Admiral's Atlas

Port of Cape Town

PortsLast updated: 31 August 2026

Cape Town is a harbor behind a breakwater in South Africa, registered under the UN/LOCODE code ZACPT.

This is a directory stub generated from the UN/LOCODE registry; a fuller write-up has not yet been added.

Port characteristics

Size / type
Large, Coastal, breakwater
Shelter
Good
Entrance restrictions
Affected by tide, other factors
Overhead limitations
Bridges or power cables present
Charted depths
  • Channel15.5–16.8 m (51–55 ft)
  • Anchorage23.2+ m (76+ ft)
  • Cargo pier12.5–13.7 m (41–45 ft)
  • Oil/LNG terminal12.5–13.7 m (41–45 ft)
Terminal infrastructure
  • Cargo handlingCargo pier charted (12.5–13.7 m (41–45 ft))
  • Oil / LNG handlingOil/LNG terminal charted (12.5–13.7 m (41–45 ft))

Container-terminal handling is not classified by the WPI dataset, so this entry does not infer it.

Mean tidal range
1 m
Max. vessel size
Over 152 m (500 ft) length
Also noted
good holding ground; turning area available

Facilities and services

The port is a first port of entry, has a U.S. representative, and requires an ETA message. Pilotage is compulsory, available, and advisable. Salvage and assist tugs are available. Pratique, a deratting certificate, and other quarantine services are available. Communications include telephone, telegraph, radio, radiotelephone, air, and rail. Cargo can be worked at wharves and anchor.

The port offers medical facilities and garbage disposal. Fixed, mobile, and floating cranes are available, with lift capacity of over 100 tons. Available services include longshore labor, electrical services, steam, navigation equipment repair, and electrical repair. Supplies on offer include provisions, water, fuel oil, diesel oil, deck supplies, and engine supplies.

Repair capability is rated major, there is a large drydock, and a large marine railway.

See also

Notes and references

  1. NGA Pub. 150, World Port Index, 27th ed. (2019), index no. 46770, Pub. 123, chart 57484. Port characteristics are historical reference data; verify current depths, restrictions, facilities, and services with official notices.
  2. NGA World Port Index database (WPI.mdb), 2019. Facilities and services data.
  3. Record status: WPI-classified port.