAO code for the airport is MGPP and the IATA code is PON. The other closest airports are Punta Gorda Airport, Fray Bartolome Airport, Mundo Maya International Airport, Sayaxché Airport and Melchor de Mencos Airport.
Poptún Airport does not publish METAR, the nearest weather station is Mundo Maya International Airport, which is 87 km away.
Airport Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
GUATEMALA |
Province or District |
Peten |
Nearest Town or City |
Flores, Peten 100 km by air |
Airport’s Complete Name |
Aeropuerto Nacional Poptún |
Latitude |
16.3257999420166 |
Longitude |
-89.4160995483398 |
Elevation (ft and m) |
40m. / 130 ft msnm |
IATA Code |
PON |
ICAO Code |
MGPP |
Managing Company or Airport Authority |
Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil |
Management Contact Person |
Francis Argueta Aguirre Director Ejecutivo, Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil https://twitter.com/francisarguetaa |
NGO and/or UN Presence at Airport? |
No |
Runway
The Civil Aeronautics Directorate reported that by 2022 they will invest in the maintenance of the alternate runway in Poptún, Petén. Due to the damage to the roads caused by tropical depression Eta, humanitarian and rescue aid has had to be mobilized by air, however some runways have not been maintained and are in poor condition. The Poptún runway, Petén, has not been maintained for years, since it is an alternate runway for the Mundo Maya airport.
Runway #1 |
|
---|---|
Runway Dimensions |
2,730 m x 18 m |
Runway Orientation |
9/27 (090°/270°) |
Runway Surface |
Dirt |
Runway Condition |
Variable (to be checked when required) |
The airstrip is located within the town. There are low hills 2 km (1.2 mi) south of the airport.
Airport Infrastructure Details
Infrastructure |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening |
NO |
Runway Lighting |
NO |
Refueling Capacity |
NO |
Ground Handling Services |
NO |
Air Traffic Control |
NO |
Fire Fighting Equipment |
NO |
Weather Information |
NO |
Aircraft Parking Space |
NO |
Navigation Aids |
NO |
Perimeter Fencing |
NO |
Windsock |
NO |
|
|
Fuel Service Charges
No
2.2.4 Guatemala Puerto San Jose National Airport
Airport Overview
The San José Airport (IATA: GSJ, ICAO: MGSJ) (Aeropuerto de Puerto San José, Escuintla) serves the city of Puerto San José, the recreative town of Monterrico, the port of Puerto Quetzal and the eastern Guatemalan Pacific coast. It is operated and administrated by DGAC - Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil de Guatemala. San José Airport is in the western part of the city of Puerto San José, near the Pacific coast.
As per 2020 figures, the airport registered 4,228 as passenger movement and 14,169 air operations
According to the authorities, the current expansion works on the runway of the San José aerodrome are part of a project to convert said air terminal into a specialized area to receive international cargo flights. This re-engineering project will also allow the planes to arrive at the aforementioned air terminal instead of being diverted to other runways, such as Petén or El Salvador, when La Aurora International Airport has landing complications due to weather conditions or any other situation.
The San José Airport new runway is 2,100 meters long, while that of La Aurora International Airport is 3,000 meters long. Not all commercial and long-wing aircraft can land there, i.e. a Boeing 757 aircraft can use the runway located in Puerto San José, while a Boeing 747, known as a Jumbo, cannot because it needs more space to land.
Airport Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
GUATEMALA |
Province or District |
Escuintla |
Nearest Town or City |
Escuintla 45 km Puerto Quetzal 5 km |
Airport’s Complete Name |
Aeropuerto de Puerto San José |
Latitude |
13.9274 |
Longitude |
-90.82166 |
Elevation (ft and m) |
7 m / 22 ft (msnm) |
IATA Code |
GSJ |
ICAO Code |
MGSJ |
Managing Company or Airport Authority |
Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil de Guatemala https://www.dgac.gob.gt/ Ph: +502 2321 5000 |
Management Contact Person |
Francis Argueta Aguirre Director Ejecutivo, Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil https://twitter.com/francisarguetaa
|
NGO and/or UN Presence at Airport? |
No |
Runway
Runway #1 |
|
---|---|
Runway Dimensions |
2,100 m (6,594 ft) x 45 m |
Runway Orientation | 15/33 |
Runway Surface |
Asphalt |
Runway Condition |
New, very good, Cat 4E |
Note: The airport is currently under work in progress condition
Airport Infrastructure Details
Infrastructure |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening |
N/A |
Runway Lighting |
N/A |
Refueling Capacity |
N/A |
Ground Handling Services |
N/A |
Air Traffic Control |
N/A |
Fire Fighting Equipment |
N/A |
Weather Information |
N/A |
Aircraft Parking Space |
N/A |
Navigation Aids |
The San Jose VOR-DME (Ident: SJO) is located on the field |
Perimeter Fencing |
N/A |
Windsock |
N/A |
|
|
Note: The airport is currently under work in progress condition
(*) The project includes:
- Construction of a fire station
- The control tower will be moved and will be built with six levels
- Runway lightning
- Approach accesses to facilitate plane manoeuvres
- An entrance will be built so that landing planes can enter the COMBEX area
- Terminal renovation
- Construction of SAT offices
- Aviation school will be transferred from the capital to Escuintla
2.2.5 Guatemala Coban National Airport
Airport Overview
Cobán Airport (IATA: CBV, ICAO: MGCB)is a small airport in the city of Cobán in the department of Alta Verapaz, central Guatemala. It is operated and managed by the DGAC (General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Guatemala). It has an asphalt runway 1,018 meters long at address 02/20.
