MAUKE ISLAND

• CKMUK
• Latitude: -20.1601
• Longitude: -157.34
• South Pacific
• Port in Cook Islands

Location: Mauke Island Cook Islands

Mauke is one of the islands in the Cook Islands, located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is a raised coral atoll, also known as an "upraised atoll," which influences its coastline and port characteristics. Here is a general description and specification of the marine port facilities on Mauke Island:

Mauke Island Marine Port Specifications

Location

• Geographical Position: Mauke Island is located in the Southern Group of the Cook Islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
• Coordinates: Approximately 20°09'S latitude and 157°20'W longitude.

Port Facilities and Infrastructure

1. Port Type:

   • Due to the small size and remote nature of Mauke, the island does not have a large commercial port. Instead, it has a small wharf or landing area primarily used for inter-island transport and supply deliveries.

2. Wharf/Jetty:

   • The jetty is relatively small and is designed to accommodate smaller vessels like inter-island supply ships, fishing boats, and sometimes small cruise or private yachts.
   • The wharf is often basic, constructed to facilitate the unloading of goods and passengers from boats via small landing craft or directly if the vessel can come alongside.

3. Navigational Conditions:

   • Approach: Navigation to Mauke can be challenging due to the fringing coral reefs surrounding the island. Vessels must carefully navigate through channels in the reef to reach the landing area.
   • Depth: The water depth around the wharf area is generally shallow, making it unsuitable for larger deep-draft vessels.
   • Tides and Current: Mariners must consider local tide schedules and potential strong currents around the reefs.

4. Cargo and Passenger Services:

   • The primary use of the port is for the transport of agricultural products, local produce, and essential supplies.
   • Passenger services are limited and mainly consist of inter-island travel for residents and visitors.

5. Support Facilities:

   • There are limited support facilities on the island for maritime activities, including basic storage for cargo and possibly a small area for passenger processing.
   • Mooring and berthing facilities are minimal and mainly for temporary stays.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

• Environmental Impact: Given its pristine coral environment, there are strict regulations to protect the marine ecosystem around Mauke Island.
• Safety Measures: Due to the remoteness and limited facilities, safety measures are less comprehensive compared to larger ports. Mariners and operators need to be self-reliant and cautious.

Accessibility and Transportation

• Access: Regular access is generally through scheduled inter-island shipping services with connections to larger islands like Rarotonga.
• Local Transportation: On the island, transportation is mainly via small vehicles, bikes, and foot travel.

Community and Economic Relevance

• Community Use: The port area is crucial for the island's supply chain, including food, medical supplies, building materials, and other essential goods.
• Economic Activity: The primary economic activities related to the port include fishing, agriculture, and limited tourism.

Mauke Island's port facilities reflect its size and the community's needs, with an emphasis on maintaining a balance between development and environmental conservation.