The construction of the new Puerto Armuelles fiscal dock has been officially expanded following approval of a significant contract modification by the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP). The approved changes add more than $10 million to the project budget and extend the completion date by one year, moving the expected delivery to July 15, 2027.
The measure was authorized by the AMP Board of Directors and published in the Official Gazette on January 6, 2026. The amendment applies to Contract A-7004-2022, awarded to the ASOBUZ Consortium, which is responsible for both the design and construction of the facility.
Originally valued at $21.1 million when it was signed in October 2022, the project will now carry a total investment of approximately $31.3 million following the approved modifications.
Expanded Vision for a Modern Multipurpose Port
According to technical reports supporting the decision, the additional investment stems from a comprehensive redesign requested by the AMP. The updated plans aim to enhance the port’s operational capacity, long-term sustainability, and regional competitiveness while transforming the facility into a modern multipurpose terminal capable of accommodating larger and deeper-draft vessels.
Officials indicated that the revised design reflects new engineering studies and updated market assessments that identified opportunities to significantly increase the port’s functionality and economic value.
Key Improvements Included in the Expansion
The approved modifications include several new infrastructure components and operational enhancements, including:
- Expanded engineering studies, designs, and regulatory approvals.
- Extension of the dock platform from Axis 33 to Axis 36.
- Installation of 18 additional platform piles and 30 mooring piles.
- Construction of two new mooring dolphins.
- Supply and installation of pelican hooks for vessel mooring operations.
- Installation of two complete mooring buoy systems.
- New lighting towers to improve port visibility and safety.
- A dedicated fire protection system.
- Installation of an oil transfer pipeline.
- Construction of a pedestrian access walkway.
- Development of a comprehensive Port Master Plan.
AMP officials noted that these elements were not included in the original project scope and emerged as necessary requirements following specialized technical evaluations.
Project Progress Reaches Nearly 60 Percent
According to the authority’s technical and legal assessment, construction has already reached approximately 59.8% completion. The one-year extension is intended to provide sufficient time to incorporate the new infrastructure while maintaining safety standards and ensuring the quality of the finished facility.
The AMP argues that the expanded investment will generate long-term benefits for Puerto Armuelles by strengthening maritime logistics, attracting new commercial opportunities, and supporting economic growth throughout the region.
Additional Approval Still Required
Because the contract increase exceeds the 25% threshold established under Panama’s Public Procurement Law, the amendment must also receive approval from the National Economic Council before it can be fully executed.
Despite this requirement, AMP directors concluded that the project expansion is supported by strong technical, legal, and economic justification and serves the public interest by creating a more modern, efficient, and financially sustainable port facility.
Once completed, the upgraded port is expected to play a key role in the future development of Puerto Armuelles, positioning the city as an increasingly important logistics and maritime hub for western Panama.
Read about the new road projects planned for Puerto Armuelles: New Road from Puerto Armuelles to David