Airport Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Guatemala |
Province or District |
Alta Verapaz |
Nearest Town or City |
Air Evac, Med Evac : Guatemala City, 100 km, aprox. |
Airport’s Complete Name |
Aeropuerto de Cobán |
Latitude |
15.467998128 |
Longitude |
-90.403998384 |
Elevation (ft and m) |
4339 ft (1323 m) |
IATA Code |
CBV |
ICAO Code |
MGCV |
Managing Company or Airport Authority |
Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil |
Management Contact Person |
Francis Argueta Aguirre Director Ejecutivo, Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil https://twitter.com/francisarguetaa |
NGO and/or UN Presence at Airport? |
N/A |
Runway
Runway #1 |
|
---|---|
Runway Dimensions |
1020 m x 50 m 3340x50 |
Runway Orientation |
03/21 |
Runway Surface |
Asphalt |
Runway Condition |
Good |
Airport Infrastructure Details
Infrastructure |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening |
NO |
Runway Lighting |
NO |
Refueling Capacity |
NO |
Ground Handling Services |
NO |
Air Traffic Control |
No /radio contact VHF UHF |
Fire Fighting Equipment |
Yes, basic |
Weather Information |
No /radio contact VHF UHF |
Aircraft Parking Space |
Yes |
Navigation Aids |
Yes (*) |
Perimeter Fencing |
NO |
Windsock |
No |
|
|
(*)The Rabinal VOR-DME (Ident: RAB) is located 27.9 nautical miles (51.7 km) south of the airport.
2.2.6 Guatemala Puerto Barrios National Airport
Airport Overview
Airport Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
GUATEMALA |
Province or District |
IZABAL |
Nearest Town or City |
Puerto Barrios |
Airport’s Complete Name |
Puerto Barrios |
Latitude |
N 15° 43’ 51.15’’ |
Longitude |
W 88° 35’ 01.63’’ |
Elevation (ft and m) |
33 |
IATA Code |
PBR – MGPB |
ICAO Code |
PBR – MGPB |
Managing Company or Airport Authority |
Information not available |
NGO and/or UN Presence at Airport? |
Not applicable |
Runway(s)
Runway #1 |
|
---|---|
Runway Dimensions |
2,706 m x 35 m |
Runway Surface |
Concrete |
Runway Condition |
Good |
Airport Infrastructure Details
Infrastructure |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening |
NO |
Runway Lighting |
NO |
Refueling Capacity |
NO |
Ground Handling Services |
NO |
Air Traffic Control |
NO |
Fire Fighting Equipment |
NO |
Weather Information |
NO |
Aircraft Parking Space |
NO |
Navigation Aids |
NO |
Perimeter Fencing |
NO |
Windsock |
NO |
|
|
2.2.7 Guatemala Quetzaltenango National Airport
Airport Overview
Los Altos Airport (Spanish: Aeropuerto Los Altos, IATA: AAZ, ICAO: MGQZ), also known as Quetzaltenango Airport, serves the city of Quetzaltenango, also known as "Xelajú" or "Xela," and western Guatemala. It is operated and administrated by Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil de Guatemala (DGAC).
Los Altos de Quetzaltenango Airport. small plane Saab 340 A landing with 40 passengers. The entry of medium capacity aircrafts is due to the increase in users, according to the report by the company Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos (TAG). Apparently the usual Cessna Caravan and Grand Caravan would not be enough to serve this destination. Quetzaltenango, July 2022.
Airport Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Guatemala |
Province or District |
Quetzaltenango |
Nearest Town or
City
|
Quetzaltenango City airport |
Airport’s Complete Name |
Aeropuerto de Quetzaltenango, Quetzaltenango International Airport |
Latitude |
14.865550 |
Longitude |
-91.501980 |
Elevation (ft and m) |
2.375 m / 7.791 ft (msnm) |
IATA Code |
AAZ |
ICAO Code |
MGQZ |
Managing Company or Airport Authority |
Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil de Guatemala (DGAC). |
Management Contact Person |
Francis Argueta Aguirre Director Ejecutivo, Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil https://twitter.com/francisarguetaa
|
NGO and/or UN Presence at Airport? |
NO |
Runway
Very good runway signage, aircraft parking area and four helipads.
Runway |
|
---|---|
Runway Dimensions |
2,100 m x 23 m |
Runway Orientation |
01/19 |
Runway Surface |
Asphalt |
Runway Condition |
Good, Cat 2B |
Airport Infrastructure Details
Infrastructure |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening |
NO |
Runway Lighting |
NO |
Refueling Capacity |
NO |
Ground Handling Services |
NO |
Air Traffic Control |
NO |
Fire Fighting Equipment |
Yes, basic |
Weather Information |
NO |
Aircraft Parking Space |
Yes |
Navigation Aids |
Yes * |
Perimeter Fencing |
Yes |
Windsock |
NO |
|
|
(*) The Tapachula VOR-DME (Ident: TAP) is located 50.9 nautical miles (94.3 km) west of the airport. The Quetzaltenango non-directional beacon NDB (Ident: XLA) is located on the field
- Terminal building for passengers and aircraft parking;
- Control towers (already in operation);
- Security checkpoint;
- Perimeter wall;
- Migration and SAT offices.
An emergency operations center has been installed at the airport in order to respond more quickly to disasters such as Hurricane Stan (2005) in the future.
2.2.8 Guatemala Retalhuleu National Airport
Airport Overview
The Retalhuleu Airport is a medium-sized airport in Retalhuleu, Guatemala, also known as Southern Air Base (Base Aérea del Sur). The airport has one runway, the ICAO code for the airport is MGRT and the IATA code is RER. The other closest airports are Coatepeque Airport, Quezaltenango Airport, SANTIAGO, San Marcos Airport and Santo Tomas Airport.
The airport is located in the municipality of Retalhuleu in southern Guatemala. It is operated by the Guatemalan Air Force. It has an asphalt runway (PCN: 054FBWT) that is 1,544 meters long and 30 meters wide in direction 04/22.
The Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civl foresees in its operative plan the Retalhuleu aerodrome as the second airport in the Pacific region, which will operate mainly as a receiving airport for local flights, thus enabling the arrival of tourists to the recreational complexes of IRTRA and to the Pacific beaches. It will also function as a connection between the country's plateau (highlands) with the network of national airports, and in a second stage, international.
As part of the economic reactivation, the government promotes an air bridge to Retalhuleu to facilitate local tourism to the IRTRA https://irtra.org.gt/ theme park, 22 km far from the Retalhuleu airport. IRTRA is an area of recreational parks and hotels. Retalhuleu is located in the south of the country and has a beautiful view of the Pacific shore.
