Cairns (AUCNS)
📍 -16.9166 N, 145.7833 E 🕐 GMT +10 🌍 Australia
Max Length267 m
Max Beam32.26 m
Max Draft10.1 m
Max DWT40,000 T
Density1025
ISPS✓
ECA✗
📋 Port Overview
✓ ISPS✗ ECA
The port has eleven berths for cargo, container, cruise liners and tourist vessels. Exports: Include sugar, molasses, petroleum products and minerals. Imports: Petroleum products, fertiliser, LPG and general cargoes.
🚢 Cargo Capabilities
ContainerLiquidDry BulkBreakbulkMultipurposePassengerLpg
Load line zone
Tropical.
Location
Cairns is situated 1750 km north of Brisbane and is adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. With its strategic location in north Queensland and its protected location, the port creates an ideal haven for pleasure craft.
Max size
LOA 294m, beam 32.26, draught 10.1m, 57,399DWT.
Traffic figures
Approx 1,360,000t of cargo and 1,600 vessels handled annually.
🔧 Facilities
Bunkering ✓Fresh Water ✓Stores ✓Repairs ✓24/7 ✓
🏗️ Crane Capacity (TONS)
Up to 2425 – 49
📍 Pilot Requirements
Body
CAIRNS, QUEENSLAND 16°55.32'S 145°47.05'E UNCTAD LOCODE: AU CNS ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________
Body2
{
"widget_1_pilotage": {
"area_groups": [
{
"area_name": "Cairns Pilotage Area",
"pilots_area_description": "The area of water bounded by an imaginary line joining: (1) NW extremity of Cape Grafton (16°52'00S 145°55'00E). (2) Thence due N for 2 n miles. (3) N extremity of Taylor Point (16°46'60S 145°41'70E). (4) All navigable waters of rivers and creeks flowing directly or indirectly into the area as determined above.",
"pilots_contact_details": [
{
"station_call_name": "Duty Pilot (Cairns)",
"vhf_primary_watch": "Ch 16",
"vhf_secondary_working": null,
"telephones": ["+61(0)7 40414214"],
"faxes": ["+61(0)7 40523844"],
"emails": ["cnspilot_duty@bigpond.com"],
"websites": [],
"operating_hours": "H24"
}
],
"procedure": {
"compulsory_text_note": "Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels of more than 50m LOA regardless of flag unless operating under a PEC.",
"when_to_report": "Vessels requiring the services of a Pilot are required to give a minimum of 48h notice for arrivals and 24h for removals and departures. All bookings for Pilots should be made via Cairns VTS. Details required at time of booking include: (a) Vessel's name (and previous name if applicable) (b) Lloyd's number (c) ETA and ETD (d) Draught forward and aft (for arrival and departure) (e) LOA and beam (f) gt (g) Pilotage destination (h) Number and type of propellers (i) Type of propelling machinery (j) Number and type of rudders (k) Number, arrangement and effective power of thrusters (l) Preferred side alongside (m) Whether lines launch has been ordered (n) Whether pratique has been granted (o) Whether vessel is conducting own agency, if so, an address for invoicing is required (p) Whether or not standard Pilot ladder boarding arrangements exist; if not, clarification of boarding facility is required. All pilotage bookings must be confirmed by fax or e-mail. Pilot will generally call the vessel arriving off the port to embark a Pilot 30 to 45 mins prior to designated Pilot boarding time.",
"how_to_report": "Bookings for Pilots should be made via Cairns VTS by telephone; details required at time of booking include vessel's name, Lloyd's number, ETA and ETD, draughts, LOA and beam, gt, pilotage destination, propeller details, machinery type, rudder details, thrusters, preferred side alongside, lines launch and pratique status, and agency/invoicing preference.",
"what_to_report": [],
"pilot_boarding_positions": [
{
"designator": "Boarding Place D",
"coordinates_or_verbose": "16°46'00S 145°50'00E",
"vessel_particular_constraints": null
},
{
"designator": "Boarding Place A",
"coordinates_or_verbose": "16°47'50S 145°53'50E",
"vessel_particular_constraints": "Vessels 180m or greater LOA"
},
{
"designator": "Boarding Place B",
"coordinates_or_verbose": "16°48'60S 145°50'60E",
"vessel_particular_constraints": "Vessels under 180m LOA"
},
{
"designator": "Boarding Place C",
"coordinates_or_verbose": "16°50'26S 145°49'04E",
"vessel_particular_constraints": "Adverse weather only"
}
],
"pilot_disembarkation_positions": [],
"leftover_text_notes": [
"Provides pilotage for MOURILYAN, PORT DOUGLAS, COOKTOWN, CAPE FLATTERY, WEIPA, THURSDAY ISLAND and KARUMBA."
