Cristobal

Size limits

LOA 366.37m, draught 13.5m, beam 60.0m, 302,652DWT

Water density

1021.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 0.93m.

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

Approach

The port consists of a dredged area entered between the head of Muelle Cristobal and a position 0.4nm S.

Canal French, the E part of the harbour, is entered E of the head (09°20.9'N 079°54.3'N) of Pier 16. The limits of the dredged area in this arm are marked by a buoy, moored on the E side of the entrance, then by light beacons.

Puerto Cristobal is approached from the dredged channel which leads S from the heads of W and E Breakwaters to Gatun Locks.

Port limits

The port limits are defined by the sea buoys at the channel entrance.

Anchorages

Vessels will usually proceed to the anchorage area according to length and draught unless otherwise directed. Arriving vessels are expected to anchor as far S and inward from the main channel in their anchorage as is consistent with safety. Vessels anchoring in non designated areas may be required to move.

Anchorage Area "A":

For all ships with a deep salt water draught of not less than 10.4m and not in excess of 11.9m. Min depth is 12.2m.

then due N to starting point. However, restricted area N and W of Buoy No 2, must be observed. Explosive sector to be avoided whenever possible.

Anchorage Area "B":

For all ships with salt water draught under 9.7m, min depth is 8.8m. Explosive sector is restricted to vessels carrying explosives or specially designated vessels. All ships of such length should not swing into Anchorage Area "A".

then due N to starting point.

Anchorage Area "C":

Required pilotage waters for inbound vessels.

then due N to starting point. Restricted area E and S of Buoy 2, must be observed.

Anchorage Area "D":

For all ships of over 106.7m in length and a deep salt water draught of less than 10.7m except where min depth is 9.7m.

then due N to starting point.

Anchorage Area "E":

For all ships less than 106.7m and small craft. Min depth of water is 7.3m.

then due N to starting point.

Anchorage Area "F":

For small craft and yachts. Pilotage for this area will be decided by Cristobal Port Captain. Under no circumstances may a vessel proceed to this area prior to being cleared by Boarding Officials. Bounded by Channel Buoy 3 by a direct line through Buoys "A", "B", "C", "L4", "L2" and return to Buoy 3.

Outer Anchorage Area:

NW of Cristobal Breakwater with the following co-ordinates.

then due E to starting point.

During periods of harbour congestion, large deep draught vessels and others may be directed to anchor outside the breakwater in the approved area. Such vessels must advise Cristobal Signal Station, by VHF Ch 12, the time of passing sea buoy, in order to establish order of transit. Masters will be given a definite time to enter the breakwater, where the vessel will be met by transit Pilot(s) and Boarding Officials.

Vessels must strictly adhere to the breakwater entry times as given, in order that transit schedule can be maintained.

Prohibited Anchorage:

E side of channel, Canal waters S of Lat 09°22.0'N to Mole Buoy in order to give clear access to Colon Harbour. Also, no vessel or craft may proceed S of Lat 09°21.4'N prior to being cleared by Boarding Officials. No vessel may anchor with any part of the vessel in the main channel or closer than 274m to either East or West Breakwater Lights.

In cases due to harbour congestion, any vessel may be directed to anchor to Westward outside breakwater entrance and given an order as to the time it is to pass through the breakwater entrance.

Restrictions

No restrictions as to length and beam, draught 13.5m.

Tugs

Tugs are operated by National Port Authority (NPA).

Charts and publications

BA 3111, 8006. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

All vessels approaching the Panama Canal must advise their ETA via radio (Intelmar or through vessel's agent) to the Panama Canal Authority, Traffic Management Division, not less than 96 hours in advance of arrival at the canal. Vessels approaching from the Pacific shall report actual time of passing Cape Mala or the latitude of Cape Mala and the vessel's speed. Vessels approaching from the Atlantic shall report 12 hours prior to arrival at Cristobal any changes of one or more hours in the expected time of arrival.

See 'Panama canal' port information for transit of canal and electronic pre arrival requirements.

Communications

VHF: Port: Ch 16, 15 and 17, call 'Cristobal radio'.

Health

Vessels need to present a Maritime Health Declaration which will be presented to the Health Ministry agent.

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

Emergency repairs possible.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available from piers.

Bunkering: Bunker "C", diesel, light fuel and light diesel available at Government wharves from commercial companies. Rate of delivery 2,000bbls/hr.

The S part of Anchorage "C" has been designated a limited bunkering area for vessels whose draught is too great to use the East Breakwater bunkering area.

Pilotage is compulsory for vessels and bunkering barges entering and leaving this area.

Stores: Available.

Medical

There is a First Aid Clinic at the port with a doctor and nurse on duty during the daytime, and a nurse at night time. There are hospitals and private clinics in the town of Colon.

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Tocumen (General Omar Torrijos Herrera), 77km.

Airport facilities: Facilities for crew change and air freight.

Nearest railway: The railway is within the port facilities.

Nearest highway: Improved road links to Panama City.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Cristobal is situated on the Atlantic coast of Panama at the entrance to the Panama Canal, adjacent to the city of Colon.

The port

Facilities consist of a number of piers for containerised cargo and general cargo ships, complete with storage areas, bunkering and ship repair services.

Traffic

Approx 1,000,000TEU handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Cristobal?

Compulsory, although the services of a pilot outside the breakwater are available on request.

What time zone is Cristobal in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Cristobal?

The deepest berth listed is at Panama Ports Company: 13.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Cristobal?

1021.

Which load line zone is Cristobal in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Cristobal?

Port State Control at Cristobal: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Cristobal?

The UN/LOCODE of Cristobal is PACTB.

What crews who called at Cristobal 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.

Read and add tips for Cristobal →