Airport Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Guatemala |
Province or District |
Retalhuleu |
Nearest Town or
City
|
Retalhuleu, 1 km. |
Airport’s Complete Name |
Aeropuerto de Retalhuleu |
Latitude |
14.52143 |
Longitude |
-91.697 |
Elevation (ft and m) |
199 m , 653 ft (masl) |
IATA Code |
RER |
ICAO Code |
MGRT |
Managing Company or Airport Authority |
Guatemalan Air Force (Fuerza Aérea de Guatemala) |
Management Contact Person |
N/A |
NGO and/or UN Presence at Airport? |
NO |
Runway
Runway #1 |
|
---|---|
Runway Dimensions |
1,544 m x 30 m |
Runway Orientation |
4/22 (049°/229°) |
Runway Surface |
Asphalt (PCN: 054FBWT) |
Runway Condition |
Good, Cat 3C |
Retalhuleu is operated by the Guatemalan Air Force. It has an asphalt runway (PCN: 054FBWT) that is 1,544 meters long and 30 meters wide in direction 04/22. Initially the runway, inaugurated on September 16, 1956, was 1,200 meters long and 30 meters wide, with a grass surface. In 1963 it was enlarged and asphalted, and it had a military detachment to the north of the runway, which became the base of Military Zone No. 16 and later Military Zone No. 1316. It is currently the Southern Air Base.
Airport Infrastructure Details
Infrastructure |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening |
Yes |
Runway Lighting |
No |
Refueling Capacity |
No |
Ground Handling Services |
No |
Air Traffic Control |
Tower: 118.8 freq. |
Fire Fighting Equipment |
Yes, basic |
Weather Information |
Yes |
Aircraft Parking Space |
Yes |
Navigation Aids |
Yes (*) |
Perimeter Fencing |
Yes |
Windsock |
Yes |
|
|
(*) Nearby VORs <50NM
TAPACHULA VOR-DME |
49.1 NM |
|
TAP |
freq: 115.30 |
W 292° |
(*) Nearby NDBs
RETALHULEU NDB |
0.1 NM |
|
REU |
freq: 340 |
NE 41° |
(*) Airport Radio Frequencies
Tower: |
118.8 |
2.2.9 Guatemala Huehuetenango National Airport
Airport Overview
The Huehuetenango Airport (IATA: HUG, ICAO: MGHT) is a small airport serving the city of Huehuetenango, capital of Huehuetenango Department, Guatemala. The airport is in the southwestern section of the city, which is in a high-elevation basin. There is rising terrain 1.6 km (1 mi) northwest of the runway, with distant mountainous terrain in all quadrants.
The other closest airports are Nebaj 40 km, Quiché Airport 51 km, Chajul Airport 54 km, Quezaltenango Airport 50 km. and San Marcos Airport 52 km.
Huehuetenango is currently served by ARM (1) and Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos (2)
Huehuetenango is situated in the western highlands and shares borders with the Mexican state of Chiapas in the north and west; with El Quiché in the east, with Totonicapán, Quetzaltenango and San Marcos to the south.
(1) ARM Aviación (formerly Aéreo Ruta Maya) is a Guatemalan airline based in Zone 13, Guatemala City, with its main hub located at La Aurora International Airport.
(2) Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos, (IATA: 5U, ICAO: TGU), also known as TAG Airlines, is the flag carrier airline of Guatemala,3 dedicated to the commercial transport of executive and tourist passengers.
Airport Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Guatemala |
Province or District |
Huehuetenango |
Nearest Town or
City
|
Huehuetenango, Town airport Quetzaltenango (Quetzaltenango) 54.3 km Chichicastenango (Quiche) 57.37 km |
Airport’s Complete Name |
Aeropuerto de Huehuetenango |
Latitude |
15.31667, |
Longitude |
-91.50500 |
Elevation (ft and m) |
7375 feet (2248 m) |
IATA Code |
HUG |
ICAO Code |
MGHT |
Managing Company or Airport Authority |
Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil de Guatemala https://www.dgac.gob.gt/
|
Management Contact Person |
Francis Argueta Aguirre Director Ejecutivo, Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil https://twitter.com/francisarguetaa
|
NGO and/or UN Presence at Airport? |
No |
Runway
Runway |
|
---|---|
Runway Dimensions |
834.93 m x 18 m |
Runway Orientation |
06 / 24 , (060°/240°) |
Runway Surface |
Asphalt |
Runway Condition |
Good. Cat 1A |
Airport Infrastructure Details
Infrastructure |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening |
Yes / No |
Runway Lighting |
No |
Refueling Capacity |
No |
Ground Handling Services |
No |
Air Traffic Control |
Yes / No |
Fire Fighting Equipment |
Yes, basic |
Weather Information |
Yes |
Aircraft Parking Space |
Yes |
Navigation Aids |
Yes (*) |
Perimeter Fencing |
Yes |
Windsock |
Yes |
|
|
(*) Nearby beacons
code |
identifier |
dist |
bearing |
frequency |
XLA |
QUETZALTENANGO NDB |
27.3 |
180° |
313 |
TAP |
TAPACHULA VOR/DME |
59.5 |
239° |
115.30 |
CMT |
COMITAN (COPALAR) VOR/DME |
60.7 |
327° |
114.70 |
AUR |
LA AURORA (GUAT. CITY) VOR/DME |
71.9 |
127° |
114.90 |
(*) Communication
Huehetenango FIR approach 126.900 FIR departure: 126,900[Text Wrapping Break]
(*) NDB Huehuetenango Airport NDB is on the field (ident.: HUE)
2.3 Guatemala Road Network
Overview
There are four main gates out of Guatemala City towards Puerto Barrios (Atlantic Port Access), Puerto Quetzal (Pacific Port Access), El Salvador Highway, which provides access to Honduran border check points and the east of Guatemala, and the CA-1 which heads west of Guatemala City to Mexico, making connections to major Guatemalan cities like Chimaltenango, Quetzaltenango, Sololá and Huehuetenango.
Among the main highways are the Pan-American Highway that connects Guatemala with Mexico and El Salvador and the Interoceanic Highway that connects Puerto Barrios and Puerto Quetzal, and the Costanera that runs parallel to the Pacific coast.