]
}
}
]
},
"widget_2_vts": {
"cross_reference_redirect": null,
"area_groups": [
{
"area_name": "Cairns VTS",
"vts_boundaries": {
"description": "Cairns VTS provides Vessel Traffic Services to the Ports of CAIRNS, MOURILYAN, PORT DOUGLAS, COOKTOWN, CAPE FLATTERY, WEIPA, THURSDAY ISLAND and KARUMBA.",
"coordinates": []
},
"contact_details": [
{
"station_call_name": "Cairns VTS",
"vhf_primary_watch": "Ch 16; 12",
"vhf_secondary_working": null,
"telephones": ["+61(0)7 40527470"],
"faxes": ["+61(0)7 40527460"],
"emails": ["vtscairns@msq.qld.gov.au"],
"websites": [],
"operating_hours": "H24"
}
],
"procedure": {
"compulsory_text_note": "Mandatory for all vessels over 35m LOA to establish two-way communications with the VTS Centre on VHF Chs 16 and 12. Vessels are not to move within the pilotage areas in these ports unless satisfactory two-way communications have been established and maintained with Cairns VTS.",
"general_rules": [
"Establish two-way communications with the VTS Centre on VHF Ch 16 or 12.",
"Do not move within the pilotage areas in these ports unless satisfactory two-way communications have been established and maintained with Cairns VTS."
]
},
"reporting_lines_and_points": [],
"reporting_requirements": []
}
]
},
"widget_3_tugs": {
"contact_details": [
{
"provider_name": null,
"vhf_channels": [],
"telephones": [],
"emails": []
}
],
"availability_hours": null,
"notes": []
},
"widget_4_port_and_notes": {
"port_and_terminal_contacts": [
{
"station_call_name": "Cairns Harbour",
"vhf_primary_watch": "Ch 16; 12 74 81",
"vhf_secondary_working": null,
"telephones": ["+61(0)7 40527400"],
"faxes": ["+61(0)7 40527460"],
"emails": ["rhmcairns@msq.qld.gov.au"],
"websites": ["https://www.portsnorth.com.au"],
"operating_hours": "H24"
},
{
"station_call_name": "Port Authority (Ports North)",
"vhf_primary_watch": "Ch 16",
"vhf_secondary_working": null,
"telephones": ["+61(0)7 40523888"],
"faxes": [],
"emails": ["enquiries@portsnorth.com.au"],
"websites": ["https://www.portsnorth.com.au"],
"operating_hours": "H24"
}
],
"standalone_general_notes": [
"Notice of ETA: Vessels bound for the port are required to advise their ETA to Cairns Harbour 72h, 48h and 24h before arrival.",
"Vessels arriving off the port should call Cairns VTS on VHF Chs 16 and 12 to advise final ETA 2h before that ETA.",
"All vessels transiting the Port of Cairns should maintain a radio watch on VHF Chs 16 and 12.",
"All exempt vessels and vessels over 35m LOA should notify Cairns VTS and 'All Ships' on VHF Chs 16 and 12 prior to departing or shifting berth.",
"Cyclone Evacuation Plan: (a) Throughout the period of the emergency a Control Centre will be established, initially at the Regional Harbour Masters Office (b) The Control Centre (call: Port Emergency Control) will continuously monitor VHF Chs 16 and 12 (c) All vessels must contact the Port Emergency Control before altering their area of shelter, either by telephone or VHF Ch 12.",
"Oil Spill: All pollution incidents occurring in the Cairns area are to be reported to the Regional Hr Mr (Cairns), Cairns VTS and Cairns Harbour on VHF Ch 16."
