UN/LOCODE: USPCV📍 United States
Port of Port Canaveral (UN/LOCODE USPCV)
❖ Coordinates: 28.2400°N, -80.3600°E
❖ Time Zone: America/New_York
❖ UN/LOCODE: USPCV
## About the Port
Port Canaveral, identified by UN/LOCODE USPCV, represents one of Florida's most strategically significant maritime gateways. Situated along the southeastern coast of the United States at coordinates 28.24°N latitude and 80.36°W longitude, this deep-water port operates within the America/New_York timezone framework, providing optimal accessibility for both domestic and international shipping operations.
The port's geographical positioning offers exceptional advantages for maritime commerce, situated approximately 65 nautical miles southeast of Cape Canaveral and 15 miles southeast of Cocoa Beach. This location provides direct access to the Atlantic Ocean through the Kennedy Space Center inlet system, enabling efficient vessel navigation without requiring passage through congested canal systems. The port encompasses over 20,000 acres of developed waterfront area, with depths reaching 42 feet at mean lower low water, accommodating Panamax-sized vessels and larger post-Panamax cargo ships.
## History
Port Canaveral's maritime heritage traces back to early indigenous settlements along the Indian River Lagoon system, where Native American communities utilized the natural harbor for fishing and transportation. European exploration began in the early 16th century, though systematic commercial development didn't commence until the late 19th century.
The transformation from natural harbor to commercial port accelerated significantly following World War II, when the U.S. Navy recognized the strategic importance of the facility for military operations. The port officially opened for commercial cargo operations in 1948, initially focusing on phosphate exports and citrus products characteristic of Florida's Space Coast economy.
Major infrastructure development milestones included the construction of deep-water berths in the 1960s to accommodate growing cargo volumes, followed by specialized facilities for automotive assembly plant imports during the 1970s and 1980s. The port's evolution into a multi-purpose facility intensified during the 1990s with the establishment of the NASA Automated Transponder System, enhancing vessel traffic management capabilities.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
Port Canaveral operates as a sophisticated maritime complex featuring multiple specialized terminals and supporting infrastructure. The facility encompasses three primary cargo handling areas: the Automotive Terminal, the Bulk Cargo Terminal, and the General Cargo Terminal, each equipped with state-of-the-art loading equipment and covered storage facilities.
The Automotive Terminal stands as one of the port's crown jewels, representing the largest automotive assembly plant import facility on the East Coast. This terminal handles approximately 180,000 vehicles annually, with dedicated roll-on/roll-off infrastructure including multi-level ramps, vehicle processing buildings, and direct rail connectivity to manufacturing facilities in the Orlando metropolitan area.
Bulk cargo operations center around the phosphate handling facilities, which leverage Florida's position as the nation's leading phosphate producer. These facilities incorporate enclosed conveyor systems, covered storage piles, and specialized loading arms designed for efficient commodity handling while maintaining environmental compliance standards.
General cargo facilities provide flexible handling capabilities for breakbulk shipments, heavy machinery, and project cargo requiring specialized lifting equipment including cranes with 200-ton capacity ratings. All facilities integrate modern communication systems, automated gate operations, and security protocols meeting Transportation Security Administration requirements.
## Economic Importance
Port Canaveral generates substantial economic impact for the State of Florida and the broader Southeastern United States economy. Annual cargo throughput consistently exceeds 38 million tons, directly supporting over 12,000 jobs while contributing approximately $2.8 billion annually to regional economic activity. The port's economic influence extends throughout Central Florida's aerospace, automotive, and agricultural sectors.
The facility serves as a critical node in Florida's supply chain network, providing essential access for raw materials, finished goods, and export commodities. Automotive imports alone represent over $4 billion in annual economic value, supporting General Motors' Orion Township Assembly Plant and other regional manufacturing operations. Agricultural exports including citrus products, vegetables, and nursery stock utilize the port's efficient loading infrastructure for domestic and international distribution.
Tourism-related maritime activities contribute significantly to the local economy, with cruise ship passenger processing and related services generating additional revenue streams. The port's proximity to major population centers including Orlando, Melbourne, and Cocoa creates unique opportunities for intermodal commerce and logistics services.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Port Canaveral maintains extensive trade relationships spanning domestic and international markets. Primary export routes connect the facility to major North American ports including New Orleans, Houston, and New York-New Jersey, while import corridors extend to Canada, Mexico, and Latin American markets. International shipping lines regularly call at the port, establishing regular sailings to key Asian markets including Japan, South Korea, and China.
Bulk cargo volumes remain dominated by phosphate rock exports, with destination markets extending throughout Asia, Europe, and North Africa. Containerized cargo operations have experienced significant growth, particularly for automotive components, machinery parts, and consumer goods destined for the growing Orlando metropolitan area population center.
Liquid bulk terminals handle petroleum products, chemicals, and specialty liquids, serving refiners and industrial customers throughout the Southeast. Project cargo operations accommodate oversized shipments including wind turbine components, industrial equipment, and construction materials for major infrastructure projects throughout Florida and the Gulf Coast region.
The port's strategic location facilitates efficient access to inland markets through extensive rail and highway networks, enabling seamless multimodal transportation solutions for diverse cargo types and volumes.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
USPCV
Country
United States
Province / Region
Florida
Latitude
28.240000
Longitude
-80.360000
Timezone
America/New_York
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Port Canaveral?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Port Canaveral is USPCV.
Where is Port of Port Canaveral located?
The Port of Port Canaveral is located in United States, Florida. Its coordinates are 28.2400°N, -80.3600°E.
What time zone is Port of Port Canaveral in?
Port of Port Canaveral operates in the America/New_York time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.4 m
Wave Direction71°
Swell Height0.32 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 Port Canaveral.
Cape Canaveral
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