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Port of Cap-Haïtien

HTCAP🇭🇹Haiti

Port Location

About Port of Cap-Haïtien

Cap-Haïtien is a historic port on Haiti's north coast, established in 1670. It handles bulk carriers, container ships, and general cargo vessels. The port features fixed cranes and offers wharf and anchorage loading/offloading services.

Background
Cap-Haïtien is a commune of about 300,000 people on the north coast of Haiti and capital of the department of Nord. Previously named Cap‑Français and Cap‑Henri during the rule of Henri I, it was historically nicknamed the Paris of the Antilles, because of its wealth and sophistication, expressed through its architecture and artistic life. It was an important city during the colonial period, serving as the capital of the French Colony of Saint-Domingue from the city's formal foundation in 1711 until 1770 when the capital was moved to Port-au-Prince. After the Haitian Revolution, it became the capital of the Kingdom of Haiti under King Henri I until 1820.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
7.01m

Operations & Services

History

Established
1670
Operator (Wikidata ID)
Autorite Portuaire Nationale

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
HTCAP
Country
🇭🇹Haiti
Time Zone
UTC-5

Classification

Type
Port

Region

Area
Caribbean Sea
Latitude
19.7545°
Longitude
-72.1970°

References & Identifiers

Wikidata
Q216835 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.apn.gouv.ht →
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Cap-Haïtien?+
The controlling depth at Cap-Haïtien is 7.01 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 Cap-Haïtien?+
The approach to Cap-Haïtien is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Nord-Est Department Lighthouses Lighthouse at 1.8 NM to the NNE. Other aids include Pointe Picolet (1.8 NM NNE), Pointe Picolet (1.8 NM NNE), Cayo Arenas (20 NM ENE), World Lights - Bahamas and the West Indies (25.8 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Cap-Haïtien on?+
The Port of Cap-Haïtien is situated on the Caribbean Sea in HT. The area falls within the subtropical climate zone with mild winters and warm summers, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Cap-Haïtien?+
You can track vessels near Cap-Haïtien (HTCAP) 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 HTCAP on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Cap-Haïtien?+
The Port of Cap-Haïtien operates in the UTC-5 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 Cap-Haïtien?+
CAP HAITIEN (UN/Locode: HTCAP), Haiti is a seaport located at approximately 19.75448° N, -72.19704° E.
Where is the Port of Cap-Haïtien located?+
Coordinates: 19.75448° N, -72.19704° E. Nearby terminals/ports:LABADIE — UN/Locode: HTLAB — 19.77898° N, -72.24648° EMANZANILLO — UN/Locode: DOMAN — 19.71000° N, -71.74000° EGONAIVES — UN/Locode: HTGVS — 19.44446° N, -72.70808° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Cap-Haïtien?+
Harbor type/size: Open Roadstead and Very Small. Cranes: fixed cranes. Lifting: 25–49 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, anchorage loading/offloading and turning area. Depths: channel depth 17.1m - 18.2m; anchorage depth 14m - 15.2m; cargo pier depth 9.4m - 10m and maximum draft approx. 7.01 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Cap-Haïtien?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: none noted.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Cap-Haïtien?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: not available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: not available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: not available and first port of entry: available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Cap-Haïtien?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, General Cargo and Passenger.