MALLOCO BAY

• Latitude: -7.569364
• Longitude: 156.6021
• North Australia
• Port in Solomon Islands

Location: Solomon Islands

Malloco Bay - Marine Port Description and Specifications

Location: Malloco Bay is located in the Solomon Islands, situated in the western part of the country. The Solomon Islands are a group of islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.

Geographical Coordinates: Latitude: Approximately 8°55' South Longitude: Approximately 159°35' East

Port Type: Malloco Bay can be categorized as a minor port. It is primarily used for smaller vessels and serves local purposes rather than international commercial shipping.

Facilities and Infrastructure:

1. Docking and Anchorage:

   • Docking Facilities: Limited. The port predominantly relies on anchorage as opposed to sophisticated dock infrastructure.
   • Anchorage: Vessels typically anchor offshore and use tenders or smaller boats for transferring goods and passengers to the shore.

2. Depth:

   • Harbor Depth: Generally suitable for small to medium-sized cargo vessels. Depths can range from 6 to 12 meters, depending on specific locations within the bay.
   • Entrance Channel: Needs cautious navigation due to coral reefs and potential shallow areas.

3. Berth Specifications:

   • Number of Berths: Limited official berths. Shoreline berthing may be available informally for small vessels.
   • Length and Draft: Vessels with a draft no deeper than 4-6 meters are typically accommodated.

4. Cargo Handling:

   • Equipment: Minimal formal cargo handling equipment. Operations are usually manual or involve small-scale machinery.
   • Types of Cargo: Predominantly general cargo and supplies needed for local consumption.

5. Storage Facilities:

   • Warehousing: Limited or basic warehousing facilities. Items are often directly transferred to local destinations upon arrival.
   • Open Storage: Available but not extensive. Optimized for short-term storage requirements.

Services:

• Pilotage: Not typically available. Local knowledge and experience are critical for navigation.
• Towing: Limited, often requiring vessels to be self-sufficient.
• Navigation Aids: Basic, with potential informal markers. Charts and local guidance are necessary.
• Bunkering: Basic provisions might be arranged, but fuel availability can be limited.

Communications:

• Basic radio communications. Port operations may not have advanced telecommunications infrastructure in place.

Port Authority and Management:

• Managed at a local level, often with less formal structures compared to major international ports. Governance may involve local customary authorities or community groups.

Environmental Considerations:

• Tides and Currents: Tidal ranges and currents need careful monitoring, common in Pacific island ports.
• Weather Conditions: Subject to tropical climate conditions, including heavy rains and possible cyclones during the cyclone season (November to April).

Accessibility:

• Road Access: Limited road infrastructure linking the port to other parts of the island. Transport often includes smaller vehicles and local methods.
• Airports: Nearest larger airports are Honiara (on Guadalcanal Island) and other regional airports within the Solomon Islands.

Commercial Activity:

• Primarily serving local and regional needs rather than being a hub for international trading. Activities are focused on sustaining local communities and providing necessary supplies.

Future Developments:

• Potential future infrastructure improvements are often dictated by local needs, international aid, or development programs aimed at improving regional connectivity and economic resilience.

Note: All information provided is subject to change and should be verified through official maritime and local sources for up-to-date and detailed navigational and operational guidance.