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Port of Balboa

PABLB🇵🇦Panama

Port Location

About Port of Balboa

Also known as: Balboa

This port is located at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. It serves as a major transshipment hub, handling containerized cargo. The port is equipped with tugs and a large drydock.

Background
Balboa is a district of Panama City, located at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. It was the capital of the Panama Canal Zone under American administration. Today, the Panama Canal Authority has its main headquarters on Balboa Heights.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
13ft
Tidal Range
5ft
Elevation
3m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile
Drydock
L
Repair Code
A
Terminals
1

History

Established
1932

Terminals

PPC CONTAINER TERMINAL BALBOA

HUTCHISON PORTS PPC

Arnulfo Arias Madrid Ave., Bldg. 1501, Balboa, Ancon, Republic of Panama

www.ppc.com.pa →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
PABLB
Country
🇵🇦Panama
Time Zone
UTC-5
Feature Type
PRT (Port)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Lake or canal
Shelter
Good

Region

Area
West Coast Central America
Sub-area
Panama Canal
Latitude
8.9508°
Longitude
-79.5658°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
15410 →
GeoNames ID
11525710 →
Wikidata
Q2078026 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Balboa?+
The approach to Balboa is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Balboa Wharf Lighthouse at 0.2 NM to the SSW. Other aids include Balboa Southbound Front (0.4 NM SSW), Pacific Entrance Range Front (0.6 NM WNW), Balboa Southbound Rear (0.7 NM S), Balboa Southbound Rear (0.7 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Balboa?+
The Port of Balboa is located within the Panama Canal approach — the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Central America. This strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Balboa?+
You can track vessels near Balboa (PABLB) 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 PABLB on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Balboa?+
The Port of Balboa operates in the UTC-5 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.