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Port of Cape Town

ZACPT🇿🇦South Africa

Port Location

About Port of Cape Town

Located in Table Bay, this major South African port serves as a key hub for container, passenger, and fishing vessels. It handles a diverse range of cargo and offers extensive facilities including multiple crane types and a large drydock.

Background
The Port of Cape Town is a seaport situated next to the central business district of Cape Town, South Africa. The port, which lies within Table Bay, is managed by the Transnet National Ports Authority, a subsidiary of state-owned enterprise Transnet. It is one of 8 ports in South Africa, and among its busiest, facilitating tourist and container ships. The port is also the largest in the Western Cape province.

Current Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Vessel Limits

Max Draft
13.01m
Channel Depth
16ft
Tidal Range
1ft
Elevation
-9999m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile, Floating
Drydock
L
Repair Code
A
Terminals
3

History

Operator (Wikidata ID)
Q137685525

Terminals (3)

FRESH PRODUCE TERMINAL

FPT GROUP

D Berth, Duncan Dock, South Arm Road, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

fpt.co.za →

MULTI PURPOSE TERMINAL (MPT)

TRANSNET PORT TERMINALS

100 Duncan Rd, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

www.transnetportterminals.net →

TRANSNET PORT TERMINALS CAPE TOWN

TRANSNET PORT TERMINALS

Block 4, Cape Town Habour, Duncan Rd, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

www.transnetportterminals.net →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
ZACPT
Country
🇿🇦South Africa
Time Zone
UTC+2
Feature Type
PRT (Port)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal breakwater
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
ZA-WC
Area
South Africa
Latitude
-33.9095°
Longitude
18.4356°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
46770 →
GeoNames ID
6639588 →
Wikidata
Q12066211 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.transnetnationalportsauthority.net →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Cape Town?+
The controlling depth at Cape Town is 13.01 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 Cape Town?+
The approach to Cape Town is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Cape Town Entrance (Duncan Dock) Range Front Lighthouse at 0.4 NM to the SSW with a nominal range of 13 NM. Other aids include Cape Town Breakwater (0.7 NM N), Green Point (1.8 NM WNW), Green Point (1.8 NM WNW), Milnerton (3.1 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Cape Town?+
The Port of Cape Town is located within the Cape of Good Hope route — the historic shipping route around the southern tip of Africa. 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 Cape Town?+
You can track vessels near Cape Town (ZACPT) 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 ZACPT on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Cape Town?+
The Port of Cape Town 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 Cape Town?+
CAPE TOWN (UN/Locode: ZACPT), South Africa is a seaport located at approximately -33.90950° N, 18.43560° E.
Where is the Port of Cape Town located?+
Coordinates: -33.90950° N, 18.43560° E.
What facilities are available at the Port of Cape Town?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Breakwater and Large. Cranes: mobile cranes, fixed cranes and floating cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts, 50–100 MT lifts and 100 MT+ lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, anchorage loading/offloading, good holding ground and turning area. Depths: channel depth 15.5m - 16m; anchorage depth 23.2m - OVER; cargo pier depth 12.5m - 13.7m; oil terminal depth 12.5m - 13.7m and maximum draft approx. 13.01 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Cape Town?+
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 Cape Town?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: available; first port of entry: available and additional quarantine services available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Cape Town?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Bunkering, Container, Fishing, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Pleasure Craft, Ro Ro, Special Craft, Tanker, Tugs Harbor Craft and Unspecified.
Who are the ship suppliers at the Port of Cape Town?+
Ship suppliers include AVS Global Ship Supply & Catering Management.
Which service providers operate at the Port of Cape Town?+
Service providers include Inglasco International Ltd and Apex Stowaway Detection.