UN/LOCODE: MRNKC📍 Mauritania
Port of Nouakchott (UN/LOCODE MRNKC)
❖ Coordinates: 18.0735°N, -15.9582°E
❖ Time Zone: Africa/Nouakchott
❖ UN/LOCODE: MRNKC
## About the Port
The Port of Nouakchott (UN/LOCODE: MRNKC) serves as the primary maritime gateway for Mauritania, located along the Atlantic coast in the country’s capital city. Situated at coordinates 18.0735°N, 15.9582°W, it is the nation’s sole commercial port and a pivotal node in its economy. Operating in the Africa/Nouakchott timezone (UTC+0), the port handles critical functions such as cargo loading/unloading, customs clearance, and logistics services. As a landlocked nation during the colonial era (before 1960), Mauritania’s access to the sea was formalized post-independence, with Nouakchott emerging as the focal point for international trade.
## History
The Port of Nouakchott’s development traces back to the early 20th century under French colonial rule, though it gained prominence after Mauritania’s independence in 1960. Initially, the port functioned as a modest hub for regional trade, but its strategic location and access to the Atlantic catalyzed its growth. By the mid-20th century, improvements in infrastructure enabled the port to accommodate larger vessels, aligning with Mauritania’s post-colonial economic ambitions.
A significant milestone occurred in the 1970s when the discovery of vast iron ore deposits in the Zouerate region spurred investments in port modernization. The port was expanded to handle bulk cargo shipments, transforming it into a key exporter for the mineral-rich nation. Subsequent decades saw further upgrades, including the establishment of container terminals and specialized facilities for fishing exports, which remain a cornerstone of the local economy. Today, the port continues to evolve, with ongoing projects aimed at enhancing efficiency and capacity under initiatives like the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
The Port of Nouakchott is equipped with a blend of traditional and modern infrastructure tailored to Mauritania’s economic priorities. Key facilities include:
- **Cargo Handling Equipment**: The port features gantry cranes, conveyor belts, and specialized loading systems for dry bulk commodities such as iron ore.
- **Container Terminal**: A dedicated container yard with storage yards and stacking areas supports growing containerized trade, though capacity remains limited compared to global standards.
- **Fishing Port**: Adjacent to the commercial port, this facility processes and exports fish, leveraging Mauritania’s thriving fishing industry, which ranks among Africa’s largest.
- **Deep-Water Access**: The port accommodates vessels up to 180,000 DWT, facilitating the handling of large cargo ships destined for European and Asian markets.
- **Storage and Warehousing**: Open storage yards, silos, and cold storage units support diverse cargo types, including minerals and perishables.
Recent upgrades, such as dredging operations and digital customs systems, have improved efficiency. However, congestion during peak seasons and outdated equipment in some areas highlight the need for further investment.
## Economic Importance
Nouakchott Port is the backbone of Mauritania’s economy, contributing approximately 80% of the country’s foreign trade. Its significance stems from:
- **Mineral Exports**: Iron ore constitutes over 60% of Mauritania’s export revenue, with the port serving as the departure point for shipments to China, Europe, and India. Other minerals, including copper and uranium, also pass through.
- **Fishing Industry**: The port processes and exports fish, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing 10% of GDP. Mauritania’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) ranks among the world’s most productive, making this sector critical.
- **Imports and Trade Balance**: The port handles imports of machinery, foodstuffs, and consumer goods, vital for a country with limited domestic manufacturing. It also serves as a transit point for landlocked neighbors like Mali and Burkina Faso.
Challenges such as port congestion, limited private sector participation, and logistical bottlenecks affect productivity. Efforts to modernize infrastructure, including a $300 million expansion project funded by the African Development Bank, aim to address these issues and boost competitiveness.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Nouakchott Port connects Mauritania to global markets via key maritime routes:
- **Primary Routes**: Direct services link the port to Europe (Spain, France, Belgium), Asia (China, South Korea), and West Africa. Regional trade with Senegal and Morocco is also significant.
- **Major Cargo Types**:
- **Dry Bulk**: Iron ore accounts for ~70% of cargo volume. Other minerals and aggregates follow.
- **General Cargo**: Includes machinery, vehicles, and construction materials.
- **Fishing Products**: Frozen and fresh fish dominate perishable exports.
- **Containerized Goods**: A smaller but growing segment, comprising electronics, textiles, and food products.
The port’s strategic position along the Atlantic also enables transshipment services, though limited infrastructure restricts its role in this area. Future investments, such as expanded container terminals and logistics parks, aim to diversify trade activities and align with Mauritania’s Vision 2030 development goals.
For detailed trade statistics and port codes, refer to UN/LOCODE database↗ or PortWorld↗.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
MRNKC
Country
Mauritania
Province / Region
Nouakchott
Latitude
18.073530
Longitude
-15.958237
Timezone
Africa/Nouakchott
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Nouakchott?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Nouakchott is MRNKC.
Where is Port of Nouakchott located?
The Port of Nouakchott is located in Mauritania, Nouakchott. Its coordinates are 18.0735°N, -15.9582°E.
What time zone is Port of Nouakchott in?
Port of Nouakchott operates in the Africa/Nouakchott time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.98 m
Wave Direction310°
Swell Height0.92 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.
📍 Nearby Ports
Other maritime facilities geographically close to Nouakchott.
Nouadhibou
Mauritania • 338 km awayDakar
Senegal • 397 km awayBanjul
Gambia • 518 km awayBissau
Guinea-Bissau • 693 km away