Puerto Quetzal
Guatemala
Technical sheet of Puerto Quetzal (Escuintla, Pacific of Guatemala): the country's main logistics node on the Pacific, with movement close to 49.1% of the national port system and strong specialization in bulk, fuels and general cargo.
General information
Official name
Puerto Quetzal
Location
Escuintla, Pacific coast of Guatemala
Approximate coordinates
13.9189° N, 90.7885° W
Administrator
Empresa Portuaria Quetzal (EPQ)
Port type
Multi-purpose commercial
Year of inauguration
1983
Maritime zone
Pacific Ocean / southern coast of Guatemala
Main technical specifications
Country
Guatemala
Coast
Pacific
Administrator
Empresa Portuaria Quetzal
Terminal type
Multi-purpose
Operating draft
11 m (commercial berths) and 5.50 m (auxiliary berth)
Specialties
Solid bulk, liquid bulk, general cargo
Operation
24/7
Logistics area
Yes
Anchorage capacity
High regional demand
Connectivity
CA-9 network and national logistics corridor
Port infrastructure
Strategic importance
Puerto Quetzal is currently Guatemala's main logistics and commercial node on the Pacific.
During 2025 it handled approximately 17.3 million metric tons, equivalent to 49.1% of the total movement of the Guatemalan national port system, consolidating itself as the country's most important maritime terminal.
According to National Port Commission data, through August 2025 cargo movement showed year-over-year growth of 11.65%, driven mainly by:
- Increase in industrial imports.
- Regional trade.
- Movement of bulk and fuels.
- Expansion of containerized cargo.
Berths and terminals
The port has specialized infrastructure for:
- Solid bulk.
- Fuels and liquids.
- Containers.
- General cargo.
- Industrial and agro-export operations.
Its berths can serve:
- Panamax vessels.
- Regional cargo vessels.
- Specialized vessels for commodities.
Operational specialization
Solid bulk
Puerto Quetzal is one of the main entry and exit points for:
- Cereals.
- Fertilizers.
- Minerals.
- Agricultural products.
Liquid bulk
The port handles:
- Fuels.
- Chemicals.
- Industrial oils.
- Energy derivatives.
General cargo
It also processes:
- Vehicles.
- Heavy machinery.
- Industrial material.
- Manufactured products.
Operational saturation and congestion
During 2025, the average number of vessels waiting for anchorage rose to approximately:
Increase in waiting vessels
Year2024
- Average vessels waiting
- 20–23
Year2025
- Average vessels waiting
- ~40
| Year | Average vessels waiting |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 20–23 |
| 2025 | ~40 |
This reflects:
- High logistics pressure.
- Increase in regional trade.
- Limitations of current infrastructure.
Economic impact of congestion
The estimated cost per waiting vessel ranges between:
Estimated cost per waiting vessel
ConceptMinimum daily cost
- Estimate
- US$25,000
ConceptMaximum daily cost
- Estimate
- US$45,000
| Concept | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Minimum daily cost | US$25,000 |
| Maximum daily cost | US$45,000 |
These costs affect:
- Shipping lines.
- Importers.
- Exporters.
- Regional supply chains.
Modernization and expansion — USACE project
The United States Army Corps of Engineers started technical studies for the port's enlargement and modernization.
Project data
AspectAgency
- Detail
- USACE
AspectObjective
- Detail
- Modernization and enlargement
AspectMain area
- Detail
- Commercial berths
AspectEstimated value
- Detail
- US$63.7 million
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Agency | USACE |
| Objective | Modernization and enlargement |
| Main area | Commercial berths |
| Estimated value | US$63.7 million |
Strategic objectives
- Reduce waiting times.
- Increase operating capacity.
- Improve logistics efficiency.
- Strengthen regional competitiveness.
- Prepare the port for future growth.
Coordinates and navigation
ElementLatitude
- Information
- 13.9189° N
ElementLongitude
- Information
- 90.7885° W
ElementMaritime zone
- Information
- Eastern Pacific
ElementMaritime condition
- Information
- Intensive commercial operation
| Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Latitude | 13.9189° N |
| Longitude | 90.7885° W |
| Maritime zone | Eastern Pacific |
| Maritime condition | Intensive commercial operation |
Executive summary
Key indicatorMovement 2025
- Value
- 17.3 million MT
Key indicatorNational share
- Value
- 49.1%
Key indicatorYear-over-year growth
- Value
- 11.65%
Key indicatorOperating draft
- Value
- 11 m commercial / 5.50 m auxiliary
Key indicatorVessels waiting
- Value
- ~40
Key indicatorDaily cost per wait
- Value
- US$25k – US$45k
Key indicatorExpansion project
- Value
- US$63.7 million
| Key indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Movement 2025 | 17.3 million MT |
| National share | 49.1% |
| Year-over-year growth | 11.65% |
| Operating draft | 11 m commercial / 5.50 m auxiliary |
| Vessels waiting | ~40 |
| Daily cost per wait | US$25k – US$45k |
| Expansion project | US$63.7 million |