The port of Pärnu lies at the mouth of the Pärnu River in the south-western part of Estonia. In the recent years, it has developed into an important regional harbour in the south-western and southern Estonia. Pärnu, Viljandi, Tartu, Põlva, Võru, Valga, Lääne and Järva counties form the hinterland for the harbour. The hinterland accounts for a significant part of the resources of raw materials that are exported through Estonian ports (up to 45% of forest and up to 65% of peat resources) as well as processing industry.

Pärnu Sadam AS is a port authority under the Ports Act, owns the basic infrastructures of the port. Pärnu Sadamateenistuse AS manages the vessel traffic at the port. Stevedore services are rendered by Pärnu Stividorid OÜ and A & O AS.

Transcom AS is the majority shareholder of Pärnu Sadam AS.

In winter, the Pärnu Bay is generally covered with ice for about two to three months and an icebreaker must be used to keep the port open. Pärnu Sadamateenistuse AS takes care of icebreaking in the water area of the port. Icebreaking along the public waterway leading to the port is the responsibility of the national Maritime Administration.