2.1 Samoa Port Assessment
There are 6 ports in Samoa – 4 ports located on the main island of Upolo and 2 ports located on the island of Savaii.
The primary international port is Apia at Matauta, which provides facilities for international freight movements, including container ships, bulk petroleum products, cruise and other vessel arrivals, as well as some inter-island ferry services. Apia Port also handles around 5,000 mt per annum of the domestic inshore fishing industry catch.
Other ports are used only as domestic (inter-island) ferry terminals, or rarely, if at all. Whilst there are long-term plans to develop a port for cruise ships and yachts at Fagamalo Bay, a commercial port at Vaiusu Bay and the redevelopment of the port at Asau, there is no immediate funding plan for these projects.
2.1.1 Samoa Port of Apia
Key port information can also be found at: Website of the Maritime Database on the Port of Apia
Port Overview
Apia Port is a solely
commercial port, handling about 97% of all foreign trade cargoes
for the country, and is regarded as the lifeline of a country
largely dependent upon imports and transportation by
sea.
The Portis connected with Southern Pacific countries such as
New Zealand and Australia, and Northern Pacific countries including
Japan and the United States, as well as Europe.
Neighbouring island countries are served with container and
Ro-Ro ships, and other irregular services are provided by
small cargo vessel and oil tankers. Passenger cruise liners
cruising the South Pacific call at Apia Port several times a
year. Apia Port also
handles around 5,000 mt per annum of the domestic inshore fishing
industry catch.
The Samoa maritime sector has set high standards and is widely regarded to be a leader in the maritime sector in the region. Fixed infrastructure is generally in good condition, appropriate for needs, and with capacity to absorb further growth, however, other than mobile cranes operated by the stevedoring companies, there are no dockside cranes. This means that loading and unloading facilities for containers are generally limited to using ships cranes at dockside, and moving containers to storage areas using trucks, trailers and container lifters. The port area is secure and held to ISPS standards.
The Samoa Ports Authority (SPA) is responsible for the management of the port; it is a government-controlled entity, financially stable and complies with relevant international standards.
Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com
Port Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Samoa |
Province or District |
Apia, Upolu Island |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Port |
Apia 0.5 Km |
Port's Complete Name |
Apia Port |
Latitude |
Latitude: 13° 49′ 42″ S |
Longitude |
Longitude: 171° 45′ 45″ W |
Managing Company or Port Authority |
Samoa Ports Authority |
Management Contact Person |
Taulapapa M Lealaiauloto Tafai Toilolo |
Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures |
Faleolo International Airport Air NZ, Samoa Airways, Virgin Australia |
Port Picture
1 Main berth 2 Container storage 3 Refrigerated container storage
4 Warehouse storage 5 Proposed cable storage 6 Fishing boats & small cargoes
7 Tug & police berthing 8 SSC ferries berthing 9 ?
10 Tanks to be removed to provide additional container storage 11 SSC operations area
12 Port vehicle entrance
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
Oversight for operations within the Port rests with the Samoa Ports Authority (SPA). Samoa Shipping Corporation (SSC) operates Ro-Ro ferries and landing craft. Stevedoring is carried out by 3 companies contracted to SPA: Bethem Brothers Enterprises (BBE), Pacific Forum Line (PFL) and Apia Stevedoring Ltd (ASL). The main transporters responsible for moving containers out of the Port are Silva Transport Ltd, Ah Liki (BlueBird Transport) and Bethem Brothers Enterprises (BBE).
For more information on port contacts, please see the following link:
4.3 Samoa Port and Waterways Company Contact List
Port Performance
Channel draft is 12m but max draft at the wharf is 10.5m. The main limiting factor to performance is the port’s exposure to swells from the open sea at certain times of the year. This can cause disruption to loading and unloading and berthing. It can also result in vessels having to leave the port until swells subside. The port is not congested and there is generally no waiting time between arrival and berthing. Vessels should give 48 hours notice of arrival to ensure quick berthing and turnaround. The port is efficiently run, and turnaround times are generally quick with abundant stevedore labour available. There is no priority for humanitarian cargo under normal circumstances, but this shall be amended in emergency situations.
