Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE SV AQJ

Acajutla, El Salvador

El Salvador · 13.58° N, 89.83° W

The World Port Index classes Acajutla as a coastal harbor sheltered by breakwaters on the North Pacific Ocean. It records a cargo pier depth of 14.9 m. Norfolk is 2,920 km away in a straight line.

2,920 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Cargo pier depth
14.9 m
Max vessel length
263 m
From Norfolk
2,920 kmGreat-circle distance

Depths and vessel limits

The index sets a maximum vessel length of 263 m and a maximum draft of 12 m.

Anchorage depth
20.1 m
Cargo pier depth
14.9 m
Oil terminal depth
12 m
Tidal range
2 m
Maximum vessel length
263 m
Maximum vessel beam
37.3 m
Maximum vessel draft
12 m
Offshore maximum vessel length
228.5 m
Offshore maximum vessel draft
11.4 m

As recorded in the World Port Index. Gauges run from 0 to 25 m. Confirm current depths and limits with the port before you fix a vessel.

Facilities on record

Arrival and entry

Acajutla is listed as a first port of entry. Pilotage is compulsory.

First port of entry
Yes
Pilotage compulsory
Yes
Pilotage available
Yes
Pilotage advisable
Yes
Tug assistance
Yes
Tug salvage
No
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Shelter afforded
Poor
Entrance restricted by tide
No
Entrance restricted by swell
No
Entrance restricted by ice
No
Overhead limits
No

Cargo handling

Cargo facilities on record: container, ro-ro, breakbulk, solid bulk and liquid bulk. The heaviest lift class recorded is 50 to 100 tons.

Container
Yes
Ro-ro
Yes
Breakbulk
Yes
Solid bulk
Yes
Liquid bulk
Yes
Oil terminal
Yes
LNG terminal
Yes
Wharves
Yes
Fixed cranes
Yes
Mobile cranes
Yes
Lifts of 50 to 100 tons
Yes
Lifts of 25 to 49 tons
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes
Railway
None

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated limited.

Repairs
Limited
Electrical repair
No
Fuel oil
Yes
Potable water
Yes
Provisions
Yes
Shore electricity
No
Medical facilities
Yes
Garbage disposal
Yes
Dirty ballast disposal
No
Airport
No

US trade with El Salvador

US exports, 2025
$4.6BLed by mineral fuels and oils
US imports, 2025
$2.3BLed by knitted apparel

Top goods, trade terms and port guides for El Salvador

Sources

  • US trade figures: US Census Bureau, International Trade API, HS2 total exports and general imports for calendar 2024 and 2025, retrieved November 4, 2026.
  • Port data: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, World Port Index (Pub 150), from NGA's UpdatedPub150.csv as captured by the Internet Archive on September 29, 2026.
  • Distances are great-circle distances computed from World Port Index coordinates, not sailing distances.
  • Map: Natural Earth 1:110m land, public domain.