Puerto Quetzal, one of Guatemala’s main economic hubs, is on the path to transformation, thanks to an ambitious expansion project led by the Guatemalan government in collaboration with the United States—an expression of their joint commitment to the economic development and regional security of the Central American nation.
The Puerto Quetzal expansion project, directed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), aims to extend the port terminal by 800 meters, build four additional berths, bringing the total to eight, and modernize operational infrastructure to accommodate larger commercial vessels. These improvements will strengthen Guatemala’s commercial capacity and position the port as a regional logistics hub. Its location near the Panama Canal also gives it strategic value in global maritime transport.
“The U.S. is supporting the design and construction of 800 meters of dock divided into two equal sections, which will extend the existing facilities,” Vice Admiral José Antonio Lemus, President of the Quetzal Port Authority—the institution managing Puerto Quetzal, explained. “The Puerto Quetzal expansion will allow the port to handle larger cargo volumes and serve bigger ships, responding to the growing demands of international trade through Puerto Quetzal.”
Global Expertise
USACE has an outstanding track record in planning, constructing, and maintaining aquatic and land-based infrastructure projects. According to the Guatemalan News Agency, its involvement in the Puerto Quetzal expansion ensures a strong technical approach, including environmental, social, and feasibility assessments.
USACE has worked on numerous projects throughout Central America, including building drainage systems in communities in Honduras and El Salvador to mitigate flooding. In Honduras, for example, USACE implemented watershed management in 2020 following the impact of tropical storms Eta and Iota. In 2019, USACE personnel contributed to Guatemala by improving water infrastructure and building schools in rural areas such as Huehuetenango.
Beyond Central America, “its experience includes a technical agreement in Argentina focused on knowledge exchange and collaboration on waterways and ports,” reported the Argentine magazine Escenario Mundial. “This agreement lays the groundwork for closer cooperation between Argentina’s General Port Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.”
Economic Turning Point
The modernization of Puerto Quetzal will mark a watershed moment in Guatemala’s commercial capabilities. Less than two weeks after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Guatemala, a USACE delegation visited from February 17 to 21 to conduct initial assessments of Puerto Quetzal’s capacity and discuss future cooperation to strengthen the country’s infrastructure.
When the final agreement is signed in May, Guatemalan officials will also submit three formal requests to USACE engineers. “The first is to expand the artificial dock by 800 meters; the second is to study another 400-meter extension, bringing the total to 1,200 meters for the artificial dock; and the third involves offshore development, where the water depth allows for more than 25 meters of draft a short distance from the shore,” said Vice Adm. Lemus.
The news portal LaHora reported that this Puerto Quetzal expansion will boost Guatemalan exports, reduce operating costs, and create jobs during the construction and operational phases, thereby improving local economic conditions.
“A large number of workers, both from the port authority and private companies, are residents of nearby communities,” added Vice Adm. Lemus. “On the other hand, the environmental impact of the Puerto Quetzal expansion is minimal, as it is located on open land not connected to local populations.”
Regional Benefits
The Puerto Quetzal expansion will enable the port to handle larger commercial ships, significantly increasing its operational capacity. “It will help reduce the wait times for ships wanting to enter the port. Some vessels currently wait over 20 days for an available berth to unload,” explained Vice Adm. Lemus. “Those 20 days drive up user costs. We estimate that waiting in line can sometimes cost up to USD 20,000 daily.”
Citizens will also see the benefits of the port’s improvement. “Puerto Quetzal contributes 20 percent of its annual profits to the federal government and allocates 15 percent to the regional municipality,” Vice Adm. Lemus revealed. “Moreover, the Puerto Quetzal expansion will bring strategic, economic, political, and social benefits to Guatemala and the wider region.”
“Even in military and naval matters, we could use these facilities for our partner nations. The ability to dock and resupply their vessels supports commercial activity and allows us to offer that capability as part of our contribution to regional security,” Vice Adm. Lemus concluded.
Conclusion
The Puerto Quetzal expansion marks a critical step toward redefining Guatemala’s regional and global trade role. By enhancing infrastructure and doubling the port’s operational capacity, the project paves the way for increased foreign investment, deeper commercial integration, and more competitive export capabilities. The involvement of USACE underscores a robust partnership between the United States and Guatemala, grounded in shared goals of economic resilience and regional security. With direct access to Pacific maritime routes and proximity to the Panama Canal, a modernized Puerto Quetzal can emerge as a premier logistics hub in Central America. This transformation will stimulate job creation and economic opportunities for nearby communities and reduce logistical costs for international shippers. As planning turns to execution, the port’s development symbolizes a broader commitment to sustainable infrastructure that aligns with Guatemala’s long-term vision for inclusive growth and regional cooperation.