UN/LOCODE: BSNAS📍 Bahamas
Port of Nassau (UN/LOCODE BSNAS)
❖ Coordinates: 25.0800°N, -77.3500°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Nassau
❖ UN/LOCODE: BSNAS
## About the Port
Nassau Port (UN/LOCODE: BSNAS), situated along the southwestern coast of New Providence Island in the Bahamas, represents one of the Caribbean's most strategically significant maritime gateways. Positioned at coordinates 25.08°N latitude and 77.35°W longitude, this deep-water facility serves as the primary maritime gateway for the Bahamian archipelago, handling approximately 1.2 million metric tons of cargo annually. The port operates within the America/Nassau timezone and functions under the administrative oversight of the Bahamas Ports Authority, established under the Ports and Harbours Act.
The port complex encompasses multiple terminals, including the dedicated container terminal, bulk cargo facilities, and specialized cruise ship berths. With a maximum vessel draft of 14 meters, Nassau accommodates Panamax-class container ships and various bulk carriers, making it a versatile maritime asset for both commercial and recreational vessel traffic.
## History
The maritime heritage of Nassau extends back to the colonial period when the settlement served as a crucial waypoint for Spanish treasure fleets traversing the Atlantic. During the 18th century, Nassau evolved into a notorious piracy haven, earning recognition as the "Crabby Port" among Caribbean corsairs. The British reestablished control in 1717, transforming the harbor into a legitimate commercial center.
Modern port development began in earnest during the 1970s, coinciding with the Bahamas' emergence as a significant tourism destination. The construction of dedicated container facilities in 1985 marked a pivotal transition toward containerization, while subsequent expansions in 2003 and 2012 enhanced capacity and modernized equipment. The port achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management in 2018, reflecting adherence to international maritime standards.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
Nassau Port comprises three primary operational zones: the Container Terminal, Bulk Cargo Area, and Cruise Infrastructure. The container terminal spans 45 hectares with a quay length of 1,200 meters, equipped with 16 rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes and 24 reach stackers. Recent infrastructure upgrades include a state-of-the-art cargo management system compliant with IMO standards for automated vessel guidance.
The bulk cargo facilities handle approximately 800,000 metric tons annually, specializing in limestone, salt, and petroleum products. These facilities feature covered storage silos with a combined capacity of 180,000 cubic meters and reinforced loading berths suitable for vessels up to 20,000 deadweight tonnage.
Cruise infrastructure includes three dedicated passenger terminals capable of accommodating vessels exceeding 3,000 passengers. Advanced passenger flow management systems, including biometric screening capabilities, enhance security protocols while maintaining operational efficiency.
## Economic Importance
Nassau Port underpins 12% of the Bahamian economy, generating approximately $1.8 billion USD in annual economic output. The port facilitates critical imports including foodstuffs, construction materials, and manufactured goods, while exporting limestone, phosphate rock, and refined petroleum products. Container throughput accounts for 65% of total cargo volume, with 1,800 vessel calls recorded in 2023.
The facility directly employs 450 maritime workers, with indirect employment supporting an additional 3,200 jobs across logistics, transportation, and related services. Strategic partnerships with global shipping lines including Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM ensure consistent service levels for international trade participants.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Nassau operates key trade lanes connecting to major North American ports including Miami, New York, and Charleston, alongside regular services to Central and South American destinations. The primary cargo categories reflect the nation's import-dependent economy:
**Container Cargo (65%)**: Electronics, textiles, vehicles, and consumer goods predominantly sourced from East Asia and domestic U.S. markets.
**Bulk Commodities (25%)**: Calcium carbonate and phosphate rock from Bahamas quarries, petroleum products from regional refineries, and salt exports to industrial markets.
**Ro-Ro & Breakbulk (8%)**: Automobile shipments, construction equipment, and project cargo supporting infrastructure development.
**Cruise Passenger Traffic (2%)**: Over 3.5 million cruise passengers transited through Nassau in 2023, representing the port's most visible economic contribution to tourism revenues.
The port's strategic location on the primary trans-Atlantic shipping route ensures optimal connectivity for time-sensitive cargo movements, with average dwell times reduced through implementation of just-in-time delivery protocols. Bahamas Ports Authority Official Statistics↗ | Caribbean Maritime Union Data↗
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
BSNAS
Country
Bahamas
Province / Region
New Providence
Latitude
25.080000
Longitude
-77.350000
Timezone
America/Nassau
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
Loading Map...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Nassau?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Nassau is BSNAS.
Where is Port of Nassau located?
The Port of Nassau is located in Bahamas, New Providence. Its coordinates are 25.0800°N, -77.3500°E.
What time zone is Port of Nassau in?
Port of Nassau operates in the America/Nassau time zone.
Scanning Local Infrastructure...
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.
📍 Nearby Ports
Other maritime facilities geographically close to Nassau.
Freeport, Grand Bahama
Bahamas • 208 km awayMiami
United States • 295 km awayPort Everglades
United States • 301 km awayFort Lauderdale
United States • 302 km away