Seasonal Constraints |
||
---|---|---|
Occurs |
Time Frame |
|
Rainy Season |
No |
N/a |
Major Import Campaigns |
No |
N/a |
Other Comments |
‘Swell’ season occurs from October to March. Sea swells in the port may cause delays to berthing, or require removal of ships from the port (up to 4 days a week). |
Handling Figures for 2016 |
|
---|---|
Vessel Calls |
532 |
Container Traffic (TEUs) |
32,000 |
Handling Figures Bulk and Break Bulk for 2016 |
|
---|---|
Bulk (mt) Includes container volume |
462,000 |
Break bulk (mt) |
85,000 |
Berthing Specifications
There is only one berth.
Type of Berth |
Quantity |
Length (m) |
Maximum Draft (m) |
Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
Conventional & Container Berth |
1 |
305 m |
10.5 |
One berth only |
Silo Berth |
N/a |
|||
Berthing Tugs |
2 |
28 m |
2.5 m |
Gross 121 MT each |
Water Barges |
N/a |
|||
Other Comments |
Fuel discharges to tank farm at main terminal LPG discharged from mooring |
General Cargo Handling Berths
Cargo Type |
Berth Identification |
---|---|
Imports - Bagged Cargo |
Main berth |
Exports - Bagged Cargo |
Main berth |
Imports and Exports - RoRo |
Main berth |
Other Imports |
Main berth |
Port Handling Equipment
Contracted stevedoring companies manage the port equipment. There is limited equipment available with dockside container loading done by ship’s crane. There are 2 mobile cranes; small and large forklifts in the container storage stacking area.
Equipment |
Available |
Total Quantity and Capacity Available |
Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage |
---|---|---|---|
Dockside Crane |
No |
||
Container Gantries |
No |
||
Mobile Cranes |
Yes |
1 x 50 mt 2 x 30 mt |
Good |
Reachstacker |
No |
|
|
RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer) |
No |
||
Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines |
No |
||
Transtainer |
No |
||
Forklifts |
Yes |
4 x 15 mt 7 x 30 mt |
Owned by stevedoring companies |
Container Facilities
Containers are stacked on asphalt area, are well-organised and tidy.
Facilities |
20 ft |
40 ft |
---|---|---|
Container Facilities Available |
2,800m2 area for stacking
|
|
Container Freight Station (CFS) |
N/a |
N/a |
Refrigerated Container Stations |
N/a |
N/a |
Other Capacity Details |
||
Daily Take Off Capacity |
150 - 200 |
|
Number of Reefer Stations |
150 |
|
Emergency Take-off Capacity |
400 in a 24 hour period |
|
Off take Capacity of Gang Shift |
150 - 200 |
Customs Guidance
Customs offices are located adjacent to the port. Customs office hours are 0900 – 1500, however, officials are available for all arrivals. Port authorities should be notified 48 hours prior to vessel arrivals to ensure efficient turnaround and most vessels will be cleared in a few hours, unless there is risk of bio-security in which case vessels will be required to anchor offshore so that customs inspections can be completed before vessels enter the port.
For more information on customs in Samoa, please see the following link:
Terminal Information
Multipurpose Terminal
There is a single berth available for all unloading, Roll on Roll off, containerised and bulk palletised cargo.
Grain and Bulk Handling
There are no facilities available for handling grain at the port.
Main Storage Terminal
There are two warehouse facilities within the port area, approximately 2,000 m2 each; these are generally 80% full. Facilities are basic but secure. Of the two available facilities, 50% of one is leased to a fishing company and that space is fully utilised by them.
Storage Type |
Number of Storage Facilities |
Area (m2) |
---|---|---|
Bagged Cargo |
N/a |
|
Refrigerated Cargo |
N/a |
|
General Cargo |
2 |
3000m2 |
Stevedoring
Three private companies carry out stevedoring activities. There is a plentiful supply of labour available locally. The majority of cargo arrives containerised and is loaded directly onto trucks to be either stacked in the port area, or is transported directly out of the port.
Hinterland Information
Private transport companies move cargo items from the port. There is an ample supply of well-maintained trucks with side lifting capability to handle 20’ and 40’ containers, and the road network allows efficient delivery of containers to nearby Apia and the hinterland. Similarly, there is a sufficient local supply of flatbed trucks for the carriage of bulk and break bulk cargo in either loose, or palletised form.
Port Security
The port is well-fenced, and security is present within this secured area and at the entry point 24/7. All traffic is monitored entering and exiting. There is a manned police post inside the port compound. New Zealand and Australian safety codes are the standard, and are monitored by port authorities. There are no obvious areas of security concerns.
