PA Prefix and Three-Character Location Code
A Panama code begins with PA and is followed by three location characters. Examples in the indexed sample include PAMIT for Manzanillo Pa and PABLB for Balboa.
Seaports in Panama: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026)
Panama has 26 ports and terminals indexed in the Ecer Freight database and serves as a major maritime hub linking the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Panama Canal.
Explore Panama port codes, major container gateways, regional cargo clusters and indicative shipping routes.
Panama Port Overview
Panama is a two-ocean maritime hub whose Caribbean and Pacific gateways support canal transshipment, regional distribution, container shipping, bulk cargo and logistics activity around the Colon and Panama City areas. Indexed coverage and international league-table rankings are separate measures.
26
Panama ports & terminals indexed in our database
Ecer Freight database · Nov 2026
—
National port cargo tonnage, 2025; YoY change varies by cargo segment
AMP 2025 public statistics
—
Container throughput, 2025; YoY change varies by terminal
AMP 2025 public statistics
—
Commercial berths, 2025; YoY change subject to port classification
AMP 2025 port information
How many seaports does Panama have?
Panama has 26 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in the November 2026 database snapshot. This is an indexed-coverage figure, not a claim that every listed facility is a large container port.
Top Panama Ports by Container and Cargo Activity
The table focuses on major indexed container and cargo gateways. Public 2025 terminal-level throughput and year-on-year figures are not presented here where a consistently comparable official figure could not be verified; such entries are shown as a complete unavailable data set rather than mixing partial metrics.
Indexed Panama gateways and 2025 public-data availability
| World rank | Port | UN-LOCODE | 2025 throughput (M TEU) | YoY change | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Manzanillo Pa | PAMIT | — | — | Caribbean / Colon |
| — | Balboa | PABLB | — | — | Pacific / Panama City |
| — | Cristobal | PACRI | — | — | Caribbean / Colon |
| — | Colon Cntr.tmnl | PACCT | — | — | Caribbean / Colon |
| — | Psa Tml In Balboa | PAROD | — | — | Pacific / Balboa |
| — | Panama City | PAPAN | — | — | Pacific / Panama City |
Panama Port Regions and Cargo Clusters
Caribbean and Colon Cluster
The Colon-side cluster is closely connected with canal transshipment, free-zone distribution and Caribbean-facing container services.
Indexed ports in the Caribbean and Colon cluster
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colon Free Zone | PACOL | Colon | Free-zone distribution and regional cargo |
| Cristobal | PACRI | Colon | Caribbean container, transshipment and general cargo |
| Manzanillo Pa | PAMIT | Colon | Container transshipment and regional distribution |
| Colon Cntr.tmnl | PACCT | Colon | Container handling and Caribbean services |
| Colon | PAONX | Colon | Port and logistics support activity |
| Cristobal | PACTB | Colon | Port and terminal services |
| Coco Solo | PACSO | Colon | Coastal and logistics support activity |
| Almirante | PAPAM | Almirante | Regional agricultural and general cargo |
Pacific and Panama City Cluster
The Pacific side supports canal-linked transshipment, domestic distribution and services connected with Panama City and Balboa.
Indexed ports in the Pacific and Panama City cluster
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balboa | PABLB | Balboa | Pacific container and transshipment gateway |
| Balboa | PABAL | Balboa | Pacific port and terminal services |
| Psa Tml In Balboa | PAROD | Psa Tml In Balboa | Container handling and Pacific services |
| Panama City | PAPAN | Panama | Urban logistics and general cargo support |
| Panama City | PAPTY | Panama City | Port and coastal logistics services |
| Vacamonte | PAVAC | Vacamonte | Fishing, seafood and general cargo |
| Agua Dulce | PAAGD | Agua Dulce | Regional bulk and general cargo |
| Chitre | PACTD | Chitre | Regional coastal and general cargo |
Western and Southern Regional Ports
Smaller regional facilities serve agricultural, coastal, fisheries and local general-cargo movements. Vessel options and schedules are typically more limited than at the main canal gateways.
