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Port of Natal

BRNAT🇧🇷Brazil

Port Location

About Port of Natal

Also known as: Natal

Located on the Potengi River in Brazil, the Port of Natal is the South American port closest to Europe. It handles exports, particularly fruit, and accommodates bulk carriers, general cargo, and offshore vessels. The port features fixed cranes with lifting capacities up to 24 MT.

Background
The Port of Natal is in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, on the Potengi River. It is the South American port closest to Europe. Inaugurated on January 14, 1922, the port is administered by CODERN, and today has a strong focus on the export of fruit.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
6.08m
Channel Depth
8ft
Tidal Range
2ft
Elevation
1m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
No
Cranes
Fixed
Drydock
S
Repair Code
C

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
12690 →
GeoNames ID
11525641 →
Wikidata
Q7231214 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.codern.com.br →
Seamark Type
rock

Identification

UN/LOCODE
BRNAT
Country
🇧🇷Brazil
Time Zone
UTC-3
Feature Type
PRT (Port)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
River natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
BR-RN
Area
East Coast South America
Latitude
-5.7638°
Longitude
-35.2054°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Natal?+
The controlling depth at Natal is 6.08 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Natal?+
The approach to Natal is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Pedra Baixinha Lighthouse at 1 NM to the NNE. Other aids include Recife De Natal (1 NM NE), Natal (2.2 NM SSE), Punta Gameleira (16.8 NM NNW), Ponta da Tabatinga (17.8 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Natal on?+
The Port of Natal is situated on the South Atlantic Ocean in BR. The area falls within the equatorial climate zone with warm waters year-round, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Natal?+
You can track vessels near Natal (BRNAT) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for BRNAT on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Natal?+
The Port of Natal operates in the UTC-3 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Natal?+
NATAL (UN/Locode: BRNAT), Brazil is a seaport located at approximately -5.76380° N, -35.20536° E.
Where is the Port of Natal located?+
Coordinates: -5.76380° N, -35.20536° E.
What facilities are available at the Port of Natal?+
Harbor type/size: River Natural and Small. Cranes: fixed cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, anchorage loading/offloading, good holding ground and turning area. Depths: channel depth 7.1m - 9.1m; anchorage depth 9.4m - 10m; cargo pier depth 7.1m - 9.1m; oil terminal depth 6.4m - 7.6m and maximum draft approx. 6.08 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Natal?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: restrictions present; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Natal?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: not available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: not available and first port of entry: available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: not available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Natal?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger and Special Craft.
Who are the ship suppliers at the Port of Natal?+
Ship suppliers include Consegi Ship Service, Golf Ship Solutions and TROPICAL SHIP SUPPLY LTD. - BRAZIL + more.
Which service providers operate at the Port of Natal?+
Service providers include Estrela do Mar.