Townsville

1. Townsville Pilot Boarding Ground A Pilot boards19°04.2′S 146°55.1′E
2. Townsville Pilot Boarding Ground TT Pilot boards19°13.4′S 146°51.9′E

Size limits

Draught 12m, LOA 306m, Beam 38m, 88,125DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

The tidal rise at the wharves is 2.9m at MHWS, and 1.9m at MHWN. The currents in the vicinity do not appear to be a hindrance. Flood currents generally run WSW, in the direction of Palm Passage, shifting to the S between Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef. Ebb currents flow opposite, running N to Palm Passage, then turning ENE through the passage. During the flood tide, it has been reported that there is a strong set to the W upon exiting the Eastern Breakwater.

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

Approach

Cleveland Bay is approached from between ESE and NNW from the Inner Route. The recommended track shown on chart AUS 371 for the approach from the ESE leads in charted depths of less than 18.3m but greater depth may be obtained a little farther to seaward if required.

Townsville harbour is entered through dredged channels leading SSW for 7nm from the E side of Magnetic Island, the channels are marked by leading lights and light beacons. Coasters may approach the harbour through W Channel on the SW side of Magnetic Island.

Controlling depths:

Note: Townsville berths and channels are subjected to constant siltation through various times of the year, as a result soundings are given to the Harbour Master on a quarterly basis and declared depths may differ from design depths. Any vessels with a draught over 9.2m will need to make tidal window calculations.

Ross River Channel has a depth 2.2m at Beacon No 6 with no declared depth upstream.

Approach from SE: From a position 5.5nm ENE of Cape Bowling Green (19°18'S 147°24'E) the recommended track shown on chart AUS 371 leads WNW in a least charted depth of 13.4m, passing, with positions from Cape Cleveland (19°11.0'S 147°01.0'E):

NNE of charted depths of 11.3m (7.0 and 9.5nm E), then:

NNE of charted depth 13.1m 5.5nm E; then:

NNE of Salamander Reef, 2.75nm E, two steep to drying rocks over which the sea nearly always breaks. A safe passage for small vessels rounding the cape closer inshore exists between Four Foot Rock, which is steep to, 1.0nm WSW of the reef and Twenty Foot Rock lying 0.8nm farther WSW. Salamander Reef and Four Foot Rock are both covered by the red sector (259°-286°) of Cape Cleveland Light, then:

NNE of Cape Cleveland distant 3nm. The cape is a narrow hilly point at the N extremity of a promontory extending from Mount Cleveland 4.5nm S; Cape Cleveland Light stands on the cape.

The track then leads either 6.75nm WNW to the outer pilot boarding ground, passing N of a light beacon (N cardinal) (19°08.0'S 146°54.0'E) indicating the deeper water in the approach to Sea Channel; or 5.5nm WSW to the inner pilot boarding station.

Approach from N:

From a position a convenient distance N of Magnetic Island (19°08.0'S 146°50.0'E), the track leads between SSE and S as required in open water to the vicinity of the required pilot boarding ground. The track passes;

E of the NE point of Magnetic Island; Orchard Rocks, which are plainly visible and some below water rocks all within 0.2nm of the point are the outermost dangers; the E side of Magnetic Island between there and Bremmer Point 2.5nm farther SSW is indented and otherwise generally rocky and steep to.

The access channels to the port have a total length of 6.4nm.

Depth in the 92.0m wide entrance channels, which are marked by pairs of lighted beacons, is 11.7m LAT (subject to change).

The Sea Channel alters in direction by 10° at "P1" and "P2" beacons to become the Platypus Channel (design depth 11.7m). Refer to Port Control for current rated depths.

Outer Harbour Swing Basin:

Arrival: The swing basin for ships arriving into the outer harbour has a minimum diameter of 352m and a design depth of 8.5m LAT.

Departure: The departure channel from the outer harbour has a design depth of 11.7m LAT.

Right of way: The first ship to arrive at Pilot Boarding Ground Alpha (A) is given preference to enter the channel and use of the berth.

Inner harbour swing basin:

Within the harbour breakwater is an elliptical basin with 440m max diameter.

