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    A large container ship navigates the San Francisco Bay waters under a golden sunset light reflecting on the waters surface

    Port of San Francisco

    California
    West Coast

    Overview

    The Port of San Francisco, situated on the western edge of the San Francisco Bay near the iconic Golden Gate, is a major gateway for maritime commerce, tourism, and transportation in Northern California. Managed by a semi-independent organization under a five-member commission, the port oversees a diverse array of facilities stretching from the Golden Gate anchorage through the Marina District, Fisherman's Wharf, the Embarcadero, and down to Candlestick Point. Its historical significance dates back to the Gold Rush era, with the port playing a central role in regional economic growth and trade. Today, the Port of San Francisco supports container, break-bulk, and bulk shipping activities, in addition to cruise ship operations and ferry services. The port’s operations extend beyond shipping to include ship repair, drydock facilities, and logistics services, making it an important infrastructure asset for the city and the broader Bay Area. Its placement also makes it a frequent point of call for leading international shipping lines and cruise operators, affirming its enduring relevance in global supply chain networks.

    Facilities

    • Pier 1
    • Pier 27 Cruise Terminal
    • Fisherman's Wharf
    • Pier 35
    • South Beach Harbor
    • The Embarcadero
    • Ship repair and drydock facilities
    • Warehouse and logistics terminals

    Operating Hours

    Generally 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (Facility-specific hours may vary)

    Shipping Lines

    Major carriers serving this port

    1
    Maersk
    2
    CMA CGM
    3
    American President Lines (APL)
    4
    Marinesko
    5
    Inui Global Logistics Co Ltd
    6
    BBC Chartering

    Tools & Resources

    Essential tools, portals, and resources for clients and partners.

    Data & Reports

    Official statistics, research reports, and data tracking for Port of San Francisco.

    Location & Maps

    Find Port of San Francisco on popular mapping services.

    Interactive Map

    Map Legend

    Facility

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Port of San Francisco.

    What is the process and how long does customs clearance take for import cargo through US seaports?

    Typical import flow is vessel arrival, berth assignment, container discharge, customs review, release, dray pickup, and final delivery. Standard clearance may be same day to several days depending on documentation and exams.

    What is the process and how long does export cargo take through US seaports?

    Typical export flow is inland dray to terminal, terminal gate-in, documentation and filing, vessel loading, and departure. Timing depends on cutoff windows, bookings, inspections, and vessel schedule.

    For More Info

    Third-party resources, government portals, ratings, and more.

    Container being moved

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