Port Overview
Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com
Cap Haitian is the second most important port facility in Haiti after Port-au-Prince regional ports which encompass APN, Terminal Varreux and Port Lafito.. The strategic position on the north coast and close to Dominican Republic makes Cap Haitian an excellent entrance point to the country. Unfortunately, national insecurity and the poor condition of the roads to Gonaives and Port-au-Prince mean that the port is not well connected to the rest of Haiti.
The port lies on the western side of Baie de Cap Haitien. There are numerous reefs on the approach from the north. Navigation marks and lights are reported to be in place an operational (June 2022). The pilot boat is out of service (June 2022). The port is quite exposed to easterly trade winds, particularly Quay #1, the cruise ship berth.
In June 2022 the port was receiving 3 container ships per week and 2 bulk carriers per month. There are also frequent international shipments on dumb (propelled by tug boats) barges importing second-hand goods from Florida and Turks and Caicos.
Cap Terminal run the adjacent container yard and own the cranes within the port. They also provide stevedoring services. Cap Terminal | Home
Port Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Haiti |
Province or District |
Nord Department |
Nearest City with Distance from Port |
Port-au-Prince (200 km) |
Port's Complete Name |
Port de Cap Haitian |
Latitude |
19.75949 |
Longitude |
-72.19547 |
Managing Company or Port Authority |
Autorite Portuaire Nationale (APN) Cap Terminal SA (CTSA) |
Management Contact Person |
APN Port Director – Pierre Richard Joseph +509 3101 2222 Security PFSO – Pierre Gerald Gay +509 3631 2587 |
Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures |
Cap Haitian Airport (5 km) Toussaint Louverture Port-au-Prince International Airport (200 km) |
Port Picture
Berthing Specifications
There are two main quays at right angles, both have adequate fenders and regular bollards along their length. Pier 1 is augmented by the off-standing dolphin to accommodate larger vessels. The cement aprons are in good condition. Aprons are wide enough for direct discharge onto trucks. The pedestrian bridge connecting quay 1 to the port is severely damages and cannot be used. The cabotage both is very active with both motorised and sailing vessels crowding the berth.
Berth |
# |
Length |
Ht above SL |
Depth |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conventional/ Container Berth |
2 |
176 (with dolphin) 250 m |
2.5m |
10.5m is deepest draft at quay 1
|
Good fenders and bollards in place |
250 m |
9.5 m is deepest draft at quay 2 |
||||
Roro Berth |
1 |
24 m |
1.4 m |
9.5 m is deepest draft at RoRo berth |
Well-constructed RoRo berth |
Berthing Tugs |
2 |
|
|
|
Tugs are available |
Water Barges |
0 |
|
|
|
|
The RoRo berth, between quay 2 and the cabotage berth, is well constructed. There are adequate bollards for securing a vessel. Access may be blocked when there are vessels at quay 2.
Port Handling Equipment
Cap Terminal owns both mobile cranes operating in the port. The cranes can service quays 1 and 2. The newest crane came into service in 2021. Discharge rate is reported to be 17 moves/hr. Cap Terminal provide crane operators and stevedores for 24/7 operations. Cap Terminal and other private operators own the cargo handling equipment, such as forklifts in use throughout the port. The weighbridge is out of service (June 2022).
‘Bull Rice’ has privately owned grabs and mobile bagging machines in the port. Rice arrives in bulk and is bagged at the quayside and stored in the large private warehouse on the wharf. Port congestion may be experienced when there is a rice ship in port.
Cement arrives bagged and palletised and is stored in private warehouses on the wharf.
Prestige shipping also offer stevedoring and storage Prestige Ship Services
Cap Terminal’s new crane. Installed in 2021. SWL is 50 MT and is capable of 17 movements per hour.
Spreader bars are available for 20’ & 40’ containers are available in the port. Not remotely operated.
Portable grab and hopper for bulk cargo owned by Bull Rice who bags rice at the quayside.
Mobile bagging machine. Accurate bagging rate was not available.
Equipment |
Available |
Total Quantity and Capacity Available |
Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage |
---|---|---|---|
Mobile Cranes |
2 |
Cap Terminal |
Terex-built (2014)
|
Reach-stacker |
1 |
Cap Terminal |
3 high |
Top-loaders |
2 |
Cap Terminal |
3 high |
Mules |
0 |
Cap Terminal |
N/A |
Dedicated chassis |
4 |
Cap Terminal |
More can be rented |
Forklifts |
several |
|
Privately owned. Some in poor condition |
Storage Facilities
Containers are stored in the adjacent Cap Terminal compound. There is capacity for 2000 TEUs and 20 plugs for reefers. There are 2 generators running 24/7. Dwell time is 5/6 days for commercial cargo. Additionally, there is a dry-port under construction, managed by Cap Terminal 10km from the port with a capacity of 3000 TEUs. There are large private warehouses withing the port for rice and cement. The molasses tank is out of service. There is a large parking area for imported vehicles.
There is one APN warehouse in poor condition. 10 x 60 m, 800 MT capacity.
Security
The port is compliant with ISPS International ship security code. There are 24/7 security guards on duty. The uniformed guards were attentive both at the gate and inside the facility. The port is surrounded by a tall wire fence topped with coiled barbed wire. There is one entrance and one exit.
There is extensive lighting throughout the port, reported to be in good working order.
Port Access
Access is difficult as the port is in the centre of town. Large trucks have difficulty manoeuvring through the tight entrance. Traffic congestion restricts ease of access to the port. Connectivity to rest of Haiti is limited by national road security issues and the poor condition of the roads.