Guatemala Port Law
Guatemala’s Port Decree and Forthcoming Legislation Will Modernize Government-Owned Ports and Allow Private Port Development.
The Law of the National Port System of Guatemala (Decree 26-2024) and recent bill #6541 intend to modernize and regulate port activities, promoting safety, efficiency, free competition, development, and transparency in the country’s ports, in alignment with international maritime conventions.
Decree 26-2024 establishes a regulatory framework for public and private entities operating within the port system, including maritime, river, and lake terminals.
Key points of the decree include:
- Establishment of a National Port Authority: A designated authority is created to ensure compliance with international standards and promote safe procedures for the transport of goods.
- Modernization of the intermodal system: The decree seeks to improve road and railway infrastructure, promoting intramodality and logistical efficiency.
- Public and private participation: Participation from the private sector in the development of port facilities is facilitated.
- Safety and transparency: The decree strengthens safety in ports and promotes transparency in operations.
Recent bill #6541, submitted to the Congress by the Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure, and Housing (CIV) and presented by President Arevalo in June 2025, aims to further modernize port infrastructure and improve the country’s competitiveness. The bill seeks to take advantage of Guatemala’s geographical location, with access to two oceans, and turn it into an important logistics center. The bill aims to improve the efficiency of port operations, reduce logistics costs, increase security in the transportation of goods, and attract investments and job creation.
The bill is innovative, compared to other port laws in the Americas, as it integrates road and rail infrastructure as a tool for connectivity and logistics. The proposal also includes the construction of a variety of infrastructure to increase the productivity of Guatemalan ports. Additionally, specialized terminals will be installed for various types of cargo and cruise docking, docks for moving cargo, and equipping the country with fixed or floating anchorage for the loading and unloading of liquids and gases. This variety of port facilities will enable Guatemala to receive more than just containers, promoting trade and the economy of the country.
Currently, the port system faces challenges such as delays, costly and cumbersome logistics processes, and especially, limited infrastructure. Guatemala has 4 seaports with 59% of its cargo transiting through ports on the Pacific coast and 41% through ports on the Atlantic coast.
The recent decree and proposed bill #6541 present new opportunities for U.S. companies specializing in in design, infrastructure, port equipment and technology, railways etc.
For more information, contact the U.S. Commercial Service Office in Guatemala at antonio.prieto@trade.gov