french polynesiaPFPPT

Papeete Port

Papeete Port - The Heart of French Polynesia's Maritime Activities

Discover Papeete Port, the main harbor of French Polynesia, facilitating trade, tourism, and transport in a beautiful tropical setting.

Overview of Papeete Port

Papeete Port is the principal harbor of Papeete, the vibrant capital of French Polynesia, located on the island of Tahiti. This bustling port serves as the main gateway for all maritime activities in the region, playing an essential role in the economy and lifestyle of the islands. With its strategic location, Papeete Port supports a variety of functions including commercial shipping, passenger ferries, and recreational boating, making it an integral hub for both trade and tourism in the South Pacific.

Dominating the waterfront, Papeete Port welcomes numerous vessels ranging from container ships to luxury cruise liners that bring tourists to experience the beauty of French Polynesia. Each year, thousands of visitors arrive at the port, eager to explore the stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique experiences that the islands have to offer. The port’s facilities are equipped to handle a diverse array of cargo, which includes agricultural products, seafood, and manufactured goods, ensuring the region remains well-supplied and connected with international markets.

The operational efficiency of Papeete Port is further enhanced by its modern infrastructure, which includes container handling facilities, storage areas, and excellent access to local transportation networks. This combination of capabilities allows for quick turnaround times and smooth logistics, making it an efficient point for both import and export activities.

Furthermore, the port area is surrounded by a lively waterfront that features vibrant markets, shops, and restaurants, where local artisans showcase their crafts, and visitors can taste traditional Polynesian cuisine. This blend of commercial activity and local culture creates a dynamic environment that reflects the spirit of the islands, inviting both locals and tourists to enjoy the beauty of this tropical paradise.

Environmental sustainability is increasingly a focus at Papeete Port. As part of broader efforts to protect the unique marine ecosystems of French Polynesia, the port authority is implementing green practices aimed at reducing pollution and enhancing conservation efforts. These initiatives highlight the importance of maintaining the pristine environment that makes French Polynesia a sought-after destination for eco-tourism.

In summary, Papeete Port serves not only as the economic backbone of French Polynesia but also as a vibrant and welcoming gateway to the islands. Its multifaceted role in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange underscores the port’s significance in the region. Whether it’s for the movement of goods or the arrival of eager travelers seeking adventure, Papeete Port is at the heart of the dynamic maritime landscape of this beautiful island nation.

Port Details

Comprehensive technical information and facilities available at Papeete Port

Basic Information

AddressBP 9164 Motu UtaPapeete 98715French Polynesia
Phone5054 54
Fax42 19 50
Coordinates-17º -31' -59'' S, -149º -34' 0'' W
Decimal-17.5333333, -149.5666667
U N/ L O C O D EPFPPT
Websitewww.portdepapeete.pf
RegionFrench Polynesia

Port Facilities

TerminalYes
Channel36 - 40 feet 11 - 12.2 meters
Anchorage56 - 60 feet 17.1 - 18.2 meters
Oil Terminal31 - 35 feet 9.4 - 10 meters
Harbor SizeSmall
Max Vessel SizeOver 500 feet in length
Harbor TypeCoastal Natural
Wharves-

Services & Equipment

ServiceDetailsStatus
Port AuthorityPort Autonome de Papeete
Port TypeHarbor
Port SizeMedium
Inland portNo
TideNot specified
Overhead LimitNot specified
SwellNot specified
Cargo Pier16 - 20 feet 4.9 - 6.1 meters
Mean TideNot specified
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 RepairsLimited
Marine RailroadMedium
DegaussNot specified
Drydock SizeNot specified
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 Papeete Port

Annual TEUs

Approximately 300,000 TEUs

Last 12 months container volume

Monthly Vessel Calls

Around 150 vessel calls per month

Average monthly vessel traffic

Average Port Stay

24-48 hours

Typical vessel turnaround time

Berth Occupancy

80%

Current utilization rate

On-Time Arrivals

90%

Schedule reliability

Anchorage Wait Time

3-6 hours

Average waiting at anchorage

Most Frequent Shipping Lines

Maersk
CMA CGM
Pacific Forum Line

Regional shipping lines servicing routes within Asia and beyond

Main Trade Routes

Tahiti to Auckland
Tahiti to Los Angeles
Tahiti to Sydney

Major routes connecting with Asia, Europe, and North America

Common Delay Causes

Weather conditions
Heavy vessel 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
Heavy vessel traffic

Common operational challenges and efficiency factors

Carbon Emissions & Sustainability Index

Environmental initiatives and sustainability measures at Papeete Port

Green Initiatives

Utilization of renewable energy sources
Implementation of waste management programs

Environmental sustainability initiatives

CO2 per TEU

200 kg CO2/TEU

Carbon emissions efficiency

Emission Score

Below average

Relative environmental performance

Port Congestion & Real-Time Status

Current port congestion levels and vessel traffic information

At Berth

5-7 vessels

Vessels currently docked

At Anchorage

2-4 vessels

Vessels waiting

Dwell Time

Average dwell time of 4-5 days

Average cargo stay

Congestion Trends

Minimal congestion observed

30-day congestion analysis

Connectivity & Trade Routes

Transportation networks and global trade connections from Papeete Port

Intermodal Connections

Road transport to Tahiti
Ferry services to nearby islands

Transportation networks and connections

Top Destination Ports

Auckland
Los Angeles

Primary trade destinations

Shipping Alliances

The Alliance
2M

Global shipping partnerships

Regional Context & Economic Impact

Understanding the broader economic and regional significance of Papeete Port

Economic Significance

Papeete Port is strategically located as the main harbor for French Polynesia, facilitating trade and transportation throughout the South Pacific and connecting local industries to international markets.

Regional economic impact and significance

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and answers about Papeete Port