BUKA

• PGBUA
• Latitude: -5.43395
• Longitude: 154.673
• North Australia
• Port in Papua New Guinea

Location: Papua New Guinea

Buka Maritime Port - Papua New Guinea

Overview:

• Location: Buka, Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), Papua New Guinea
• Coordinates: Approximately 5.422 South latitude and 154.670 East longitude
• Region: South-western Pacific Ocean in the Solomon Sea
• Primary Role: Facilitates cargo and passenger transport, crucial for regional connectivity.

Port Specifications:

Facilities:

• Berths/Piers: The port includes multiple berths serving various vessels, from small coastal cargo ships to larger inter-island vessels.
• Passenger Terminal: The port services passenger ferries, necessary for inter-island travel, particularly to and from Bougainville Island.
• Cargo Handling: Capability to handle both containerized and break-bulk cargo.
• Storage: Limited on-site storage facilities, often necessitating rapid turnover or use of adjacent storage areas.
• Customs and Immigration: On-site facilities to manage customs clearance and immigration procedures for incoming and outgoing shipments and passengers.

Services:

• Tug and Pilot Services: Available to assist large vessels in maneuvering within the port’s limited draft constraints.
• Fuel and Supplies: Limited refueling services available. Provisions and supplies managed through local suppliers.
• Repairs and Maintenance: Basic repair facilities available; extensive maintenance would usually require transit to larger ports.

Navigation:

• Approach: Access typically through the Buka Passage, a narrow but deep channel separating Buka Island from Bougainville Island.
• Depth: Limiting depth (at low tide) necessitates attention to tide schedules for larger vessels.

Connectivity:

• Road: Connected by road to local towns and services on Buka Island.
• Maritime Links: Regular maritime connections to other PNG ports and key islands in the Solomon Sea.

Economic Importance:

• Trade: Plays a vital role in the regional economy, particularly for export of local agricultural products, marine resources, and import of essential goods.
• Community: Serves as a lifeline for residents, facilitating access to goods, services, and mobility.

Future Developments:

• Expansion Winds: Plans for expansion and modernization to enhance capacity and facilities are likely, hinging on regional funding and strategic development initiatives.
• Sustainability: New projects would likely emphasize sustainability and resilience, given the increasing impact of climate change on coastal infrastructure.

Conclusion:

Buka Port is integral to the region, balancing its roles as a commercial hub and community pillar. Investments in its infrastructure and services promise to bolster its capacity, embedding it further into the socio-economic fabric of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.