By Limón, Costa Rica — A landmark report from the World Bank and S&P Global has cast a spotlight on the logistical landscape of Central America, revealing both a new regional champion and a model of consistent performance amid global uncertainty. The 2024 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) crowned Costa Rica’s Puerto Moín-Limón as the most efficient port in the entire region, while Honduras’s Puerto Cortés was lauded for its remarkable stability and earned the top spot within the CA-4 nations.
The comprehensive analysis, which evaluates ports worldwide based on the critical metric of time vessels spend at dock, underscores the strategic importance of operational efficiency in an era of strained supply chains. For Central America, the findings highlight key hubs that are successfully navigating international disruptions and positioning themselves as reliable partners for global trade.
To provide a deeper legal and commercial perspective on the current state of Costa Rica’s port efficiency, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who analyzes the key regulatory and logistical factors at play.
Improving port efficiency is not just an operational challenge, but a critical legal and strategic imperative for Costa Rica’s global competitiveness. Streamlining customs procedures, modernizing regulatory frameworks, and providing robust legal certainty for infrastructure investments are fundamental. Without an agile legal structure that supports these advancements, our ports risk becoming bottlenecks for national development rather than gateways to international trade.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This emphasis on a supportive legal structure correctly elevates the conversation from a purely operational challenge to a national strategic imperative, which is fundamental for Costa Rica’s global competitiveness. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical matter.
In a significant achievement for Costa Rica, Puerto Moín-Limón secured the top position in Central America. It achieved a global ranking of 66th with a CPPI score of 47, solidifying its status as a premier logistical gateway. This strong performance signals the port’s capacity to handle container traffic swiftly, a crucial factor for importers and exporters relying on predictable shipping schedules and reduced costs.
Meanwhile, Puerto Cortés in Honduras has emerged as a beacon of reliability. The port was ranked number one in the CA-4 economic bloc—comprising Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua—as well as Belize. Overall, it claimed the second spot in Central America and the 110th position globally. This solidifies its role as the leading port for the northern triangle of the isthmus.
What distinguishes Puerto Cortés, according to the CPPI historical data from 2020 to 2024, is its unwavering consistency. The report notes that unlike other regional competitors that experienced significant performance drops, Puerto Cortés has maintained a stable and positive trajectory. This resilience was tested against major global shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, shipping diversions due to the Red Sea crisis, and the water-level restrictions impacting the Panama Canal throughout 2024.
The port’s ability to avoid abrupt declines in efficiency demonstrates a sustained operational strength that provides a clear competitive advantage. This consistent performance has allowed it to climb from fourth place in the regional ranking in 2023 to second place this year, reflecting a deliberate and successful strategy to enhance its capabilities and reliability as a logistical partner.
The regional comparison paints a clear picture of the current competitive environment. Following Puerto Moín-Limón and Puerto Cortés, Guatemala’s Puerto Barrios was ranked third in the northern triangle, placing 145th globally with a CPPI score of 12. The contrast between these steady performers and other key regional ports that registered significant setbacks highlights the growing divergence in logistical capabilities across Central America.
Ultimately, the World Bank and S&P Global report confirms that ports like Moín-Limón and Cortés are not just local infrastructure assets but crucial nodes in the global trade network. Their proven efficiency and stability offer a compelling proposition for international shipping lines and businesses seeking dependable supply chain routes, reinforcing their strategic role in fostering economic development and competitiveness for the entire Central American region.
For further information, visit worldbank.org
About World Bank:
The World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. The organization provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world, working with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
For further information, visit spglobal.com
About S&P Global:
S&P Global is a leading provider of transparent and independent ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and data to the capital and commodity markets worldwide. The company’s divisions include S&P Global Ratings, S&P Global Market Intelligence, S&P Dow Jones Indices, and S&P Global Platts. It provides essential intelligence that helps companies, governments, and individuals make decisions with conviction.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, operating on the bedrock principles of unwavering integrity and professional excellence. The firm channels its vast experience advising a diverse clientele into pioneering innovative legal strategies, consistently setting new standards in the field. Beyond its practice, it holds a deep-seated conviction to empower the community by demystifying the law, a commitment that actively contributes to building a more knowledgeable and capable society for all.