According to shared data, it has a total of 17,440 km of roads, of these only 7,420.39 are paved and 9,440.29 are unpaved roads or known as dirt roads. The country Road Network has a growth ratio of 216 kilometres per year. https://caminos.gob.gt/mapas-de-la-red-vial.html
Primary highways are double-lined and paved. Most are in rather poor conditions with the exception of the highway to Puerto Quetzal which is a double-lined new highway with one toll booth. Secondary roads in the coastal areas are paved/dirt highways in relatively good condition. Heavy trailer (sugar cane transport) can be expected in the sugar cane harvesting seasons anywhere between October and March, which causes traffic and leaves highways littered with debris. The rest of the secondary roads connecting small villages and towns to larger centres are not paved and their conditions vary depending on the season. Between May and November, heavy rains can make most dirt roads restricted to 4 wheel drive vehicles. Large trucks have very little access during this time.
In the highlands of Guatemala, roads are terraced and unpaved through the mountain areas. Rains and fog can make these routes difficult to access. The highway which extends into the Peten is a flat and paved highway. Heavy tractor trailer traffic can be expected on the Atlantic highway through to Puerto Barrios making the route dangerous, particularly in the mountain areas closer to Guatemala City.
Road transport is the dominant mode in the domestic and intra-regional trade (approximately 82% in imports by weight and 76% in exports), as well as for the internal segments of extra-regional trade. This sector has profound weaknesses: overloading is a recurring problem and there is no efficient control, which in turn time affects the poor condition of the roads already mentioned. There is few or no control at origin, the 14 fixed scales that exist in Puerto Quetzal are not certified by the authorities of traffic control (there are scales but they are private) and the calibration is not consistent inside and outside the port.
Since there is practice of overloading containers, leaving the port it is necessary to control them, but up to now there were only 2 operational mobile scales (within port premises); 20 scales along the main axes are in planning.
The vehicle fleet (heavy transport truck units) has an average age of 18 years. Vehicles used for transport to the domestic market are in poor condition and there is a lack of refrigerated units. Informality is also high.
However it is important to outline the expansion of the CA-9 North road network in Guatemala. This corridor crosses the country from the Pacific to the Atlantic and is particularly relevant for the transport of textiles –which reported exports for 1,030 million USD in 2020–; fruits (850 million USD); mineral fuels and oils ($508 million); paper and cardboard (330 million USD); plastics and rubbers (326 million USD); allowing the exit of products to Asia and the West Coast of the United States through Puerto Quetzal and to Europe and the East Coast of the United States through Puerto Barrios and Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla.
The CA-9 serves as a connector for the productive nodes of Guatemala with its ports; with the Pacific Corridor and for products coming from El Salvador or destined for the ports of Honduras.
Conceptually the Logistics Corridors (Corredores Logísticos Consolidados) are not only road axes; they are axes that integrate the main logistics nodes of the country providing cargo services and ensuring the traceability of merchandise and vehicles in order to support the customs monitoring of merchandise in transit (fiscal corridors),the logistics organization, the security of the goods, among others.
According to the PENLOG 2015-2025, in terms of road design, these corridors must have road standards adapted to cargo movements (specifications adapted to the weight and dimensions of large vehicles, area rest and parking, truck centers, weigh stations, speed control), with a level of endowment and sophistication appropriate to the volumes, loads, users, etc.
For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.
Distance Matrix
Official government maps web page : https://caminos.gob.gt/mapas-de-la-red-vial.html
Distances from Capital City to Major Towns (km) * |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital |
Cobán, A.V. |
Chimal-tenango |
Puerto Barrios |
Pto Sn Jose |
Quetzal-tenango |
Retal-huleu |
Zacapa |
|
Capital |
|
213 |
50.1 |
293 |
109 |
198 |
191 |
149 |
Cobán, A.V. |
213 |
|
265 |
336 |
323 |
223 |
405 |
192 |
Chimal-tenango |
50.1 |
265 |
|
343 |
99.9 |
148 |
182 |
199 |
Puerto Barrios |
293 |
336 |
343 |
|
403 |
492 |
485 |
169 |
Pto Sn Jose |
109 |
323 |
99.9 |
403 |
|
195 |
167 |
258 |
Quetzal-tenango |
198 |
223 |
148 |
492 |
195 |
|
51.8 |
347 |
Retal-huleu |
191 |
405 |
182 |
485 |
167 |
51.8 |
|
341 |
Zacapa |
149 |
192 |
199 |
169 |
258 |
347 |
341 |
|
(*) https://caminos.gob.gt/kilometrajes.html
Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (hours) * |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital |
Cobán, A.V. |
Chimal-tenango |
Puerto Barrios |
PtoSn Jose |
Quetzal-tenango |
Retal-huleu |
Zacapa |
|
Capital |
|
4:12 |
1:19 |
5:03 |
1:58 |
3:45 |
3:39 |
2:58 |
Cobán, A.V. |
4:12 |
|
5:38 |
5:29 |
6:07 |
6:36 |
8:01 |
3:22 |
Chimal-tenango |
1:19 |
5:38 |
6:20 |
1:46 |
2:23 |
3:28 |
4:06 |
|
Puerto Barrios |
5:03 |
5:29 |
6:20 |
7:19 |
9:06 |
9:02 |
2:41 |
|
Pto Sn Jose |
1:58 |
6:07 |
1:46 |
7:19 |
3.49 |
2:53 |
5:14 |
|
Quetzal-tenango |
3:45 |
6:36 |
2:23 |
9:06 |
3:49 |
1:24 |
6:46 |
|
Retal-huleu |
3:3 |
8:01 |
3:28 |
9:02 |
2:53 |
1:24 |
6:53 |
|
Zacapa |
2:58 |
3:22 |
4:06 |
2:41 |
5:14 |
6:46 |
6:53 |
*Data extracted from Google Maps on November 28, 2016 at 12:00 hours.
Road Security
Driving in Guatemala requires one's full attention, and safe drivers must drive defensively to avoid dangerous situations. Traffic rules are not always observed; many drivers do not use their turn signals to alert other drivers, speed limits, lane markings and stop signs are often ignored. Passing blindly on winding and/or steep mountain roads, poorly designed surfaces, and unmarked hazards, including frequent landslides and precarious temporary highway repairs, present additional risks to motorists.
