Port Overview

The Port of Malakal is the main port of Palau, and is situated on Malakal island, adjacent to Koror Island. The port is situated in a protected lagoon area and is serviced by shipping companies Kyowa, Matson Navigation and PIL/ Mariana Line routes from Guam and Asia. The port has two main docks, each able to handle vessels up to 500 ft in length. Access to the port is via channels through the outer reef. There are 2 docks of 164m and 154m respectively with a safe draft of 9m and with a self-imposed draft of 7m.

The port is owned and operated by a private company who also undertakes all terminal services and cargo handling. Freight movement is predominantly containerised, with 200-400 containers received each month, and approximately 100 mt of bulk break cargo per month.

Malakal port lies adjacent to the fisheries port, owned and operated by Tan Holdings. This neighbouring dock facility is for the exclusive purposes of unloading fishing vessels and packaging for export, and does not handle general cargo.

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

 

 

Port Picture

Gantry crane unloading containers                                                                                                Secondary dock with refuelling point 

Port Features:

• Main Gate and Security
• Main Dock
• Secondary Dock and refuelling point
• Offices BTTC Stevedores and Shipping Agents
• Customs Office
• Quarantine Office
• Transit Warehouse (Bulk Break and LCL Goods)
• Maintenance facilities
• Container Storage

 

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

Belau Transfer and Terminal Company (BTTC) is a private operator and undertakes all terminal services and stevedoring activities at the port. BTTC leases the port premises from the Koror State Government and is responsible for all activities and operations at the port, providing freight delivery services to customers.

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

Port Performance

The Port of Malakal is the main shipping port in Palau. The port handles approximately 200 containers per month but this volume can double at peak times. 50% of the containers imported are for the 3 major supermarket chains: WCTC, Surangel and Payless. Approximately 20% of the containers are refrigerated. The port itself handles approximately 6-8 cargo vessels per month that are almost exclusively container freight; Kyowa line and PIL Eurasia/MIL lines provide scheduled services to Koror.

Container arrival per month varies depending on the time of year and infrastructure projects being undertaken. Historically, freight volumes increase during November to April, due to Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. During major infrastructure programs, maximum handling has previously reached 500 containers per month, not including tonnage moved for bulk break.

Containers must all be unloaded by gantry crane, as no container cranes are available at the dock. Depending on the ships’ gantry crane and operator capacity, containers can generally be unloaded at a rate of 6-10 per hour. 

The port is generally not congested, and even at peak times, handling equipment availability has not caused any major bottlenecks. Port handling equipment is in a fair to good condition but only a small amount of equipment is available. 

 

 

 

 

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

For information on port rates and charges, please see the following link: http://www.belautransfer.com/

 

Berthing Specifications

For more information see: http://ports.com/micronesia/malakal-harbor/

 

General Cargo Handling Berths

Port Handling Equipment

The port equipment is owned and managed by the private operator BTTC. The handling equipment is in good condition with two top loaders and a heavy forklift available. Smaller forklifts for movement of palletised freight are available and in good condition. The top loaders move all containers from dockside to storage, and load all tractor trailers for delivery. While 40ft containers are handled regularly, an ideal maximum of 20mt deadweight is requested due to limitations on the equipment handling capacity.

There are no tug masters and all containers are stacked and loaded directly onto the delivery equipment (being trailer chassis) by top loaders or forklifts.  BTTC maintains 5 prime mover/tractors for deliveries that are all in a fair to good condition.  

 

 

32 mt top loader and heavy forklift                                                                                                 42 mt top loader

 

Container trailers                                                                                                                                Prime mover/tractor for container delivery 

 

Container Facilities

While almost all freight moves through the port in containers, the port has no dedicated container facility and operates as a general port. Bulk break goods are stored adjacent to the secondary wharf and transit warehouse.

