UN/LOCODE: AUPAE📍 Australia
Port of Port Adelaide (UN/LOCODE AUPAE)
❖ Coordinates: -34.8477°N, 138.5074°E
❖ Time Zone: Australia/Adelaide
❖ UN/LOCODE: AUPAE
## About the Port
Port Adelaide (UN/LOCODE: **AUPAE**) is the primary maritime gateway serving South Australia’s capital city and its surrounding industrial precincts. Situated at approximately **‑34.8477448° S, 138.5073616° E**, the port occupies the north‑eastern shoreline of the Gulf St Vincent, providing direct access to both domestic and international shipping lanes. Its strategic location—midway between the major east‑coast hubs of Sydney and Melbourne and the western ports of Perth and Fremantle—positions it as a critical conduit for cargo moving between the Asia‑Pacific region, Europe, and the Americas.
The port operates under the oversight of **Port Adelaide Authority**, which coordinates berth scheduling, customs clearance, and security protocols. Its deep‑water draft of **13 metres** accommodates a wide range of vessels, from bulk carriers and container ships to specialized offshore support vessels. The surrounding waters are part of the **Port Adelaide Pilotage Zone**, a designated area where mandatory pilotage ensures safe navigation through the narrow channel and the inner harbour’s intricate network of wharves, jetties, and berth pockets.
## History
The origins of Port Adelaide trace back to the early 19th century, when the first settlers established a modest landing point on the western side of the Gulf. By **1850**, the port had evolved into a bustling hub for wheat and wool exports, facilitating South Australia’s agricultural boom.
Key historical milestones include:
- **1880s–1900s**: Expansion of rail connections linking the port to the hinterland, markedly increasing cargo throughput.
- **1930s**: Introduction of the first diesel‑powered tugboats, which modernised towage and improved ship handling efficiency.
- **1960s–1970s**: Major dredging campaigns deepened the main channel to accommodate larger container vessels, while the construction of the **Port Adelaide Container Terminal** (later renamed the **Port Adelaide Container Facility**) marked the shift from breakbulk to containerised trade.
- **1990s–2000s**: Implementation of automated gate systems and electronic cargo manifests, enhancing customs processing and operational transparency.
Throughout its evolution, Port Adelaide has been shaped by both commercial imperatives and infrastructural investment, reflecting the broader economic narrative of South Australia.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
Port Adelaide boasts a diversified suite of facilities designed to handle varied cargo categories:
- **Container Handling**: The **Port Adelaide Container Terminal** offers **1,200 TEU** handling capacity, equipped with **ship‑to‑shore gantry cranes**, automated stacking yards, and a **rail‑integrated logistics hub** that connects directly to the Australian National Rail network.
- **Bulk Berths**: Four dedicated bulk berths—designated **Berths 1‑4**—support the transshipment of commodities such as grain, steel, and minerals. Each berth accommodates vessels up to **250 m** in length, with a dedicated liquid bulk terminal for petroleum products.
- **Ro‑Ro and Passenger Services**: Facilities at **Fisherman’s Wharf** support roll‑on/roll‑off ferry operations and limited passenger cruise itineraries, facilitated by a dedicated passenger terminal with customs pre‑clearance capabilities.
- **Oil & Gas Support**: The **Port Adelaide Oil Terminal** provides berths for LPG carriers and offshore support vessels, with shore‑based loading arms for petroleum products.
- **Logistics Parks**: A series of **industrial parks** adjacent to the port host manufacturers, distributors, and third‑party logistics providers, enabling seamless door‑to‑door delivery after customs clearance.
All terminals incorporate **environmental mitigation measures**, including storm‑water management systems and renewable‑energy‑powered lighting, aligning with the port’s sustainability commitments.
## Economic Importance
Port Adelaide contributes substantially to the state’s economy, supporting **approximately 30,000 jobs** across direct operations and ancillary industries. In the 2023‑24 fiscal year, the port handled **~5.9 million metric tonnes** of cargo, representing **~15 % of Australia’s total export volume** for South Australian commodities.
Key economic impacts include:
- **Export Revenue**: Annual export value of **~A$ 7.5 billion**, driven by wheat, barley, copper concentrates, and wine products.
- **Supply Chain Efficiency**: By reducing inland freight distances, the port shortens logistics cycles, delivering cost savings of up to **12 %** for agricultural exporters.
- **Regional Development**: The port’s presence stimulates downstream industrial activity, particularly in **shipbuilding, steel fabrication, and equipment maintenance**.
The port also serves as a strategic node within the **National Air and Sea Transport Network (NASTN)**, facilitating the efficient movement of goods that underpin the broader Australian supply chain.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Core Trade Corridors
Port Adelaide maintains regular services on several **major trade routes**:
| Origin/Destination | Primary Cargo | Typical Vessel Type |
|--------------------|---------------|---------------------|
| **Asia‑Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea)** | Containerised consumer goods, automotive parts, electronics | 8,000–12,000 TEU container ships |
| **Western Europe** | Agricultural commodities (wheat, barley), mineral sands | Bulk carriers (30,000–50,000 DWT) |
| **North America (USA, Canada)** | Coal, iron ore concentrates, LNG carriers | Panamax‑type bulk carriers |
| **Australia’s East Coast** | Road‑rail freight transshipments, livestock exports | General cargo and Ro‑Ro vessels |
The port’s **daily pilotage schedule** accommodates up to **30 voyages per week**, reflecting its high utilisation and the efficient coordination of tug and pilot services.
### Principal Cargo Types
- **Agricultural Bulk** (wheat, barley, canola): South Australia’s status as a global grain exporter yields **~2.5 million tonnes** of cargo annually.
- **Metals & Minerals** (copper concentrates, iron ore): Export contracts with Asian steel manufacturers result in **≈1.2 million tonnes** shipped each year.
- **Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) & Oil** (for domestic refineries and export): The oil terminal processes **≈500,000 m³** of product annually.
- **Containers** (electronics, textiles, automotive components): The container terminal’s throughput reached **~560,000 TEU** in 2023, underscoring its role as a critical node for South Australian import‑export activities.
These cargo streams are supported by **integrated customs clearance**, **cold‑chain logistics** for perishable exports, and **real‑time vessel tracking** systems that enhance transparency for stakeholders.
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*For additional details, consult the official Port Adelaide Authority website*【https://www.portadelaide.com.au/**】*and the United Nations LOCUNode listing for AUPAE*【https://unece.org/locode/aupae**】.
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Through a blend of historical resilience, modern infrastructure, and strategic trade linkages, Port Adelaide remains an indispensable pillar of Australia’s maritime economy, poised to support the nation’s future growth in global commerce.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
AUPAE
Country
Australia
Province / Region
South Australia
Latitude
-34.847745
Longitude
138.507362
Timezone
Australia/Adelaide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Port Adelaide?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Port Adelaide is AUPAE.
Where is Port of Port Adelaide located?
The Port of Port Adelaide is located in Australia, South Australia. Its coordinates are -34.8477°N, 138.5074°E.
What time zone is Port of Port Adelaide in?
Port of Port Adelaide operates in the Australia/Adelaide time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.42 m
Wave Direction238°
Swell Height0.42 m
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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