Ports

Port of Cape Town

Significant repair & maintenance facilities

Because of its position along one of the world's busiest trade routes, the Port of Cape Town is one of the busiest ports in South Africa, handling the largest amount of fresh fruit and second only to Durban as a container port. The port also has significant repair and maintenance facilities that are used by several large fishing fleets and parts of the West African oil industry. Because of the many tourist attractions offered by Cape Town and its surrounding region, many cruise ships also berth in the port.

Info and documentation required for vessels entering South African ports:

• ISPS: All vessels except fishing vessels, require ISPS clearance before entry into port or anchorage is granted. Vessels need to submit ISPS Pre-arrival (PAR) a minimum of 96 hrs prior to arrival by either telex or email to the MRCC via Cape Town Radio. Instructions on the required format and procedure for submission of PAR will be given to master by Trade Ocean.
• ETA Notices: As far as practical, master should provide ETA notices 10/7/5/3/2 and 1 day prior to arrival.
• Port Health: All vessels must apply for "Free Pratique" prior to arrival at Cape Town. The application must be submitted a minimum of 48 hrs prior to arrival. Instructions on procedure and required format will be supplied to master by Trade Ocean.
• Port Restrictions / Limitation:
  • Bar draft: 13.10m at High water. Any vessel with draft exceeding 12.20m is considered " tidal " and may only enter and depart port during rising tide. All marginal drafts must be discussed with port authorities prior to arrival of the vessel.
  • Berth draft: Vary, supplied on application
  • Max LOA: No restrictions
  • Max beam: No restrictions
  • Berthing / Sailing: Port operates 24/7 basis with the exception of tanker basin where daylight only berthing/sailing is enforced for vessels carrying low-flash flammable cargoes. Contact agent for further information if required.

• Bunkers: Available by both barge and pipeline
• Off port limits services: Available by launch only
• Anchorage: Available, Port Control to be advised of arrival via agent. Master to follow Port Control instructions on anchorage position
• VTS System / Traffic separation scheme: In place on approaches to Cape Town. Please consult pilot book and chart for procedure and reporting waypoints.

Please note: Trade Ocean supply the above port data in good faith for general information purposes only, and do not guarantee its' correctness at all times. Trade Ocean do not accept liability for errors, omissions, and changes. For the sake of good order, please reconfirm port data with us prior to making a decision to call at a particular port.