Puerto Plata’s Terminal del Norte Project could attract US$520 million investment
Puerto Plata.- Terminal del Norte, a multipurpose port project planned for Guzmancito, Maimón, Puerto Plata, is expected to receive an investment of more than US$520 million in its first phase, with the goal of expanding the Dominican Republic’s northern logistics capacity, attracting foreign investment and creating thousands of jobs.
Developed by Pragma Capital, the project is still in the environmental evaluation and community consultation stage. Construction has not yet begun, as the developers are awaiting the required permits and authorizations.
New logistics hub for the Dominican Republic’s North Coast
Terminal del Norte is designed to handle general cargo, agricultural bulk, containers and energy supplies. Its strategic location is intended to improve the movement of goods between Puerto Plata, Santiago and the Cibao region, reducing dependence on port facilities in the southern part of the country.
The project is also expected to support Puerto Plata’s position as an important tourism and cruise destination by developing infrastructure for marine energy supplies.
As the global cruise industry moves toward newer vessels and lower-emission fuels, Terminal del Norte aims to provide refueling services to cruise ships traveling through the eastern Caribbean with minimal deviations from their itineraries.
The developers say the project will separate cargo operations from tourist areas, allowing logistics and tourism activities to coexist while preserving Puerto Plata’s tourism-focused economy.
Terminal del Norte could create 2,000 construction jobs
Pragma Capital estimates that the project could generate approximately 2,000 jobs during peak construction, in addition to permanent positions once the terminal becomes operational and indirect employment in transportation, services and local supply chains.
The company plans to establish an employment registry for residents of Maimón before construction begins and introduce technical training programs to help local workers qualify for permanent positions.
The developers also intend to create a permanent working group involving community associations, fishermen’s organizations, the local parish and the Maimón Municipal District to coordinate with residents and address community concerns.
Project seeks to attract international investment
Terminal del Norte is part of the development objectives outlined under the National Goal 2036, which seeks to accelerate economic growth, attract investment and expand productive opportunities throughout the Dominican Republic.
For the Cibao Norte region, the target is to increase its gross domestic product from US$20.122 billion to US$51.466 billion by 2036.
Pragma Capital has established connections with U.S. investors interested in participating in the project. Their identities have not been disclosed because of confidentiality agreements and while the necessary government approvals remain pending.
If approved and developed as planned, Terminal del Norte could become a major logistics and energy infrastructure project for Puerto Plata and the Dominican Republic’s northern region, while supporting trade, employment and the cruise tourism sector.
