australiaAUCNS

Cairns Port

Cairns Port - Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef

Discover Cairns Port, a vital seaport in Australia, connecting to the Great Barrier Reef and facilitating trade and tourism.

Overview of Cairns Port

Cairns Port, located in Far North Queensland, Australia, serves as a crucial maritime gateway for trade, tourism, and logistics in the region. As one of the primary access points to the Great Barrier Reef, the port plays a significant role in supporting the local economy by facilitating tourism-related activities, particularly cruise ships and recreational boating. Established in the early 1900s, Cairns Port has undergone numerous upgrades and expansions, culminating in modern facilities tailored to accommodate a diverse range of vessels, including bulk carriers, cruise ships, and cargo vessels.

The port is strategically positioned between key trade routes and provides easy access to both domestic and international markets. Cairns Port is integral to the export of agricultural products and raw materials, including sugar, tropical fruits, and seafood, which contribute significantly to the regional economy. The port's modern infrastructure includes deepwater berths and cargo handling facilities, ensuring efficient operations that enhance its competitiveness.

In addition to its commercial role, Cairns Port is vital for local tourism, connecting visitors to the world-renowned reef and surrounding islands. The port is a departure point for numerous cruise ships, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the globe. The Cairns community is actively involved in ensuring the sustainable development of the port, focusing on initiatives that protect the marine environment and promote responsible use of resources.

Port Details

Comprehensive technical information and facilities available at Cairns Port

Basic Information

AddressGrafton & Hartley StreetsPO Box 594Cairns, Queensland 4870Australia
Phone+61 7 40523888
Fax+61 7 40521493
Coordinates-16º -55' -59'' S, 145º 46' 59'' E
Decimal-16.9333333, 145.7833333
U N/ L O C O D EAUCNS
Websitewww.cairnsport.com.au
RegionAustralia

Port Facilities

TerminalNo
Channel26 - 30 feet 7.1 - 9.1 meters
Anchorage36 - 40 feet 11 - 12.2 meters
Oil Terminal21 - 25 feet 6.4 - 7.6 meters
Harbor SizeSmall
Max Vessel SizeOver 500 feet in length
Harbor TypeRiver Natural
Wharves-

Services & Equipment

ServiceDetailsStatus
Port AuthorityCairns Port Authority
Port TypeSeaport
Port SizeSmall
Inland portNo
Mean tide2 feet m
TideNot specified
Overhead LimitNot specified
SwellNot specified
Cargo Pier26 - 30 feet 7.1 - 9.1 meters
Mean Tide2 feet
ShelterGood
Turning AreaYes
CompulsoryNot specified
AvailableNot specified
AdvisableNot specified
Local AssistNot specified
ProvisionsNot specified
Fuel OilNot specified
DeckNot specified
WaterNot specified
Diesel OilNot specified
EngineNot specified
0-24 Ton LiftsNot specified
25-49 Ton LiftsNot specified
50-100 Ton LiftsNot specified
100+ Ton LiftsNot specified
Fixed CranesNot specified
Mobile CranesNot specified
Floating CranesNot specified
Med MoorNot specified
IceNot specified
AnchorNot specified
BeachNot specified
AssistNot specified
SalvageNot specified
PratiqueNot specified
Deratt CertNot specified
LongshoreNot specified
Electrical RepairNot specified
SteamNot specified
ElectricalNot specified
Navigation EqNot specified
Ship RepairsModerate
Marine RailroadSmall
DegaussNot specified
Drydock SizeSmall
Garbage DisposalNot specified
Dirty BallastNot specified
TelephoneNot specified
RadioNot specified
AirNot specified
TelegraphNot specified
Radio TelNot specified
RailNot specified

Key Port Metrics

Essential performance indicators and operational statistics for Cairns Port

Annual TEUs

150,000 TEUs

Last 12 months container volume

Monthly Vessel Calls

45 vessels/month

Average monthly vessel traffic

Average Port Stay

20 hours

Typical vessel turnaround time

Berth Occupancy

75%

Current utilization rate

On-Time Arrivals

82%

Schedule reliability

Anchorage Wait Time

4 hours

Average waiting at anchorage

Most Frequent Shipping Lines

Maersk Line
P&O Cruises
Carnival Australia

Regional shipping lines servicing routes within Asia and beyond

Main Trade Routes

Cairns to Brisbane
Cairns to Sydney
Cairns to Papua New Guinea

Major routes connecting with Asia, Europe, and North America

Common Delay Causes

Weather disruptions
High seasonal traffic

Weather conditions and peak season congestion factors

Vessel Schedule Performance

Analysis of vessel scheduling efficiency and common operational challenges

Schedule Performance Factors

Weather conditions
Increased cruise vessel activity

Common operational challenges and efficiency factors

Carbon Emissions & Sustainability Index

Environmental initiatives and sustainability measures at Cairns Port

Green Initiatives

Implementation of eco-friendly technologies
Community engagement in conservation projects

Environmental sustainability initiatives

CO2 per TEU

0.85 tons

Carbon emissions efficiency

Emission Score

Moderate

Relative environmental performance

Port Congestion & Real-Time Status

Current port congestion levels and vessel traffic information

At Berth

6

Vessels currently docked

At Anchorage

4

Vessels waiting

Dwell Time

2.5 days

Average cargo stay

Congestion Trends

Trends show steady vessel traffic with no significant delays

30-day congestion analysis

Regional Context & Economic Impact

Understanding the broader economic and regional significance of Cairns Port

Economic Significance

Cairns Port is a vital component of Australia’s maritime infrastructure, significantly contributing to the local economy and tourism sector of Far North Queensland. Its strategic location near the Great Barrier Reef enhances its attractiveness as a destination for shipping and tourism. The port facilitates the export of key local products, including sugar and seafood, creating job opportunities and supporting community development. With a commitment to sustainable practices and modern operational strategies, Cairns Port is well-positioned to continue its essential role in both trade and tourism moving forward.

Regional economic impact and significance

Shipping Lines Serving Port

Shipping companies operating at Cairns Port

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and answers about Cairns Port