Editorial standard
Data & methodology
Admirals Atlas is a reference service, not operational advice. We make the origin and confidence of material facts visible, and distinguish source-backed data from claims that still need corroboration.
Source hierarchy
- Primary authorities and official publications. Regulations, port authorities, international organizations, and original records take priority.
- Established reference datasets. Port characteristics may be drawn from the NGA World Port Index and its accompanying data, with the source identified on the entry.
- Structured identifiers and location records. UN/LOCODE supports place names, codes, and port-function claims; it does not by itself establish every operational fact.
- Editorial synthesis. Explanatory articles are written from cited, reputable sources and are reviewed for clarity and scope.
Verification labels
- WPI-classified port
- A port record with structured World Port Index characteristics.
- Authority-approved UN/LOCODE port claim
- A UN/LOCODE location whose port function is approved by the relevant national authority.
- Unverified UN/LOCODE port claim
- A port-function claim that has not been approved by the relevant authority. It is clearly labelled and should not be treated as confirmed operational information.
Update cadence and limitations
Entries are updated when their source material, editorial review, or correction work changes. Update dates indicate when an entry was last revised; they do not guarantee that a port’s live depths, restrictions, facilities, schedules, ownership, or commercial status are current.
Coverage is broad but uneven. Some ports have detailed characteristics and source notes; others are intentionally limited to a location and an evidence label. Names, jurisdictions, transliterations, and source datasets can change. For voyage planning, navigation, compliance, or safety decisions, consult current official notices and the responsible authority.
Corrections and requests
We welcome corrections, source additions, and requests for missing entries. Please include the page or subject, the proposed change, and a primary or authoritative source where possible. Reports are reviewed before publication; sending a report does not guarantee an immediate change.
Article authorship and AI assistance
Explanatory encyclopedia articles are published by the Admirals Atlas editorial team. AI may assist with drafting. The team reviews the final text against source material and takes responsibility for what is published. Individual ship and port pages are data records; their sources and verification labels describe where their information comes from.