Note: All buoys in the bay are liable to a change of position. The positions given must, therefore, be regarded as approximate only. The majority of buoys have been replaced by beacons.

Port limits

As stated in the Transport Infrastructure (Ports) Regulation 1994 the Port of Townsville consists of the area covered by waters, including tidal waters, of the sea or waters connecting with the sea within the following boundary:

From the HW mark at the northern extremity of Cape Cleveland, to 19°05.41'S 146°52.06'E, to 19°05.41'S 146°45.06'E, to the HW mark on the mainland at the meridian of 146°45.06'E and along the HW mark initially in an E'ly direction, to the northern extremity of Cape Cleveland; includes the area covered by water of navigable rivers and creeks flowing directly or indirectly into waters within the boundary.

Traffic schemes and VTS

The Vessel Traffic System is mandatory for all vessels of LOA 35m and greater. Notice of ETA must be sent 48 hours prior to arrival with further messages 24 hours and 12 hours if necessary. Vessels carrying dangerous cargo must give 48 hours minimum notice prior to arrival and 3 hours minimum notice prior to departure.

Vessels are not to move within the pilotage area unless satisfactory two way communications are maintained with Townsville VTS.

Vessels are to report to Townsville VTS to obtain clearance and arrival information 2 hours before ETA at the pilotage area.

Pilotage exempt vessels are to report 2 hours prior to ETA at the Fairway Lighted Beacon.

Vessels are only to anchor in the area designated by Townsville VTS. Upon anchoring, vessels are to advise Townsville VTS of their anchoring time and position as a bearing and distance

from the N Cardinal Lighted Beacon (19°07.42'S 146°54.23'E). Vessels at anchor in the pilotage area are to maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16 and report if ragging their anchor. Vessels departing the anchorage are to advise Townsville VTS of the vessel’s name and time of weighing anchor.

Changes requested by the master/agent to scheduled movements may be made via QSHIPS, telephone, or email.

Anchorages

There is good holding ground everywhere in Cleveland Bay and vessels awaiting a pilot should anchor according to draught as close to the fairway beacon as possible, but keeping clear of the line of prohibited anchorage.

With the increased shipping in the port, it is necessary for ships to anchor whilst awaiting berth and labour.

Boundaries: Orchard Rocks/Cape Cleveland. Cleveland Bay depths 8.2-12.2m.

Restrictions

Cleveland Bay: No speed limits are specified. Ships are to proceed at a speed that complies with the Queensland Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994, and subordinate legislation.

Tugs

If necessary, additional tugs can be brought from neighbouring ports.

Tugs are equipped with VHF and SSB radios. The necessity to use tugs is at the sole discretion of the Harbour Master and depends upon the vessel size, draught and the berth being occupied.

Mooring

For further information on berthing priorities contact the Authority's Port Services, Tel: +61 7 4781 1683.

Berthing restrictions:

The max length of a vessel entering Berth No 4 is 200m but only on condition that any vessel berthed at Berth No 3 is not closer inshore than the 360m mark.

When tankers of over 213m in length are being berthed at Berth No 1, no vessel at Berth No 2 is to be seaward of the 660m mark.

When vessels of over 180m in length are being berthed at Berth No 2, tankers or other vessels of over 180m berthed at Berth No 1 may be shifted to allow berthing space at the seaward end of Berth No 2.

Vessels over 180m in length may be berthed at Berth No 7 subject to weather conditions and at the Harbour Master's discretion.

Conditions will apply to the arrival and departure of vessels on Berth No 4.

The max LOA for Berth No 4 is 200m.

All vessels at Berth No 6 to be inshore of the 50m mark with beam no greater than 12m during arrival and departure of vessels at Berth No 4.

Dependant on weather, type and characteristic of vessels using Berth No 4 the above conditions are subject to alteration which will be determined by the Regional Harbour Master or his delegate.

Restrictions for Berth No 11:

Max acceptable ship size: LOA 195m.

Berthing operations to take place on slack water or ebb tide only.

Unberthing operations for ships over LOA 120m on slack or ebb tide only.

Unberthing operations for ships up to LOA 120m on any tide.

