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Port of Ponce

PRPSE🇵🇷Puerto Rico

Port Location

About Port of Ponce

Ponce is a major seaport on Puerto Rico's southern coast. It handles bulk carriers, general cargo, tankers, and passenger vessels. The port features a sheltered harbor with depths up to 8.08 meters.

Background
Ponce es una ciudad y municipio situado en la costa sur del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico. Con una población estimada de 132 138 habitantes para mediados de 2022, es el municipio de mayor población de Puerto Rico fuera del Área metropolitana de San Juan. La ciudad fue fundada el 12 de agosto de 1692 y fue bautizada con el nombre de Juan Ponce de León y Loayza, bisnieto del conquistador Juan Ponce de León. A la localidad se la conoce también como «La Perla del Sur», «Ciudad Señorial», «Ciudad de las Quenepas», «Ciudad de los Leones» y «Ciudad Ideal».

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
8.08m
Channel Depth
9ft
Elevation
1m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Mobile
Drydock
Unknown
Repair Code
C

History

Established
1692

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
PRPSE
Country
🇵🇷Puerto Rico
Time Zone
UTC-4
Feature Type
PRT (Port)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal breakwater
Shelter
Fair

Region

Area
Caribbean Sea
Latitude
17.9728°
Longitude
-66.6208°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
11260 →
GeoNames ID
11886685 →
Wikidata
Q864024 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Ponce?+
The controlling depth at Ponce is 8.08 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 Ponce?+
The approach to Ponce is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is San Juan Puerto Nuevo Range Front Lighthouse at 41.5 NM to the NE. Other aids include San Juan Graving Dock Range Rear (41.6 NM NE), San Juan Puerto Nuevo Range Rear (42 NM E), Southern Puerto Rico Lighthouses (42 NM E), Northern Puerto Rico Lighthouses (43.8 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Ponce on?+
The Port of Ponce is situated on the Caribbean Sea in PR. 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 Ponce?+
You can track vessels near Ponce (PRPSE) 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 PRPSE on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Ponce?+
The Port of Ponce operates in the UTC-4 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 Ponce?+
PONCE (UN/Locode: PRPSE), Puerto Rico is a seaport located at approximately 17.97283° N, -66.62075° E.
Where is the Port of Ponce located?+
Coordinates: 17.97283° N, -66.62075° E. Nearby terminals/ports:GUAYANILLA — UN/Locode: PRGUY — 17.98833° N, -66.75916° EGUANICA — UN/Locode: PRGUX — 17.96306° N, -66.90683° ELAS MAREAS — UN/Locode: PRLAM — 17.93399° N, -66.15881° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Ponce?+
Depths: maximum draft approx. 8.08 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Ponce?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: none noted.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Ponce?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: not available; radio (VHF): not available; air services: not available; rail: not available; ETA message: not required; quarantine pratique: not available; deratting certificate: not available and first port of entry: not available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: not available; tug assistance: not available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Ponce?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Pleasure Craft, Ro Ro, Special Craft, Tanker and Tugs Harbor Craft.