THURSDAY ISLAND

• Latitude: -10.5844
•
• Longitude: 142.221
•
• North Australia
•
• Port in Australia

Address: Thursday Island Queensland Australia

Web-site: http://www.torres.qld.gov.au/port-thursday-island

Marine Port Description and Specification: Thursday Island, Australia

General Overview: Thursday Island, also known as Waiben, is part of the Torres Strait Islands located off the northern tip of Queensland, Australia. The island serves as an important regional hub for maritime activities in the Torres Strait. The port of Thursday Island caters to a variety of marine operations, including commercial shipping, fishing, and ferry services.

Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 10°35'S latitude and 142°13'E longitude
• Geographical Setting: Located in the Torres Strait, between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea

Port Authority:

• Managed by Ports North (Far North Queensland Ports Corporation)

Port Facilities:

1. Berths and Wharves:

   • Cargo Wharf: Equipped to handle general and bulk cargo.
   • Ferry Terminal: Dedicated terminal for passenger ferries.
   • Fishing Wharf: Supports the commercial fishing industry, with facilities for loading, unloading, and processing seafood.

2. Navigation and Approach:

   • Navigational aids: Buoys, beacons, and a lighthouse guide vessels through the Torres Strait’s often challenging waterways.
   • Depth: The approach channels and berth depths are generally suitable for vessels with a moderate draft, but larger ships may require tidal considerations.

3. Cargo Handling:

   • Types of Cargo: General cargo, bulk goods, fresh produce, and seafood.
   • Equipment: Forklifts, cranes, and other cargo-handling machinery available for efficient loading and unloading.

Services Available:

• Fueling: Bunker services for vessels, including diesel and petrol.
• Fresh Water Supply: Available for vessels docking at the port.
• Waste Disposal: Facilities for proper waste management and disposal.
• Ship Repairs: Basic repair services for maintenance and minor repairs.

Connectivity:

• Sea Routes:
  • Regular ferry services connect Thursday Island to other islands in the Torres Strait, as well as to the mainland (Cairns, Horn Island).
  • Cargo and logistics routes link to key ports along the Queensland coast.
• Air Routes:
  • Proximity to Horn Island Airport, which provides further connectivity to major cities in Queensland.

Regulations and Requirements:

• Customs and Border Protection: Compliance with Australian customs and quarantine regulations is mandatory.
• Safety Standards: Adherence to Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) guidelines for safe navigation and port operations.

Economic and Strategic Importance:

• Acts as a pivotal logistics hub for the Torres Strait.
• Supports local economies through fishing, tourism, and transport sectors.
• Strategic position enhances surveillance and national security in northern Australia.

Environmental Considerations:

• Committed to sustainable practices to protect the unique marine and island ecosystems.
• Enforces strict environmental regulations to minimize pollution and preserve marine life.

Additional Notes:

• The port area includes support services such as warehousing, cold storage for perishable goods, and logistical coordination services.
• Community engagement and collaboration with indigenous Torres Strait Islander communities form an integral part of port operations and development.

For the most up-to-date and detailed information, it’s recommended to contact Ports North or visit their official website.