UN/LOCODE: ZAELS📍 South Africa
Port of East London (UN/LOCODE ZAELS)
❖ Coordinates: -33.0292°N, 27.8546°E
❖ Time Zone: Africa/Johannesburg
❖ UN/LOCODE: ZAELS
## About the Port
The Port of East London, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, is a significant maritime facility that plays a crucial role in the country's economy. With its strategic position on the south-eastern coast of Africa, the port serves as a vital gateway for international trade and commerce. The port's UN/LOCODE, ZAELS, is a unique identifier used in international trade and transport to facilitate efficient customs clearance and logistics operations. The port's timezone, Africa/Johannesburg, is aligned with the rest of the country, ensuring seamless coordination with other ports and logistics hubs. The port's coordinates, -33.0291582 Latitude and 27.8545867 Longitude, place it in a prime location for maritime trade, with easy access to major shipping lanes.
The Port of East London is operated by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), a state-owned entity responsible for managing and operating South Africa's ports. The TNPA is committed to providing world-class port services, ensuring the efficient and safe movement of cargo and vessels through the port. For more information on the TNPA and its operations, visit their official website↗.
### Port Operations
The port operates 24/7, with a team of experienced professionals managing port operations, including vessel traffic management, cargo handling, and maintenance. The port's operations are supported by a range of equipment, including cranes, forklifts, and trucks, ensuring the efficient handling of cargo. The port also has a range of facilities, including warehouses, workshops, and offices, to support the needs of shipping lines, cargo owners, and other port users.
## History
The Port of East London has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, when it was first established as a small harbor. Over the years, the port has undergone significant development and expansion, driven by the growth of international trade and the need for efficient and reliable port facilities. In the early 20th century, the port was upgraded with the construction of a new harbor and the installation of modern cargo handling equipment. Further expansions and upgrades were undertaken in the latter part of the 20th century, including the construction of a new container terminal and the introduction of advanced cargo handling systems.
The port's history is closely tied to the development of the Eastern Cape region, which has a strong tradition of maritime trade and commerce. The port has played a significant role in the region's economic growth, providing employment opportunities and supporting the development of local industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and mining. Today, the Port of East London is a major contributor to the regional economy, generating significant revenue and employment opportunities.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
The Port of East London has a range of modern infrastructure and facilities, designed to support the efficient and safe handling of cargo and vessels. The port's infrastructure includes:
* A deep-water harbor, with a maximum draft of 12.1 meters, allowing for the accommodation of large vessels
* A range of berths, including container, bulk, and breakbulk berths, catering to different types of cargo
* Modern cargo handling equipment, including cranes, forklifts, and trucks, ensuring efficient and safe cargo handling operations
* Warehouses and storage facilities, providing secure and convenient storage for cargo
* Workshops and maintenance facilities, supporting the repair and maintenance of vessels and equipment
The port also has a range of facilities to support the needs of shipping lines, cargo owners, and other port users, including offices, meeting rooms, and recreational facilities. The port's facilities are designed to meet international standards, ensuring the efficient and safe handling of cargo and vessels.
### Security Measures
The Port of East London has a range of security measures in place to ensure the safe and secure handling of cargo and vessels. The port is surrounded by a secure perimeter fence, with access controlled by gates and security personnel. The port also has a range of surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras and motion detectors, to monitor and respond to security threats. Additionally, the port has a dedicated security team, responsible for enforcing security protocols and responding to emergencies.
## Economic Importance
The Port of East London plays a significant role in the economy of the Eastern Cape region and South Africa as a whole. The port is a major contributor to the regional economy, generating significant revenue and employment opportunities. The port also supports the development of local industries, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and mining, by providing access to international markets and facilitating the importation of raw materials and equipment.
The port's economic importance is also reflected in its contribution to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). According to a study by the South African Maritime Safety Authority↗, the maritime sector, including ports, shipping, and logistics, contributes around 10% to South Africa's GDP. The Port of East London is a significant contributor to this sector, supporting the growth of international trade and commerce.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
The Port of East London is strategically located on major trade routes, connecting South Africa to international markets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The port is an important hub for the importation and exportation of cargo, including:
* Containers, carrying a range of goods, including manufactured products, automotive vehicles, and electronics
* Bulk cargo, including commodities such as coal, iron ore, and grain
* Breakbulk cargo, including project cargo, such as construction equipment and machinery
* Vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses
The port's major trade routes include the Asia-Europe trade route, the Americas-Africa trade route, and the Africa-Asia trade route. The port is also an important hub for regional trade, supporting the growth of trade between South Africa and its neighboring countries. The port's trade routes and cargo volumes make it a significant contributor to the country's economy, supporting the growth of international trade and commerce.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
ZAELS
Country
South Africa
Province / Region
Eastern Cape
Latitude
-33.029158
Longitude
27.854587
Timezone
Africa/Johannesburg
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of East London?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of East London is ZAELS.
Where is Port of East London located?
The Port of East London is located in South Africa, Eastern Cape. Its coordinates are -33.0292°N, 27.8546°E.
What time zone is Port of East London in?
Port of East London operates in the Africa/Johannesburg time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height1.56 m
Wave Direction130°
Swell Height1.18 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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