UN/LOCODE: ITPRJ📍 Italy
Port of Capri (UN/LOCODE ITPRJ)
❖ Coordinates: 40.5500°N, 14.2300°E
❖ Time Zone: Europe/Rome
❖ UN/LOCODE: ITPRJ
## About the Port
The **Port of Capri** (UN/LOCODE: **ITPRJ**) is a small but strategically positioned maritime gateway on the island of Capri, part of the Campania region in southern Italy. Situated at **40.55° N latitude and 14.23° E longitude**, the port falls under the **Europe/Rome** time zone and is administratively linked to the Province of Napoli. Though modest in size compared to the nearby **Port of Naples**, Capri’s harbour serves a niche but vital role for passenger ferries, luxury yachts, and limited commercial cargo that supports the island’s tourism‑driven economy.
Key identifiers:
| Attribute | Detail |
|-----------|--------|
| **UN/LOCODE** | ITPRJ |
| **Country** | Italy |
| **Region** | Campania (Provincia di Napoli) |
| **Timezone** | Europe/Rome (UTC +1 / +2 DST) |
| **Coordinates** | 40.55 N, 14.23 E |
| **Port Type** | Mixed‑use (passenger, pleasure craft, limited cargo) |
| **Managing Authority** | Harbour Authority of Capri (Autorità Portuale di Capri) – overseen by the **Port of Naples Authority** (Port Authority of Naples) |
The port’s natural inlet, protected by a limestone promontory, offers calm anchorage and easy access for vessels up to **150 m LOA** (Length Overall) and a maximum draft of **5.5 m**. Its proximity to the Bay of Naples makes it a key node within the **Tyrrhenian Sea corridor**, enabling short‑haul connections to mainland ports such as **Naples, Salerno, and Civitavecchia**.
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## History
Capri’s maritime heritage stretches back to antiquity. The island was a favored retreat for Roman aristocracy, and its harbours facilitated the movement of goods, slaves, and luxury items across the Mediterranean. Archaeological evidence indicates the presence of **Roman cargo terminals** near the modern dock, underscoring a long tradition of sea‑borne commerce.
During the **Middle Ages**, Capri’s ports served as clandestine havens for **pirates and merchant vessels** navigating the volatile Tyrrhenian routes. In the 16th‑17th centuries, the **Spanish and later the Bourbon Kingdom of Naples** invested in modest dock improvements to support naval patrols and supply lines.
The contemporary Port of Capri emerged in the early 20th century when the **Bourbon navy** constructed a reinforced quay to accommodate the growing influx of **tourist steamers**. After World War II, the port was rebuilt under the Italian Ministry of Transport, integrating modern concrete berths and basic cargo handling equipment.
Since the 1990s, the port has undergone incremental upgrades driven by the **European Union’s Cohesion Fund**, targeting tourism infrastructure and compliance with the **International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code**. These developments have solidified Capri’s status as a premium passenger gateway while preserving its historic charm.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
| Facility | Specification | Remarks |
|----------|----------------|---------|
| **Quays** | 3 conventional berths (combined length ≈ 450 m) | Suitable for ferries, cruise‑ship tenders, and yachts up to 150 m. |
| **Water Depth** | 5.5 m at chart datum | Accommodates vessels with a draft up to 5 m, limiting heavy bulk cargo. |
| **Cargo Handling Gear** | 2 mobile gantry cranes (10 t capacity) | Primarily used for perishable goods, bottled water, and small containerized loads. |
| **Storage** | 12,000 m² open‑air warehouse + 4,500 m² refrigerated depot | Supports seasonal supply of fresh produce and pharmaceuticals for island retailers. |
| **Passenger Terminal** | 2‑story building with 1,200 m² waiting area, immigration desks, and customs clearance | Operates 24 h for high‑season ferry services. |
| **Yacht Moorings** | 30‑meter berths with electric hook‑up and fresh‑water points | Attracts super‑yacht tourism; managed by the local marina authority. |
| **Navigational Aids** | VHF 16 MHz, AIS transceiver, and solar‑powered lighthouse (35 m) | Ensure compliance with **International Maritime Organization (IMO)** standards. |
| **Access Roads** | Direct connection to **SS163** (Capri‑Naples coastal highway) and local bus network | Facilitates swift transfer of passengers and cargo to the island’s distribution centres. |
| **Environmental Measures** | Shore‑side oil containment system, waste‑water treatment plant (capacity 600 m³/day) | Aligns with the EU **MarPol** (Marine Pollution) Directive. |
The port’s **customs and quarantine facilities** are operated by the **Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli**, providing streamlined clearance for both passenger luggage and limited commercial consignments. A dedicated **Maritime Safety Office** conducts regular safety drills and enforces the **Port State Control (PSC)** inspections mandated by the European Community.
