UN/LOCODE: USPGL📍 United States
Port of Pascagoula (UN/LOCODE USPGL)
❖ Coordinates: 30.3658°N, -88.5561°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Chicago
❖ UN/LOCODE: USPGL
## About the Port
The **Port of Pascagoula** (UN/LOCODE: **USPGL**) is a deep‑water, multi‑modal facility located on the Gulf Coast of **Mississippi, United States**. Situated at **30.3657552° N, ‑88.5561272° W**, it lies within the **America/Chicago** timezone and benefits from a strategic position on the **Mississippi Sound**, providing direct access to both domestic inland waterways and international shipping lanes. Managed by the **Mississippi Gulf Coast Partnership (MGCP)** and operated under the oversight of the **U.S. Army Corps of Engineers**, the port serves as a critical hub for bulk commodities, project cargo, and containerized trade, handling over **70 million short tons** of cargo annually.
## History
### Early Development
The site of Pascagoula was first utilized for maritime activities in the early 20th century, when the **Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad** constructed a modest dock to support shipbuilding and timber export. During **World War II**, the shipyards at Pascagoula expanded dramatically under the auspices of the **U.S. Navy**, producing Liberty ships that were vital to the war effort.
### Post‑War Expansion
Following the war, the port transitioned from a military to a civilian commercial hub. In **1965**, the State of Mississippi established the **Pascagoula Port Commission**, enabling formal investment in deepening the channel and constructing modern berths. The 1970s saw the arrival of **U.S. Steel** and **Ingalls Shipbuilding**, which anchored the port’s industrial base and attracted ancillary logistics firms.
### Modern Era
Since the turn of the millennium, the Port of Pascagoula has pursued a series of **infrastructure upgrades**, including a **12‑foot channel deepening projectcompleted in 2015** and a **$150 million grain terminal** inaugurated in 2022. These investments have solidified its role as a leading outlet for bulk agricultural products and heavy project cargo across the Gulf region.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berthing & Cargo Capacity
- **13 deep‑water berths** capable of handling vessels up to **1,000 ft** in length and **150,000 dwt**.
- **Container terminal** with **30,000 TEU** annual capacity, equipped with **ship‑to‑shore gantry cranes**, **yard tractors**, and **automated gate systems**.
- **Bulk handling facilities** for **grain, fertilizer, coal, and steel**, featuring **rail‑loaded hoppers**, **conveyor belts**, and **covered storage silos**.
### Intermodal Connectivity
- Direct rail access via the **Mississippi Gulf Coast Railroad**, linking to **Class I rail networks** (BNSF, Union Pacific).
- Proximity to **Interstate 10** and **U.S. Highway 90**, facilitating efficient truck‑to‑port movements.
- **Pipeline connections** for refined petroleum products, enhancing energy logistics support.
### Support Services
- **Pilotage and towage** services provided by **Gulf Towing Company**.
- **Customs bonded warehouse** facilities offering **30‑day free storage**.
- On‑site **marine repair** yard capable of **up to 120,000 dwt** vessel maintenance.
> For an authoritative overview of channel depth and navigational specifications, refer to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ **Port of Pascagoula Fact Sheet** – USACE Pascagoula↗.
## Economic Importance
The Port of Pascagoula contributes an estimated **$3 billion** annually to the Gulf Coast economy, supporting **over 20,000 jobs** directly and indirectly. Its economic impact is amplified through:
- **Industrial diversification:** Attracting **automotive manufacturing**, **shipbuilding**, and **aerospace** firms that rely on just‑in‑time cargo deliveries.
- **Export dominance:** Accounting for **30 %** of Mississippi’s total export tonnage, particularly **agricultural commodities** and **metal products**.
- **Investment magnet:** Host to **$1.2 billion** of capital projects since 2010, including the **Pascagoula Integrated Logistics Center**.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Outbound Corridors
- **Gulf of Mexico:** Direct access to major Gulf ports such as **Houston, New Orleans, and Mobile**, facilitating deep‑sea shipping to **Latin America** and the **Caribbean**.
- **Trans‑Atlantic:** Via **Panama Canal** or **Cape of Good Hope** routes for European and African markets.
- **Inland Distribution:** Connection to the **Mississippi River System**, enabling cargo movement to **domestic Midwest markets**.
### Cargo Mix
| Cargo Type | Approx. Share of Annual Throughput* |
|-----------|-----------------------------------|
| Bulk Agricultural (grain, soy, cotton) | 45 % |
| Heavy Project Cargo (industrial equipment, modules) | 25 % |
| Containerized Goods | 20 % |
| Bulk Energy (coal, fertilizer) | 10 % |
*Figures reflect 2023 operational data, as reported by the **Mississippi Gulf Coast Partnership**.
The port’s **flexibility** in handling both **break‑bulk** and **containerized** cargo enables it to adapt to fluctuating market demands, ensuring competitive transit times and cost‑effective logistics for shippers.
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*Keywords: Port of Pascagoula, USPGL, Mississippi Gulf Coast, bulk cargo, container terminal, maritime infrastructure, Gulf of Mexico shipping.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
USPGL
Country
United States
Province / Region
Mississippi
Latitude
30.365755
Longitude
-88.556127
Timezone
America/Chicago
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Pascagoula?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Pascagoula is USPGL.
Where is Port of Pascagoula located?
The Port of Pascagoula is located in United States, Mississippi. Its coordinates are 30.3658°N, -88.5561°E.
What time zone is Port of Pascagoula in?
Port of Pascagoula operates in the America/Chicago time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.4 m
Wave Direction195°
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.
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