Port of Cape Town (ZACPT): Details, Transit Times & Shipping Routes
Port of Cape Town (UN/LOCODE ZACPT) is a large coastal (breakwater) harbor located in South Africa, on the South Atlantic Ocean. It sits at 33.9167° S, 18.4167° E. The port reports a channel depth of about 15.9 m, an anchorage depth near 23.2 m, cargo pier depths around 15.5 m. Shelter afforded is rated good. Cargo handling includes wharves, anchorage facilities.
Port Specifications & Capabilities
Physical characteristics from the NGA World Port Index. Values of 0 in the source are shown as not reported.
Harbor Profile
- Harbor Type
- Coastal (Breakwater)
- Harbor Size
- Large
- Shelter Afforded
- Good
- World Water Body
- South Atlantic Ocean
- Region
- South Africa
Services & Restrictions
Route Calculator & Transit Estimator
Great-circle distance — actual sea routes vary with canals, traffic lanes & weather.
nautical miles (direct)
@ 14 knots
B2B Freight Quote — Port of Cape Town
Compare competitive ocean and inland freight rates to and from Cape Town (ZACPT) via trusted logistics partners.
Nearby Ports & Connections
Nearest Ports to Cape Town
Distances to Major World Ports
Frequently Asked Questions about Port of Cape Town
Where is Port of Cape Town located?
Port of Cape Town is a seaport located in South Africa, on the South Atlantic Ocean. Its coordinates are 33.9167° S, 18.4167° E.
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Cape Town?
The UN/LOCODE for Port of Cape Town is ZACPT — country code ZA, location code CPT.
How deep is Port of Cape Town?
Per the NGA World Port Index, Port of Cape Town has a channel depth of about 15.9 m, an anchorage depth of about 23.2 m, cargo pier depths of about 15.5 m.
What is the largest vessel that can call at Port of Cape Town?
Port of Cape Town reports a maximum draft of 15 m, a maximum length of 339.6 m, a maximum beam of 63.1 m for vessels calling at the port.
Does Port of Cape Town require a pilot?
Yes — pilotage is compulsory at Port of Cape Town.
What type of harbor is Port of Cape Town?
Port of Cape Town is classified as a coastal (breakwater) harbor, of large size, offering good shelter.
What cargo facilities does Port of Cape Town have?
Port of Cape Town is recorded as offering wharves, anchorage facilities.
About this data
Specifications for Port of Cape Town are derived from the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) World Port Index (Pub 150, WPI #46770), a public-domain U.S. Government dataset. View the relevant Sailing Directions →