Port of Bluefields (NIBEF): Details, Transit Times & Shipping Routes

Port of Bluefields (UN/LOCODE NIBEF) is a small open roadstead harbor located in Nicaragua, on the Caribbean Sea. It sits at 12.0167° N, 83.7500° W. The port reports a channel depth of about 3.6 m, an anchorage depth near 6.4 m, cargo pier depths around 4.9 m. Shelter afforded is rated good. Cargo handling includes wharves, anchorage, liquid bulk, container, breakbulk facilities.

Country
Nicaragua
UN/LOCODE
NIBEF
Harbor Type
Open Roadstead
Coordinates
12.0167° N, 83.7500° W

Port Specifications & Capabilities

Physical characteristics from the NGA World Port Index. Values of 0 in the source are shown as not reported.

Channel Depth
3.6 m
Anchorage Depth
6.4 m
Cargo Pier Depth
4.9 m
Max Vessel Length
90.6 m
Tidal Range
0.3 m

Harbor Profile

Harbor Type
Open Roadstead
Harbor Size
Small
Shelter Afforded
Good
World Water Body
Caribbean Sea; North Atlantic Ocean
Region
Nicaragua East Coast

Services & Restrictions

Pilotage CompulsoryYes
Tugs AssistanceYes
Provisions / WaterUnknown / Yes
Fuel / Diesel OilYes / Yes
Medical FacilitiesYes
Repairs / Dry DockLimited / Unknown
Ice RestrictionNo
WharvesAnchorageLiquid BulkContainerBreakbulk

Route Calculator & Transit Estimator

Port of Bluefields (NIBEF)
View Port of El Bluff

Great-circle distance — actual sea routes vary with canals, traffic lanes & weather.

Distance
3 nm

nautical miles (direct)

Est. Transit
1 days

@ 14 knots

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Frequently Asked Questions about Port of Bluefields

Where is Port of Bluefields located?

Port of Bluefields is a seaport located in Nicaragua, on the Caribbean Sea. Its coordinates are 12.0167° N, 83.7500° W.

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Bluefields?

The UN/LOCODE for Port of Bluefields is NIBEF — country code NI, location code BEF.

How deep is Port of Bluefields?

Per the NGA World Port Index, Port of Bluefields has a channel depth of about 3.6 m, an anchorage depth of about 6.4 m, cargo pier depths of about 4.9 m.

What is the largest vessel that can call at Port of Bluefields?

Port of Bluefields reports a maximum length of 90.6 m, a maximum beam of 13.8 m for vessels calling at the port.

Does Port of Bluefields require a pilot?

Yes — pilotage is compulsory at Port of Bluefields.

What type of harbor is Port of Bluefields?

Port of Bluefields is classified as a open roadstead harbor, of small size, offering good shelter.

What cargo facilities does Port of Bluefields have?

Port of Bluefields is recorded as offering wharves, anchorage, liquid bulk, container, breakbulk facilities.

About this data

Specifications for Port of Bluefields are derived from the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) World Port Index (Pub 150, WPI #9770), a public-domain U.S. Government dataset. View the relevant Sailing Directions →