]
},
"formatted_text_original": "PILOTS AREA: The Cairns Pilotage Area is the area of water bounded by an imaginary line joining the following: (1) NW extremity of Cape Grafton (16°52·00S 145°55·00E). (2) Thence due N for 2 n miles. (3) N extremity of Taylor Point (16°46·60S 145°41·70E). (4) All navigable waters of rivers and creeks flowing directly or indirectly into the area as determined above. CONTACT DETAILS: Duty Pilot (Cairns) VHF Channel: Ch 16 Telephone: +61(0)7 40414214 Fax: +61(0)7 40523844 E-mail: cnspilot_duty@bigpond.com PROCEDURE: (1) Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels of more than 50m LOA regardless of flag unless operating under a PEC. (2) All foreign and Australian vessels of 35m LOA and over transiting Smith's Creek must embark a Port Pilot unless operating under a PEC. (3) Pilot ordering: Vessels requiring the services of a Pilot are required to give a minimum of 48h notice for arrivals and 24h for removals and departures. All bookings for Pilots should be made via Cairns VTS. Details required at time of booking include: (a) Vessel's name (and previous name if applicable) (b) Lloyd's number (c) ETA and ETD (d) Draught forward and aft (for arrival and departure) (e) LOA and beam (f) gt (g) Pilotage destination (h) Number and type of propellers (i) Type of propelling machinery (j) Number and type of rudders (k) Number, arrangement and effective power of thrusters (l) Preferred side alongside (m) Whether lines launch has been ordered (n) Whether pratique has been granted (o) Whether vessel is conducting own agency, if so, an address for invoicing is required (p) Whether or not standard Pilot ladder boarding arrangements exist; if not, clarification of boarding facility is required. (4) All pilotage bookings must be confirmed by fax or e-mail. (5) Pilot will generally call the vessel arriving off the port to embark a Pilot 30 to 45 mins prior to designated Pilot boarding time. (6) Pilot boards in the following positions: (a) Boarding Place D: 16°46·00S 145°50·00E (b) Boarding Place A: 16°47·50S 145°53·50E (Vessels 180m or greater LOA) (c) Boarding Place B: 16°48·60S 145°50·60E (Vessels under 180m LOA) (d) Boarding Place C: 16°50·26S 145°49·04E (Adverse weather only) NOTE: Provides pilotage for MOURILYAN, PORT DOUGLAS, COOKTOWN, CAPE FLATTERY, WEIPA, THURSDAY ISLAND and KARUMBA. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE CONTACT DETAILS: Call: Cairns VTS VHF Channel: Ch 16; 12 Telephone: +61(0)7 40527470 Fax: +61(0)7 40527460 E-mail: vtscairns@msq.qld.gov.au HOURS: H24 PROCEDURE: (1) Cairns VTS provides Vessel Traffic Services to the Ports of CAIRNS, MOURILYAN, PORT DOUGLAS, COOKTOWN, CAPE FLATTERY, WEIPA, THURSDAY ISLAND and KARUMBA. (2) Vessels are not to move within the pilotage areas in these ports unless satisfactory two-way communications have been established and maintained with Cairns VTS. (3) Vessels are required to establish two-way communications with the VTS Centre on VHF Ch 16 or 12. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ PORT CONTACT DETAILS: Call: Cairns Harbour VHF Channel: Ch 16; 12 74 81 Regional Hr Mr (Cairns) Telephone: +61(0)7 40527400 Fax: +61(0)7 40527460 E-mail: rhmcairns@msq.qld.gov.au Port Authority (Ports North) Call: Cairns Harbour VHF Channel: Ch 16 Telephone: +61(0)7 40523888 E-mail: enquiries@portsnorth.com.au Website: https://www.portsnorth.com.au HOURS: H24 PROCEDURE: (1) Notice of ETA: Vessels bound for the port are required to advise their ETA to Cairns Harbour 72h, 48h and 24h before arrival. (2) Vessels arriving off the port should call Cairns VTS on VHF Chs 16 and 12 to advise final ETA 2h before that ETA. (3) All vessels transiting the Port of Cairns should maintain a radio watch on VHF Chs 16 and 12. (4) All exempt vessels and vessels over 35m LOA should notify Cairns VTS and "All Ships" on VHF Chs 16 and 12 prior to departing or shifting berth. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: (1) Cyclone Evacuation Plan: (a) Throughout the period of the emergency a Control Centre will be established, initially at the Regional Harbour Masters Office (b) The Control Centre (call: Port Emergency Control) will continuously monitor VHF Chs 16 and 12 (c) All vessels must contact the Port Emergency Control before altering their area of shelter, either by telephone or VHF Ch 12 (2) Oil Spill: All pollution incidents occurring in the Cairns area are to be reported to the Regional Hr Mr (Cairns), Cairns VTS and Cairns Harbour on VHF Ch 16. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________"
}
Body3
WEEKLY CORRECTIONS FROM UKHO NtM WEEK 49/24 Australian Notice 22/799/24, (RSDRA2024000303928), 49/24
🛡️ Pre-Arrival Information
Communications
Radio communication with the Pier Master's Office is available on VHF. Harbour Master: Tel: +61 7 4052 7400, Fax: +61 7 4052 7460, Email: rhamcairns@msq.qld.gov.au. Cairns Port Control (Piermaster): Tel: +61 7 4052 7470, Fax: +61 7 4052 7460, Email:vtscairns@msq.qld.gov.au VHF: Cairns Port Authority: Ch 16, callsign "Cairns Harbour", Tel: +617 4051 2558. Email:enquiries@portsfnq.com.au Cains Port Control: Ch 12, 74, 81. Duty pilot: Ch 16, Tel: +61 7 4041 4214, Email: cnspilot_duty@bigpond.com. Tugs: Ch 06, 08. Cairns Vessel Traffic Service (VTS): Ch 16, 12, callsign "Cairns VTS". Port Authority Operations Office: Ch 13 Australian Reef Pilots: Ch 79
Customs and Immigration
For further information see Country section or contact Australian Customs Services direct on Tel: +61 7 4052 3540.