Secondary and tertiary roads built on steep mountains (sometimes without adequate technical support) are totally insecure and prone to landslides, because its talus has not been protected or there is lack of drainages.
Public transportation is unreliable and often unsafe. The “Transmetro” is the most secure public transport in the city. It has adequate terminals and security.
Modern inter-city buses with modern terminals offer some security from highway violence, but armed attacks are increasing, showing that all buses are vulnerable. Although city streets are adequately illuminated, secondary and rural roads have little or no illumination. Driving outside of urban areas at night is dangerous and not recommended. The Inter-American Highway (CA-1) and the road from Guatemala City to the Caribbean coast (CA-9) are especially dangerous due to heavy traffic, including large trucks and trailers.
Security is a sensible issue and UNDSS should be consulted for the latest security updates.
There are no roadside assistance clubs, however a roadside assistance force (PROVIAL) https://provial.gob.gt/ patrols most of the major highways in the country. PROVIAL vehicles are equipped with basic tools and first aid supplies, and their services are free. Police patrol the major roadways and may assist travellers, but the patrols are sporadic and may be suspended due to budget restraints. For roadside assistance, travellers may call the police by dialling 120 or the fire department by dialling directly to 122 (Volunteers) or 123 (Municipal) and they will react as soon as possible. Cellular telephone service covers most areas frequented by tourists.
Weighbridges and Axle Load Limits
Official government weighbridges inventory map https://caminos.gob.gt/ubicacion-puentes.html
The road network has an estimated 200 weighbridges around the country, some are made of concrete and some others made of steel. Some bridges have been re-build and some others are in repair due to the natural vulnerability of the country.
Guatemala is party to the United Nations convention on the road traffic (Geneva, 1949) and the Central American Agreement on Road Traffic (1958).
The axle load limits in Guatemala are listed in below table. The vehicle nomenclature is as follows:
C = Truck / Number of axles // T = Trailer Tractor // S = Semi Trailer // R = Trailer (Example: vehicle type: T3S2R4)
Axle Load Limits |
GUATEMALA |
---|---|
Truck with 2 Axles |
15,500 Kg |
Truck with 3 Axles |
22,000 Kg |
Truck with 4 Axles |
25,000 Kg |
Semi-trailer with 3 Axles |
23,000 Kg |
Semi-trailer with 4 Axles |
30,000 Kg |
Semi-trailer with 5 Axles |
37,000 Kg |
Semi-trailer with 6 Axles |
41,000 Kg |
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 4 Axles |
Information not available |
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 5 Axles |
32,000 to 38,000 Kg |
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 6 Axles |
40,000 to 45,000 Kg |
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 7 Axles |
47,000 to 52,000 Kg |
Road Class and Surface Conditions
For official detailed department map please see: https://caminos.gob.gt/mapas-de-la-red-vial.html
2.4 Guatemala Railway Assessment
Despite the existence of a railway network, no passenger or freight train currently runs in Guatemala. The body in charge of the railway management (Concession Ferrovías Guatemala - FVG) suspended traffic operations in 2007 after months of dispute with the government of Guatemala and subsequent decline of shipments and increase of operational difficulties. As of 2011, most of the bridges have been dismantled and sold for scrap by thieves, making a potential revival of railways in Guatemala, difficult, as it would cost millions of dollars to rebuild. Ferrovias was re-nationalized in December, 2012.
A contract in between Ferrovías de Guatemala S.A. https://ferrovias.com.gt/# and the Mexican company Remed, S.A. https://www.stellaholdings.com.mx/remed was approved by the Extraordinary Assembly of Ferrovías Shareholders on January 12 of 2021 and signed two days later. With this, the right to rehabilitate, use and operate a first stage, Pacific Division, consisting of 235 kilometres of railway, in standard gauge (it consists in the rehabilitation and construction of the railway line in standard gauge: 1,435 mm**) to provide cargo, passenger and tourism transport services from the Tecún Umán, San Marcos border with Puerto Quetzal , Escuintla. To this is added a 30-kilometre section from Retalhuleu to Puerto Champerico, in accordance with the bidding rules FV-LS-02-2021.
The State of Guatemala owns more than 80% of the shares of Ferrovías, S.A. Remed is committed to invest US$700 million for the development and execution of the project, for a period of 26 years.
Opportunity
Through this project, the aim is to develop corridors that will enhance the economic zones, facilitating the transfer of goods between populated centers to the borders and ports of the country and the growth of trade in Central America.
The commercial purpose of the railway operation is focused on cargo, passenger and tourism transport, land terminal services for consolidation/deconsolidation of merchandise, storage, national and international cargo transit, transport agent service for the processing of objective cargo documentation of national and international trade. It will have a connection to Mexico. Operational tests were carried out on August 2022 between Ciudad Hidalgo, Chiapas, Mexico, and the facilities of the Tecún Umán Railway Station, in the municipality of Ayutla, department of San Marcos. The passage of a freight train with 4 wagons was tested. Although infrastructure such as procedures and permits for the creation of a customs office that allows commercial exchange remains pending.
Constraints
One of the social constraints is that for the operation, thousands of families living along various sections of the railway will have to be evicted and Fegua* https://fegua.gob.gt/ will have to bear the costs of these transfers.
At the national congress level some representatives have recently stated: The "Bicentennial Train" project must be analysed from political, legal and economic perspectives. The objection is that the project should have been called as an international tender and after being awarded, contracted as a public service concession and not as a lease. Legislators affirm that it is a business managed with discretion to favor a Mexican company.
There is uncertainty among some congressmen regarding the royalties to be obtained, real estate that has registration problems and legal barriers, as well as the technical, operational and financial capacity of the Mexican contracted company.
The track that Fegua has along its route is a narrow track 91.4 centimeters (36 inches)
(*) Fegua and Ferrovías de Guatemala have a 50-year usufruct contract that expires in 2047, known as Contract 402. The Remed S.A. contract will have a duration of 26 years, which is the precise time to complete contract 402 -the original contract between Ferrovías and Ferrocarriles de Guatemala (Fegua) for 50 years- but it is established that Ferrovías can request an extension to Fegua. Fegua’s main objective is to restore, revitalize and revalue the railway heritage, and implement and execute a maintenance plan for the railway.
(**)A standard-gauge railway is a railway with a track gauge of 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in). It is the most widely used track gauge around the world, with approximately 55% of the lines in the world using. The distance between the inside edges of the rails is defined to be 1435 mm except in the United States and on some heritage British lines, where it is defined in U.S. customary/Imperial units as exactly "four feet eight and one half inches" which is equivalent to 1435.1 mm.
For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.
2.5 Guatemala Waterways Assessment
Most of navigable rivers have limited commercial purposes and mainly are used by locals for transporting agricultural products, such as: Sarstun, Polochic, Rio Dulce, La Pasion located at Peten Lowland). Due to the topographic characteristics of the country, most of navigable rivers are in the Atlantic zone, with an estimate of 1,035 km in rivers and 104 km in lakes.
On the other hand there is no significant river or lake commercial transport in Guatemala. Some ferries or small boats are providing passenger transport including touristic transport on the Lake Amatitlán or from Belize (Punta Gorda) to Puerto Barrios and from Puerto Barrios to Livingston.
On emergency level during the Covid 19 pandemic the Guatemalan Army, in joint efforts with the Marine Infantry Brigade, supported the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS), in the transportation by river and sea of vaccines against the Coronavirus, COVID-19, to the Camelias villages , La Bacadilla and Punta Arenas, Río Dulce and Livingston, in the department of Izabal. Several of these communities are difficult to access by land.
For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.
2.6 Guatemala Storage Assessment
Overview
Guatemala has many warehouse spaces available around the city and mayor towns. Some warehouses can be contracted through logistic operators, others directly with owners and others can be channelled with the government.
The summary of warehouse space can be divided as follow:
Organization |
# of Warehouses |
# of Silos |
Total capacity |
---|---|---|---|
Government (INDECA) |
22 |
14 |
45,733.5 t |
Commercial |
9 |
|
141,000 m2 |
Refrigerated |
14 |
|
17,316 m2 |
WFP Guatemala uses government storage services from INDECA (Instituto Nacional de Comercializacion Agrícola) which is the Government organization responsible for storing the mayor food aid programs in Guatemala. WFP coordinates with INDECA for the storage planning and distribution of food. INDECA storage facilities are located in 6 different areas throughout the country. Additionally, INDECA has the capacity to provide other warehouse facilities in case of emergencies
WFP also has 5 mobile storage (wilk hall) tents of a capacity of 350/400 t/each. Three of those storage tents are currently set up on the premises of the Quetzaltenango warehouse and 2 in Chimaltenango.
For more information on storage company contact details, please see the following link: 4.6 Storage and Milling Companies Contact List.
Commercial Storage
Location |
Owner |
Available for Rent |
Capacity (MT / m² / m³) |
Type [1] |
Access [2] |
Condition [3] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Villa Nueva, Lotes 17 y 18, Fraccion 1, zona 4. Granjas Italia. |
RANSA |
Yes |
18,000 m2 |
Roof covered |
n/a |
Good |
Guatemala City. Av Petapa 37-25 z 12. Guatemala |
Alminter. Gloria Canal. CEO |
Yes |
12,000 m2 |
Roof covered |
Good |
Good |
Km 29.3 carretera al Pacifico, Amatitlan info@monterreylogistics.com Tel 66440880 |
Monterrey Logistics |
Yes |
45,000 m2 |
Roof Covered |
good |
good |
Av Reforma 15-85 zona 10 23151300 |
Agunsa. Km 84 a Puerto Quetzal. |
Yes |
2,000 mt2 |
Roof Covered |
Good |
Good |
Calzada Roosevelt y San Juan. Zona 7. 40109898 |
Guatemala Inmobiliaria.com |
Yes |
10,000 m2 |
Roof Covered |
Good |
Good |
Km 5, zona 17. Colonia Lavarreda Guatemala |
Alsersa |
Yes |
15,000 m2 |
Roof Covered |
Good |
Good |
Calzada Atanacio Tzul y 24 avenida 35-99 zona 12 |
Centralsa |
Yes |
4,000 m2 |
Roof Covered |
Good |
Good |
15 av 11-79 zona 6 |
Cealsa |
Yes |
14,000 m2 |
Roof Covered |
Good |
Good |
24 av 41-81 zona 13 |
Almacenadora Integrada |
Yes |
21,000 m2 |
Roof Covered |
Good |
Good |
Public Sector Storage
The table below provides an overview of the information available to date on the available storage by INDECA in the country.
The best facilities are being used either by WFP or Government institutions. If any other facility listed below is required for emergencies, please contact INDECA General Manager.
Silos facilities can be used for storing grains, but some repair is needed.
