Puerto Quetzal (GTPRQ)

Puerto Quetzal, located on Guatemala's Pacific coast, is the country's largest and most important commercial port. It serves as a key hub for the import and export of goods, handling cargo like coffee, sugar, bananas and petroleum products. The port is strategically positioned for access to major shipping routes and has facilities for containerised cargo, bulk goods and cruise ships. Puerto Quetzal plays a crucial role in Guatemala's trade, connecting the region to international markets and boosting the country's economic activity.

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.

Puerto Quetzal is situated on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, SE of San Jose.

LOA 337m, beam 51m, draught 13.8m, 142,148DWT.

Approx. 13,500,000t of cargo and 81,000TEU handled annually.

Anchorage may be obtained in depths of 19.0-28.0m, 0.3nm S of the W breakwater head where there are nine designated berths. The holding is moderately good although the anchorage is exposed to considerable swell. A vessel approaching from sea may anchor in front of the harbour not closer than 1nm without the services of a pilot.

The approach channel and turning basin are dredged to 14.0m and the berths are dredged to 11.0m. The approach channel is well buoyed. The access channel to the basin has an entrance width of 210m and the manoeuvring basin is circular, with a diameter of 340m.

BA 1946, 1022. Admiralty Pilot NP8, NP286(7).

Search and Rescue is operated by the Guatemalan Navy.

1027.

Usually 4-5 vessels can be berthed on the main quay and 1 vessel on the S quay. There is priority for passenger vessels, vessels with perishable or dangerous cargo and for container vessels. Apart from these priorities the general rule is to give berth to 2 liner and 2 tramp vessels, ie, in any congestion situation a 3rd tramp vessel could be sent back to the anchorage as soon as a liner arrives. At peak times of berth occupation, a vessel can also be sent to anchorage for reason of poor cargo handling performance.

Compulsory for arrival and departure but not for shifts within the harbour. The pilot boards in the vicinity of the Fairway Lightbuoy (13°54.4'N 090°46.1'W), and 1 nm S of the breakwater, in the anchorage area.

The port limits are bounded by the approximate parallels of 13°54.0'N and 13° 57.0'N and the meridians of 090°47.0'W and 090°48.0'W.

Lights are exhibited from the breakwater heads and lightbuoys mark shoal areas within the basin. A pair of leading lights (red and white daymarks) stand near the root of the W Breakwater. In line bearing 295° they lead through the entrance. A lightbuoy (white, pillar) is located 1.25nm SE of the W Breakwater Head, S of the Leading Line.

Range 2.8m (springs), 0.2m (neaps). S'ly current between 0.5 and 1kt has been reported on approaching the harbour.

None.

Compulsory for vessels over 500GT when berthing and sailing. Tugs available: "Santa Rosa", 850hp; "Kate", "Hercules" and "Sea Hawk".

Average relative humidity 92%, temperatures 18-33°C.

PUERTO QUETZAL, INCLUDING PUERTO SAN JOSЙ 13°55.17'N 90°47.32'W UNCTAD LOCODE: GT PRQ ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

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The following coast radio stations can be used for passing messages: Mobile, Limon, Sleidale, Tropical, San Francisco, Balboa and Canal. All stations work throughout 24 hours. Port: Ch 16, 14. Tel: +502 7881 2276. Harbour Master: Tel: +502 7881 1056. Email: banapac@yahoo.com. VHF: Pilots: Ch 16. Tel: +502 7881 1555. Fax: +502 7881 1072. PRESERA Port Agent: Ch 07A.

There are no customs restrictions for personal items for crew and officers. Such items should be duly declared in the Crew Personal Effects List. Non compliance may result in a fine. Immigration: Crew and Passenger Lists required, Shore passes are issued by Agency or Customs and are Immigration approved.

..... Document Copies 1. Ships Particulars 6 2. Crew List 6 3. Provisions List 6 4. Voyage Memo (last 5 ports of call with arrival and departure dates) 2 5. Certificate of Registry (photocopies) (1st call only) 2 6. International Tonnage Certificate (photocopies) 2 7. Crew Personal Effects List 5 8. Clearance from Last Port 1 9. Negative Passenger List 3 10. Passenger List 3 11. International Ship Security Certificate 1 IMPORT OF GENERAL CARGO: 1. Stowage Plan 1 2. Bill of Lading 1 3. Tally Book 1 original+3 4. Cargo Manifest 3 IMPORT OF DRY/LIQUID BULK: 1. Stowage Plan - dry bulk 1 2. Bill of Lading 1 3. Cargo Manifest 3 IMPORT OF CONTAINERS: 1. Stowage Plan 1 2. Bill of Lading 1 3. Cargo Manifest 3 4. Container Listings 1+3 IMPORT OF VEHICLES: 1 Stowage Plan 1 2. Bill of Lading 1 3. Tally Book 6 4. Cargo Manifest 3 The above are required by the Port Authorities and may be completed on the ship's own forms. Important documentation must be presented at least 24 hours prior to the arrival of the vessel.

The vessel's ETA should be sent 8 days, 72, 24 and 12 hours in advance. The ETA message should contain the following information: ..... 1. Ship's name 2. ETA 3. LOA 4. GT 5. Quantity, weight, type of cargo and all the information to calculate the approximate amount of the guaranteed deposit for the services that the port provides. The above are required by the Port Authorities and may be completed on the ship's own forms.

Should be displayed as per Interco. Fines may be payable for non compliance.

The Drug Enforcement Agency may, at their sole discretion, request permission from the ship's Master/agent to carry out a "Sniffer Dog" inspection of the ship. Lowering of boats requires permission from the Port Captain. Vessels carrying explosives or ammunition must give at least 24 hours notice of ETA, the cargo will only be allowed to be discharged on the guarantee it will be cleared immediately from the port area.

Free pratique is normally granted every day; including Sundays and holidays, either at anchor or after berthing. If wharf space is available and vessels documents have been presented, a vessel would normally dock on arrival or at scheduled time for clearance and receive free pratique at the wharf. Free pratique in Puerto Quetzal is granted when the party of officials visit the vessel to clear it inwards.

Usually tendered on dropping anchor in an anchorage zone. Ship's agent must be sent a copy of the official's visit authorisation given by the Port's Commander to the Port Services Division one hour before berthing.