UN/LOCODE: ITCAG📍 Italy
Port of Cagliari (UN/LOCODE ITCAG)
❖ Coordinates: 39.2200°N, 9.1200°E
❖ Time Zone: Europe/Rome
❖ UN/LOCODE: ITCAG
## About the Port
The Port of **Cagliari** (UN/LOCODE: **IT CAG**) is the primary maritime gateway of Sardinia, situated on the island’s southern coastline at 39.22 ° N, 9.12 ° E. Operated by the **Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Tirreno Centrale**, the port occupies the historic **Cagliari Marina** area and stretches across the natural **Cagliari Bay**, providing deep‑water access to the **Gulf of Cagliari**. Its strategic position enables efficient connectivity between the Mediterranean basin and the broader European logistics network, serving as a critical hub for containerized cargo, roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) services, and bulk commodity transfers.
Key logistical attributes include:
* **Maximum draught:** 16.5 m (berth depth) – accommodating large container vessels and tankers.
* **Berth length:** Up to 400 m, supporting multiple simultaneous berths.
* **Terminal area:** Approximately 120 ha, featuring modern handling yards and container storage zones.
* **Customs & customs‑related facilities:** Integrated customs office, bonded warehouses, and a free‑trade zone (FTZ) to streamline post‑clearance operations.
The port benefits from proximity to major European transport corridors, being linked to the **Port of Genoa**, **Port of Palermo**, and **Port of Naples** via regular feeder services. Its location within the **Europe/Rome** timezone ensures seamless scheduling with inland rail and road networks, reinforcing Cagliari’s role as a pivotal node in the **Mediterranean shipping** supply chain.
*External references:* Port Authority of Cagliari – Official Website↗ | UN/LOCODE Search – ITCAG↗
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## History
The maritime history of Cagliari dates back to antiquity, when the Carthaginians and later the Romans recognized the natural harbor as a strategic asset. During the **Middle Ages**, Cagliari served as the capital of the **Kingdom of Sardinia**, fostering trade in salt, wine, and timber.
*In the early 20th century*, the port underwent modernization under the **Italian Royal Navy**, adopting electric cranes and mechanized handling equipment. Post‑World War II reconstruction emphasized expansion of container facilities, driven by the surge in global trade.
Key milestones include:
1. **1968:** inauguration of the first container terminal, enabling direct container handling.
2. **1997:** establishment of the **Free Trade Zone**, attracting multinational logistics operators.
3. **2015:** launch of the **Cagliari Maritime Hub Project**, a €150 million investment to upgrade berth capacities and integrate automated yard management systems.
These developments reflect Cagliari’s evolution from a regional ship‑building centre to a **multimodal, global‑scale port** capable of handling diverse cargo types while adhering to stringent environmental standards.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Container Terminal
The container terminal features **four deep‑water berths** equipped with quay walls ranging from 250 – 350 m in length. **Ship‑to‑Shore (STS) gantry cranes** of up to 40 tonne capacity enable rapid loading and unloading, while **straddle carriers** and **RTGs** provide efficient yard movements. The terminal incorporates **automated gate systems** and **real‑time vessel‑berth allocation software**, optimizing berth utilization and reducing dwell times.
### Bulk & Liquid Terminals
Two dedicated bulk and liquid terminals support the export of **sulphur**, **fertilizers**, and **petroleum products**. These terminals are equipped with **conveyors**, **pipelines**, and **loading arms**, allowing bulk shipments at rates up to 5,000 tonnes per hour. A specialized **petrochemical berth** (Berth 7) accommodates **VLCC** and **Supertanker** movements under strict safety regulations.
### Roll‑On/Roll‑Off (Ro‑Ro) & Passenger Facilities
Cagliari’s **Ro‑Ro terminal** handles over 800,000 passengers annually, linking the island to mainland Italy and North Africa. Dedicated **passenger terminals** feature modern check‑in counters, customs facilities, and boarding bridges, ensuring compliance with EU security standards.
### Specialized Equipment & IT Systems
The port operates a **Marine Traffic Management System (MTMS)** integrating AIS data, weather forecasts, and vessel performance analytics. This system enhances operational safety and facilitates predictive maintenance of equipment. Additionally, **cold‑chain storage** facilities are available for perishable goods, with temperature‑controlled warehouses covering 10 ha.
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## Economic Importance
Cagliari port contributes significantly to the regional economy, accounting for roughly **15 % of Sardinia’s GDP** and providing **over 5,000 direct jobs** across logistics, customs, and ancillary services. Its activity generates an estimated **€1.2 billion** in annual turnover, supporting both primary and secondary industries such as **shipbuilding**, **automotive**, and **tourism**.
Key economic indicators include:
| Indicator | Value (2023) |
|-----------|--------------|
| **Container throughput** | 1.3 million TEU |
| **Dry bulk cargo** | 7.8 Mt |
| **Petrochemical throughput** | 3.5 Mt |
| **Ro‑Ro passengers** | 800,000 |
| **Tonnage handled** | 35 Mt |
The port’s role as a **gateway to Sardinia’s manufacturing hubs** (e.g., automotive parts, renewable‑energy components) enhances supply‑chain resilience for both domestic and export markets. Moreover, the presence of a **Free Trade Zone** attracts **foreign direct investment (FDI)**, encouraging the establishment of logistics service providers and distribution centers.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Cagliari serves as a pivotal node in **Mediterranean shipping lanes**, linking Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Levant. Dominant trade corridors include:
* **Northern Italy ↔ Sardinia ↔ Tunis (Tunisia)** – facilitating container exchanges for Italian automotive and textile sectors.
* **France ↔ Sardinia ↔ Algeria** – supporting agricultural imports (e.g., olives, citrus) and maritime passenger traffic.
* **Western Mediterranean ↔ Adriatic Sea** – acting as a conduit for bulk commodities such as **iron ore** and **cement**.
### Principal Cargo Types
| Cargo Type | Annual Volume | Typical Vessel | Remarks |
|------------|---------------|----------------|---------|
| **Containers (TEU)** | 1.3 Mt | 12,000‑20,000 TEU ships | Core trade corridor to EU markets |
| **Dry Bulk (ores, grain)** | 2.9 Mt | Bulk carriers 15,000‑30,000 DWT | Feeds Sardinian steel mills |
| **Petroleum & LNG** | 3.5 Mt | VLCC, LNG carriers | Supplies regional power plants |
| **Agricultural Products** | 0.8 Mt | General cargo | Citrus, olives, wine exports |
| **Ro‑Ro Cargo** | 800,000 pax | Ferries | Passenger & vehicle transport |
The port’s **intermodal connectivity** enables seamless transfer between sea, rail (via the **Sardinian railway network**), and road (A22 motorway), fostering efficient door‑to‑door logistics solutions.
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Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
ITCAG
Country
Italy
Province / Region
Cagliari
Latitude
39.220000
Longitude
9.120000
Timezone
Europe/Rome
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Cagliari?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Cagliari is ITCAG.
Where is Port of Cagliari located?
The Port of Cagliari is located in Italy, Cagliari. Its coordinates are 39.2200°N, 9.1200°E.
What time zone is Port of Cagliari in?
Port of Cagliari operates in the Europe/Rome 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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