Kwajalein

Size limits

LOA 143.03m, beam 23.2m, draught 9.6m, 12,150DWT.

Load line zone

Tropical.

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

Approach

Kwajalein atoll SW side: The coastal passage off the SW side of Kwajalein atoll between Kwajalein Island, 08°43'N 167°43'E and Ebadon Island, 65nm WNW lies off the barrier reef and is clear of dangers.

Gea Pass, the principal passage into the lagoon for large vessels, lies 10nm NW of Kwajalein Island with South Pass, 3.5nm SE of it.

Gea Pass: 08°49'N 167°36'E, has a navigable width of approx 0.2nm, with depths of over 36m in the fairway, swept to a depth of 14.9m over a width of 0.15nm.

Directions: Approaching Gea Pass from the S, the pass should be well open and No 6 Lightbuoy (porthand) 1nm E of the E extremity of Ninni Island, 08°49'N 167°36'E, clearly identified.

Sufficient speed should be maintained when proceeding through the pass to counteract cross sets which are sometimes experienced.

The recommended track through the pass leads on the line of bearing 074° of No 6 Lightbuoy, ahead passing:

S of No 2 Lightbuoy (porthand) marking the edge of shallow water off the S side of Ninni Island, then:

N of No 3 Lightbuoy (starboard hand) marking the edge of shallow water off the N extremity of Gea Island, on the S side of the pass.

When a post on the NW point of Gea Island, bears approx 200°, the track leads 090° for 1.25nm passing:

S of No 4 Lightbuoy (porthand) and No 6 Lightbuoy, both marking coral heads with depths from 2.7-4.6m over them on the N side of the channel.

Then the track leads 123° towards Kwajalein Island on the line of bearing 303° of No 6 Lightbuoy, astern.

From a position approx 1.25nm E of Gea Pass, 08°49'N 167°36'E, the recommended track continues 123° passing:

0.2nm NE of No 1 Lightbuoy, 08°47.5'N 167°40.0'E, marking a 6.7m patch.

Then the track leads on a line of bearing 135° ahead of a conspicuous radome on Kwajalein Island, to the vicinity of "B" Lightbuoy (preferred channel to starboard), 08°45.5'N 167°43.0'E, where the berthing pilot may be embarked.

South Pass: 08°47'N 167°39'E, the width is approx 0.3nm between the entrance buoys, swept to a depth of 5.5m, in S winds there is a heavy sea in the passage.

Directions: The recommended track through South Pass leads on the line of bearing of 063° of No 1 Lightbuoy (starboard hand, radar reflector), 08°47.5'N 167°40.0'E, ahead passing:

Midway between No 1 Buoy starboard hand on the SE side and No 2 Buoy (porthand) on the NW side of the entrance.

South Pass to Kwajalein Island: From a position approx 0.75nm within South Pass and with the NW extremity of Enubuj Island, 08°45'N 167°41'E, bearing 147°, the track leads 095° to join the recommended track from Gea Pass to Kwajalein Island, passing 0.3nm S of No 1 Lightbuoy.

Kwajalein atoll E side: The coastal passage off the E side of Kwajalein Atoll, between Kwajalein Island, 08°43'N 167°43'E and Roi-Namur Island, 43nm NNW lies off the barrier reef and is clear of dangers

Bigej channel: 08°52'N 167°46'E, entered approx 0.75nm S of Bigej Island is a wide and generally shallow buoyed channel.

Eniwetak Pass: 09°00'N 167°44'E, is entered between Meck and Kwadack Islands with Eniwetak Island lying at its inner end.

A channel swept to a depth of 7.9m lies between Eniwetak and Kwadack, the area is surrounded by shoals, there are no navigation aids.

Kwajalein atoll, N side: The coastal passage off the N coast of Kwajalein atoll between Roi-Namur Island, 09°24'N 167°28'E and Ebadon Island, 40nm W, lies off the barrier reef and is clear of dangers.

Mellu Pass: 09°21'N 167°25'E, entered close W of Mellu Island, 26m in height. The pass is deep, width approx 0.5nm, with a swept depth of 14.9m, over a width of 0.35nm.

