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Port of San Diego

USSAN🇺🇸US

Port Location

About Port of San Diego

The Port of San Diego (USSAN) is a maritime port facility located in US. It features a maximum draft of 10.7m. The facility is classified as a very large-sized port. Local time zone: UTC-7.

Vessel capacity and restrictions: The controlling depth at San Diego is 10.7 meters. Vessel masters should confirm current draft restrictions with the port authority before arrival.

Port classification: As a very large facility, San Diego ranks among the highest-capacity ports in the region — typically equipped to handle ultra-large container vessels (ULCS), VLCC tankers, and capesize bulk carriers, with deep-water berths and full-service cargo terminals.

Position: 32.6734°N, 117.2240°W. UN/LOCODE: USSAN.

Geographic context: The Port of San Diego is situated on the North Pacific Ocean, within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. The location falls within the subtropical climate zone with mild winters and warm summers.

Vessel Limits

Max Draft
10.7m

General Information

Port Name
San Diego
Country
🇺🇸US
UNLOCODE
USSAN
Time Zone
UTC-7
Facility Size
Very Large
Latitude
32.6734°
Longitude
-117.2240°

Navigation Aids Near San Diego

Umpqua River Replica Lighthouse

0.7 NMNNE

Point Loma Lighthouse

0.9 NMW

Point Loma Lighthouse

1.1 NMWSW

San Diego Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse

2.2 NMNNW

Harbor Island Lighthouse

3.1 NMN

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of San Diego?+
The controlling depth at San Diego is 10.7 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.
What types of cargo and vessels does the Port of San Diego handle?+
As a very large-sized facility, San Diego serves ultra-large container ships (ULCS), VLCC tankers, capesize bulkers, and the largest classes of ro-ro vessels. It offers deep-water berths, gantry cranes for container handling, and full-service cargo terminals. Vessel operators should contact the port authority for specific berth availability and cargo handling capabilities.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of San Diego?+
The approach to San Diego is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Umpqua River Replica Lighthouse at 0.7 NM to the NNE. Other aids include Point Loma (0.9 NM W), Point Loma (1.1 NM WSW), San Diego Entrance Range Rear (2.2 NM NNW), Harbor Island (3.1 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of San Diego?+
The Port of San Diego is located within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. This strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of San Diego?+
You can track vessels near San Diego (USSAN) 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 USSAN on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of San Diego?+
The Port of San Diego operates in the UTC-7 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.