Security |
|
---|---|
ISPS Compliant |
Yes |
Current ISPS Level |
1 |
Police Boats |
Yes (1) |
Fire Engines |
Not on port site. Distance to Apia Fire Station is approximately 0.5 Km |
2.1.2 Samoa Port of Saleologa
Port Overview
Salelologa is a village district on the eastern end of Savai'i Island. Salelologa wharf is the main port of entry into the island, and is the only ferry terminal on Savai'i.
The inter-island passenger and vehicle ferries operate in the Apolima Strait between Salelologa and Mulifanua wharf (at the North West corner of Upolu), and operate 7 days a week during the day. Ferry arrivals and departures are usually every two hours. A one-way trip takes about 90 minutes. The ferries are managed by the government/private sector joint venture company Samoa Shipping Corporation (SSC) that also manages the Port. There are no facilities at the port other than a passenger terminal, ticket office and roll on roll off wharf.
There has been discussion around transferring port management to the Samoa Ports Authority, however no definite timelines for this have been set.
Port website: http://www.samoashipping.com/destinations/salelologa
Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com
Port Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Samoa |
Province or District |
Saval’il Island |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Port |
Salelologa (town at the port) |
Port's Complete Name |
Port of Salelologa |
Latitude |
-13.73778 |
Longitude |
-172.2206 |
Managing Company or Port Authority |
Samoa Shipping Company (SSC) |
Management Contact Person |
Pipi Ioane Fomai (pipi@samoashipping.com) |
Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures |
Faleolo International Airport Air NZ, Samoa Airlines, Virgin Australia |
Port Picture
1 Disused wharf (in disrepair) 2 SSC offices 3 Terminal building
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
Samoa Shipping Corporation is responsible for the port, facilities and operating the ferry service.
For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.3 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List
Port Performance
The port is used solely for loading and offloading passengers and vehicles using the domestic inter-island ferry service. There are no facilities for any cargo handling.
Seasonal Constraints |
||
---|---|---|
Occurs |
Time Frame |
|
Rainy Season |
No |
|
Major Import Campaigns |
No |
|
Other Comments |
|
Handling Figures for N/a |
|
---|---|
Vessel Calls |
N/a |
Container Traffic (TEUs) |
N/a |
Handling Figures Bulk and Break Bulk for N/a |
|
---|---|
Bulk (mt) |
N/a |
Break bulk (mt) |
N/a |
Berthing Specifications
Type of Berth |
Quantity |
Length (m) |
Maximum Draft (m) |
Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
Conventional Berth |
1 |
45m |
6m |
Used for domestic ferry service only |
Container Berth |
N/a |
|
||
Silo Berth |
N/a |
|
||
Berthing Tugs |
N/a |
|
||
Water Barges |
N/a |
|
General Cargo Handling Berths
Cargo Type |
Berth Identification |
---|---|
Imports - Bagged Cargo |
N/a |
Exports - Bagged Cargo |
N/a |
Imports and Exports - RoRo |
N/a |
Other Imports |
N/a |
Port Handling Equipment
There is no handling equipment.
Equipment |
Available |
Total Quantity and Capacity Available |
Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage |
---|---|---|---|
Dockside Crane |
No |
||
Container Gantries |
No |
||
Mobile Cranes |
No |
||
Reachstacker |
No |
||
RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer) |
No |
||
Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines |
No |
||
Transtainer |
No |
||
Forklifts |
No |
Container Facilities
There are no container facilities.
Facilities |
20 ft |
40 ft |
---|---|---|
Container Facilities Available |
N/a |
N/a |
Container Freight Station (CFS) |
N/a |
N/a |
Refrigerated Container Stations |
N/a |
N/a |
Other Capacity Details |
N/a |
N/a |
Daily Take Off Capacity |
N/a |
N/a |
Number of Reefer Stations |
N/a |
N/a |
Emergency Take-off Capacity |
N/a |
N/a |
Off take Capacity of Gang Shift |
N/a |
N/a |
Customs Guidance
There are no customs services.
For more information on customs in Samoa, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information
Stevedoring
There are no stevedoring activities
Hinterland Information
There is no requirement for hinterland transport, however there are abundant flat deck trucks (5mt) available on the island of Savai’i if required.
Port Security
There is no permanent port security.
