Autoridad Portuaria Dominicana

What Autoridad Portuaria Dominicana does

Autoridad Portuaria Dominicana (APORDOM) is the Dominican Republic's government port authority, created by Law No. 70 of December 17, 1970, and operating under the Executive Branch of the Dominican government. APORDOM administers and regulates the National Port System, which comprises 16 ports (8 state-administered, 3 concessioned to private operators, and 5 private under state fiscalization), 5 specialized terminals, 3 anchorages, 4 state marinas, and 20 fishing/tourism piers delivered under the National Piers Plan. Its core service portfolio includes pilotage (practicaje), stevedoring (arrimo), mooring/unmooring (amarre y desamarre), storage (almacenaje), buoyage (balizamiento), ISPS/PBIP security supervision, berth time (estadía), and vessel provisioning, alongside specialized licensing services for shipchandlers, shipping agents, and tugboat operators.

APORDOM generates revenue through four primary streams: port administrative fees and tariffs (docking, mooring, storage, parking), shipchandler licensing fees (USD $350.88–$701.75), tugboat licensing fees scaled by horsepower under Decree 612-05 (USD $202–$1,614), and shipping agent licensing with administrative fees plus bond requirements under Resolution 47-96. FY2025 revenue reached a record RD$1,900 million, the highest in institutional history. The underlying technology stack consists of a web-based institutional portal, a mobile application launched June 2024, the VUCERD (Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior) electronic single window for licensing workflows, and ISPS/PBIP-compliant security infrastructure. The institution operates with 2,400 collaborators covered by a historic 2026 collective agreement and distributes Christmas bonuses to over 30,000 port workers under Law 199-02.

APORDOM's customer base spans commercial shipping and cargo operators (DP World Caucedo, HIT Puerto Río Haina), cruise lines and tourism operators (Amber Cove/Carnival, Taino Bay, Port Cabo Rojo, La Romana, Samaná Bayport, Sans Souci), tugboat operators, shipchandlers, shipping agents, fishing cooperatives, and inter-island ferry services. Under Executive Director Jean Luis Rodríguez (since 2020), the institution has driven cruise arrivals from 143 ships in 2020 to 768 ships in 2025, secured the CIP-OEA Maritime Award of the Americas 2025 and a maximum 100/100 DIGEIG transparency score, and assumed the First Vice Presidency of the Inter-American Ports Commission.

Name

Autoridad Portuaria Dominicana

Legal name

Autoridad Portuaria Dominicana

Website

https://portuaria.gob.do

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Autoridad Portuaria Dominicana (APORDOM) is the Dominican Republic's government port authority, created in 1970, that administers and regulates the National Port System of 16 ports, 5 terminals, and 20 fishing/tourism piers, serving commercial shipping, cruise lines, tugboat operators, shipchandlers, and fishing communities through licensing, port operations, and ISPS/PBIP security oversight.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Port Administration and Maritime Regulation

NAICS

Port and Harbor Operations (48831), Port and Harbor Operations (488310), Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAIALAF

Maritime & Port Authorities (Public Ports, Harbors, Ferries Terminals)

Business & Public Services/Public Sector & Government Administration/Transportation & Infrastructure Agencies (Roads, Transit, Public Works)

SECONDARYTLAHAFAI

Port Operations Control Center / Port Call Orchestration

Transportation & Logistics/Ports, Terminals & Maritime Services/Port & Harbor Operations (Harbor Master, Vessel Scheduling, Towage Coordination)

SECONDARYTLAHAEAL

Cruise Line Turnaround Coordination & Port Call Passenger Services

Transportation & Logistics/Ports, Terminals & Maritime Services/Passenger & Cruise Terminals

SECONDARYTLAHAJAA

Port Call Clearance & Documentation (Arrival/Departure, Customs/Immigration/Health)

Transportation & Logistics/Ports, Terminals & Maritime Services/Ship Agency, Husbandry & Port Call Services

SECONDARYTLAHALAA

Stevedoring & Vessel Loading/Discharging (Ship-to-Shore Operations)

