UN/LOCODE: MMRGN📍 Myanmar
Port of Yangon (UN/LOCODE MMRGN)
❖ Coordinates: 16.8661°N, 96.1951°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Rangoon
❖ UN/LOCODE: MMRGN
## About the Port
The Port of Yangon (UN/LOCODE: MMRGN), located in Myanmar’s Yangon Region, serves as the nation’s principal seaport and maritime gateway. Situated along the northern bank of the Yangon River, approximately 25 kilometers inland from the South Channel leading to the Andaman Sea via the Bay of Bengal, the port leverages its strategic position to facilitate domestic and international trade. Coordinates (16.8660694°N, 96.1951320°E) place it within a tropical monsoon climate zone, influencing seasonal operational considerations. The port handles over 90% of Myanmar’s maritime cargo, acting as a critical node for the country’s economic integration with global markets. It operates under the Yangon Port Authority, with Thilawa Port—partially developed since 2016—planned to enhance capacity and reduce congestion in urban areas.
## History
Yangon’s maritime significance dates to the 16th century, when it emerged as a key trading hub under the Konbaung Dynasty. The British colonial era (1852–1948) transformed the port into a major commercial center, capitalizing on its access to the Irrawaddy River delta. Post-independence, the port prioritized rebuilding infrastructure damaged during World War II, establishing it as the backbone of Myanmar’s export economy by the mid-20th century. Political isolation under military rule (1962–2011) limited foreign investment in modernization, though reforms post-2011 initiated upgrades. Thilawa Port’s development, supported by Japan, reflects recent efforts to align with international shipping standards and address growing demand.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
The Port of Yangon comprises two primary operational zones: the historic downtown terminal and Thilawa Port. The downtown facility handles general cargo, bulk commodities, and containers, while Thilawa’s 1,000-hectare integrated zone focuses on container and multi-purpose terminal operations. Key features include:
- **Container Terminals**: Equipped with gantry cranes and yard stacking systems, though limited to below 500,000 TEUs annually due to aging infrastructure.
- **Bulk Handling**: Dedicated berths for rice, pulses, and minerals, supported by silos and covered storage facilities.
- **Depth**: Yangon River’s natural depth ranges between 9–12 meters, restricting draft for large vessels; dredging projects aim to expand this.
- **Connectivity**: Linked to the Indian Ocean via a 65-kilometer-long navigable channel, requiring tidal coordination for deep-draft ships.
Thilawa, designed to accommodate 1.1 million TEUs annually, features advanced logistics parks and rail-road intermodal connections, though full operational capacity remains under development.
## Economic Importance
As Myanmar’s largest port, Yangon facilitates 80% of the nation’s foreign trade. It handles critical exports including rice, teak timber, and seafood, while importing machinery, petroleum products, and consumer goods. The port contributes roughly 5% to Myanmar’s GDP and supports over 100,000 jobs directly and indirectly. Its operations underpin the Yangon Industrial Zone, a hub for manufacturing and logistics. Additionally, the port’s role in the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (part of the Belt and Road Initiative) underscores its geopolitical significance, linking maritime trade with landlocked Yunnan Province. Seasonal fluctuations in cargo volumes, particularly during monsoons, highlight vulnerabilities in infrastructure and efficiency, spurring modernization efforts.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Yangon’s trade routes primarily connect Southeast Asia to South Asia and the Middle East. Key partners include China, India, Thailand, and Singapore, with major cargo categories including:
- **Containerized Goods**: Electronics, textiles, construction materials, and finished products dominate imports, while exports include pulses, rubber, and handicrafts.
- **Bulk Cargo**: Rice and fertilizers are top agricultural exports; petroleum products like diesel and crude oil lead imports.
- **Breakbulk & RoRo**: Vehicles, machinery, and steel products utilize roll-on/roll-off services.
The port’s proximity to the Malacca Strait—a conduit for 25% of global shipping traffic—positions it to capitalize on transshipment opportunities. However, inadequate hinterland connectivity and port congestion hinder efficiency. Recent investments in Thilawa and partnerships with Japanese and Indian contractors aim to streamline operations. For updates on maritime developments, the Myanmar Ministry of Transport↗ and UNCTAD’s port databases↗ provide authoritative insights into ongoing upgrades and trade analytics.
Yangon’s evolution reflects Myanmar’s broader economic ambitions, balancing legacy infrastructure challenges with transformative expansion projects to secure its role in regional and global maritime networks.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
MMRGN
Country
Myanmar
Province / Region
Yangon Region
Latitude
16.866069
Longitude
96.195132
Timezone
Asia/Rangoon
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Yangon?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Yangon is MMRGN.
Where is Port of Yangon located?
The Port of Yangon is located in Myanmar, Yangon Region. Its coordinates are 16.8661°N, 96.1951°E.
What time zone is Port of Yangon in?
Port of Yangon operates in the Asia/Rangoon 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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