UN/LOCODE: DKCPH📍 Denmark

Port of Kobenhavn (UN/LOCODE DKCPH)

❖ Coordinates: 55.6700°N, 12.5800°E

❖ Time Zone: Europe/Copenhagen

❖ UN/LOCODE: DKCPH

## About the Port ### Overview Kobenhavn (Copenhagen) is the principal seaport of Denmark, coded **DKCPH** by the UN/LOCODE system. Located on the eastern shore of the island of Zealand, the port sits at coordinates **55.67 N, 12.58 E** and is administered by the Port of Copenhagen A/S. The facility serves as a critical gateway for maritime traffic between Northern Europe, the Baltic region, and the broader Atlantic routes. In 2023, the port handled over **6.5 million TEU** of container cargo, making it the second‑largest container hub in the Nordic region after Hamburg. The port’s hinterland encompasses the capital region of **Hovedstaden** and extends inland via the Danish inland waterway network, linking to the Great Belt fixed link and the Øresund Bridge. This connectivity enables seamless intermodal transfers between sea, rail, and road transport. ### Location & Access Positioned at the mouth of the Copenhagen Harbor, the port benefits from a deep‑water fairway of **9.5 m draft**, allowing Panamax‑class vessels up to **12,000 TEU** to berth directly at the container terminal. The harbor is protected by a series of breakwaters and jetties constructed in the 19th and 20th centuries. Modern navigation aids, including GPS‑based lane marking and real‑time AIS broadcasting, support 24‑hour operations. The access channel is maintained by the Danish Coastal Authority, ensuring continuity of service even during adverse weather. The port is linked to the European motorway network via the **E20 (Øresundsbron)** and the Danish national road system, facilitating efficient cargo flow to and from the hinterland. ### Terminal Operations The container terminal at Kobenhavn is operated by **APM Terminals Copenhagen**, one of the world’s largest terminal operators. The facility comprises four berths with a total length of **1,200 m**, capable of handling vessels up to **16,000 TEU**. Automated gantry cranes and a state‑of‑the‑art container storage yard with a capacity of **130,000 TEU** enable rapid handling times, averaging under **30 minutes per move**. In addition to containers, the port hosts a modern ferry hub that services routes to Gedser and Rostock, reinforcing the North Sea‑Baltic corridor. The ferry operations are integrated with the railway network via the cash‑free “Øresundståg” trains, which provide direct passenger and freight connections across the Øresund bridge. Port of Copenhagen↗ provides up‑to‑date vessel arrival data, berth schedules, and statistical reports for professionals and researchers. ## History ### Early Development Copenhagen’s maritime significance dates back to the Viking Age when the settlement’s natural harbor served as a defensive and trading hub. The medieval port was fortified with the construction of the Citadel and the Copenhagen Castle, establishing the city as a strategic naval base for the Danish Crown. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the harbor was expanded to accommodate the Danish East India Company’s vessels, fostering trade with Asia and the Caribbean. The introduction of the first lighthouse in 1620 and the excavation of the Stadsgraven canal improved navigation safety and cargo handling. ### Modernization The 19th century brought dramatic transformation. In 1864, after the Second Schleswig War, Denmark invested heavily in modern docking infrastructure, including the Nyhavn pontoon dock and the **Freeport of Copenhagen (Frihavn)**, which opened in 1894 to handle bulk goods without customs interference. The Freeport introduced the concept of “free port” status, attracting international merchants and stimulating industrial growth. The early 20th century saw the construction of the Frederikshavn–Kobenhavn railway line and the expansion of the internal waterways, linking the city to the inland network. World War I and II caused temporary disruptions, but post‑war reconstruction accelerated the port’s mechanization, replacing manual labor with steam‑powered cranes and early conveyor systems. ### Recent Trends Since the 1990s, Kobenhavn has undergone a digital overhaul. The implementation of the “PortVision” integrated management system in 2005 streamlined cargo handling, berth allocation, and environmental reporting. Environmental stewardship became a priority, with the port achieving **ISO 14001** certification and investing in shore power (cold ironing) facilities to reduce emissions from berthed vessels. The opening of the Copenhagen Malmö Port joint venture in 2007 further integrated the Øresund region, creating a unified logistics platform that serves both Danish and Swedish markets. This collaboration has been instrumental in expanding the port’s share of Baltic container traffic. ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berths & Loading Gear The port comprises nine active berths, ranging from deep‑water terminals to smaller craft docks. Four of these are dedicated container berths, each equipped with ship‑to‑shore gantry cranes capable of lifting **65‑ton containers**. The remaining berths support dry bulk, liquid bulk (oil and chemicals), and general cargo operations. All loading equipment is fitted with the latest anti‑piggybacking and load‑line monitoring systems, ensuring compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) safety standards. ### Container Handling Copenhagen’s container terminal processes a diverse cargo mix, including consumer goods, automotive parts, and refrigerated (reefer) containers. The terminal’s automated stacking yard uses stacker‑crane robots that operate 24/7, reducing human error and increasing throughput. In 2022, the terminal achieved an average equipment productivity of **30 moves per hour**. The facility also hosts a dedicated customs clearance area and a bonded warehouse, facilitating duty‑free transshipment for EU‑bound shipments. The integration with the Danish Customs and Tax Agency streamlines documentation through electronic data interchange (EDI) and the Single Window system. The terminal’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its **shore‑power installation**, which supplies 100 % renewable electricity to berthed vessels, and its participation in the Global Maritime Alliance’s carbon‑reduction program. ### Supporting Facilities Additional port services include a modern shipyard capable of dry‑dock repairs, a marine fuel supply station, and a comprehensive waste‑management system that separates hazardous materials for onshore treatment. The port’s environmental monitoring station continuously tracks water quality, noise levels, and air emissions, reporting data to the European Environment Agency. The Copenhagen Harbor also offers extensive quay‑side amenities such as hotels, restaurants, and conference centers, positioning the port as a multimodal business hub beyond pure cargo handling. ## Economic Importance The port of Kobenhavn contributes significantly to Denmark’s national economy. In 2023, port‑related activities generated approximately **€5.2 billion** in gross domestic product and supported over **25,000 jobs** directly and indirectly across the supply chain. The port’s logistics cluster attracts multinational corporations, reinforcing Denmark’s reputation as a logistics and innovation hub. Employment within the port encompasses a wide skill spectrum: from marine pilots and crane operators to logistics coordinators and environmental engineers. The port authority runs apprenticeship programs in partnership with technical colleges, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified maritime professionals. Economically, the port serves as the primary entry point for consumer electronics, automotive components, and agricultural products destined for the Scandinavian market. The strategic location on the Øresund corridor enables rapid distribution to both Danish and Swedish customers, enhancing regional competitiveness. The port’s intermodal connections with the Great Belt fixed link and the Danish rail network reduce overland transport times, lowering overall logistics costs for shippers. Environmental sustainability also yields economic benefits. The adoption of shore power and low‑sulfur fuels has not only complied with EU emission directives but also attracted green‑focused shipping lines, positioning Copenhagen as a preferred “green” port call in Northern Europe. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Container Trade Copenhagen’s container service network includes regular calls by **Maersk Line, MSC,** and **Hapag‑Lloyd** on routes linking the North Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Far East. The port also participates in the North Sea‑Baltic Feedermarket, connecting smaller Baltic ports such as Gdańsk, Riga, and Tallinn to the global network. In 2023, the top container origins were Shanghai, Hamburg, and Rotterdam, while key destinations included New York, Los Angeles, and the Gulf Coast. ### Ferry Services The ferry hub at Kobenhavn handles both passenger and freight traffic on the Copenhagen–Gedser (Denmark) and Copenhagen‑Rostock (Germany) routes. These services are integral to the Øresund Corridor, facilitating the movement of **2.5 million passengers annually** and providing a vital link for perishable goods such as fresh fish and dairy products. ### Cruise Traffic Copenhagen is a major cruise destination, attracting over **1.2 million cruise passengers per year**. The city’s historic waterfront, combined with the port’s deep‑water berths, allows large cruise ships (up to **360 m length**) to dock directly in the city center. This traffic generates significant ancillary revenue for local hotels, restaurants, and cultural institutions. ### Bulk Cargo Dry bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, and grain are handled at specialized berths. The port’s bulk terminal utilizes pneumatic conveying systems to minimize dust emissions. Liquid bulk operations include the storage and transfer of petroleum products, chemicals, and biofuels. The port’s compliance with the International Tanker Management and Design (ITMD) standards ensures safe handling of hazardous cargos. The maritime connections of Kobenhavn are further reinforced by regular regional services to Baltic ports, fostering a robust intra‑regional trade flow. The port’s strategic positioning on the Atlantic‑Baltic gateway makes it a linchpin for both European and trans‑Pacific supply chains. External Resource: Danish Maritime Authority↗

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

DKCPH

Country

Denmark

Province / Region

Hovedstaden

Latitude

55.670000

Longitude

12.580000

Timezone

Europe/Copenhagen

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Kobenhavn?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Kobenhavn is DKCPH.

Where is Port of Kobenhavn located?

The Port of Kobenhavn is located in Denmark, Hovedstaden. Its coordinates are 55.6700°N, 12.5800°E.

What time zone is Port of Kobenhavn in?

Port of Kobenhavn operates in the Europe/Copenhagen 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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