UN/LOCODE: MQFDF📍 Martinique
Port of Fort-de-France (UN/LOCODE MQFDF)
❖ Coordinates: 14.6161°N, -61.0588°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Martinique
❖ UN/LOCODE: MQFDF
## About the Port
Fort‑de‑France (UN/LOCODE: **MQFDF**) is the principal deep‑water gateway on the French overseas department of Martinique. Situated in the capital city of Fort‑de‑France at **14.6160647 °N, ‑61.0587804 °W**, the port operates in the **America/Martinique** time zone (UTC‑4). It serves as the hub for the island’s maritime traffic, handling a mix of containerized cargo, bulk commodities, cruise ship passengers, and regional feeder services. Its strategic location in the eastern Caribbean makes it a natural transshipment point between North‑South American trade lanes, European markets, and the wider Caribbean archipelago.
Key identifiers:
| Parameter | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| **Port name** | Fort‑de‑France |
| **UN/LOCODE** | MQFDF |
| **Country** | Martinique (France) |
| **Region** | Fort‑de‑France |
| **Timezone** | America/Martinique (UTC‑4) |
| **Latitude** | 14.6160647 °N |
| **Longitude** | ‑61.0587804 °W |
| **Primary authority** | Société des Ports de la Martinique (SPM) |
The port is administered by the **Société des Ports de la Martinique**, a public‑private partnership that oversees berthing allocation, cargo handling, security, and environmental compliance in line with French and EU maritime regulations.
---
## History
The natural harbor at Fort‑de‑France has been exploited since the 17th century, initially as a military anchorage for French colonial forces. By the early 1800s, the site evolved into a commercial hub, exporting sugar, rum, and tropical fruits to Europe. The construction of the first modern quay in 1883 introduced steam‑ship capabilities, and the port’s layout was expanded under the **Plan de Modernisation du Port** (1935‑1940), which added dry‑dock facilities and a dedicated customs house.
Post‑World War II, the port underwent a series of French‑government‑driven upgrades that introduced containerization in the 1970s. The opening of the **Terminal Container de Fort‑de‑France (TCFF)** in 1978 marked the transition to intermodal logistics, enabling the handling of 6‑digit container codes and integrating the port into the global TEU (twenty‑foot equivalent unit) network.
In the 1990s, the port adopted stringent environmental standards, such as the **MARPOL Annex V** waste management protocols, and installed shore‑power for cruise vessels. The most recent modernization phase (2015‑2022) added a 3‑meter deepening of the main approach channel, reinforcing the port’s capacity to accommodate post‑Panamax vessels (up to 12 m draft) and reinforcing its role as a Caribbean transshipment hub.
For a detailed chronicle of the port’s development, see the French Ministry of Transport’s historic port dossier: https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/port-de-fort-de-france.
---
## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Main Berths
| Berth | Length (m) | Draft (m) | Primary Use |
|-------|------------|-----------|--------------|
| **Berth 1 (Container)** | 340 | 12.0 | TEU handling, refrigerated containers |
| **Berth 2 (General Cargo)** | 280 | 10.5 | Break‑bulk, project cargo |
| **Berth 3 (Ro‑Ro)** | 210 | 9.5 | Vehicles, heavy machineries |
| **Berth 4 (Cruise)** | 240 | 8.0 | Passenger liners, shore‑power |
| **Berth 5 (Bulk)** | 190 | 11.0 | Grain, petroleum products |
The **TCFF** (Terminal Container de Fort‑de‑France) offers **four on‑dock gantry cranes**, two super‑post‑Panamax cranes, and a fleet of **20 reach stackers** capable of handling up to **1,200 TEU** per day during peak periods. A modern **Rail‑to‑Ship** interface enables seamless transfer from the island’s rail‑link to the quay, reducing dwell times to under 24 hours for high‑value cargo.
### Storage & Handling
- **Yard capacity:** 30,000 m² of open‑air storage, 7,500 m² of covered warehousing, and 5,000 m² of temperature‑controlled cold storage for perishable goods (e.g., bananas, fish).
- **Bulk facilities:** 4 silos (each 30 kt) equipped with pneumatic discharge systems for cereals and an adjacent tank farm of 12 × 5 kt for petroleum and diesel.
- **Customs & Inspection:** A dedicated **Customs Express Lane** with integrated **Automated Terminal Operating System (ATOS)** reduces clearance time for pre‑cleared shipments.
### Navigation & Support
- **Approach channel:** Dredged to 13 m depth, 500 m width, with **LED‑based marine lighting** compliant with SOLAS.
- **Pilotage:** Mandatory pilot service provided by the **Martinique Pilotage Authority**, with 24‑hour standby.
- **Tug fleet:** Five ocean‑class tugs (5,000 hp each) equipped for both line‑handling and emergency response.
### Ancillary Services
- **Ship chandlery:** 24‑hour provisioning for fresh water, provisions, and bunker fuel (Marine Diesel Oil, Low‑Sulfur)
- **Repair yards:** Two dry‑dock facilities (capacity up to 250 m) capable of hull, engine, and deck repairs.
