Master Planning and Implementation of Phase IV Expansion: Manzanillo International Terminal — Panama, S.A., Colón, Republic of Panama

Abstract

Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) located in the Colon Free Zone, Republic of Panama, is a large and busy marine transshipment terminal for container and roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) cargo. In 2005, MIT handled approximately 1.6 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and 50,000 units of RO/RO cargo. Estimated projections show the terminal handling approximately 2.5 million TEUs and 100,000 units of RO/RO by the year 2010. The berth occupancy rate at MIT generally exceeds 80 percent, making this one of the world’s busiest terminals. In order to ease congestion, improve service, and increase capacity, a master planning effort was required to increase berth and container yard space and traffic patterns within the terminal complex. The challenges associated with master planning work at MIT are vast, but the most important challenge is to ensure that construction does not impede the existing operations of the terminal. Implementation of the master plan will take place in the next five years and will add approximately 1,300 meters of berth space and 40 hectares of container stacking yard. This will make MIT the largest single terminal in Central and South America at approximately 3,000 meters of berth and 95 hectares of usable terminal space.