UN/LOCODE: USPTM📍 United States
Port of Portsmouth (UN/LOCODE USPTM)
❖ Coordinates: 36.8354°N, -76.2983°E
❖ Time Zone: America/New_York
❖ UN/LOCODE: USPTM
## About the Port
Portsmouth, Virginia (UN/LOCODE: USPTM) is a vital deep‑water port situated on the southern bank of the Elizabeth River, directly opposite the city of Norfolk in the heart of the Mid‑Atlantic region. With coordinates **36.8354258 N, ‑76.2982742 W** and operating in the **America/New_York** time zone, the facility serves as a gateway for domestic and international commerce throughout the Tidewater Virginia corridor. Managed by the Virginia Port Authority (VPA), Portsmouth handles a diverse cargo mix, including containers, break‑bulk, steel, and project cargo, and it is strategically positioned within the Port of Virginia network—one of the few U.S. ports capable of accommodating Panama Canal‑post‑Panamax vessels.
### Key Operational Metrics
- **Berths:** Six major berths capable of handling vessels up to 800 feet in length.
- **Depths:** Available depths range from 35 feet to 50 feet, with some terminals offering up to 55 feet.
- **Annual Throughput:** Approximately 1.2 million TEUs (twenty‑foot equivalent units) and 3.5 million short tons of break‑bulk cargo annually.
- **Rail Connections:** Direct access to Class I rail carriers (Norfolk Southern, CSX) via adjacent rail yards.
- **Highway Links:** Direct interstate access via I‑264 and I‑95, facilitating seamless trucking integration.
The port’s modern container terminal, operated by Colombo Shipping, and its bulk terminal, operated by the VPA, are equipped with gantry cranes, RFID‑enabled gate systems, and state‑of‑the‑art cargo handling equipment.
## History
### Early Foundations
The Elizabeth River has been a focal point for maritime activity since the 17th century, when colonial settlers established small wharves for tobacco and agricultural exports. However, the modern port of Portsmouth traces its formal origins to the early 1900s, when the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal’s decline prompted the Virginia General Assembly to invest in deep‑water facilities on the southern side of Hampton Roads.
### Mid‑20th‑Century Expansion
World War II catalyzed rapid growth. The U.S. Navy constructed a large naval base adjacent to the river, and the federal government expanded the waterfront to support wartime logistics. Post‑war, the Virginia Port Authority was created in 1945 to oversee and develop commercial shipping operations, leading to the construction of the first container loading facilities in the 1960s.
### Contemporary Evolution
The 1990s saw the introduction of “mega‑ships” and the need for deeper drafts. A $200 million dredging project in 2001 increased the channel depth to 45 feet, accommodating larger vessels and setting the stage for the port’s role in the “Panama Canal Expansion Era.” In 2017, the VPA completed a $300 million expansion at the Portsmouth terminal, adding a new 1,200‑foot berth and enhancing container throughput capacity by 30 %.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths and Terminals
- **Portsmouth Marine Terminal (PMT):** Hosts a 1,200‑foot berth with a 55‑foot draft, capable of handling post‑Panamax vessels. It includes a state‑of‑the‑art container gantry crane system and a 150,000‑square‑foot container yard.
- **Virginia International Marine Terminal (VIMT):** Specializes in break‑bulk and project cargo, featuring two 600‑foot berths, heavy‑lift cranes, and specialized cargo handling equipment for oversized loads.
### Supporting Services
- **Rail:** Direct switching facilities with Norfolk Southern and CSX, enabling intermodal transfers.
- **Road Access:** I‑264 provides direct highway access, while the port’s gate operates a 24/7 RFID‑enabled weigh‑scale for efficient truck processing.
- **Utilities:** On‑site fuel farms, petroleum storage, and a secure customs area operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- **Digital Integration:** The port utilizes the Port Community System (PCS) for real‑time cargo tracking, a platform endorsed by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).
The combination of deep water, modern handling equipment, and multimodal connectivity positions Portsmouth as a competitive node in the U.S. supply chain.
## Economic Importance
Portsmouth contributes significantly to the regional economy of Hampton Roads, a metropolitan area often cited as one of the most important maritime gateways on the East Coast. The port’s operations generate:
1. **Employment:** Over 3,500 direct jobs and an additional 12,000 indirect jobs across logistics, manufacturing, and ancillary services.
2. **Tax Revenue:** Approximately $150 million in state and local tax revenue annually, supporting infrastructure projects, schools, and public services.
3. **Trade Volume:** As of 2023, the Port of Virginia handled over **$12 billion** in foreign trade, reinforcing its role as a primary entry point for European, Caribbean, and South‑American goods.
The strategic location of Portsmouth also underpins the defense industry’s logistics chain. The nearby Naval Shipyard and Norfolk Naval Support Facility rely on the port’s deep‑water berths for maintenance and overhaul operations, contributing an estimated **$2 billion** in annual defense-related commerce.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Trade Routes
- **North Atlantic Services:** Weekly sailings to Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, and Southampton, primarily operated by Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM.
- **Caribbean & Gulf of Mexico:** Seasonal feedering vessels connect Portsmouth with ports such as Kingston (Jamaica), Port of Spain (Trinidad), and New Orleans.
- **Domestic Coastal Trade:** LCL and FCL shipments to Charleston, Savannah, and Baltimore via the Virginia–Portsmouth Nexus.
### Major Cargo Types
- **Container Cargo:** Electronics, consumer goods, automotive parts, and agricultural produce dominate the container segment.
- **Break‑Bulk & Project Cargo:** Steel, machinery, power plant components, and wind‑farm components are routinely handled at VIMT, attracting renewable‑energy projects and heavy‑industry clients.
- **Dry Bulk:** Coal, grain, and minerals are loaded and discharged via the bulk terminal, supporting both domestic consumption and export markets.
- **Specialized Cargo:** Auto shipments, hazardous materials, and military equipment are processed under strict regulatory oversight.
### Recent Trends
The expansion of the Panama Canal’s New Panamax locks has increased the volume of post‑Panamax vessels calling at Portsmouth, prompting carriers to add new call ports and increase frequencies. Additionally, the growing demand for renewable‑energy infrastructure has spurred interest in Portsmouth as a logistics hub for turbine components destined for offshore wind farms along the Atlantic coast.
### External Resources
- For detailed port statistics and annual performance reports, see the **Virginia Port Authority** annual data book: Virginia Port Authority – Annual Report↗.
- For broader industry insights on terminal modernization and best practices, consult the **American Association of Port Authorities** (AAPA) publications: AAPA – Port of Virginia Profile↗.
---
Portsmouth, with its deep‑water berths, modern handling facilities, and robust multimodal connections, remains a cornerstone of the Mid‑Atlantic shipping network. Its strategic location, continuous infrastructure investments, and diversified cargo portfolio ensure its pivotal role in both domestic supply chains and global trade flows.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
USPTM
Country
United States
Province / Region
Virginia
Latitude
36.835426
Longitude
-76.298274
Timezone
America/New_York
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
Loading Map...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Portsmouth?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Portsmouth is USPTM.
Where is Port of Portsmouth located?
The Port of Portsmouth is located in United States, Virginia. Its coordinates are 36.8354°N, -76.2983°E.
What time zone is Port of Portsmouth in?
Port of Portsmouth operates in the America/New_York time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.04 m
Wave Direction97°
Swell Height0.04 m
Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API
Scanning Local Infrastructure...
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 Portsmouth.
Norfolk
United States • 2 km awayNewport News
United States • 18 km awayVirginia Beach
United States • 29 km awayHampton-Williamsburg-Newport News Apt
United States • 36 km away