Directions: The track through the entrance leads 173°. When the W extremity of Mellu Island is abeam, the track leads 145° for 0.62nm and then 086° towards Roi-Namur anchorage.

North Pass: 09°22'N 167°27'E, 3nm SSW of Rio-Namur Island, is narrow and tortuous, swept to a depth of 14.9m, this pass is only suitable for small vessels, local knowledge is required.

Traffic schemes and VTS

All ship movements within the lagoon are controlled by the Port Control Office on Kwajalein Island.

Kwajalein Control provides information to ensure safe passage through the Kwajalein Missile Testing Area.

Anchorages

Kwajalein Anchorage: 08°46'N 167°42'E, one of the best in the Marshall Islands, affords anchorage to large vessels in the area 1.5-9nm off the lagoon side of Kwajalein Island. The entire area with the exception of a few well-scattered shoals most of which are marked by buoys has been swept to a depth of 14.9m. The holding ground is coral and sand.

Roi-Namur Anchorage: 09°20'N 167°27'E, off the S side of Rio-Namur Island, affords an extensive anchorage area swept to a depth of 14.9m, this anchorage is exposed, there is no shelter except from N winds.

Note: Owing to the existence of submarine cables and wrecks in several localities, vessels are warned not to anchor in the lagoon without first contacting the Port Control Office.

Restrictions

Vessels should contact Kwajalein Control before entering an area of 200nm radius from Kwajalein to ensure safe passage through an area where imminent hazardous missile operations are conducted.

Warnings of unauthorised entry into the area are broadcast on 2716kHz and 468kHz.

Kwajalein Island: Vessels are berthed during daylight hours only.

Tugs

There are 2 tugs with a capacity of 1,200hp available.

Charts and publications

BA 761, 4506. Admiralty Pilot NP61, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessel's ETA should be sent 72 and 24 hours in advance and confirmed 6 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

There is a radio station situated on Kwajalein Island. The following frequencies are monitored 500kHz, 468kHz, 2716kHz and 8291.1kHz.

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: Government of Marshall Islands.

Position: Minister of Transportation and Communications.

Address: PO Box 1079, Majuro, MH96960, Marshall Islands.

Tel: +692 625 8869

Fax: +692 625 3486

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

Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI):

Marshall Islands have signed a PSI ship boarding agreement with the USA aimed at stemming the flow of weapons of mass destruction. If a US or Marshall Islands flagged vessel is suspected of trafficking proliferation related cargo, either party to this agreement can request authorisation to board, search and possibly detain the others vessel and its cargo.

Repairs

Minor repairs can be undertaken.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available in emergencies only.

Bunkering: Fuel oil is available in limited quantities.

Transport

There is an airfield on Kwajalein Island, with regular flights to Hawaii and other Pacific Islands.

Where it is

Kwajalein is located in the centre of the Marshall Islands at the centre of the Ralik Chain.

The port

Kwajalein atoll is the largest of the Marshall Islands. Consisting of more than 90 islands and islets lying along a reef enclosing a lagoon with an area of approx 1,696sq km.

The principal islands are as follows:

Kwajalein Island: 08°43'N 167°43'E, at the S extremity of the atoll is the site of the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kwajalein, administered by the United States Army. There are numerous oil and water tanks an airfield and other installations on the island.

Ebeye Island: 08°46'N 167°44'E, 2nm N of Kwajalein Island, the commercial centre of the group.

Roi-Namur Island: 09°24'N 167°28'E, lies at the N extremity of the atoll.

Traffic

700TEU and 24 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Kwajalein?

Pilotage is not compulsory but recommended for vessels proceeding to an anchorage in the lagoon.

What time zone is Kwajalein in?

Local time at Kwajalein is UTC+12. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Kwajalein?

The deepest berth listed is at Kwajalein Atoll: 9.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

Which load line zone is Kwajalein in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Kwajalein?

Port State Control at Kwajalein: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Kwajalein?

The UN/LOCODE of Kwajalein is MHKWA.

What crews who called at Kwajalein 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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