Port Overview

Port-of-entry for goods coming from Fiji and Hawaii and for copra exports (containerised). It is the only port on the island capable of handling containers and large ships. The other Port, English Harbour, can only accommodate small inter-island boats with 2 metres or less draft. 

Navy Harbour is limited to 20 foot containers and is not accessible in rough weather conditions. It has berthing for 1 ship at a time only. Facilities are limited.   

Key port information can be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com

Proposed Capital Works/Expenditure

Port Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

The Port is managed and maintained by the Kiribati Ports Authority  (KPA), a statutory body established in 2000 under KPA Act 1990 and operating under the direction of Board Directors appointed by the Minister of Communication, Transport and Tourism. Wholly owned by the Government, it currently employs 158 employees. 

The KPA is responsible for all stevedoring activities, security, surveys of vessels, shipping channels, and navigation aids, regulating and controlling navigation within the ports, communications and harbor control. They also manage hinterland transportation. 

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List  

Port Performance 

The channel draft is 9 metres accommodating ships of 6 metres draft maximum, and ship’s length is constrained by a jetty length of 100 metres. There is a single berth. There is no congestion as ships only call approximately every three months. Generally there is no waiting time between arrival and berthing however if the sea is rough ships may be required to anchor off for up to 5 days before they can be unloaded. This is not common.  

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

Handling rate= $US16.00/m3

Discharge FCL - 20 foot container:    US$ 160.00

                          - 40 foot container:    US$ 240.00

Berthing Specifications

General Cargo Handling Berths

Port Handling Equipment

The port handling equipment is managed by the Kiribati Port Authority (a government organisation). Equipment is funded by the KPA out of revenue, not by direct government funding. 

Containers are unloaded to dockside using ships cranes, forklifted onto trailer for moving to storage area and stacked there using mobile crane.  

There is a proposed plan to obtain a trailer capable of shifting 40 foot containers and a reach stacker to handle them which will make the port 40 foot container capable. This is unconfirmed.

Container Facilities

There is a level fenced open space for container storage within the port area.

Customs Guidance

Customs are available at port during port working hours. Clearance is usually immediate and there are no particular issues with customs officials or procedures. Clearance can often be done in advance of berthing.  

For more information on customs in Kiribati, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information  

Terminal Information

Multipurpose Terminal

As previously documented above, there is one berth that is used for all cargo.

Grain and Bulk Handling

There is no facility for grain or bulk handling discharge at this port.

Main Storage Terminal

There is one closed storage facility for all and any cargo.

Stevedoring

Kiribati Port Authority (KPA) provides stevedoring services. KPA hire casual labour as and when required. There is no shortage of labour available for this purpose. 

Hinterland Information

All containerised cargo is moved from the port by KPA who operate the island’s only sidelifter. It is 20 foot container-capable only.

Break bulk cargo is collected by individuals using privately owned small trucks ranging from 1-5 mt of which there are plenty.

Port Security

The port is securely fenced and has manned security 24/7. It is ISPS compliant. There are no plans for any changes to security infrastructure or processes. Security is not a major issue on the island due to size and obvious difficulty leaving.