Transportation & Logistics/Ports, Terminals & Maritime Services/Port Equipment & Terminal Operations Services (Stevedoring, Cargo Handling, Gear Rental)

Keywords

• Port administration services
• Maritime regulatory authority
• Ship licensing services
• Port infrastructure management
• Cruise terminal operations

Headquarters

HQ city

Puerto Río Haina (Santo Domingo Oeste)

HQ country

Dominican Republic

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Port Administrative Fees and Tariffs: APORDOM generates revenue through port fees, tariffs for docking, mooring, storage, parking, and other port operations at state-administered ports. The institution recorded record income exceeding RD$1,900 million in 2025.
2. Ship Chandler Licenses: Fees for licensing shipchandler companies that provide provisions, waste removal, and repair services to vessels. Fees range from USD $350.88 to USD $701.75 depending on service type.
3. Tugboat Licenses: Fees for licensing tugboat operations based on horsepower categories, ranging from USD $202 for 100–500 HP vessels to USD $1,614 for 3,001–4,000 HP vessels, per Decree 612-05.
4. Shipping Agent (Consignatario) Licenses: Administrative fees and bonds for licensing shipping agents to represent vessels at APORDOM-administered ports. Administrative fee of RD$2,000 plus RD$14,000 to Ministry of Finance, with bond requirements ranging from RD$200,000 to RD$1,200,000 depending on operating region.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Autoridad Portuaria Dominicana (APORDOM) is the Dominican Republic's government port authority that administers and regulates the National Port System of 16 ports, 5 specialized terminals, 3 anchorages, and 4 state marinas. It provides core port operations (pilotage, stevedoring, mooring/unmooring, storage, buoyage, ISPS/PBIP security supervision), licenses ship chandlers, tugboat operators, and shipping agents, and oversees infrastructure development including cruise terminals and fishing/tourism piers. Services are delivered through the VUCERD electronic single window, physical offices, and an institutional mobile application.

Product overview

Autoridad Portuaria Dominicana (APORDOM) is a government port authority managing and regulating the National Port System of the Dominican Republic. The organization offers a comprehensive portfolio of core port operations including Practicaje (pilotage), Arrimo (stevedoring), Amarre y Desamarre (mooring/unmooring), Almacenaje (storage), Balizamento (buoyage), Supervisión PBIP (ISPS code compliance), Estadía (berth time), and Suministro de Buques (vessel provisioning). The service portfolio also includes specialized licensing services for Ship Chandler companies, Port Access Authorizations, Ship Consignee Agent licensing, Towboat licensing, and Parking/Storage Payment Reconsideration services. APORDOM operates a National Port System comprising 16 ports, 5 specialized terminals, 3 anchorages, and 4 state-owned tourist/sport marinas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Practicaje (Pilotage) Professional service of guiding vessels from the arrival zone, anchorage, or outer harbor to the berth, and vice versa, plus maneuvers within port jurisdiction areas. Provided to commercial vessels using Dominican ports.
• Arrimo (Stevedoring) Transfer of cargo from the side of the transport vessel to covered deposits or outdoor yards, and vice versa. Provided to commercial vessels and cargo operators.
• Amarre y Desamarre (Mooring and Unmooring) Auxiliary maneuver service consisting of collecting vessel moorings, carrying them, and fixing them to designated elements. Provided to commercial vessels at berth.
• Almacenaje (Storage) Storage service for merchandise from arrival until withdrawal of the goods. Provided to cargo operators and shipping companies at APORDOM-administered ports.
• Balizamiento (Buoyage) Navigation aid service using floating and fixed beacon devices to make navigation safer in Dominican waters.
• Supervisión PBIP (ISPS Code Compliance) International Ship and Port Facility Protection Code service established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in response to 9/11 terrorist attacks. Supervised jointly with CESEP for all major Dominican ports.
• Estadía (Berth Time) Time a vessel remains at the berth from mooring until the last mooring line is released. Tariffed service provided to commercial vessels.
• Suministro de Buques (Vessel Supply) Diverse services provided upon vessel arrival including food, water, solid waste removal, oily waste removal, and repair of damaged equipment or instruments. Regulated service for vessels at berth.
• Renovación Licencias Ship Chandler Annual license renewal service for Ship Chandler companies ensuring compliance with current port regulations. For companies providing provisions, waste removal, and repair services to vessels.
• Autorizaciones de Acceso a Instalaciones Portuarias Access permit management service maintaining control under strict international PBIP Code standards and Law 426-07 on stowaways. For port users requiring controlled access to port facilities.
• Emisión de Licencias para Agentes Consignatarios Legal processing of new licenses for formal operation as Ship Consignee Agent at ports under APORDOM direct administration. For maritime agencies representing vessels.
• Emisión Nuevas Licencias Ship Chandlers Processing of new operating license applications and special permits for supplier companies dedicated to provisioning and services at general ports. For prospective ship chandler businesses.
• Licencias de Remolcadores (Tugboat Licenses) Official authorized license to operate naval vessels for maneuvering, towing, or pushing ships and barges in open sea under APORDOM jurisdiction. For tugboat operating companies.
• APP Móvil APORDOM (Mobile Application) Institutional mobile application enabling digital service access, process monitoring, and management of APORDOM services for users and maritime operators.
• Reconsideración de Pago por Parqueo y Almacenaje Formal request service for reconsideration of financial charges generated by extended and unforeseen stays in port parking and storage areas. Free of direct charge to users.

