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Port of Nacala

MZMNC🇲🇿Mozambique

Port Location

About Port of Nacala

Nacala is Mozambique's deepest natural harbor on the Indian Ocean. It serves as a vital gateway for landlocked Malawi, handling bulk cargo, containers, and general cargo. The port features a natural, sheltered harbor with various crane types and extensive loading/offloading facilities.

Background
The Port of Nacala, also called the Nacala port complex, is a Mozambican port located in the cities of Nacala and Nacala-a-Velha. Is the deepest port in Southern Africa. The natural deep harbour serves landlocked Malawi with a 931-kilometre (578 mi) railway.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
19m
Channel Depth
23ft
Tidal Range
3ft
Elevation
9m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Unknown
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile, Floating
Drydock
U
Repair Code
C
Terminals
1

History

Operator (Wikidata ID)
Mozambique Ports and Railways

Terminals

NACALA CONTAINER TERMINAL

MOZAMBIQUE PORTS AND RAILWAYS (CFM)

Rua do porto, Zona portuaria-Nacala, Nacala, Mozambique

www.cfm.co.mz →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
MZMNC
Country
🇲🇿Mozambique
Time Zone
UTC+2
Feature Type
PRT (Port)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Area
East Africa
Body of Water
Indian Ocean
Latitude
-14.5415°
Longitude
40.6675°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
46935 →
GeoNames ID
1089247 →
Wikidata
Q7231208 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Nacala?+
The controlling depth at Nacala is 19 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 Nacala?+
The approach to Nacala is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Ponta Sacamulo Lighthouse at 4.4 NM to the N. Other aids include Fernão Veloso (5 NM N), Nacala Approach (5.7 NM NNW), Cabo Melamo (11.2 NM NE), Ponta Onlugune (12.8 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Nacala on?+
The Port of Nacala is situated on the Mozambique Channel in MZ. The area falls within the tropical climate zone with warm waters and seasonal monsoons, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Nacala?+
You can track vessels near Nacala (MZMNC) 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 MZMNC on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Nacala?+
The Port of Nacala operates in the UTC+2 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 Nacala?+
NACALA (UN/Locode: MZMNC), Mozambique is a seaport located at approximately -14.54150° N, 40.66750° E.
Where is the Port of Nacala located?+
Coordinates: -14.54150° N, 40.66750° E. Nearby terminals/ports:MOCAMBIQUE — UN/Locode: MZMZQ — -15.03450° N, 40.73200° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Nacala?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Natural and Very Small. Cranes: mobile cranes, fixed cranes and floating cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts and 25–49 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, anchorage loading/offloading and good holding ground. Depths: channel depth 23.2m - OVER; anchorage depth 9.4m - 10m; cargo pier depth 6.4m - 7.6m; oil terminal depth 9.4m - 10m and maximum draft approx. 19 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Nacala?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: restrictions present; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Nacala?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: not available; radio (VHF): available; air services: not available; rail: not available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: available; first port of entry: not available and additional quarantine services available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Nacala?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Tanker and Unspecified.
Who are the ship suppliers at the Port of Nacala?+
Ship suppliers include Moz Ship Supply Lda and Sea Master.