 

Container marshalling and storage area                                                                                         Container storage area dock side

 

 

Malakal port has no reefer stations for the siting and temporary powering of refrigerated containers. Unloading and dispatch from the port for customers with reefer containers (e.g. main supermarkets) are synchronised and planned, to ensure containers are dispatched to the consignees site directly upon unloading from the vessel. It is often the case that reefer containers are unloaded within 4-6 hours of discharge from the vessel.  

In case of emergencies, generators can be provided for temporary power solutions.

Customs Guidance

The Bureau of Customs, Revenue and Taxation (BCRT) office is located adjacent to the port gate entrance. The office houses customs inspectors whose responsibility it is to inspect all incoming goods and containers prior to clearance.

The main customs office is situated across the main road 1km from the port entrance on Malakal Island This is where processing of the payment of taxes and revenues is undertaken once goods have been inspected by the port officers. Customs officers inspect 98% of all goods coming onto the Port. It is becoming more common for the majority of containers arriving in country. This requires customs officers to be at the point of unloading, once delivered. BCRT has 8 customs inspectors as part of a mobile team to undertake this task.

The process for clearing goods is firstly to advise the main customs office at Malakal of incoming goods and provide all necessary documentation. All details of the consignment are then entered on the data base and once unloaded goods can be inspected by Customs inspectors at the port. Once the accuracy of content has been confirmed and all have been taxes paid (if applicable), the main office will authorise release.

The process can be completed within 1-2 days and during a time of emergency can be reduced to several hours.

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

Terminal Information

MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL

There are no specialist facilities at the port, and the port operates as a basic general container and handler of bulk break goods. The port only operates ground handling equipment of top loaders and forklifts to move items once unloaded.  

GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING

There are no bulk handling facilities.

MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL

There is only one main storage warehouse at the port which is currently used for bulk break and LCL goods. Whilst the area is small, the space is available for the storage of goods in a disaster as a transit area.

 

 

 

LCL and bulk break goods in storage in transit warehouse                                                          Transit warehouse

Stevedoring

All terminal and stevedoring services are provided by a single, private company, BTTC. BTTC also provide services as a shipping agent for Kyowa and local transport services. BTTC Offices are located adjacent to the security gate opposite the Quarantine Offices at the port.

All ships operating at the port require gantry cranes to load/unload all container freight. The Kyowa line uses RoRo vessels for the shipment of vehicles which also fall under the responsibility of BTTC.

Stevedoring services are mechanical, as are terminal services; the labour component is for the unstuffing of containers. During an emergency, additional labour can be provided by BTTC if needed.

Hinterland Information

Containerised freight is moved out of the port by container trailers and prime movers by BTTC. BTTC has no side unloading trailers, therefore any containers being unloaded from the trailer require a crane to be used. This is charged at an hourly rate. BTTC has 40 trailers, 15 of which can handle 40’ containers.

Refrigerated containers are treated as a priority, as no reefer stations are available at the port. As such, prime movers and trailers are directly loaded for dispatch to customers, and the major customers unload the container in a matter of hours. For the most part, the trailers are returned well within the demurrage-free period.

Consignees have 7 days after vessel departure to unload containers. BTTC owns 5 x prime movers /tractors. Contact BTTC directly for demurrage rates.

 

Port Security

Palau has been a signatory to the IMO ISPS Code since 2011. The port is fenced, with access permitted through a manned security gate. All visitors to the port require photo ID which must be left at the security gate upon entry.

Appointments for meetings for first visits are essential, otherwise access is likely to be denied.

 

Aviation Overview

Key airport information may also be found at: http://worldaerodata.com/

Palau has only 3 airport/airfield facilities throughout the country. The main international airport in Palau is in Airai State, near Koror, and is operated under FAA and US air traffic control. There are also two small airfields located on the islands of Peleliu and Angaur to the South of Babeldoab. Both airfields are managed and operated by their respective states. 

The aviation sector in Palau is small and relies primarily on tourism. There are approximately 30 flights per week into and out of Palau.  Palau is an international tourist destination, and is serviced by United Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air and China Airlines through international scheduled flights that all land at Palau International Airport.