Security |
|
---|---|
ISPS Compliant |
No |
Current ISPS Level |
N/a |
Police Boats |
No |
Fire Engines |
No |
2.1.3 Samoa Port of Asau
Port Overview
Constructed in the 1960s for lumbering operations, Asau is situated on the North West coast of Savai'i Island. The harbour and small wharf are seldom used now. The mouth of Asau Harbour is blocked by a coral reef. Draft is around 6m, there is a 2.5m draft restriction. Channel width is around 40m. There are plans - though currently no funding - to complete dredging and make Asau a secondary port for fishing fleet and small container cargo (mainly fish).
Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com
Port Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Samoa |
Province or District |
Savai’il Island, Vaisigano district |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Port |
Asau (village at port) |
Port's Complete Name |
Port of Asua |
Latitude |
-13.51939 |
Longitude |
-172.6372 |
Managing Company or Port Authority |
Samoa Ports Authority |
Management Contact Person |
Taulapapa M Lealaiauloto Tafai Toilolo |
Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures |
Faleolo International Airport Air NZ, Virgin Australia, Samoa Airways |
Port Picture
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
The port is not used as a result of the shallow and narrow channel resulting from sand and coral drift. Consequently there are no facilities at the port other than the wharf itself.
For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List
Port Performance
The port is not used, because of the shallow and narrow channel resulting from sand and coral drift. Consequently there are no facilities at the port other than the wharf itself.
Seasonal Constraints |
||
---|---|---|
Occurs |
Time Frame |
|
Rainy Season |
No |
|
Major Import Campaigns |
No |
|
Other Comments |
The port is not used because of the shallow and narrow channel resulting from sand and coral drift. Consequently there are no facilities at the port other than the wharf itself. |
Handling Figures |
|
---|---|
Vessel Calls |
N/a |
Container Traffic (TEUs) |
N/a |
Handling Figures Bulk and Break Bulk |
|
---|---|
Bulk (MT) |
N/a |
Break bulk (MT) |
N/a |
Berthing Specifications
Type of Berth |
Quantity |
Length (m) |
Maximum Draft (m) |
Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
Conventional Berth |
1 |
110 |
12 |
Channel width and draft are limiting factors |
Container Berth |
|
|||
Silo Berth |
N/a |
|
||
Berthing Tugs |
N/a |
|
||
Water Barges |
N/a |
|
General Cargo Handling Berths
Cargo Type |
Berth Identification |
---|---|
Imports - Bagged Cargo |
N/a |
Exports - Bagged Cargo |
N/a |
Imports and Exports - RoRo |
N/a |
Other Imports |
N/a |
Port Handling Equipment
The Samoa Ports Authority manages the port, however the port is not used as a result of the shallow and narrow channel resulting from sand and coral drift. Consequently there are no facilities at the port other than the wharf itself.
Equipment |
Available |
Total Quantity and Capacity Available |
Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage |
---|---|---|---|
Dockside Crane |
N/a |
||
Container Gantries |
N/a |
||
Mobile Cranes |
N/a |
||
Reachstacker |
N/a |
||
RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer) |
N/a |
||
Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines |
N/a |
||
Transtainer |
N/a |
||
Forklifts |
N/a |
Container Facilities
Facilities |
20 ft |
40 ft |
---|---|---|
Container Facilities Available |
N/a |
N/a |
Container Freight Station (CFS) |
N/a |
N/a |
Refrigerated Container Stations |
N/a |
N/a |
Other Capacity Details |
N/a |
N/a |
Daily Take Off Capacity |
N/a |
N/a |
Number of Reefer Stations |
N/a |
N/a |
Emergency Take-off Capacity |
N/a |
N/a |
Off take Capacity of Gang Shift |
N/a |
N/a |
Customs Guidance
Customs is not present at the port.
For more information on customs in Samoa, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information
Stevedoring
The port is not used because of the shallow and narrow channel resulting from sand and coral drift. Consequently there are no facilities at the port other than the wharf.
Hinterland Information
N/a
Port Security
There is no security at the port and no fencing.
Security |
|
---|---|
ISPS Compliant |
N/a |
Current ISPS Level |
N/a |
Police Boats |
N/a |
Fire Engines |
N/a |
2.1.4 Samoa Port of Mulifanua
Port Overview
Mulifanua is a village on the north-western tip of the island of Upolu. Mulifanua wharf is the main ferry terminal for inter-island vehicle and passenger travel across the Apolima Strait between Upolu and the island of Savai'i. The government's joint venture company Samoa Shipping Corporation (SSC) operates the ferry service, seven days a week, between Mulifanua and Salelologa at the east end of Savai'i Island. A one-way trip between the two islands takes about 90 minutes. The ferry usually runs every two hours during the day.
