Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Port of Simon's Town

ZASMN🇿🇦South Africa

Port Location

About Port of Simon's Town

Also known as: Simonstown Dockyard

Simon's Town is a historic naval base and dockyard established in 1680, located in Simon's Bay, False Bay, South Africa. It serves as the primary base for the South African Navy and is equipped with facilities for naval operations.

Background
Simon's Town, sometimes spelled Simonstown, is a town in the Western Cape, South Africa and is home to Naval Base Simon's Town, the South African Navy's largest base. It is located on the shores of Simon's Bay in False Bay, on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula. For more than two centuries, it has been a naval base and harbour. The town is named after Simon van der Stel, an early governor of the Cape Colony.

Current Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Vessel Limits

Max Draft
9m
Channel Depth
8ft
Tidal Range
1ft
Elevation
11m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Unknown
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile
Drydock
M
Repair Code
D

History

Established
1680

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
ZASMN
Country
🇿🇦South Africa
Time Zone
UTC+2
Feature Type
DCKY (Dockyard)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal breakwater
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
ZA-WC
Area
South Africa
Latitude
-34.1875°
Longitude
18.4370°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
46780 →
GeoNames ID
11668471 →
Wikidata
Q1013370 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Track ships at the Port of Simon's Town in real time

Live AIS positions, arrivals, and departures at ZASMN — straight from your phone.

Live AIS positionsArrival alertsVoyage history
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Simon's Town?+
The controlling depth at Simon's Town is 9 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 Simon's Town?+
The approach to Simon's Town is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Kalk Bay Breakwater Lighthouse at 0.2 NM to the E. Other aids include Simonstown Dockyard (0.2 NM E), Roman Rock (1.2 NM ENE), Slangkop Point (6.3 NM WNW), Cape Point (10.3 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Simon's Town?+
The Port of Simon's 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 Simon's Town?+
You can track vessels near Simon's Town (ZASMN) 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 ZASMN on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Simon's Town?+
The Port of Simon's 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.