Seaport · Australia
Port of Cairns
Cairns (Australia) is a small port listed in the NGA World Port Index (no. 53340). It lies on the Coral Sea.
Port profile
- Country / territory
- Australia
- UN/LOCODE (WPI)
- AUCNS
- World Port Index no.
- 53340
- Coordinates
- 16.92°S, 145.78°E
- Harbor size
- Small
- Harbor type
- River (natural)
- Shelter afforded
- Good
- Waters
- Coral Sea; South Pacific Ocean
- WPI region
- Australia
- Repairs
- Moderate
- Dry dock
- Small
- Railway (slipway)
- Small
Depths and vessel limits
Values as reported in the World Port Index; where a field is not shown, no value is reported.
| Channel depth | 7.9 m |
|---|---|
| Anchorage depth | 11.0 m |
| Cargo pier depth | 9.4 m |
| Oil terminal depth | 9.4 m |
| Tidal range | 2.0 m |
| Max vessel length | 294.0 m |
| Max vessel beam | 32.3 m |
| Max vessel draft | 10.1 m |
Facilities
- Wharves
Cranes and lifting
- Fixed cranes
- Mobile cranes
- Lifts 25–49 t
- Lifts 0–24 t
Entrance restrictions
- Other restrictions
- Overhead limits
Navigation and port entry
- ETA message required
- Turning area
- Quarantine: pratique
Pilotage and tugs
- Pilotage compulsory
- Pilotage available
- Pilotage advisable
- Tugs: assistance
Services
- Longshoremen
- Electricity
- Navigation equipment
- Electrical repair
- Medical facilities
- Garbage disposal
- Dirty ballast disposal
Supplies
- Potable water
- Fuel oil
- Deck supplies
- Engine supplies
Communications and connections
- Telephone
- Radio
- Airport
- Rail
Only items reported as available in the World Port Index are listed.
Distance from Vietnam
Great-circle (straight-line) distances from Vietnam’s main port clusters. Actual sea routes are longer, as ships follow sea lanes around land.
| From | Great-circle distance |
|---|---|
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) | 2,850 nm |
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai | 2,830 nm |
| Hai Phong | 3,230 nm |
Nearest major ports in our guides
Major container gateways and transshipment hubs closest to Cairns, with full port guides:
Data source
Port characteristics on this page come from the NGA World Port Index (Pub. 150, U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency), as distributed in the seaport-data-js dataset. The index is a navigational reference and may not reflect recent construction, terminal changes or current operating limits. Always confirm details with the port authority, agent or carrier. Sailing directions: Sailing Directions Pub. 127 (Enroute) - East Coast of Australia and New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about Cairns
Where is Port of Cairns?
Cairns (Australia) lies on the Coral Sea, at about 16.92°S, 145.78°E.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Cairns?
The World Port Index lists UN/LOCODE AUCNS for Cairns. Confirm the exact location code required by the carrier when booking.
What is the maximum vessel size at Cairns?
The World Port Index reports a maximum vessel length 294.0 m, beam 32.3 m, draft 10.1 m for Cairns. Limits can change with dredging and terminal works, so check with the port or agent.
How far is Cairns from Vietnam?
The great-circle distance is about 2,850 nautical miles from Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai) and about 3,230 nm from Hai Phong; sea routes are longer. Nearby major ports in our guides include Lae, Brisbane, Sydney (Port Botany).
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Cairns?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Cairns through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking.