FAKAOFO

• TKFKO
• Latitude: -9.38471
• Longitude: -171.25
• South Pacific
• Port in Tokelau

Location: Fakaofo Tokelau

Fakaofo is one of the atolls in Tokelau, a remote group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean that is a dependent territory of New Zealand. Here is a general description and specifications of the marine port at Fakaofo:

General Description

• Location: Fakaofo is located in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately 500 kilometers north of Samoa. It is one of three atolls that comprise Tokelau, the other two being Nukunonu and Atafu.
• Coordinates: Approximately 9°22' S latitude and 171°15' W longitude.

Port Specifications

• Type of Port: Fakaofo has a small, natural harbor primarily serving local and inter-island traffic. The port facilities are modest and primarily handle smaller vessels.
• Infrastructure:
  • Jetty/Wharf: There's a small jetty or wharf used for loading and unloading supplies.
  • Anchorage: Due to the limited depth of the surrounding lagoon, anchorage is usually outside the reef.
  • Buoys/Moorings: There may be mooring facilities for smaller boats.

Access and Navigation

• Approach: Vessels generally navigate through a passage in the reef to reach the anchorage or jetty.
• Depths: Depth within the lagoon area is shallow, which limits access to small vessels. Larger ships must unload cargo to smaller boats which then ferry it to shore.
• Tides and Currents: Marine operators should be aware of tide schedules and potential currents when navigating near the atoll.

Services and Facilities

• Cargo Handling Equipment: Limited; typically operations are done manually or with small equipment due to the small scale of the port.
• Fuel and Supplies: Basic supplies and fuel are available but are limited due to the atoll's remote location.
• Repairs and Maintenance: There are no major ship repair facilities on Fakaofo; only minor repairs can be performed.

Connectivity

• Inter-island Services: Regular boat services to the other atolls in Tokelau and occasional shipments from Samoa and New Zealand.
• Air Access: Fakaofo does not have an airstrip; air access is via sea planes or helicopter services from neighboring islands or countries.

Notes

• Fakaofo's port mainly serves the local community for importing essentials and exporting limited local products.
• Due to the geographical isolation, services and facilities are minimal and the infrastructure is designed to support the needs of the local population rather than large-scale commercial activities.

Environment

• Climate: Tropical maritime climate.
• Weather Conditions: Weather can affect navigation and docking operations, especially during the cyclone season.

Regulatory and Administrative

• Port Authority: Local maritime authorities in Tokelau oversee operations and enforce maritime regulations.

This description captures the essence of Fakaofo's port facilities, reflecting its remote location and the limited scale of operations that support the local community.