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Port of Puerto Sandino

NIPSN🇳🇮Nicaragua

Port Location

About Port of Puerto Sandino

This Nicaraguan Pacific coast port is a key facility for crude oil imports and also supports the nation's fishing industry. It handles bulk carriers, gas carriers, and tankers, utilizing mobile cranes for operations in its open roadstead.

Background
Puerto Sandino is a town on Nicaragua's Pacific Ocean coast, in the León Department. Prior to the Sandinista Revolution it was known as Puerto Somoza. Due to its crude oil supply line, it is a major port, and also plays a large role in Nicaragua's fishing industry. Puerto Sandino is an extremely popular location for surfing.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
8.53m

Operations & Services

References & Identifiers

Wikidata
Q7258832 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
NIPSN
Country
🇳🇮Nicaragua
Time Zone
UTC-6

Classification

Type
Port

Region

Area
West Coast Central America
Latitude
12.1983°
Longitude
-86.7676°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Puerto Sandino?+
The controlling depth at Puerto Sandino is 8.53 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Puerto Sandino?+
The approach to Puerto Sandino is supported by 3 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Masachapa Lighthouse at 28.7 NM to the SSE. Other aids include Puerto Salvador Allende (29 NM E), Isla El Cardón (29.9 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Puerto Sandino on?+
The Port of Puerto Sandino is situated on the Caribbean Sea in NI. The area falls within the tropical climate zone with warm waters and seasonal monsoons, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Puerto Sandino?+
You can track vessels near Puerto Sandino (NIPSN) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for NIPSN on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Puerto Sandino?+
The Port of Puerto Sandino operates in the UTC-6 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Puerto Sandino?+
PUERTO SANDINO (UN/Locode: NIPSN), Nicaragua is a seaport located at approximately 12.19835° N, -86.76758° E.
Where is the Port of Puerto Sandino located?+
Coordinates: 12.19835° N, -86.76758° E. Nearby terminals/ports:CORINTO — UN/Locode: NICIO — 12.48116° N, -87.17017° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Puerto Sandino?+
Harbor type/size: Open Roadstead and Very Small. Cranes: mobile cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts. Support: anchorage loading/offloading and good holding ground. Depths: channel depth 9.4m - 10m; anchorage depth 12.5m - 13.7m; cargo pier depth 3.4m - 4.6m; oil terminal depth 14m - 15.2m and maximum draft approx. 8.53 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Puerto Sandino?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Puerto Sandino?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: not available; radio (VHF): available; air services: not available; rail: not available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: not available and first port of entry: available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: available; pilotage advisable; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Puerto Sandino?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Gas Carrier and Tanker.