Quantifiable outcome

• 768 cruise ships received in 2025 (vs. 143 in 2020) — a 437% increase
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Armada de la República Dominicana (ARD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 June 2026APORDOM works with the Dominican Navy for navigation certification of tugboats, joint security inspections, and port safety assessments. The ARD issues navigationability certifications required for tugboat licensing and co-certifies port facilities under ISPS/PBIP standards.
• Cuerpo Especializado de Seguridad Portuaria (CESEP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 June 2026APORDOM and CESEP jointly certify Dominican ports under ISPS/PBIP (Código PBIP) standards. CESEP is the specialized port security corps under the Ministry of Defense. APORDOM and CESEP have jointly certified Puerto Manzanillo, Puerto Plata, and Samaná Bayport. CESEP also graduated 26 port security experts from its 3rd Specialized Diploma.
• Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 June 2026APORDOM participated in the FCCA PAMAC Destination Summit 2026 in Puerto Plata, where Dominican Republic strengthened its positioning as the leading Caribbean cruise destination. FCCA is the primary trade association connecting Caribbean destinations with global cruise lines.
• Comisión Portuaria Nacional de GuatemalacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2026APORDOM and the Comisión Portuaria Nacional de Guatemala signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation, promoting sustainable development, modernization, and efficiency of both nations' port systems. The signing took place in Santo Domingo at the APORDOM headquarters, following preliminary discussions in March 2026 when a Guatemalan technical delegation visited the Dominican Republic.
• HIT Puerto Río HainacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 August 2025HIT Puerto Río Haina is the main Dominican cargo terminal concessioned to private operators. APORDOM and HIT jointly received the Premio Marítimo de las Américas 2025 in the Puerto-Ciudad category from CIP-OEA, recognizing their integrated sustainable port-city development model.
• Ministerio de Turismo de la República DominicanacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025MITUR and APORDOM coordinate cruise development, joint tourism pier projects, and the positioning of Dominican cruise terminals internationally. APORDOM supports the Ministry's tourism growth strategy through port infrastructure development at Amber Cove, Taíno Bay, and Port Cabo Rojo.
• Termarsam Consortium (Samaná Port PPP)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 June 2025Termarsam is the private consortium partner in the Samaná Port project — the first public-private partnership (PPP) in Dominican port history. APORDOM oversees the project, which is being developed by Termarsam as the private investor and operator. Samaná Bayport received PBIP certification in October 2025 and began operations in the cruise season.
• DP World CaucedocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 26 May 2025DP World Caucedo is the concessionaire operating the major cargo terminal at Caucedo Peninsula. APORDOM visited the facility in May 2025 to review DP World's expansion plans, which project a historic investment of US$760 million. APORDOM publicly expressed support for this expansion as part of strengthening the national logistics ecosystem.
• Autoridad Portuaria de Curaçao (CPA)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2025APORDOM renewed its collaboration agreement with the Port Authority of Curaçao during the Seatrade trade fair in Miami. The renewed agreement continues cooperation in port operations, sustainability, and best practice sharing between the two Caribbean port authorities.
• Autoridad Marítima de Panamá (AMP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2025APORDOM signed a new strategic alliance with the Maritime Authority of Panama during the Seatrade trade fair in Miami. This new partnership focuses on maritime cooperation, port security, operational best practices, and joint capacity building between the two major Latin American maritime nations.
• Red de Mujeres de Autoridades Marítimas de Latinoamérica (Red MAMLa)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 June 2024APORDOM participated in a gender-focused event with Red MAMLa and the Dominican Navy, bringing together women leaders in maritime and port industries across Latin America to promote gender equity and women's leadership in the sector.
• Port Authority of JamaicaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2024APORDOM Director Jean Luis Rodríguez signed a memorandum of understanding with his Jamaican counterpart Gordon Shirley to strengthen the Dominican Republic's port system. The agreement covers cooperation in port management, cruise development, maritime security, and regional connectivity.

