Container gateway · South Africa
Port of Cape Town
Cape Town is a container gateway on the Atlantic Ocean in South Africa (Southern Africa). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- South Africa
- UN/LOCODE
- ZACPT
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- Southern Africa
- Waters
- Atlantic Ocean
- Coordinates
- 33.90°S, 18.43°E
- Container throughput
- No verified figure published here
About the port of Cape Town
Cape Town is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Southern Africa is served by Asia–Africa services sailing across the Indian Ocean; Durban is the main gateway, with feeder connections onwards.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
We have not published a sample voyage to Cape Town yet. Typical options from Vietnam are direct regional services or transshipment via a major hub; ask us for current schedules.
Shipping lines
Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
Frequently asked questions about Cape Town
Where is the port of Cape Town?
Cape Town is in South Africa, on the Atlantic Ocean, in the Southern Africa shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Cape Town?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Cape Town is ZACPT. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Cape Town?
It depends on the routing and whether the service is direct or via transshipment. Contact us for current schedules from Hai Phong, Cat Lai or Cai Mep.
What documents are needed to ship via Cape Town?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Cape Town?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Cape Town through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.