Tegal Port has a long-standing history as a trade and fishing hub on Java’s northern coast. During the Mataram era, it served as a strategic port for shipping rice to Sultan Agung’s troops heading to Batavia. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it became known as the “Sugar Port” (Zucker Haven).

After independence, the port evolved into one of Java’s main commercial ports, handling timber exports from Kalimantan and importing basic goods during the 1900–1970 period. From the 1980s onward, as Cirebon Port became more dominant, Tegal shifted focus toward becoming an integrated trade and fishing port. Today, the port is managed by PT Pelindo III and is equipped with modern facilities including fishing docks, cold storage, a fish auction market, and fuel and supply stations for fishermen.