Seaport · South Africa
Port of East London
East London (South Africa) is a small port listed in the NGA World Port Index (no. 46830). It lies on the Indian Ocean.
Port profile
- Country / territory
- South Africa
- UN/LOCODE (WPI)
- ZAELS
- World Port Index no.
- 46830
- Coordinates
- 33.03°S, 27.92°E
- Harbor size
- Small
- Harbor type
- River (natural)
- Shelter afforded
- Excellent
- Waters
- Indian Ocean
- WPI region
- South Africa
- Repairs
- Major
- Dry dock
- Large
- Railway (slipway)
- Large
Depths and vessel limits
Values as reported in the World Port Index; where a field is not shown, no value is reported.
| Channel depth | 11.0 m |
|---|---|
| Anchorage depth | 23.2 m |
| Cargo pier depth | 9.4 m |
| Oil terminal depth | 9.4 m |
| Tidal range | 2.0 m |
Facilities
- Wharves
- Anchorage
Cranes and lifting
- Fixed cranes
- Mobile cranes
- Lifts 25–49 t
- Lifts 0–24 t
Entrance restrictions
- Other restrictions
- Overhead limits
Navigation and port entry
- First port of entry
- ETA message required
- Good holding ground
- Quarantine: pratique
- Quarantine: other
Pilotage and tugs
- Pilotage compulsory
- Pilotage available
- Pilotage advisable
- Tugs: assistance
- Tugs: salvage
Services
- Longshoremen
- Electricity
- Steam
- Navigation equipment
- Electrical repair
- Medical facilities
- Garbage disposal
Supplies
- Provisions
- Potable water
- Fuel oil
- Diesel oil
- Deck supplies
- Engine supplies
Communications and connections
- Telephone
- Radio
- Radiotelephone
- Airport
- Rail
Only items reported as available in the World Port Index are listed.
Distance from Vietnam
Great-circle (straight-line) distances from Vietnam’s main port clusters. Actual sea routes are longer, as ships follow sea lanes around land.
| From | Great-circle distance |
|---|---|
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) | 5,210 nm |
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai | 5,210 nm |
| Hai Phong | 5,550 nm |
Nearest major ports in our guides
Major container gateways and transshipment hubs closest to East London, with full port guides:
Data source
Port characteristics on this page come from the NGA World Port Index (Pub. 150, U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency), as distributed in the seaport-data-js dataset. The index is a navigational reference and may not reflect recent construction, terminal changes or current operating limits. Always confirm details with the port authority, agent or carrier. Sailing directions: Sailing Directions Pub. 171 (Enroute) - East Africa and the South Indian Ocean.
Frequently asked questions about East London
Where is Port of East London?
East London (South Africa) lies on the Indian Ocean, at about 33.03°S, 27.92°E.
What is the UN/LOCODE of East London?
The World Port Index lists UN/LOCODE ZAELS for East London. Confirm the exact location code required by the carrier when booking.
How far is East London from Vietnam?
The great-circle distance is about 5,210 nautical miles from Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai) and about 5,550 nm from Hai Phong; sea routes are longer. Nearby major ports in our guides include Ngqura (Port Elizabeth), Durban, Cape Town.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from East London?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for East London 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.