Max wind speed not to exceed 15kts for all operations

Min UKL (Under Keel Clearance) required for all ships is 1.3m at all times.

Charts and publications

Aus 256, 257, 827. Admiralty Pilot NP15, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessel's ETA must be advised 48 hours prior to arrival. Further messages should be sent 12 hours and 6 hours prior to arrival. Vessels should send ETA and draught to the duty pilot at least 24 hours in advance.

Communications

VHF: Port Authority: Ch 12 and 16, Call sign "Townsville Harbour". Tel: +61 7 4781 1500. Email: [email protected].

Pilots: Ch 06, 08. Tel: +61 1300 721263. Email: [email protected].

Tugs: Ch 16, 06, 08.

Townsville VTS: Ch 16, 12. Tel: +61 1300 721263. Email: [email protected].

Standard messages

Note: To be lodged at Customs Marine Centre, with a copy of the Crew List, 96 hours prior to the vessel's arrival.

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Health

Townsville is a first port of entry and notification of AQIS quarantine inspection is required. Requirements should be made not more than 24 hours or less than 12 hours in advance. Inspections may be carried out at all hours at the wharf or at the quarantine anchorage, at the discretion of the Quarantine Officer. Rat guards are to be maintained on all mooring lines while vessels are berthed in the port. Ballast water not permitted to be discharged until permission granted by AQIS authorities.

Renewal of Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates possible.

Notices and regulations

Dangerous goods:

For all dangerous cargoes, there is a requirement to notify Maritime Safety Queensland, Regional Harbour Master and submit an application to the Townsville Port Authority. No person shall cause the handling, storing and transportation of dangerous goods in or through the port, without prior written application to the Authority's Marine Services Manager or delegate, at least 48 hours before berthing of a vessel.

A dual application form addressing the requirements of both Maritime Safety Queensland and Townsville Port Authority is available for this purpose.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean 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 Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

Contact person: The Secretary.

Address: GPO Box 594, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia.

Tel: +61 2 6274 7114.

Fax: +61 2 6274 7994.

Mob: +61 0417 273 185.

24 hour contact: Office of Transport Security Operations Centre.

Tel: +61 2 6274 8187.

Fax: +61 2 6274 6089.

Email: [email protected]

ISPS Compliance: ISPS compliance is 100% for Australian ports, Australian port facilities and Australian flagged ships.

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

Repairs

Available. A slipway situated on the eastern side of Ross Creek operated by Curtain Brothers is capable of accommodating vessels to 67m in length and 800DWT. A modern ship repair workshop is attached which has a lathe for shafts up to 7.2m in length.

Additional repair facilities for vessels of suitable size and draught are available at Ross River.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at all berths.

Bunkering: Available.

Medical

Townsville General Hospital, 14km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Townsville Airport, 9.6km.

Airport facilities: Domestic terminals.

Nearest railway: Townsville Central Station, 3km.

Working hours

The four stevedoring companies engage their own labour under enterprise agreements. Working hours can be arranged with the stevedoring company throughout 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Where it is

The port of Townsville is situated on the SW side of Cleveland Bay on the Queensland coastline, 1,359km N of Brisbane.

The port

The port consists of nine operational berths, all of which are accessible by road and rail.

Main imports: General cargo, oil, petroleum products, bulk fertilisers, nickel ore, sulphur, cement, motor vehicles and sulphuric acid.

Main exports: General cargo, sugar, coke, molasses, frozen meat, hides, tallow, by products, cattle, refined copper, copper concentrates, sulphur/sulphuric acid, zinc concentrates, lead products, sand, gravel, timber and nickel.

Traffic

Approx 7,000,000t of cargo, 45,000TEU, 600 vessels and 20,000 passengers are handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Townsville?

The pilot boards at Townsville Pilot Boarding Ground A, 19°04.2′S 146°55.1′E. Townsville has 2 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Townsville in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Townsville?

The deepest berth listed is at Townsville Terminal: 12.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Townsville?

1025.

Which load line zone is Townsville in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Townsville?

Port State Control at Townsville: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Townsville?

The UN/LOCODE of Townsville is AUTSV.

What crews who called at Townsville 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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