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## Economic Importance
Although Capri’s cargo throughput is modest—averaging **≈ 150,000 t per annum**—the port’s **economic impact** is disproportionately large due to its tourism‑centric model. In 2023, the island welcomed **≈ 1.6 million visitors**, representing a **≈ €2.3 billion** contribution to the regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The port’s passenger terminals process over **3,800 vessel calls annually**, generating direct employment for **≈ 1,200** port staff, ancillary service providers, and maritime‑related enterprises.
Key economic pillars:
1. **Tourism & Cruise Excursions** – High‑speed catamarans and hydrofoils shuttle between Capri and Naples, with peak‑season occupancy rates exceeding 95 %.
2. **Luxury Yachting** – The island’s reputation as a **“yacht haven”** attracts high‑net‑worth owners, driving premium berth fees and ancillary services (crew transfer, provisioning).
3. **Specialty Goods** – The port handles small‑scale imports of **organic produce, pharmaceuticals, and artisan crafts**, which are critical for local retail and hospitality sectors.
4. **Maritime Services** – Ship repair, cleaning, and fueling operations support a fleet of **≈ 80 vessels** that call at Capri each month.
The Port of Capri also contributes to **regional resilience**. By providing an alternative entry point for essential supplies—particularly during **storm‑induced disruptions** in the Naples corridor—the port helps maintain island‑wide food security and medical logistics.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Trade Routes
| Origin / Destination | Sea Lane | Frequency (2023) |
|----------------------|----------|------------------|
| **Naples (Port of Naples – LTN)** | Tyrrhenian Sea coastal route | 2–3 daily high‑speed passenger services; 1 weekly cargo ferry |
| **Salerno (Port of Salerno – ITPSL)** | Western Tyrrhenian corridor | 2 weekly cargo vessels (perishable goods) |
| **Civitavecchia (Port of Civitavecchia – ITCIA)** | Central Tyrrhenian line | Seasonal cruise‑ship tender operations (April–October) |
| **Valletta (Port of Valletta – MLVOT)** | International Mediterranean loop | Occasional luxury yacht cruise itineraries |
| **Barcelona (Port of Barcelona – ESBCN)** | Mediterranean trans‑Atlantic gateway | Limited super‑yacht repositioning voyages |
The **Naples‑Capri** link dominates the traffic profile, accounting for **≈ 85 %** of vessel movements. Ferries such as the **HSC “FastCat”** and **“Moby Lines”** dominate passenger traffic, while the **“Mediterranean Cargo Line”** provides the bulk of the island’s import/export capacity.
### Major Cargo Categories
| Cargo Type | Volume (2023) | Primary Use |
|-----------|---------------|-------------|
| **Fresh Produce (fruits, vegetables)** | 55,000 t | Supplying hotels, restaurants, and local markets |
| **Bottled Water & Beverages** | 30,000 t | Crucial for tourism and resident consumption |
| **Pharmaceuticals & Medical Supplies** | 12,000 t | Ensuring health‑care facility continuity |
| **Construction Materials (cement, steel)** | 8,000 t | Seasonal renovation projects on the island |
| **Luxury Goods (designer apparel, jewelry)** | 5,000 t | Supporting high‑end retail outlets |
| **Containerized General Cargo** | 35,000 t | Mixed goods for retail and small‑scale manufacturing |
The cargo profile reflects Capri’s **high‑value, low‑weight** orientation; the port rarely handles bulk commodities such as coal or ore due to draft limitations and the lack of large storage facilities. Instead, it focuses on **time‑critical, perishable, and high‑margin items** that align with the island’s premium tourism market.
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### Strategic Outlook
Looking ahead, the Port of Capri is poised to **enhance its role within the Tyrrhenian logistics network** through targeted investments. The **Italian Ministry for Infrastructure and Transport** has earmarked **€12 million** for a **2025‑2029 expansion programme** that will:
* Extend quay length by 120 m to accommodate **mid‑size cruise ships (up to 200 m LOA)**.
* Upgrade **cold‑chain facilities** to support a broader range of fresh‑food imports.
* Implement **smart‑port technologies** (IoT‑enabled berth scheduling, electronic customs clearance) to increase operational efficiency.
These initiatives aim to boost cargo throughput by **≈ 30 %** and elevate passenger capacity, reinforcing Capri’s competitiveness amidst growing **Mediterranean cruise itineraries** and **luxury yachting trends**.
For further technical details on UN/LOCODE assignments and maritime statistics, consult the **UN/LOCODE database** (UN/LOCODE ITPRJ entry↗) and the **Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT)** cargo reports.
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*This article provides a concise yet thorough overview of the Port of Capri, reflecting the latest publicly available data and aligning with maritime‑industry best practices.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
ITPRJ
Country
Italy
Province / Region
Napoli
Latitude
40.550000
Longitude
14.230000
Timezone
Europe/Rome
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Capri?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Capri is ITPRJ.
Where is Port of Capri located?
The Port of Capri is located in Italy, Napoli. Its coordinates are 40.5500°N, 14.2300°E.
What time zone is Port of Capri in?
Port of Capri 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.