Indexed regional ports outside the main canal clusters
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armuelles | PAARM | Puerto Armuelles | Regional agricultural and coastal cargo |
| Puerto Armuelles | PAAML | Puerto Armuelles | Regional port and general cargo services |
| Pedregal | PAPED | Pedregal | Local general and agricultural cargo |
| Chiriqui Grande | PACGE | Chiriqui Grande | Caribbean regional and bulk cargo |
| Almirante | PAALM | Bocas Del Toro | Agricultural and regional cargo |
| La Palma | PALPA | La Palma | Coastal and local general cargo |
| La Palma | PAPLP | La Palma | Regional port services |
| El Real | PAELE | El Real | Local river and coastal cargo |
Panama Port Codes and UN/LOCODEs
Panama port codes use the country prefix PA. The final three characters identify the location or facility in the UN/LOCODE-style code used in shipping documentation and logistics systems.
City-Level and Terminal-Level Codes
A city or port-area code may identify a wider logistics location, while a terminal-level code can distinguish a specific operating facility. Booking instructions should therefore match the carrier, terminal and bill-of-lading requirements.
How to Verify a Panama Port Code
Compare the code against the UNECE UN/LOCODE reference and the Ecer Freight port directory. Confirm the terminal name and city before submitting shipping instructions.
Shipping from Panama: Main Trade Lanes
Panama's canal position supports transshipment and intercontinental services. Transit times are indicative only and depend on vessel schedules, transshipment connections, port congestion, customs procedures and the final delivery point.
Panama to North America
Container cargo can move from Pacific or Caribbean Panama gateways to major North American markets through direct or transshipment services.
Panama to Europe
Europe-bound shipments commonly use canal-linked services and Caribbean or Atlantic connections, with routing selected according to the destination and equipment availability.
Panama to Asia
Asia services may use the Pacific side, canal connections or transshipment hubs. Port pair, vessel rotation and Panama Canal conditions can materially affect the schedule.
Panama to Latin America and the Caribbean
Panama is a regional distribution point for Caribbean, Central American and South American cargo, including containerized consumer goods and project or general cargo.
Data Sources and Methodology
The page separates Ecer Freight's indexed-port coverage from national and international port statistics. Port names and codes in the tables are restricted to the Panama sample supplied for this page.
- Ecer Freight Ports Database — first-party indexed coverage of 26 Panama ports and terminals in the Nov 2026 snapshot.
- UNECE — UN/LOCODE structure and location-code reference.
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency — maritime and port reference information used for location cross-checking.
- Panama Maritime Authority — official Panama port administration and maritime information, subject to publication and classification differences.
- Panama Canal Authority — canal-related maritime context and operating information.
Panama Port FAQ
How many seaports does Panama have?
Panama has 26 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in the November 2026 database snapshot. The figure represents the database coverage count and includes port and terminal records.
What is the largest port area in Panama?
The Colon and Caribbean-side port cluster is one of Panama's most important container and transshipment areas. The indexed sample includes Manzanillo Pa (PAMIT), Cristobal (PACRI) and Colon Cntr.tmnl (PACCT).
What are the main Panama port codes?
Examples include PABLB for Balboa, PACRI for Cristobal, PAMIT for Manzanillo Pa, PACCT for Colon Cntr.tmnl and PAROD for Psa Tml In Balboa. The correct code should be confirmed against the booking and terminal instructions.
Which regions handle most Panama cargo?
The main maritime clusters are the Colon and Caribbean side and the Balboa and Panama City Pacific side. Smaller regional facilities also support agricultural, fisheries, coastal and general-cargo movements.
How current is the Panama port data?
The indexed-port count is based on the Nov 2026 Ecer Freight database snapshot. The most recent complete statistical year used for comparison is 2025, while terminal schedules and operational conditions remain subject to confirmation.
Are Panama port rankings the same as the Ecer Freight port count?
No. The count of 26 is indexed coverage in the Ecer Freight database. A world port ranking normally measures container throughput or another specific activity and may cover only selected terminals or port groupings.
How can a shipper request a Panama sea-freight quote?
A shipper can compare indicative FCL sea-freight rates or LCL sea-freight rates. The final quote depends on origin, destination, commodity, dimensions, weight, equipment, sailing date and applicable local charges.
Editorial note: Panama port codes and indexed facilities are reviewed against the Ecer Freight database and relevant maritime reference sources. Port coverage is updated with database changes, while throughput, schedules, congestion, canal conditions and carrier services are time-sensitive and should be reconfirmed before booking. The latest complete statistical comparison year used on this page is 2025.
Ecer Freight · Seaports in Panama: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026) · Data reviewed quarterly · Port Codes · Ports by Country · Contact