Port of Cristobal

The Port of Cristobal is located in Cristobal, Colon, Panama—on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. The Port is 1.2 miles (2 km) from Manzanillo International Terminal and 2 mi (3.2 km) from the Colon Container Terminal.^[1]

American Businessman William Aspinwall created the Panama Railroad Company in the late 1840’s to build a quick passageway between the East and West coasts of America. In 1851, spurred by the California Gold Rush, construction began and the first quays came to Cristobal. ^[2]

[edit] Construction History

In 1902, the United States took control of the Panama “canal zone” and all of the Panama Railroad Company’s assets. The United States needed the Port of Cristobal to bring in raw materials and workers to build the Panama Canal, which opened in 1914.^[3]

In 1957, the United States gave 49 acres (20 ha) of land back to the Republic of Panama, including most of the assets of the Panama Railway Company.^[4]

Starting in the early 1960’s, the Port of Cristobal became an exclusively commercial region. Few people lived there, and the railroad fell into a state of disrepair. In 1979, the United States relinquished all control of the “canal zone” to the Republic of Panama. For the better part of the rest of the century the port would be neglected and under-utilized.^[5]

[edit] Equipment Used

• Crane
• Dredger
• Excavator
• Locomotive
• Quay
• Steam shovel
• Wagon

[edit] Refurbishment/Recent Projects/Renovations

In 1997, the port was adapted to suit the needs of the modern transportation industry. Specifically, the port’s quays were altered to facilitate the transportation of cargo in containers.^[6]

In 2000, the Port of Cristobal Cruise Terminal was opened. Since then, more than 450 cruise ships have brought about 780,000 passengers to the Port of Cristobal. The main attraction for visitors is the Panama Canal.^[7]

In 2005, new renovations began—known as Cristobal’s Phase I. The goal of which is to “have adequate equipment and optimal conditions that are necessary for a world-class mega port”. When the upgrades are complete, Cristobal will have modern facilities, and an improved storage capacity of 3,168 TEU.^[8]

[edit] Unique Facts

• The Port of Cristobal is located in the Mexican province of Colón. In Spanish, “Cristobal Colon” translates to “Christopher Columbus”.^[9]

• The Port of Cristobal covers an area of 353 acres (143 ha). It contains two container berths, seven multi-purpose berths, and two additional berths. The 11 berths in the Port of Cristobal have a combined length of 12,000+ feet (3,750 m) with alongside depths ranging from 39 to 45+ ft (12 to 14+ m).^[10]

[edit] References

1. ↑ Port of Cristobal. World Port Source [August 25, 2009].
2. ↑ Port of Cristobal. World Port Source [August 25, 2009].
3. ↑ Port of Cristobal. World Port Source [August 25, 2009].
4. ↑ CRISTOBAL, in the threshold of port leadership. Panama Ports Company [August 24, 2009].
5. ↑ Port of Cristobal. World Port Source [August 25, 2009].
6. ↑ CRISTOBAL, in the threshold of port leadership. Panama Ports Company [August 24, 2009].
7. ↑ Port of Cristobal. World Port Source [August 25, 2009].
8. ↑ Port of Cristobal. World Port Source [August 25, 2009].
9. ↑ Port of Cristobal. World Port Source [August 25, 2009].
10. ↑ Port of Cristobal. World Port Source [August 25, 2009].