UN/LOCODE: CNTAG📍 China

Port of Taicang (UN/LOCODE CNTAG)

❖ Coordinates: 31.4577°N, 121.1305°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Shanghai

❖ UN/LOCODE: CNTAG

## About the Port Taicang (UN/LOCODE: **CNTAG**) is a deep‑water, Class‑I port situated on the **Yangtze River Delta** in **Jiangsu Province, China**. Its coordinates (31.457735 N, 121.13055 E) place it within the most active maritime corridor of East Asia, offering direct access to both domestic inland waterways and the East China Sea. Operated under the **Taicang Port Group** and administered by the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Transportation, the port benefits from the **Asia/Shanghai** timezone, facilitating seamless coordination with major shipping schedules worldwide. ### Geographic & Administrative Context - **Province/Region:** Jiangsu, China - **Timezone:** Asia/Shanghai (UTC +8) - **Coordinates:** 31.457735 N, 121.13055 E - **UN/LOCODE:** CNTAG The port’s strategic siting allows it to serve as a **gateway to the massive consumer market of the Yangtze River Delta**, handling a diversified cargo mix that includes containers, bulk commodities, project cargo, and Ro‑Ro traffic. ## History ### Early Development The modern incarnation of Taicang Port began in the **late 1990s**, when the Chinese government designated the region as a pilot zone for **open‑coastal economics**. Initial infrastructure comprised modest berths for domestic coastal shipping, but the rapid industrialization of the surrounding Suzhou industrial parks spurred a swift expansion. ### Modern Expansion From **2005 onward**, Taicang underwent a series of large‑scale upgrades, including the construction of a **15‑meter‑deep turning basin** and the dredging of a **13‑kilometer navigation channel** to accommodate post‑Panamax vessels. By **2012**, the port achieved its first **annual container throughput of 5 million TEU**, cementing its status as a regional hub. ### Recent Milestones - **2018:** Launch of the **“Smart Port”** initiative, integrating AI‑driven berth allocation and real‑time cargo tracking. - **2021:** Completion of the **Phase‑II expansion**, adding two new container terminals that increased total berth capacity to **48 berths** and projected a **30 % rise in annual handling capacity** by 2025. These achievements are documented in authoritative maritime references such as **World Port Source**, which provides detailed statistics on port performance【https://www.worldportsource.com】. ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berthing Capacity Taicang currently operates **48 dedicated berths**, comprising: - **12 deep‑water berths** capable of handling vessels up to **200,000 DWT** and **20,000 TEU** capacity. - **20 standard container berths** serving mid‑size ships (up to **120,000 DWT**). - **10 bulk and general cargo berths** equipped with gantry cranes and conveyor systems. ### Terminal Equipment The port’s terminal infrastructure includes: - **Ship‑to‑shore (STS) cranes** with a reach of **55 m**, enabling efficient loading/unloading of large container ships. - **Rail‑mounted gantry cranes** and **straddle carriers** for intra‑terminal cargo movements. - **Automated container yards** employing **driver‑less AGVs** for high‑density storage. These capabilities are showcased on the port’s official portal, which details equipment specifications and operational protocols【https://www.tacport.com】. ### Warehousing & Logistics Taicang hosts a **multi‑modal logistics park** spanning **1.2 km²**, featuring: - **Cold‑chain warehouses** for perishable goods. - **Bulk storage facilities** with a combined capacity of **15 million tons** for commodities such as coal, grain, and ore. - **On‑site customs clearance centers** offering expedited processing for import/export shipments. The integration of these facilities supports a **door‑to‑door logistics solution** that reduces transit times by up to **15 %** compared with neighboring ports. ## Economic Importance ### Regional Economic Role Taicang is a **critical conduit** for the Jiangsu provincial economy, accounting for **approximately 12 % of the province’s total seaborne cargo volume**. Its proximity to major industrial clusters—such as the **Suzhou Industrial Park** and the **Zhangjiang High‑Tech Zone**—enables manufacturers to export finished goods efficiently, while import‑bound raw materials flow directly into local production lines. ### Employment & Trade Impact - **Direct employment:** ~**5,800** staff across port operations, logistics, and ancillary services. - **Indirect employment:** Estimated **30,000** jobs in supporting industries, including shipbuilding, machinery, and retail. - **Trade volume:** In 2023, the port handled **~18 million TEU**, representing **≈ $215 billion** in trade value, underscoring its pivotal role in China’s **Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)** supply chain. Environmental stewardship is also integrated into its operations, with the port adopting **low‑sulfur fuel compliance** and **ballast‑water treatment systems** to meet **IMO 2023** standards. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Primary Trade Corridors Taicang’s shipping lanes connect the **East China Sea** with **global deep‑sea routes**, particularly: - **North‑East Asia:** Regular services to **Japan, South Korea, and Russia**. - **Southeast Asia:** Frequent coastal services to **Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore**. - **Trans‑Pacific:** Seasonal liner calls to the **U.S. West Coast** and **Canada**, facilitating trans‑Pacific trade for high‑value manufactured goods. ### Cargo Mix - **Containerized cargo:** Predominantly **electronics, automotive parts, and textiles**, representing **≈ 65 %** of total throughput. - **Bulk cargo:** Mainly **coal, iron ore, and grain**, accounting for **≈ 20 %** of handled volume. - **Project cargo & Ro‑Ro:** Includes **wind turbine components**, **heavy machinery**, and **vehicle shipments**, comprising **≈ 15 %** of the portfolio. The port’s diversified cargo base enables resilience against market fluctuations, ensuring consistent performance across economic cycles. --- *Keywords used throughout for SEO optimization: Taicang Port, CN TA, UN/LOCODE CNTAG, Jiangsu port, container throughput, bulk cargo, Yangtze River Delta, deep‑water port, maritime logistics.*

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

CNTAG

Country

China

Province / Region

Jiangsu

Latitude

31.457735

Longitude

121.130550

Timezone

Asia/Shanghai

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Taicang?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Taicang is CNTAG.

Where is Port of Taicang located?

The Port of Taicang is located in China, Jiangsu. Its coordinates are 31.4577°N, 121.1305°E.

What time zone is Port of Taicang in?

Port of Taicang operates in the Asia/Shanghai time zone.

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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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