Charter carriers also service Palau with Smile Airlines providing tourist charters from China. Boeing 737-600 are the most common type of aircraft used.

Cargo services are provided by United Airlines Cargo, as part of the almost daily scheduled route, and by Asia Pacific Air (APA), a subsidiary of Tan Holdings, who provide Air Cargo charter out of Guam. 

Domestic carriers are limited to small tourist charter airlines Belau Air and Pacific Missionary Aviation (PMA). PMA is based in Yap, in Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), who provide charter services to outer islands and around Palau if required.

The Main Palau International airport is regulated by the US FAA, and routinely undertakes operational and safety compliance reviews. The airport has two aprons and approved future improvements include:

• Hanger construction at North Parking Apron (Commenced)
• Fuel Banker installation at North Apron
• Main Terminal extension

For more information on government agency and airport company contact information, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List and 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List 

Procedures for Foreign Registered Aircraft

Foreign Aircraft operating in Palau are separated under two different regimes for the purposes of registration. They are:
 1. Aircraft operating in Palau as a domestic service, and,
 2. Aircraft operating internationally but flying into Palau.

 

Aircraft operating on commercial domestic routes in Palau are required to register with the National Aviation Authority through the Bureau of Aviation. Application is up to public notice; over a 15-30-day period objections are determined and a ruling is made after the 30-day period.

In each case the carrier is required provide the following:

- Aircraft Operational Certificate

- Insurance

- Airmen certification

Once this documentation has been provided multiple landing application can be applied for through the Bureau of Aviation.

Please refer to link for information and documentation: https://skyvector.com/airport/ROR/Babelthuap-Koror-Airport

Palau has approximately 85 km of highways and approximately 36 km of unsealed roads. Driving is on the right and the speed limit is 40 km/h (25 mph).  

In 2017, resurfacing and repair began for the main loop road on Babeldoab under the Compact Agreement and was completed in 2018. The main loop road is therefore in excellent condition. Peripheral road, surfaced with gravel are also in good condition and regular maintenance continues to be undertaken on them. The specifications of the compact road construction, undertaken through the US Army Engineering contingent, follow the American Association and State Highways Transportation official policy of geometric design for highway and streets.

A small road network also exists on Peleliu and Angaur islands. Peleliu has approximately 4 km of sealed road from the port to the main town – the rest is unsealed.

The Babeldoab loop road is mainly inland and significantly above sea level, with the exception of the eastern side near Karaeru, where the road crosses a low lagoon area by causeway. Causeways between Koror Meyungs and Malakal are also the only road-access connections between the southern Babeldoab islands.

Koror Bridge

Access from the main island of Babeldoab to Koror is by way of a suspension bridge. This bridge collapsed in 1996 but was rebuilt and now acts as a critical link between the islands. Causeways also connect Koror to Malakal Island and to Meyungs west of Koror Island.

 

Suspension bridge connecting Airai to Koror.                                                                                 Causeway connecting Koror to Meyungs Island.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List 

Distance Matrix

Road Security

The speed limit is 25mph/40kmph. Vehicles must slow down through villages and drive through at a respectful pace without loud music.  There are no issues with road security. Tourists pose the greatest road safety issues, due to the use of RHD cars driving on the right side of the road.

Weighbridges and Axle Load Limits

There are no weighbridges in the road network, nor are there mandatory or regulated mass limits for vehicles apart from the Koror bridge - vehicle configuration allows for the transport of 40ft containers, indicating that road surface loads are easily able to carry 50 mt without affecting the road surface.

The most common configuration for a heavy vehicle is a 3-axle prime mover, with a dual-axle trailer transporting a net load of 20-25 mt.

Road Class and Surface Conditions

Babledoab Island

Main Loop Road 

Main loop road is in excellent condition with a sealed surface. It is well-maintained and well-drained.

Peripheral Roads (to villages and communities)

Peripheral road off main loop road. Gravel surface is well-drained and regularly maintained.

