ATIU

• CKAIU
• Latitude: -20.0071
• Longitude: -158.113
• South Pacific
• Port in Cook Islands

Location: Atiu Cook Islands Cook Islands

Atiu Marine Port Description and Specification

Overview

Atiu is the third-largest island in the Cook Islands, located in the central-southern Pacific Ocean. Known for its stunning limestone caves and rich cultural heritage, Atiu also has a small marine port that serves as an essential gateway for goods and passengers.

Location

• Island: Atiu (Enua Manu)
• Country: Cook Islands
• Coordinates: Approximately 19.9833° S latitude and 158.1170° W longitude

Port Facilities

• Type: Small harbor or landing facility
• Primary Use: Domestic and inter-island transport
• Operational Area: Serves local fisheries, supply boats, and occasional small cruise ships or private yachts
• Harbor Size: Small, suitable for limited capacity operations

Specifications

• Docking Facilities:
  • One main docking berth
  • Suitable for small to medium-sized vessels
• Depth: Limited draft; supports shallow-draft vessels
  • Depth varies around 1.5 to 2.5 meters (subject to tidal changes)
• Loading/Unloading: Manual operations with basic equipment
• Storage: Minimal warehousing and storage space available
• Fuel: No refueling stations at the dock; fuel supplies are brought in by supply vessels

Services

• Passenger Services:
  • Basic facilities for passengers arriving or departing via small boats and inter-island ferries
• Freight Handling:
  • Handled manually or with minimal equipment
• Customs and Immigration:
  • Basic services for inter-island travel; international customs and immigration handled on main islands like Rarotonga

Connectivity

• Road Access:
  • Main port road connecting to key parts of the island
• Inter-Island Transport:
  • Regular boat services to other islands within the Cook Islands chain
• Communication:
  • Basic communication infrastructure including VHF radio

Additional Points

• Navigational Aids:
  • Limited; approach requires careful navigation typically by experienced local captains
• Maintenance:
  • Simple maintenance routines due to scale and usage
• Weather Conditions:
  • Tropical climate with seasonal variations (cyclone season may impact operations)

Observations

• Limitations:
  • Not equipped to handle large cargo ships or significant commercial traffic
  • Weather and tidal conditions can affect operations
• Development Potential:
  • Potential for future expansions to improve facilities and capacity, depending on economic and tourism growth

Conclusion

Atiu's marine port is modest but crucial for the island's connectivity and supply chain. While it operates with limited facilities, it plays a vital role in maintaining the island's link to the rest of the Cook Islands and supporting its local economy. Future improvements could enhance its capabilities and support growth in tourism and local industry.