Location |
Ministry / Agency |
Use Possibility |
Capacity (MT / m² / m³) |
Type [1] |
---|---|---|---|---|
FRAIJANES |
INDECA |
Currently used for WFP |
2,948.38 |
Open Storage |
0 |
Silo |
|||
TACTIC |
INDECA |
Currently used for WFP |
907.19 |
Open Storage |
4,399.89 |
Silo |
|||
TELEMAN |
INDECA |
Not in use |
635.04 |
Open Storage |
2,585.50 |
Silo |
|||
SALAMA |
INDECA |
Not in use |
25.40 |
Open Storage |
0 |
Silo |
|||
LOS AMATES |
INDECA |
Currently used for WFP |
907.19 |
Open Storage |
4,399.89 |
Silo |
|||
NAVAJOA |
INDECA |
Not in use |
226.80 |
Open Storage |
1,133.99 |
Silo |
|||
SAN ANTONIO SEJA |
INDECA |
Not in use |
90.72 |
Open Storage |
272.16 |
Silo |
|||
SAN ESTEBAN |
INDECA |
Not in use |
90.72 |
Open Storage |
181.44 |
Silo |
|||
IPALA |
INDECA |
Not in use |
181.44 |
Open Storage |
340.20 |
Silo |
|||
JALPATAGUA |
INDECA |
Not in use |
181.44 |
Open Storage |
635.04 |
Silo |
|||
MONTUFAR |
INDECA |
Not in use |
181.44 |
Open Storage |
635.04 |
Silo |
|||
MONJAS |
INDECA |
Not in use |
113.40 |
Open Storage |
362.88 |
Silo |
|||
CHIMALTENANGO |
INDECA |
Currently used for WFP |
1,587.59 |
Open Storage |
0 |
Silo |
|||
QUETZALTENANGO |
INDECA |
Currently used for WFP |
1,814.39 |
Open Storage |
8,845.14 |
Silo |
|||
SOLOLA |
INDECA |
Not in use |
25.40 |
Open Storage |
0 |
Silo |
|||
TEJUTLA |
INDECA |
Not in use |
25.40 |
Open Storage |
0 |
Silo |
|||
RETALHULEU |
INDECA |
Currently used for WFP |
2,041.19 |
Open Storage |
8,845.14 |
Silo |
|||
MONTERREY |
INDECA |
Not in use |
90.72 |
Open Storage |
181.44 |
Silo |
|||
LA BLANCA |
INDECA |
Not in use |
90.72 |
Open Storage |
181.44 |
Silo |
|||
SANTA CRUZ DEL QUICHE |
INDECA |
Not in use |
25.40 |
Open Storage |
0 |
Silo |
|||
SAN LUIS PETEN |
INDECA |
Not in use |
272.16 |
Open Storage |
0 |
Silo |
|||
SAYAXCHE |
INDECA |
Not in use |
272.16 |
Open Storage |
0 |
Silo |
[1] Warehouse Type: Open storage, container, rub-hall, silo, concrete, other, unspecified
Cold Chain
Cold Chain distribution in Guatemala is available. There are cold rooms available at La Aurora airport, as well as commercial transporters with refrigerated equipment for transport.
Location |
Organization / Owner |
Type [1] |
Cooling / Power [2] |
Quantity |
Total Capacity (m³) |
Condition |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guatemala |
Bodegas Frias |
Cooler |
2 º to -25 º |
7 |
12,000m2 |
Good |
Puerto Barrios |
Refrigesa |
Cooler |
3 º to -20 º |
6 |
2,000 m2 |
Good |
Guatemala Airport (Aurora Intl) |
COMBEX-IM |
Freezer |
-12º to 17º |
1 |
210 m² |
Not inspected (Certified by UNIREFRI) |
Guatemala Airport (Aurora Intl) |
COMBEX-IM |
Cooler |
3.8º to 2º |
1 |
587 m² |
Not inspected |
Guatemala Airport (Aurora Intl) |
COMBEX-IM |
Cooler |
7º to 3.8º |
2 |
816 m² + 816 m² |
Not inspected |
Guatemala Airport (Aurora Intl) |
COMBEX-IM |
Cooler |
10º to 12º |
1 |
816 m² |
Not inspected |
Guatemala City – National Warehouse |
Ministry of Health |
Cooler |
N/A |
1 |
80 m² |
Not inspected (said to be full) |
[1] Cold Room Positive, Cold Room Negative, Refrigerator, Freezer,
[2] Compression, Absorption, Solar, Other, unspecified
2.7 Guatemala Milling Assessment
Maize tortillas are widely consumed product in Guatemala. There are plenty of milling and food fortification capacities in Guatemala.
National and international producers are operating is Guatemala, including world leaders in the production of tortilla and maize meal such as for example, Gruma, which operates in the Department of Chimaltenango. Gruma has in Central America, a yearly production capacity of 126,000 t
Milling associations have been formed to represent and lobby for the interest of the sector.
Guatemala has also good food fortification capacities.
For more information on milling company contact details, please see the following link: 4.6 Storage and Milling Companies Contact List.
Milling Company NUTRICA
Alimentos Nutricionales de Centro America S.A – NUTRICA is a Guatemalan producer of beverages and food with high nutritive value. Nutrica distributes different brands: Bienestaria, Nutrimosh, Chocopretty, etc.
Nutrica has its own laboratory and comply with international standard including FAO and WHO norms for instant beverage. Nutrica has been developing products in partnership with international organization such as WFP, USAID and several NGOs. Nutrica provides school rations for the government school feeding programmes.
Company Name and Address |
Contact Names and Email |
Telephone and Fax |
---|---|---|
Alimentos Nutricionales De Centro América, S. A. Alimentos Nutrica. 6ª. Avenida 3-28, Zone 2, San José, Villa Nueva, Guatemala. |
Name: Ingeniero Israel Mazariegos Title: General Manager Email: gerencia@nutrica.com.gt Web: www.nutrica.com.gt |
Tel: +502 6630 1290 - 93 Fax: +502 6629 9265 |
Summary of Role and Services |
||
Food Nutrition of Central America, SA (Nutrica Food) is a native Guatemalan company. PRODUCTS: Nutriatol is a protein food, processed as precooked, instant, ready to prepare nutritious drinks. It is also a thickening and enriching ingredient in sauces, soups, stews, meat and vegetables; and nutritional supplement for fruit smoothies. Natural Bienestarina is a protein food made from corn flour and soy flour. It is pre-cooked and instant to prepare nutritious drinks type or atoles refreshments. It is also an excellent source of protein, provides in rich iron, calcium and zinc amount to combat nutritional deficiencies. The company has an expertise in making products based on mixes of corn and soy flours. |
Facilities |
||
---|---|---|
Parking Area Inside Compound (m²) |
2,400 |
|
Drainage |
Good |
|
Fire Fighting Equipment |
Yes |
|
Number of Ventilators (screened) |
8 |
|
Electricity Load (KVA) |
325 KVA |
|
Backup Generator(s) |
Yes |
275 KVA |
Maintenance |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Duration |
2 hours/week |
Type of Maintenance |
Preventive |
Other Equipment or Machinery Installed |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Type of Equipment |
Available |
Number |
Owned |
