UN/LOCODE: ITAOI📍 Italy

Port of Ancona (UN/LOCODE ITAOI)

❖ Coordinates: 43.6300°N, 13.5000°E

❖ Time Zone: Europe/Rome

❖ UN/LOCODE: ITAOI

## About the Port The Port of Ancona (UN/LOCODE: ITAOI), strategically situated on Italy's central Adriatic coast, serves as a vital maritime gateway connecting Western Europe with the Balkans, Greece, and the wider Eastern Mediterranean. Positioned at 43.63° N latitude and 13.5° E longitude within the Marche region, it operates under the jurisdiction of the AdSP del Mare Adriatico Centrale (Port System Authority of the Central Adriatic Sea). Operating within the Europe/Rome timezone, Ancona is a multi-purpose port renowned for its significant Ro-Ro and passenger ferry traffic, alongside its growing capacity for container, bulk, and general cargo operations. Its natural harbor provides excellent protection, making it a reliable hub for maritime activities year-round. Ancona's pivotal role within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), particularly as a key node on the Baltic-Adriatic and Ionian-Adriatic corridors, underscores its importance in European logistics and trade flows. ## History The history of Ancona as a port is deeply intertwined with its geographical advantage. Founded by Greek colonists from Syracuse in the 4th century BCE, its name, derived from the Greek word for "elbow" (ankon), refers to the promontory forming its natural harbor. Under Roman rule, Ancona flourished as a crucial naval base and commercial center, evidenced by the Arch of Trajan, erected in 115 CE to commemorate the emperor's expansion of the port. Throughout the Middle Ages, Ancona maintained its maritime prowess, briefly becoming an independent maritime republic and a prominent trading post for goods traveling between East and West. Its strategic position consistently attracted various powers, including the Papal States and later the Kingdom of Italy. The port underwent significant modernization and expansion in the 19th and early 20th centuries, though it suffered substantial damage during World War II. Post-war reconstruction efforts prioritized its role as a ferry link to the Balkans and Greece, solidifying its identity as a principal "gateway to the East" and a cornerstone of Italy's Adriatic maritime infrastructure. ## Infrastructure & Facilities The Port of Ancona boasts a comprehensive array of modern infrastructure designed to handle diverse cargo and passenger flows efficiently. Key facilities include: ### Quayage and Terminals The port features over 4,000 linear meters of quay, offering specialized berths for various traffic types. The primary focus is on its extensive ferry and Ro-Ro terminals, equipped with multiple ramps to facilitate rapid loading and unloading of vehicles, trailers, and accompanying passengers. These dedicated berths cater to major ferry operators connecting Ancona to destinations across the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The port also houses a dedicated container terminal, the Ancona Container Terminal (ACT), managed by SAIMARE, which provides a key interface for containerized cargo. Multi-purpose berths are available for general cargo, project cargo, and bulk commodities, supported by ample open storage and covered warehousing. ### Equipment and Services Ancona's cargo-handling capabilities are supported by modern equipment, including ship-to-shore gantry cranes for container operations, a fleet of mobile harbour cranes (MHCs) with capacities up to 120 tons, reach stackers, and a variety of specialized lifting gear. The port offers comprehensive maritime services, including pilotage, tugboat assistance, bunkering facilities, ship chandlery, fresh water supply, and waste disposal services. Minor ship repair and maintenance services are also available. ### Depths and Access Navigational access to the port is well-maintained, with entrance channel depths generally accommodating vessels with drafts up to 9.5-10 meters, allowing for the entry of large Ro-Pax ferries and medium-sized container vessels. Internal basins and specific berths may have varying depths, which are routinely monitored and dredged to ensure safe passage. ### Intermodal Connections Ancona benefits from excellent intermodal connectivity. Direct access to the A14 motorway (Autostrada Adriatica) ensures seamless road transport links to northern and southern Italy, as well as inland European destinations. The port is also directly connected to the national rail network, facilitating efficient rail-sea intermodality for various cargo types, enhancing its logistical appeal for supply chains throughout Europe. ## Economic Importance The Port of Ancona is an indispensable economic engine for the Marche region and holds significant national importance for Italy. Its operations directly and indirectly generate thousands of jobs in logistics, transport, port services, and related industries. As a primary gateway for trade with the Balkans and Eastern Mediterranean, Ancona facilitates substantial import and export volumes, supporting regional manufacturing, agricultural, and industrial sectors. The port's robust Ro-Ro and passenger traffic also underpin a thriving tourism industry, particularly for onward travel to Greece and Croatia. Its strategic position within the TEN-T network attracts investments in logistics and distribution, further cementing its role in enhancing regional competitiveness and GDP contribution. The Port System Authority of the Central Adriatic Sea actively pursues development projects aimed at increasing capacity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability, ensuring Ancona's continued growth as a vital hub for pan-European trade and connectivity. More information on regional economic impact and development can often be found via the official Port Authority website. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo The Port of Ancona's trade routes are primarily concentrated across the Adriatic Sea, with significant connections to the Ionian Sea and beyond. Its dominance in **Ro-Pax** and **Ro-Ro** traffic is paramount, linking Italy with major ports in Greece (Patras, Igoumenitsa) and Croatia (Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik). These routes are crucial for the movement of accompanied passengers, cars, heavy goods vehicles, and unaccompanied trailers, supporting both tourism and commercial supply chains. **Major cargo types handled include:** * **Ro-Ro Cargo:** This constitutes the bulk of Ancona's throughput, encompassing new vehicles, trucks, trailers, and other wheeled machinery. * **Containers:** A growing segment, with regular feeder services connecting Ancona to larger Mediterranean hub ports. Typical containerized goods include manufactured products, foodstuffs, and consumer goods. * **General Cargo:** Diverse items such as steel products, timber, project cargo, and machinery are handled through multi-purpose berths. * **Bulk Cargo:** Both dry bulk (e.g., grains, fertilizers, aggregates) and, to a lesser extent, liquid bulk (petroleum products) are processed, albeit less prominently than Ro-Ro traffic. * **Passengers:** Ancona is one of Italy's busiest passenger ports, handling millions of ferry passengers annually, particularly during peak tourist seasons. The port serves as a critical conduit for trade between Italian industries and markets in Southeast Europe, facilitating efficient cross-border logistics. Its strong network of ferry connections also provides flexible solutions for supply chains seeking alternatives to purely land-based routes. Trends indicate a continued focus on intermodal solutions and an expansion of its reach within the Mediterranean basin, solidifying Ancona's status as a dynamic and integral part of the European maritime landscape. For detailed traffic statistics and operational insights, maritime professionals often refer to data published by European maritime transport observatories or specific port annual reports.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

ITAOI

Country

Italy

Province / Region

Ancona

Latitude

43.630000

Longitude

13.500000

Timezone

Europe/Rome

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Ancona?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Ancona is ITAOI.

Where is Port of Ancona located?

The Port of Ancona is located in Italy, Ancona. Its coordinates are 43.6300°N, 13.5000°E.

What time zone is Port of Ancona in?

Port of Ancona operates in the Europe/Rome time zone.

🌊 Live Marine Conditions

Wave Height0.14 m

Wave Direction27°

Swell Height0.1 m

Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API

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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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