Scale indicators19 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Autoridad Portuaria de Curaçao: Curaçao's port authority is a Caribbean island peer with similar scale and a mixed cargo/cruise portfolio. APORDOM renewed a cooperation agreement with CPA during Seatrade 2025, focused on operational best practices, sustainability, and port management.
• Port Authority of Jamaica: Jamaica's national port authority operates Kingston Container Terminal and oversees licensing, port operations, and cruise terminals — a Caribbean English-speaking peer with comparable mandate and customer mix (cruise + cargo). APORDOM signed a port-management MoU with this counterpart in June 2024.
• Port Authority of Cartagena (Colombia): Colombian Caribbean port authority managing container, general cargo, and cruise terminals at Cartagena — a Latin American peer with similar cruise and cargo dual-mandate and significant cruise traffic comparable to APORDOM's cruise growth story.
• Comisión Portuaria Nacional de Guatemala: Guatemala's national port commission regulates Atlantic and Pacific port operations with comparable licensing, modernization, and bilateral cooperation functions. APORDOM signed an MoU with CPN in May 2026 covering sustainable development and modernization.
• Autoridad Portuaria Nacional de Honduras: Central American peer with comparable national port authority mandate including Atlantic and Pacific coast facilities, providing similar cruise, cargo, and concession oversight in a developing economy.
• Autoridad Marítima de Panamá (AMP): Panama's maritime authority is a direct peer — a national maritime regulator that licenses vessels, port operators, and shipping agents with cross-cutting port security and operational mandates. APORDOM signed a strategic alliance with AMP in May 2025, recognizing the comparable scope of port governance functions.

Regional players

• HIT Puerto Río Haina: Dominican cargo terminal concessionaire co-winner of the Premio Marítimo de las Américas 2025 with APORDOM. A direct local counterpart operating under APORDOM concession, sharing the same geography and customers, though not a direct competitor for the regulatory mandate.

Others

• Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA): The primary cruise industry trade association for the Caribbean region. APORDOM participates in FCCA PAMAC Destination Summits (2026) to attract cruise deployments — making FCCA an industry ecosystem peer that shapes APORDOM's cruise growth trajectory rather than a direct competitor.
• DP World Caucedo: Dominican Republic's main private cargo terminal concessionaire, operating Caucedo under APORDOM regulation. Listed because it is the single largest counterparty in APORDOM's cargo ecosystem (US$760M planned expansion) and a key commercial interface, even though APORDOM is its regulator rather than competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Port of Singapore Authority / MPA Singapore: A globally recognized port authority with a comprehensive regulatory and operational mandate — relevant as a benchmark for institutional governance, transparency, and digital port services (APORDOM's NORTIC A3 / VUCERD efforts). Not a direct geographic competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/autoridad-portuaria-dominicana

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Autoridad Portuaria Dominicana