Fortification Feeder |
YES |
2 |
Nutrica |
Bag Cleaning Plant |
YES |
3 |
Nutrica |
Moisture Tester |
YES |
1 |
Nutrica |
De-stoning Plant |
YES |
1 |
Nutrica |
Metal Extractor |
NO |
- |
- |
Staffing |
|
---|---|
Number of Full Time Skilled Workers |
17 |
Number of Full Time Labourers |
26 |
Building |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Length (m) |
Width (m) |
Height (m) |
|
Building – Wheat Mill |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
Building – Maize Mill |
Length 54 (m) |
Width 25.5 (m) |
Height 7.2 (m) |
Walls |
Reinforced concrete |
||
Roof |
Metal with insulation layer |
||
Floor |
Reinforced concrete |
Conditions & Cleanliness |
||
---|---|---|
|
Outside |
Inside |
Cracks in Walls or Roof |
No |
No |
Signs of Rodent Activity |
No |
No |
Signs of Birds Entry |
No |
No |
Damaged Gutters/Drains |
No |
No |
Signs of Moisture |
No |
No |
Adjacent Vegetation |
None |
None |
Cleanliness |
Good |
Good |
Pest Control |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fumigation |
Yes |
Frequency |
Weekly |
Contracted |
Yes |
Spraying |
Yes |
Frequency |
Weekly |
Contracted |
Yes |
Rodenticides |
Yes |
Frequency |
Weekly |
Contracted |
Yes |
Rodent Trapping |
Yes |
Frequency |
Weekly |
Contracted |
Yes |
Security |
|
---|---|
Security |
Good |
Compound |
Fenced |
Access |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Distance from Main Town (km) |
10 |
||
Travel Time if not Located in Town (hours) |
25 |
||
Road Condition to Mill |
Good |
||
Road Limitations (if any) |
No 30 t |
||
Rail Connections |
NO |
Milling Capacity |
||
---|---|---|
Commodities |
Daily Capacity (MT) |
Monthly Activity (MT) |
Wheat |
n/a |
n/a |
Maize |
27.5 t |
715 t |
Storage Capacity |
||
---|---|---|
Storage in Metric Tons |
Wheat – Covered (MT) |
Flour – Covered (MT) |
Within the Compound |
275 |
|
Outside the Compound |
n/a |
n/a |
Capacity to Blend |
---|
Daily Capacity 50 (t) + Monthly Activity 1,300 (t) |
Loading & Discharge Rates |
---|
Daily Capacity 50 (t) + Monthly Activity 1,300 (t) |
Transport Capacity at Mill |
---|
Daily Capacity 50 (t) + Monthly Activity 1,300 (t) |
Milling Company Molino Central Helvetia S.A - CENTIA
Company Name and Address |
Contact Names and Email |
Telephone and Fax |
---|---|---|
CENTIA Calz Aguilar Batres 20-02 Z-11 Guatemala City, Guatemala |
Name: Mario Salazar Title: Operation Manager Email: msalazar@MolinosCentia.com |
Tel: +502 2383 1100 Fax: +502 2383 1142 |
Summary of Role and Services |
||
Guatemalan company, dedicated to the production and marketing of wheat flour, premixes and corn grits, committed to providing the best product and service, according to the needs of their customers. In 2003 the Molino Central S.A with over 60 years of service, decided to merge with Molinos Helvetia from Tecpan Chimaltenango, to form a modern and innovative mill. The total wheat milling capacity is of 300 t per day. They have food fortification and packaging capabilities. CENTIA has a training center and provides capacity building activities to bread maker. |
Milling Company DEMAGUSA
Company Name and Address |
Contact Names and Email |
Telephone and Fax |
---|---|---|
Derivados de Maíz de Guatemala (DEMAGUSA) Km 19.5 Carretera a Antigua Guatemala, Aldea de los Coy, Zona 1 de Mixco, Condomino de Bodegas BOCASA, Bodega 1 |
Name: Angel_Lam Title: Commercial Manager /Agroindustrial Email: angel_lam@demagu.com |
Tel: +502 2438-6556 /2438-6557/ 2485-510 Fax:+502 24386550 |
Summary of Role and Services |
||
DEMAGUSA produces maize meal and derivate products: a) FLOURS (Grits snacks and/or cereal, grits beer, Polenta, Prepared flours). b) ADDED VALUE PRODUCTS (Salsa/Dips, canned palm heart Palmitos, Snacks, Seasonings, Pasta). This company is the owner of the Maseca brand. DEMAGUSA counts a total of 135 employees and has an estimated daily production of Corn Soya Blend of 40 t. |
Milling Company Molinos Modernos
Company Name and Address |
Contact Names and Email |
Telephone and Fax |
---|---|---|
Molino Modernos 33 Calle 25-30, Zona 12, Guatemala, Guatemala, C.A |
Name: Mario Arnoldo Johnston S. Title: Supply chain Director Email: ajohnston@molinosmodernos.com Email: informacion@molinosmodernos.com Web: www.molinosmodernos.com Name: Alejandro Odio Title: Product Manager Email: aodio@molinosmodernos.com Name: Andrés Melgar-Zaid Title. Category Manager |
Tel: +502 2429 8300 Fax: +502 2277 1877 |
Summary of Role and Services |
||
Molinos Modernos started operating in 1963 and is a large Central American company. It produces flour (mainly wheat), pasta, biscuits, etc. Molinos Modernos is the division of Corporación Multi Inversiones dedicated to the production and marketing of products derived from cereals in Central America and the Dominican Republic. They have production plants in Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica and representation in Haiti as well as in the Dominican Republic.
For these purposes, CMI Alimentos has the Development and Training Center, an educational mechanism with vast experience that since 1998 has trained more than 130,000 entrepreneurs and clients in Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, markets where the company has a presence. This Training Center offers a varied curriculum that also has comprehensive modules, free innovation courses and seasonal products that seek to improve the profitability of its clients' businesses.
In addition, it has Express Stores at its headquarters, where entrepreneurs and customers can find products according to their needs, such as wheat flour and premixes in small and large presentations.
It is one of the largest and most important food groups in the region in the business of wheat and corn mills, pasta and biscuit production; poultry, pork, processed and sausage manufacturing industry; balanced food for animals and pets; restaurant industry with Pollo Campero and Pollo Granjero among others.
Industry: Food and Beverage Manufacturing Company size: 1,001-5,000 employees Headquarters: Guatemala, Guatemala Type: Self-Owned Founded: 1936 . |