- **Environmental compliance:** On‑site **Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)** processes 1,200 m³/day, meeting EU Water Framework Directive standards.
---
## Economic Importance
Fort‑de‑France port accounts for **over 80 % of Martinique’s import volume** and **approximately 65 % of its export throughput**, making it an indispensable economic engine for the island. In 2023, the port processed **2.4 million TEU**, **4.1 million tonnes** of bulk cargo, and welcomed **1.2 million cruise passengers**.
### Key Sectors
- **Agricultural exports:** Bananas, pineapples, and specialty rum dominate the outbound container cargo, supporting the island’s agro‑industrial sector and generating an estimated **€350 million** in export earnings annually.
- **Energy imports:** The bulk terminal supplies **approximately 70 % of Martinique’s diesel and gasoline requirements**, essential for local power generation and transport.
- **Tourism:** Cruise berths contribute directly to the hospitality sector, with an average **€45 million** per year injected into local businesses (restaurants, tour operators, retail).
### Employment & Multiplier Effects
The port directly employs **≈ 1,200** personnel across operations, logistics, and administration, while indirect employment (truck drivers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, tourism services) exceeds **7,500** positions. The **Port Economic Impact Study (2022)** estimates a **GDP contribution of €1.1 billion**, representing **≈ 12 %** of Martinique’s total GDP.
### Strategic Role
Within the **Caribbean Community (CARICOM)** and the broader **Euro‑Caribbean Trade Pact**, Fort‑de‑France acts as a **gateway for EU‑bound goods** from the Lesser Antilles and a **distribution hub for Caribbean imports** reaching the French overseas territories. Its integration into the **European Single Market** ensures seamless customs procedures for goods moving between Martinique and mainland France.
---
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Principal Trade Lanes
| Origin/Destination | Primary Vessel Types | Frequency (2023) |
|--------------------|----------------------|------------------|
| **Rotterdam – Fort‑de‑France** | Container ships (Post‑Panamax) | 8 per month |
| **Miami – Fort‑de‑France** | Ro‑Ro & feeder containers | 12 per month |
| **Caracas – Fort‑de‑France** | Bulk carriers (grain, petroleum) | 6 per month |
| **Fort‑de‑France – Guadeloupe** | Feeder barges (break‑bulk) | 15 per month |
| **Fort‑de‑France – Saint Lucia** | Cruise liners (mid‑size) | 20 arrivals per year |
The **Trans‑Atlantic corridor** (Europe ↔ Caribbean) remains the backbone of container traffic, with the Rotterdam‑Fort‑de‑France route handling the majority of manufactured goods, automotive parts, and high‑value electronics. The **North‑American feeder route** connects the port to **U.S. Gulf Coast** (Houston, New Orleans) and the **East Coast** (New York, Savannah) for agricultural imports and automotive exports.
### Major Cargo Types
- **Containers:** Consumer electronics, automobiles, clothing, refrigerated fruit, and spirits.
- **Dry Bulk:** Grains (wheat, corn) imported from the United States and Canada; coal for local power stations.
- **Liquid Bulk:** Diesel, gasoline, aviation turbine fuel (ATF), and edible oils.
- **Project Cargo:** Heavy machinery for the construction sector, prefabricated modules for renewable‑energy installations (solar farms).
- **Cruise Passengers:** Seasonal influx of European and North‑American tourists, especially during the winter months (December–April).
### Emerging Trends
- **Cold‑Chain Expansion:** Investment in additional refrigerated container slots (r‑TEU) to support growing export of tropical fruits to EU markets under **EU “green‑deal”** sustainability criteria.
- **Renewables Logistics:** Growing demand for wind‑turbine components and solar panels, prompting the port to develop a **dedicated “Green Hub”** with reinforced crane capacity and on‑site assembly yards.
- **Digitalization:** Deployment of a **Port Community System (PCS)** linked to the European **eCustoms** platform, improving data exchange with customs, shipping lines, and freight forwarders.
For comprehensive operational statistics and up‑to‑date cargo profiles, refer to the World Port Source database: https://www.worldportsource.com/ports/MLT_Martinique_FORT_DE_FRANCE_4434.php.
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*This article provides a concise yet thorough overview of the Port of Fort‑de‑France, reflecting its pivotal role in Caribbean maritime commerce and its ongoing evolution toward a modern, resilient logistics hub.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
MQFDF
Country
Martinique
Province / Region
Fort-de-France
Latitude
14.616065
Longitude
-61.058780
Timezone
America/Martinique
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Fort-de-France?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Fort-de-France is MQFDF.
Where is Port of Fort-de-France located?
The Port of Fort-de-France is located in Martinique, Fort-de-France. Its coordinates are 14.6161°N, -61.0588°E.
What time zone is Port of Fort-de-France in?
Port of Fort-de-France operates in the America/Martinique time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.6 m
Wave Direction105°
Swell Height0.48 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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