DERBY

• AUDRB
• Latitude: -17.29
• Longitude: 123.607
• North Australia
• Port in Australia

Location: Australia

Marine Port Description and Specifications: Derby, Australia

Location: Derby is located on the north-western coast of Western Australia, in the Kimberley region. The port itself is situated on King Sound, which has the highest tides in Australia, with a range of up to 11.8 meters.

Coordinates: Latitude: 17.2983° S Longitude: 123.6292° E

Port Type:

• Tidal port
• Multi-purpose port

Key Features:

1. Tidal Characteristics:

   • Derby experiences significant tidal variations given its location in King Sound.
   • Tidal range: Up to 11.8 meters

2. Infrastructure:

   • Wharf/Pier:

     • Derby Jetty is the main pier serving the port. It was renovated to accommodate larger vessels and assist with various maritime activities.
     • The jetty is a fixed structure, extending into deep waters, allowing direct access regardless of tidal conditions.

   • Berth:

     • Multiple berths are available to support the docking of different types of vessels, including cargo ships and commercial boats.
     • Berth length and depth are sufficient to accommodate medium-sized ocean-going vessels.

3. Facilities:

   • Basic cargo handling facilities to manage goods and resources.
   • Fuel bunkering
   • Marine services, including pilotage, tug, and towage.
   • Freshwater supply for vessels.
   • Fishery support infrastructure.
   • Limited storage facilities, with room for expansion depending on future demands.

4. Cargo:

   • General cargo
   • Livestock transport, a significant activity in the region
   • Mining industry exports, primarily through coastal shipping services

5. Transport Links:

   • Road:

     • Derby is connected by road to other significant locations within the Kimberley region, including Broome and other inland destinations.
     • The Great Northern Highway facilitates transport to and from the port.

   • Air:

     • Derby Airport, near the town, provides additional connectivity and supports logistics and passenger travel.

6. Future Developments:

   • Potential plans for expansion and upgrades in response to increased demand from regional development projects.
   • Possible enhancements in cargo handling and storage infrastructure to support greater throughput.

Operational Information:

• Operational Hours:

  • 24/7 operation capacity, though subject to shipping schedules and tidal patterns

• Regulatory Oversight:

  • Managed under the jurisdiction of the Western Australian Government
  • Compliance with national and international maritime regulations and standards

Utilization:

• Used extensively for regional trade.
• Crucial for the transportation of livestock and agricultural products.
• Plays a strategic role for projects related to regional development and resource extraction.

Challenges:

• Tidal range requires careful planning for docking and cargo operations.
• Limited infrastructure compared to major ports necessitates efficient resource management and investment for improvements.

Conclusion

Derby Port in Australia serves as an essential gateway for regional trade and transportation in the Kimberley region. Its strategic location, albeit challenged by significant tidal variations, offers a crucial lifeline for the shipment of livestock, general cargo, and minerals. The port's future growth lies in expanding its handling and storage capabilities, as well as maintaining seamless logistical integration with road and potentially enhanced rail and air transportation networks.