TAU

• ASTAV
• Latitude: -14.2285
• Longitude: -169.506
• South Pacific
• Port in American Samoa

Location: American Samoa

Tau is an island in American Samoa, part of the Manua group of islands. While Tau has a small port facility, it is relatively basic and primarily serves the local community rather than large commercial shipping operations. Here are the general specifications and characteristics of marine port facilities on Tau Island, though detailed and specific information might be limited:

Location

• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 14.23°S latitude, 169.51°W longitude.
• Island Group: Part of the Manuʻa Islands in American Samoa.

Port and Harbor Facilities

• Name: Faleasao Harbor (primary point of maritime entry on Tau).
• Type: Small traditional port serving local communities.
• Primary Use: Local and inter-island transportation, fishing, and small-scale cargo.

Specifications and Features

• Berthing: Limited berthing facilities mostly accommodating small vessels, including inter-island ferries, fishing boats, and yachts.
• Depth: Shallow drafts supportive of small craft; generally not suitable for large commercial ships.
• Docking: Typically has basic piers or wharfs for loading and unloading supplies.
• Anchorage: Small anchorage areas may be provided near the harbor for vessels.

Services and Infrastructure

• Cargo Operations: Basic manual cargo handling; mainly catering to the needs of the island’s residents and small businesses.
• Passenger Services: Inter-island ferry services to other parts of American Samoa, such as Tutuila Island.
• Fueling: Limited, often supplied via small fuel tanks or barrels for local use.
• Customs and Immigration: Simplified procedures, if any; American Samoa is a U.S. territory with less stringent regulations compared to international ports.

Logistics

• Transportation: Primarily involves inter-island routes using smaller vessels due to the limited port facilities.
• Storage: Minimal storage facilities; goods are typically transported directly upon arrival.
• Local Use: Primarily serves the local population and supports fishing, subsistence agriculture, and small-scale commerce.

Environmental and Navigational Considerations

• Weather: Tropical climate with a cyclone season typically from November to April. Mariners need to plan according to weather conditions.
• Navigational Aids: Basic aids to navigation; mariners should rely on updated nautical charts and local knowledge.

Economic and Social Impact

• Community Dependency: The port is vital for the livelihood of residents, enabling the import of essential supplies and export of local products.
• Tourism: Limited, but possible stops for yachts and small cruise vessels exploring the Manuʻa Islands.

Challenges and Limitations

• Size and Capacity: Limited capacity for modern commercial shipping; mostly supports local needs.
• Infrastructure: Basic and potentially outdated infrastructure requiring upgrades for expanded use.

Given its small scale and primary focus on community needs, the Tau port in American Samoa is an essential lifeline for islanders but lacks the facilities to handle larger commercial shipping operations. For more detailed, current, and specific information, local port authorities or marine navigational guides should be consulted.