UN/LOCODE ZA CPT: Port of Cape Town, South Africa — Seaport
Location
| Coordinates | -33.91, 18.43 |
|---|---|
| Country | South Africa |
| Function | South Africa's Second-Largest Container Port, Atlantic Gateway |
| Authority | Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) |
Physical Specifications
| Max Draft | 14.5m (container), 11.0m (general cargo) |
|---|---|
| Channel Depth | 15.0m |
| Tide Range | 1.8m |
| Berth Length | 700m (container), 3,400m (total) |
| Anchorage Depth | 20m |
Administrative
| Customs Code | ZACPT |
|---|---|
| IMO Facility No. | Yes |
| Working Hours | 24/7 |
| ISPS Compliance | Yes (Level 1) |
| VHF Channel | 16 (Call), 12 (Port Ops) |
| Port Website | www.transnet.net |
Commercial & Logistics
| Annual Volume | 1,200,000 |
|---|---|
| Primary Cargo Types | Container, Fruit (Citrus, Grapes, Apples), Wine, Fish, Steel, Petroleum Products |
| Vessel Types | Container, RoRo, Bulk, Tanker, Fishing, Passenger |
| Free Trade Zone | Yes |
| Bunker Fuel | IFO 380, VLSFO, MGO |
| Nearest Airport | CPT (20km) |
| Rail Connection | On-dock (Transnet Freight Rail — Cape Town-Johannesburg line) |
| Highway Access | N1 (Cape Town-Johannesburg), N2 (Cape Town-Durban), R300 |
| Inland Depots | Bellville CFS, Epping Industrial Area, Montague Gardens Logistics Hub |
Trade Intelligence: Cape Town
Cape Town is classified as a Seaport with annual throughput of 1,200,000. The port handles Container, Fruit (Citrus, Grapes, Apples), Wine, Fish, Steel, Petroleum Products. As South Africa's Second-Largest Container Port, Atlantic Gateway, Cape Town plays a critical role in South Africa's trade infrastructure. Shippers should confirm berth availability, draft restrictions, and ISPS security levels directly with Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) before scheduling vessel calls.
Port History
Cape Town has served as a maritime refreshment station since 1652 when Jan van Riebeeck established a Dutch East India Company supply post. The modern port dates from the 1860s construction of the Alfred and Victoria Docks. Cape Town's container terminal, one of the most advanced in Africa, handles Southern Africa's trade with Europe and the Americas. The port is particularly important for fruit and wine exports.
Authority: Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA)
Other Ports in South Africa
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LOCODE for Cape Town?
The UN/LOCODE is ZA CPT. Use in bills of lading and customs declarations.
What trade routes connect to Cape Town?
Cape Town serves as South Africa's Second-Largest Container Port, Atlantic Gateway. ZA DUR, NL RTM, US NYC, BR SSZ, AE DXB, SG SIN
How do I find shipping schedules?
Contact Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) or query carriers (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM) using LOCODE ZA CPT.
Data Sources & Provenance
Port specifications compiled from:
- UNECE UN/LOCODE Directory — United Nations official location codes
- Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) — official port authority
- IMO GISIS — maritime facility database
Updated: July 25, 2026. For reference only. Not for navigation.