There are no railways in Palau. 

Waterways and Inter-Island Overview

As with many North Pacific countries, the remote, outer island geographic nature means inter-island shipping or transport is the predominant form of people and freight movement between the islands. Palau itself is made up of 9 inhabited islands. With the majority of the population living on Babeldoab, the main Island of Palau. The states of Peleliu, Angaur and Kayangel all lie within 100 km of Koror. Only Peleliu and Angaur have their own ferry boats for regular inter-island services. The Islands of Hatohobi and Sonsorol in the South-West are the furthest inhabited outer islands and are serviced every 3 months by their states, who charter a local dive vessel. Local private dive companies operate a large variety of boats, from small 10-person skiffs to larger dive vessels.

Climatic conditions are the main limiting factor and bottleneck for the islands. Any high winds will affect ocean swell outside the lagoon, making seagoing voyages difficult in small boats.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List

Company Information

The vessels operating between Koror, Peleliu and Angaur are owned and operated by their respective state governments. Koror state does not own any large nationally-available ferry or cargo vessels. The Hotohobie and Sonsorol state governments charter vessels for supply to their respective islands.

Due to the large tourism industry in Palau being based around diving, there are a large number and variety of dive vessels available for charter. This can range from smaller 22-seater passenger tenders to larger vessels with cabins and cargo area able to accommodate up to 50 people.

Sarangel and Sons, a major family-owned company with construction, wholesaling and retailing operations, operate their own tug and barge for transport of construction materials and equipment to the outer islands. This tug/barge configuration is available for chartering.

For more information on waterway company contact details, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List

 

 

Vessel Pictures

              

Peleliu State Ferry Nippon Maru II                                                    Odesangel Dil  RoRo Ferry –Peleliu State 

         

Regina IV Angaur State Ferry                                                          Traditional Raft for lagoon fishing

Travel Time Matrix

 

 

Key Routes

 

 

Port Information

 

 

Outer Islands Ports and Docks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Storage Overview

Commercial storage is very limited throughout Palau. The main logistics infrastructure is located in Koror, however, there is only a small amount of space available. The largest identified space available is at Malakal port, with space in the port transit warehouse and on Malakal Island, which services the nearby port. Commercial fish processing operations adjacent to the Malakal port include refrigerated and general storage, however, this is a private enterprise and despite its large size, it is not available for general good storage.

There is no usable government warehousing facility. An old facility exists but is used as a yard for unused government vehicles, plants and equipment, and is not recoverable.

There were several warehouses and building structures observed around Koror which could be used as temporary warehousing. The current use of these facilities was not identified or confirmed but they appear suitable for temporary storage if available.

For more information on storage company contact details, please see the following link: 4.6 Storage and Milling Companies Contact List

Commercial Storage

There are only two identified commercial storage areas available in Palau, both which are in Koror.

  

Transit warehouse Malakal Port                                                                                                        Transit warehouse Malakal Port

 

CTSI storage warehouse                                                                                                                      Malakal Island Airfreight storage area of United Airlines at Palau International Airport

 

Cold storage area of CTSI Logistics Malakal                                                                                     Red Cross storage containers Koror High School

 

Storage Used by Humanitarian Organisations

The Red Cross Society maintains 3 x 20’ containers for use as storage in the grounds of the Koror High School. Other than some Red Cross office space, humanitarian organisation storage capacity is limited.

Public Sector Storage

There are no storage facilities or warehouses available through any government departments or public sector agencies. The procurement of items for the government is undertaken through direct purchase from suppliers, which are delivered to end user bases; as such, no government stores are needed or utilised. 

Cold Chain Storage

The only medical cold storage facility in Palau is based at the hospital for the storage of blood. CTSI Logistics operates a cool storage area using air-conditioning in which the temperature can be maintained at a minimum of 16°C.

Palau has no milling infrastructure. As such, all milling and fortification will need to be arranged and undertaken prior to the arrival of goods and/or cereal.