FUNAFUTI

• TVFUN
• Latitude: -8.51575
• Longitude: 179.183
• North Australia
• Port in Tuvalu

Location: Funafuti Tuvalu Tuvalu

Marine Port Description and Specification: Funafuti, Tuvalu

Location and General Information:

• Port Name: Funafuti Port
• Country: Tuvalu
• Coordinates: Approximately 8.5243° S latitude, 179.1942° E longitude
• Island: Funafuti Atoll
• Primary Use: General cargo, passenger services, and fishery activities

Port Facilities and Layout:

• Wharfs and Berths: The port typically has one main wharf used for cargo and passenger ships. The depth at the wharf is relatively shallow, which can limit the size of vessels that can dock.
• Anchorage: Due to limitations on docking facilities, larger vessels often anchor offshore and use barges or small boats to transfer goods and passengers to the port.
• Channel Depth: Approximate depth of the access channel to the port is around 4 to 6 meters, necessitating careful navigation by larger vessels.
• Tugs and Pilotage: Tugs are generally not available. Pilots may not be available; hence, vessels might have to rely on local maritime expertise.

Port Services:

• Cargo Handling: Cargo is generally offloaded manually or with minimal mechanized assistance. There may be limited availability of cranes and other heavy cargo handling equipment.
• Storage Facilities: Storage facilities are minimal and often consist of open yards. Warehousing is limited, which can affect the handling of sensitive cargoes.
• Bunkering: Limited bunkering services are available.
• Fresh Water and Supplies: Fresh water and resupply services are available but limited. Ships might need to plan for supplies accordingly before arrival.
• Customs and Immigration: Standard customs and immigration services are available; however, they may operate with limited hours and capabilities.

Port Governance and Administration:

• Port Authority: Managed by the Government of Tuvalu. Specific details and contacts may be required for coordination with government authorities.
• Port Regulations: Governed by national maritime regulations, which vessels should adhere to ensure compliance.

Connectivity and Infrastructure:

• Road Connectivity: Funafuti has a basic road infrastructure connecting different parts of the atoll, facilitating transportation of goods and passengers.
• Air Connectivity: Funafuti International Airport (FUN) is located nearby, providing limited but critical air connectivity to the outside world.

Challenges:

• Natural Hazards: Being a low-lying atoll, the port is susceptible to impacts from tropical cyclones and flooding, which can disrupt port operations.
• Infrastructure Limitations: The island’s remote location and limited infrastructure present significant logistical challenges for shipping operations.

Use and Strategic Importance:

• Local Economy: The port is crucial for the import of goods and supplies necessary for daily life in Tuvalu and for exporting local products like copra. It is vital for the fishery sector.
• Regional Connectivity: Although small, it serves as a pivotal logistical hub for Tuvalu and connects it to other Pacific nations.

Development and Future Prospects:

• Development initiatives are often focused on improving port infrastructure for better resilience against climate change and enhancing capacity for increased cargo handling capabilities.

Mariners and stakeholders engaging with Funafuti Port are advised to communicate directly with local port authorities for the most current navigational information and port conditions.