Royal Caribbean proposes large shiprepair yard on Panama’s Pacific coast

Royal Caribbean Group has presented plans to develop a large shiprepair facility on Panama’s Pacific coast, with government officials expressing support for a project that could strengthen the country’s role as a regional maritime hub.
The proposal, presented to Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino and senior government representatives, would see a yard established in the Punta Piedra area near Puerto Armuelles, close to the Costa Rica border. Royal Caribbean indicated the facility could become operational by 2031.
Plans include a floating drydock with a lifting capacity of approximately 130,000 tonnes and a length of around 400m, designed to accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise vessels. The company said the facility would primarily support maintenance and drydocking for ships operating on Pacific routes.
Royal Caribbean explained that large vessels operating in the region currently rely on Asian shipyards for major repairs. A Pacific facility in Panama would allow the company to service vessels trading in the region and also receive ships transiting the Panama Canal.
The yard would also be open to other vessel segments, including large container ships, which have limited repair options on the Pacific side of the Americas.
President Mulino said the government would support efforts to advance the project and noted that investment could begin this year. Authorities said the development could generate between 500 and 800 jobs while strengthening Panama’s strategic maritime infrastructure.