Documentation required
The documents required for Customs, Immigration and Quarantine department formalities may be summarised as follows: ..... Document 1. Ship Pre Arrival Report (Customs Form 13) 2. Crew Report (Customs Form 3B) 3. Passenger Report (Customs Form 2A) 4. Passenger Report (Customs Form 2B) 5. Advanced Person Processing (APP) of crew and passengers list to be submitted electronically to Immigration Web site www.immi.gov.au/sea 6. Quarantine Pre-arrival Report for Vessels (QPAR) - (AQIS Form 006) 7. Additional Quarantine Pre-Arrival Report for Cruise liners and Navy Vessels (AQIS Form 028) 8. Live Plants Vessel Log.(Attached to AQIS Form 028) 9. Notification of Sign-off if any (Customs Form B521) 10. Notification of Sign-on if any (Customs Form B522) 11. Load Goods (other than cargo) onto ship (Customs Form 43) 12. Remove Goods (other than cargo) from ship (Customs Form 44) 13. Ballast Water Log to Quarantine (AQIS Form 026) 14. Crew Effects Declaration (Customs Form 5 Part Two) 15. Report of Ship's Stores (Customs Form 5 Part Four)
ETA
Vessels bound for the port are required to advise their ETA to the Seaport Operations Centre 72 hours prior to arrival and again at 48 hours and then every 12 hours. Vessels arriving off the port chould call Cairns Harbour on VHF Ch 16 to advise final ETA 2 hours before that ETA. All exempt vessels and vessels LOA 35m should notify Cairns Harbour and "All Ships" on VHF Ch 16 prior to departing or shifting berth.
General notices & regulations
Passenger restrictions: Passengers are not permitted to take food, drinks, plants or animals off the vessel. Arrival: All casinos and bars must be sealed whilst in the port, unless permission is arranged from Customs through the agent. All shops and areas containing goods requiring duty or sales tax must also be sealed whilst in the port. Arrival/departure report: All agents, owners or masters are required to complete the Arrival/Departure Report and lodge it with the Regional Harbour Master's office 48h before a vessel's arrival. The report is to be emailed or faxed to the Regional Harbour Master (Cairns) office on +617 4052 7427. Dangerous goods: Must not be brought into or handled in the pilotage area until notification has been sent to the Regional Harbour Master at least 48h prior to arrival.
Health regulations
According to World Health Organisation, people from yellow fever areas or visitors to these areas require a vaccination certificate if entering Australia within the 6-day incubation period. Radio pratique may be granted. Ship Sanitation Control Certificates issued.
Standard messages
The following is a standard telex sent to the Master of a vessel, prior to arrival at port. quote: Australian Customs Service - Ships Arrival Details The vessel ............... will be arriving at .................. on (day) ................ date ................ at ............... hours. The following particulars of the vessel: ..... 1. Previous name ...................... 2. Lloyds No ...................... 3. Official No ...................... 4. Country of Registration ...................... 5. Type of vessel ...................... 6. Last visit to Australia ...................... 7. Animals onboard ...................... 8. Does Master hold valid Identity documents for all crew ...................... 9. Number of passengers (if applicable) ...................... 10. Last 4 overseas ports of call i. ..................... ii. ..................... iii. ..................... iv. ..................... 11. Ship's Certificates Safety Radio ..................... Safety Construction ..................... Load Line ..................... IOPP ..................... Oil vessel (vessels carrying more than 2,000t oil as cargo) ..................... 12. Intended date of departure .................... Note: To be lodged at Customs Marine Centre, with a copy of the Crew List, 48 hours prior to the vessel's arrival. unquote
⚓ Terminals & Berths
15 berths registered.
