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Punta Cardón Oil Port

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Punta Cardón Oil Port (Venezuela)

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The Punta Cardón Oil Port is located on the southwestern coast of the Paraguaná Peninsula in Falcón State and is an integral part of the Paraguaná Refining Center (CRP). It serves as one of Venezuela's most vital export terminals for crude oil and refined products produced at the nearby Amuay and Cardón refineries. The facility features several piers designed to accommodate tankers of various sizes, including supertankers. Historically, the port has been closely tied to the 20th-century development of the Venezuelan oil industry, particularly after the inauguration of the Cardón refinery in 1949 by Shell. In addition to fuel exports, the port plays a central role in importing components for gasoline production and diluents for heavy crude oil processing. Its strategic location on the Gulf of Venezuela provides efficient access to international shipping lanes in the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. Due to its significant handling capacity, Punta Cardón remains an indispensable pillar for the nation's foreign exchange earnings and global energy supply.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262727282929282929282827
Rain mm2214122544373751781319851

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
This industrial area houses the port of the Cardón refinery, responsible for the global export of Venezuelan crude oil and derivatives. The port plays a central role in the economy of the Paraguaná region and the entire country.
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Visiting
The port is a security-sensitive industrial site and is generally not open to the public. From outside, such as from surrounding roads or coastal viewpoints, the operations can often be observed.
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Where to view it
A good view of the port facilities and incoming tankers can be had from the coastal road south of the site. Also from nearby beaches, one can see the ship traffic and the refinery's silhouette.
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Local products
Travelers can see the huge oil tankers in the port and the typical industrial architecture of the refinery. Direct consumer goods are not produced here, but petroleum sector products define the landscape.
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Active season
The port operates year-round as oil export is continuous. Shipping is particularly active during months with favorable weather, but there is no distinct season.
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Nearby
The visit can be combined with exploring the Paraguaná Peninsula, known for its beaches such as Adícora. The nearby city of Punto Fijo also gives cultural and culinary experiences.

Geography

Coordinates
11.62140, -70.23190

Facts

  • Part of the Paraguaná Refining Center, one of the largest in the world.
  • The port was constructed in the late 1940s alongside the Cardón refinery.
  • It features four main jetties for handling liquid bulk cargo.
  • The water depth at the piers allows for the docking of deep-draft vessels.
  • Punta Cardón is a major hub for heavy crude oil from the Zulia basin.
  • The facility is operated by the state-owned oil company PDVSA.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Port of GuaranaoPort of Guaranao2 km · NEExplore →
Paraguaná Refinery ComplexParaguaná Refinery Complex5 km · NEExplore →
Amuay Oil PortAmuay Oil Port5 km · EExplore →
Historic Center of CoroHistoric Center of Coro62 km · NExplore →
Médanos de CoroMédanos de Coro63 km · NExplore →
Médanos de Coro National ParkMédanos de Coro National Park65 km · NExplore →
Sierra de San LuisSierra de San Luis66 km · NExplore →
Dinira National ParkDinira National Park78 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Ölhafen Punta Cardón?
Punta Cardón is a major oil port and an integral part of the Venezuelan refinery system.
Can you visit the facilities?
No, tourist visits are excluded due to the industrial nature of the location.
What is it known for?
It is known for its cargo handling capacities related to refineries on the Paraguaná Peninsula.
Is the operation safe?
The operation complies with industrial safety standards, but access for outsiders is not permitted.
Are there visitor facilities?
No, there are no visitor facilities for the general public.
Punta Cardón Oil Port: where is it located?
Punta Cardón Oil Port is located in Venezuela.
Punta Cardón Oil Port: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Punta Cardón Oil Port: why is it worth visiting?
The Punta Cardón Oil Port is located on the southwestern coast of the Paraguaná Peninsula in Falcón State and is an integral part of the Paraguaná Refining Center (CRP).
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