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Port of San Francisco

USSFO🇺🇸US

Port Location

About Port of San Francisco

The Port of San Francisco (USSFO) is a maritime port facility located in US. It features a maximum draft of 16.76m. The facility is classified as a large-sized port. Local time zone: UTC-7.

Vessel capacity and restrictions: The controlling depth at San Francisco is 16.76 meters. Vessel masters should confirm current draft restrictions with the port authority before arrival.

Port classification: As a large-sized facility, San Francisco typically offers multiple berths, container handling equipment, and comprehensive cargo services including bulk carriers, container ships, and tankers.

Position: 37.8119°N, 122.4030°W. UN/LOCODE: USSFO.

Geographic context: The Port of San Francisco 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 temperate maritime climate zone.

Vessel Limits

Max Draft
16.76m

General Information

Port Name
San Francisco
Country
🇺🇸US
UNLOCODE
USSFO
Time Zone
UTC-7
Facility Size
Large
Latitude
37.8119°
Longitude
-122.4030°

Navigation Aids Near San Francisco

Alcatraz Island Lighthouse

1.2 NMNW

Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse

2 NME

Point Blunt Lighthouse

2.6 NMNNW

Point Knox Lighthouse

3.2 NMNW

Fort Point Lighthouse

3.5 NMW

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of San Francisco?+
The controlling depth at San Francisco is 16.76 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 Francisco handle?+
As a large-sized facility, San Francisco serves container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, and ro-ro vessels. It typically offers multiple berths, container handling gantry cranes, and comprehensive cargo services. 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 Francisco?+
The approach to San Francisco is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Alcatraz Island Lighthouse at 1.2 NM to the NW. Other aids include Yerba Buena Island (2 NM E), Point Blunt (2.6 NM NNW), Point Knox (3.2 NM NW), Fort Point (3.5 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of San Francisco?+
The Port of San Francisco 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 Francisco?+
You can track vessels near San Francisco (USSFO) 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 USSFO on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of San Francisco?+
The Port of San Francisco 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.