Alotau

Size limits

Largest vessel handled: "Captain Cook III", general/bulk, LOA 205m, draught 8.0m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 1.1m.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

From a position approx 2nm NE of Saraoni Island (10°29'S 150°39'E), the track leads approx 295° towards Lau Lau Island (20nm WNW), at the head of Milne Bay and then to the port of Alotau.

Port limits

From a position 10°20'S 150°26'E, the W limit extends N to the coast and the S limit extends E to the coast.

Anchorages

Small vessels can obtain anchorage in depths from 27.0m to 55m off the entrance to Sanderson Bay.

Inner anchorage with prior approval only in position 10°18.75'S 150°26.8'E.

Tugs

None available. Arrangements can be made via the Pacific Towing office based in Port Moresby.

Charts and publications

BA 508. Aus 629, 628. US Publication 164. Admiralty Pilot NP60, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notice of ETA is required not less than 12 hours prior to arrival to Port Moresby Radio and confirmed not more than 5 hours and not less than 4 hours prior to arrival. One weeks notice is preferred for international traffic.

Communications

VHF: Alotau Harbour Control: Ch 16 and 12, on hand held radios during working hours and when vessels are expected at other times.

Port Authority: Tel: +675 641 1266, Fax: +675 641 1276. Email: [email protected].

Harbour Pilot: Tel: +675 641 0077

Health

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates available.

Notices and regulations

The Government Marine Wharf is regarded as a regulated area for operations under Papua New Guinea National Maritime Safety Authority (MNSA), subject to International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and the International Safety Port Security (ISPS) Code. Therefore, all entry to the port area will be strictly scrutinised by the wharf security or the Alotau NMSA officers. All entry to the port area will require companies and travelling passengers' receipts or identification cards.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Department of Transport

Address: PO Box 1489, Port Moresby, NCD PNG

Tel: +675 325 7500

Fax: +675 323 3339

Mobile: +675 6813745.

For ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

Repairs for small vessels only.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Fuel is available by road tankers only while small vessels can load bulk via pipeline. Supplier, Inter Oil Products Ltd and Islands Petroleum Ltd.

Medical

Alotau General Hospital, 4km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Gurney, 13km.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1200hrs, 1300-1600hrs and 1700-2359hrs.

Where it is

The port of Alotau is situated 0.5nm S of Sanderson Bay on the N side of the head of Milne Bay in the SE of Papua.

The port

This port has berthing facilities for both ocean going as well as coastal traffic on two wharves. There is a bunkering facility and water is seasonally available.

Traffic

Approx 174,000t of cargo, 5,500TEU and 450 vessels visit the port annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Alotau?

Pilotage is compulsory.

What time zone is Alotau in?

Local time at Alotau is UTC+10. No summer time.

What is the water density at Alotau?

1025.

Which load line zone is Alotau in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Alotau?

Port State Control at Alotau: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Alotau?

The UN/LOCODE of Alotau is PGGUR.

What crews who called at Alotau say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

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