Cap Haitien, Haiti
Historic port city known as the "Paris of the Antilles," Cap Haitien was Haiti’s colonial capital and a center of culture and commerce.
Port Overview
Cap Haitien is located on Haiti’s northern coast and is the country’s second-largest city. It serves as the principal port in northern Haiti, making it strategically important for regional trade and access to the Atlantic. The port handles a modest annual container throughput, typically estimated at around 20,000 TEU. Cap Haitien’s position supports both commercial exports and humanitarian logistics, reinforcing its role as a key maritime gateway for northern Haiti.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Cap Haitien port features two main quays positioned at right angles, serving general cargo, containers, and cruise vessels. The port operates a container yard with 2,000 TEU capacity and 20 reefer plugs. Cap Terminal provides stevedoring services and operates the container facilities. Equipment includes 25-49 ton cranes for cargo handling. The port has a 176-meter cruise platform, 250-meter international trade pier with RORO ramp, and 100-meter cabotage platform. Storage includes 2,210 square meters covered area and 72,000 square meters open area for containers.
Container Terminals
Cap Haitien’s container terminal, operated by Cap Terminal S.A. (CTSA), has one main full-service container terminal with up to four berths, including a 250-meter international trade pier with a 9.5-meter depth. The terminal handles approximately 15,000 TEU annually and is equipped with cranes up to 230 tons but operates at a low automation level, relying on manual and semi-mechanized processes. Major operators include CTSA, with services from CMA CGM and Antillean Marine.
Port Services
- Container handling: Full-service container terminal with cranes (18 to 225 tons), container storage, and reefer connections.
- Cargo operations: General cargo, project cargo, RORO, and heavy equipment handling; trucking and dispatch services available.
- Ship services: Pilotage, tug assistance, water, fuel, oil, provisions, and medical supplies.
- Warehousing: 20’ and 40’ container storage for rent; covered and open storage areas for cargo.
- Customs: On-site customs clearance and regulatory processing for imports and exports.
Global Connectivity
Cap Haitien port, located on Haiti’s northern coast, connects primarily with regional Caribbean ports and serves the northern regions of Haiti. It is serviced by carriers such as CMA CGM, King Ocean, and Antillean, with sailings every 1-2 weeks. The port handles container and general cargo, linking Haiti to major shipping routes with access to North America, Europe, and Asia, though its infrastructure limits it to small and medium-sized vessels.
Port Statistics
Cap Haitien, Haiti – Key Port Statistics
- TEU throughput: Approximately 15,000 TEUs annually
- World ranking: 431st (Port Connectivity Ranking)
- Number of berths: No formal berths; vessels dock at the quay
- Port area: Not officially specified; compact urban waterfront
- Shipping lines: CMA CGM, King Ocean, Antillean (service every 1-2 weeks)
- Vessel calls: Around 50 per month
- Main routes: Regional connections to Asia, Europe, North America