| Berth Name | Facility Type | Max LOA | Max Draft | Max DWT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No 12 -16.9382833, 145.7796167 | Both | 180.4 m | 10.5 m | 38,575 T | Active |
Mooring SpecsFlat Side: 183 m Side: Starboard Gangway: Ship Cargo HandlingBreakbulk OperatorQueensland Sugar Limited | |||||
| Sugar Terminal -16.9385167, 145.7783167 | Both | — | — | — | — |
OperatorQueensland Sugar Limited | |||||
| No 1 -16.92505, 145.78075 | Dry Cargo | 268.6 m | 8.4 m | 8,530 T | Active |
Mooring SpecsContinuous: 595 m Flat Side: 92 m Side: Port or Starboard Gangway: Ship OperatorPorts North | |||||
| No 1 Mason's Wharf -16.9442167, 145.7744667 | Dry Cargo | 84.67 m | 8.5 m | 3,158 T | Active |
Mooring SpecsFlat Side: 54 m Side: Port or Starboard Gangway: Ship Cargo HandlingBreakbulk OperatorPorts North | |||||
| No 2 -16.9258667, 145.7805833 | Dry Cargo | 261.31 m | 8.4 m | 8,293 T | Active |
Mooring SpecsContinuous: 595 m Flat Side: 92 m Side: Port or Starboard Gangway: Ship OperatorPorts North | |||||
| No 3 -16.9267, 145.7804167 | Dry Cargo | 261.31 m | 8.4 m | 8,293 T | Active |
Mooring SpecsContinuous: 595 m Flat Side: 92 m Side: Port or Starboard Gangway: Ship OperatorPorts North | |||||
| No 4 -16.9275, 145.7802667 | Dry Cargo | 294 m | 8.4 m | 8,293 T | Active |
Mooring SpecsContinuous: 595 m Flat Side: 92 m Side: Port or Starboard Gangway: Ship OperatorPorts North | |||||
| No 5 -16.9282667, 145.7801 | Dry Cargo | 230.61 m | 8.4 m | 28,446 T | Active |
Mooring SpecsContinuous: 595 m Flat Side: 92 m Side: Port or Starboard Gangway: Ship OperatorPorts North | |||||
| No 6 -16.9293, 145.7799 | Dry Cargo | 237.83 m | 8.4 m | 7,327 T | Active |
Mooring SpecsContinuous: 595 m Flat Side: 135 m Side: Port or Starboard Gangway: Ship OperatorPorts North | |||||
| No 7 -16.9307333, 145.7800167 | Dry Cargo | 219.21 m | 9.3 m | 29,902 T | Active |
Mooring SpecsContinuous: 250 m Flat Side: 125 m Side: Port or Starboard Gangway: Ship Cargo HandlingBreakbulk OperatorPorts North | |||||
| No 8 -16.9319333, 145.7797833 | Dry Cargo | 250 m | 10 m | 57,399 T | Active |
Mooring SpecsContinuous: 250 m Flat Side: 125 m Side: Port or Starboard Gangway: Ship Cargo HandlingBreakbulk OperatorPorts North | |||||
| Smith's Creek -16.9441833, 145.7737667 | Dry Cargo | — | — | — | — |
OperatorPorts North | |||||
| Trinity Inlet -16.9272167, 145.7797333 | Dry Cargo | — | — | — | — |
OperatorPorts North | |||||
| Cairns -16.9333, 145.7760667 | Tanker | — | — | — | — |
OperatorCairns Port Authority | |||||
| No.10 Oil Wharf -16.9340333, 145.7792667 | Tanker | 186.06 m | 9.3 m | 51,833 T | Active |
Mooring SpecsFlat Side: 20 m Side: PORT Gangway: Ship OperatorCairns Port Authority | |||||
🏢 Registered Agencies & Contacts
4 contacts registered.
Gulf Agency Company (Australia) Pty Ltd
Port AgencyPIC: Scott Henderson
Address: Level 2, Suite 18&19, 123 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW Australia 2000
Email: scott.henderson@gac.com
Phone: +61 280282403, +61 420961839
Far North Queensland Ports
Port AuthorityAddress: PO Box 594, Cairns, Qld 4870, Australia
Tel: +61 7 4052 3888
Fax: +61 7 4052 3853
Email: enquiries@portsnorth.com.au
Website: http://www.cairnsport.com.au
Queensland Sugar Ltd
Port OperatorAddress: Cook Street, Portsmith, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia
Tel: +61740513533
Fax: +61740632202
Email: info@queenslandsugar.com
Website: http://www.queenslandsugar.com
Ports North
Port OperatorAddress: PO Box 594, Cairns, Qld , 4870, Australia
Tel: +61740523866
Fax: +61740523810
Email: marina@portsnorth.com.au
Website: https://www.portsnorth.com.au/