PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Malau
Pilot
updated Aug 2010Pilotage is compulsory and should be arranged through the agent 48 hours prior to arrival. Pilot boards in position 16°15.0'S 179°17.0'E, aproximately 2nm N of Mali Pass.
Key data
updated May 2010Size limits
30,000DWT, draught 11.0m, restricted to HW departure.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.
Tides
Range 1.8m springs, 1.4m neaps.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiji Sugar Terminal (FSC) | 10.50 m | 174 m | 1 |
| Tanker Terminal | 5.00 m | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Feb 2016Approach
West approach: From a position 0.4nm W of Maori Shoal Beacon (16°21.0'S 179°19.0'E), the recommended track leads 108.5°, passing S of the beacon.
Then, FSC Jetty is approached on the alignment (081°) of a beacon (black triangle, point down, topmark) (0.35nm NW of FSC Jetty) and another beacon (white triangle, point up, topmark) on the W end of Marama Reefs (0.6nm ENE of FSC Jetty), passing:
0.15nm S of a beacon (0.35nm ESE of Maori Shoal Beacon) which marks a coral patch swept to a depth of 5.8m, then:
S of a beacon marking the SW end of a reef entending from Nananu Island.
When the E shore of the entrance to Qawa River (16°23'S 179°21'E) bears 170°, the track leads towards the anchorage and then to FSC Jetty, on the alignment (090°) of a beacon (white pole; red frame topmark) on the point 0.3nm E of FSC Jetty and another beacon 0.7nm farther E.
North-East approach: From a position about 0.5nm W of Capps Reef (16°18.5'S 179°24.0'E), the NE approach to FSC Jetty leads S and then SW between Mali Island and the coast of the main island E, passing:
E of a beacon marking a drying reef off Culavesi (Thulavesi) Point, the N extremity of Mali Island, then:
Either side of a beacon marking a 4.0m rocky patch (0.8nm ESE of Culavesi Point), then:
NW of a beacon (red pennant indicating the deep water) marking shoal water extending 0.1nm NNW) of Marama Reefs (0.6nm ENE of FSC Jetty).
Caution: An 8.4m shoal lies in the direct approach to the jetty.
Anchorages
The recommended anchorage off Malau, is 0.5nm W of the head of FSC Jetty in a depth of approx 16m, keeping midway between 10m depth contours. Vessels drawing more than 6.0m should limit their swing by dropping a second anchor under foot. This anchorage is well protected from the prevailing wind and the holding ground is good.
Restrictions
Arrival and departure is restricted to daylight hours only. Vessels using FSC Jetty are loaded to a draught not exceeding 11.0m and are restricted to a HW departure.
Mali Passage is navigated during daylight hours only.
Tugs
Available by South Sea Towage Limited, must be arranged from Suva prior to arrival.
Charts and publications
BA 377. Admiralty Pilot NP61, NP286(5).
Inspections
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: Maritime and Port Authority of Fiji (MPAF).
Position: Security Officer.
Address: PO Box 780, Suva, Fiji.
Tel: +679 331 2700.
Fax: +679 330 0064.
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
Minor repairs can be carried out in Labasa.
Dry docks
None.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Not available.
Bunkers: Not available.
Stores: Provisions available by prior arrangement.
Medical
A hospital is situated in the town.
Transport
Nearest airport: Airport 20km S of Malau, with daily flights to Nausori the airport of Suva, and Nadi International Airport.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours in three shifts.
About Malau
updated May 2010Where it is
Malau is situated on the S side of a narrow channel between the main island of Fiji and Mali Island.
The port
The port has a deepwater berth that serves the sugar industry which is centred on the town of Labasa. It is primarily an export terminal for bulk sugar and molasses.
Questions about Malau
What are the pilot arrangements at Malau?
Pilotage is compulsory and should be arranged through the agent 48 hours prior to arrival.
What time zone is Malau in?
Local time at Malau is UTC+12. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Malau?
The deepest berth listed is at Fiji Sugar Terminal (FSC): 10.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Malau?
1025.
Which load line zone is Malau in?
South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.
Who carries out Port State Control at Malau?
Port State Control at Malau: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Malau?
The UN/LOCODE of Malau is FJMAL.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Malau 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.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.