SSC is also responsible for management of the port . The port is utilised solely as a ferry terminal, and as such there are no facilities at the port other than a passenger terminal, ticket office and roll on roll off wharf.
In 2018 Mulifanau had an upgrade completed on the passenger and bus terminal. As a result of drifting sand, dredging operation is being planned to maintain channel width and depth.
Port website: http://www.samoashipping.com/destinations/mulifanua
Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com
Port Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Samoa |
Province or District |
Upolu Island, Aiga-i-le-Tai district |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Port |
Mulifanau (Village at the port) |
Port's Complete Name |
Port of Mulifanau |
Latitude |
-13.830154˚ |
Longitude |
-172.036398˚ |
Managing Company or Port Authority |
Samoa Shipping Company |
Management Contact Person |
Pipi Ioane Fomai (pipi@samoashipping.com) |
Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures |
Faleolo International Airport Air NZ, Virgin Australia, Samoa Airlines. |
Port Picture
1 Ro-Ro wharf 2 SSC Offices 3 Ferry terminal buildings 4 Car Park
5 Loading/unloading area for ferry
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
Samoa Shipping Corporation (SSC) manages the port. It is used for Ro-Ro operations for the inter-island ferry service also managed by SSC. There are no other facilities available and no other companies present at the port.
For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.3 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List
Port Performance
Samoa Shipping Corporation (SSC) manages the port. It is used for Ro-Ro operations for the inter-island ferry service also managed by SSC. There are no other facilities available and no other companies present within the port.
Seasonal Constraints |
||
---|---|---|
Occurs |
Time Frame |
|
Rainy Season |
No |
N/a |
Major Import Campaigns |
No |
N/a |
Other Comments |
|
Handling Figures |
|
---|---|
Vessel Calls |
N/a |
Container Traffic (TEUs) |
N/a |
Handling Figures Bulk and Break Bulk |
|
---|---|
Bulk (MT) |
N/a |
Break bulk (MT) |
N/a |
Berthing Specifications
Type of Berth |
Quantity |
Length (m) |
Maximum Draft (m) |
Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
Conventional Berth |
1 |
45m |
5m |
|
Container Berth |
N/a |
|
||
Silo Berth |
N/a |
|
||
Berthing Tugs |
N/a |
|
||
Water Barges |
N/a |
|
General Cargo Handling Berths
Cargo Type |
Berth Identification |
---|---|
Imports - Bagged Cargo |
N/a |
Exports - Bagged Cargo |
N/a |
Imports and Exports - RoRo |
N/a |
Other Imports |
N/a |
Port Handling Equipment
Samoa Shipping Corporation (SSC) a government joint venture, manages the port. It is used for Ro-Ro operations for the inter-island ferry service also managed by SSC. There are no other facilities available and no other companies present within the port.
Equipment |
Available |
Total Quantity and Capacity Available |
Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage |
---|---|---|---|
Dockside Crane |
No |
||
Container Gantries |
No |
||
Mobile Cranes |
No |
||
Reachstacker |
No |
||
RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer) |
No |
||
Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines |
No |
||
Transtainer |
No |
||
Forklifts |
No |
Container Facilities
Facilities |
20 ft |
40 ft |
---|---|---|
Container Facilities Available |
N/a |
N/a |
Container Freight Station (CFS) |
N/a |
N/a |
Refrigerated Container Stations |
N/a |
N/a |
Other Capacity Details |
N/a |
N/a |
Daily Take Off Capacity |
N/a |
N/a |
Number of Reefer Stations |
N/a |
N/a |
Emergency Take-off Capacity |
N/a |
N/a |
Off take Capacity of Gang Shift |
N/a |
N/a |
Customs Guidance
There are no customs services available at this port
For more information on customs in Samoa, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information
Terminal Information
MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL
There are no storage facilities available at this port.
Storage Type |
Number of Storage Facilities |
Area (m2) |
---|---|---|
Bagged Cargo |
N/a |
N/a |
Refrigerated Cargo |
N/a |
N/a |
General Cargo |
N/a |
N/a |
Port Security
There is local security present.
Security |
|
---|---|
ISPS Compliant |
No |
Current ISPS Level |
N/a |
Police Boats |
No |
Fire Engines |
No |