Costa Rica allocates $3.35 million for port infrastructure in Limón

The Atlantic Port Authority (JAPDEVA) will manage more than $3.35 million as it explores four projects to support the economy in the province of Limón.

The nonreimbursable funding, approved by the Planning Ministry, was announced via a Casa Presidencial press release last week.

JAPDEVA will study the construction of a Marina and Cruise Terminal, an Intermodal Cargo Transfer Zone, an industrial park, and a loading dock for hydrobiological products.

“JAPDEVA requested non-reimbursable resources that were approved by the Preinvestment Fund of the Planning Ministry, to carry out market studies, technical, financial and economic-social feasibility of four projects of the program for the rehabilitation and improvement of port infrastructure,” said Andrea Centeno, Executive President of JAPDEVA.

The Marina and Cruise Terminal project would transform the existing Hernán Garrón Salazar Terminal “into a port that promotes national and regional tourism, and that generates employment by attracting cruise ships, recreational and sports ships.”

The Intermodal Cargo Transfer Zone Construction would facilitate the handling and distribution of maritime merchandise to and from the Moín port interior.

The industrial park is planned for the town of Liverpool, Limón, and would operate as a tax-free zone (Zona Franca).

Finally, a hydrobiological dock at the mouth of the Cieneguita River would provide infrastructure for fishermen.

“We are aware of the need to improve the socio-economic conditions of the population of Limón, and we want to promote projects that generate opportunities in the area that, in addition, allow a vision of development for Limón — generating employment and boosting tourism in the Caribbean,” Centeno said.

Costa Rica inaugurated its new cargo terminal in Limón, APM Terminals Moín, earlier this year. While APM Terminals has touted its efficiency, not all of its technological advances are being utilized and system issues have caused massive traffic jams in the area.