Seaport · Nicaragua
Port of Bluefields
Bluefields (Nicaragua) is a small port listed in the NGA World Port Index (no. 9770). It lies on the Caribbean Sea.
Port profile
- Country / territory
- Nicaragua
- UN/LOCODE (WPI)
- NIBEF
- World Port Index no.
- 9770
- Coordinates
- 12.02°N, 83.75°W
- Harbor size
- Small
- Harbor type
- Open roadstead
- Shelter afforded
- Good
- Waters
- Caribbean Sea; North Atlantic Ocean
- WPI region
- Nicaragua East Coast
- Other names
- El Rama; El Bluff
- Repairs
- Limited
Depths and vessel limits
Values as reported in the World Port Index; where a field is not shown, no value is reported.
| Channel depth | 3.6 m |
|---|---|
| Anchorage depth | 6.4 m |
| Cargo pier depth | 4.9 m |
| Tidal range | 0.3 m |
| Max vessel length | 90.6 m |
| Max vessel beam | 13.8 m |
Facilities
- Wharves
- Anchorage
- Liquid bulk
- Container
- Breakbulk
- Other facilities
Cranes and lifting
- Lifts 0–24 t
Entrance restrictions
- Other restrictions
- Overhead limits
Navigation and port entry
- First port of entry
- ETA message required
- Good holding ground
- Port security
- Quarantine: other
Pilotage and tugs
- Pilotage compulsory
- Pilotage available
- Pilotage advisable
- Tugs: assistance
Services
- Longshoremen
- Medical facilities
Supplies
- Potable water
- Fuel oil
- Diesel oil
Communications and connections
- Telephone
- Radio
- Airport
Only items reported as available in the World Port Index are listed.
Distance from Vietnam
Great-circle (straight-line) distances from Vietnam’s main port clusters. Actual sea routes are longer, as ships follow sea lanes around land.
| From | Great-circle distance |
|---|---|
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) | 9,300 nm |
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai | 9,310 nm |
| Hai Phong | 8,740 nm |
Nearest major ports in our guides
Major container gateways and transshipment hubs closest to Bluefields, with full port guides:
- Moín (Limón) · 130 nm
- Colón (Manzanillo, Cristóbal, CCT) · 280 nm
- Balboa · 310 nm
- Puerto Cortés · 340 nm
Data source
Port characteristics on this page come from the NGA World Port Index (Pub. 150, U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency), as distributed in the seaport-data-js dataset. The index is a navigational reference and may not reflect recent construction, terminal changes or current operating limits. Always confirm details with the port authority, agent or carrier. Sailing directions: Sailing Directions Pub. 148 (Enroute) - Caribbean Sea - Volume II.
Frequently asked questions about Bluefields
Where is Port of Bluefields?
Bluefields (Nicaragua) lies on the Caribbean Sea, at about 12.02°N, 83.75°W.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Bluefields?
The World Port Index lists UN/LOCODE NIBEF for Bluefields. Confirm the exact location code required by the carrier when booking.
What is the maximum vessel size at Bluefields?
The World Port Index reports a maximum vessel length 90.6 m, beam 13.8 m for Bluefields. Limits can change with dredging and terminal works, so check with the port or agent.
Does Bluefields have container facilities?
Yes, the World Port Index lists container facilities at Bluefields. Service availability depends on which carriers call there; we can check current options.
How far is Bluefields from Vietnam?
The great-circle distance is about 9,300 nautical miles from Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai) and about 8,740 nm from Hai Phong; sea routes are longer. Nearby major ports in our guides include Moín (Limón), Colón (Manzanillo, Cristóbal, CCT), Balboa.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Bluefields?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Bluefields through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking.