Colon

1. Puerto Colon pilot boarding place Pilot boards09°24.5′N 079°53.8′W

Size limits

LOA 368.99m, beam 60m, draught 15.2m, 320,054DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

0.3m.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

The access channel has a depth of 15.0m, the breakwater opening is 200m wide and the turning basin has a radius of 600m and is dredged to 15.5m.

The length of Berths 1 and 2 of CCT has been reduced by approx 130m at the SE end allowing for improved access.

Port limits

Puerto Colon lies between Punta Manzanillo (09°21.9'N 079°54.7'W) and the N side of Cristobal Mole.

Traffic schemes and VTS

The Panama Canal Vessel Traffic Scheme covers the approaches to Colon and its terminals. Vessels should contact the VTMS when approx 5nm from the breakwater and advise they are proceeding to Bahia Manzanillo.

Anchorages

Several anchorages are available outside the navigable channel for Panama Canal. See port entry for Cristobal concerning local anchorage areas.

Tugs

Available, meeting large vessels just outside the breakwater.

Charts and publications

BA CP1, 1400. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

US26068, 26066, 26060. US Sailing Directions No 148 (Caribbean Sea Volume II).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Inbound: Vessels should contact Panama Pilots on VHF Ch 16 or 69, one hour before arrival.

Vessels arriving from the Panama Canal: Contact Panama Pilots on VHF Ch 16 or 69 when entering the first chamber in Gatun Locks and, also, before departing the lower chamber.

Manzanillo Terminal: All vessels must confirm ETA in writing 24 hours in advance of arrival.

See 'Panama Canal" port for further canal transit and electronic pre arrival requirements.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority:

1. For Ports and Ship Registry:

Contact person: Chief of Port Security Department

Address: Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), Diablo Heights, Building 5534, PO Box 8062, Panama 7, Republic of Panama.

Tel: +507 232 7352

Mobile: +507 660 61057.

Website: www.amp.gob.pa

2. For the Panama Canal:

Contact person: Manager - Canal Security Division.

Address: Panama Canal Authority (ACP), Balboa - Ancon, Republic of Panama, PO Box 5413, Miami FL 33102-5413

Tel: +507 272 4646, Cell: +507 614 1941.

Recognised Security Organisations:

RSO - ISSC Issue: Phoenix Management Service Group, Universe Security Group (London), Singapore Technologies.

RSO - Security Consultant Services: MUSC, Secure Maritime Group (St Petersburg, Florida).

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)

Panama has signed a PSI ship boarding agreement with the USA aimed at stemming the flow of weapons of mass destruction. If a US or Panama flagged vessel is suspected of trafficking proliferation related cargo, either party to this agreement can request authorisation to board, search and possibly detain the others vessel and its cargo.

Repairs

None. Available in Bahia Manzanillo. Emergency repairs are possible at the small Mount Hope Shipyard (9°20.46'N 79°54.00'W), S of Colon in Cristobal.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available.

Stores: Available from private companies.

Medical

Nearest hospital: In the town of Colon.

Transport

Nearest airport; Tocumen (48km).

Rail links to Panama City and Panama Canal and improved road links to highways.

Working hours

MIT: Office: Mon-Fri 0800-1700hrs, Sat 0800-1200hrs. Vessels: Throughout 24 hours. Gate: Mon-Fri 0800-1700hrs, Sat 0800-1200hrs. There may be a surcharge for work on Public Holidays.

Where it is

Colon port is located near Cristobal, in the Bay of Limon, on the Atlantic coast.

The port

The main berthing areas for Colon are at Coco Solo, comprising of Colon Container Terminal (CCT) and Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT). There are also cruise vessel berths and passenger facilities on the East side of Manzanillo Island.

Traffic

Approx. 11,100 vessels, 24,000,000t of cargo, 4,900,000TEUs, and 409,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Colon?

The pilot boards at Puerto Colon pilot boarding place, 09°24.5′N 079°53.8′W.

What time zone is Colon in?

Local time at Colon is UTC−5. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Colon?

The deepest berth listed is at Colon Container Terminal (CCT): 16.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Colon?

1025.

Which load line zone is Colon in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Colon?

Port State Control at Colon: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Colon?

The UN/LOCODE of Colon is PAONX.

What crews who called at Colon say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

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