Port of Darwin

The controlling depth at Darwin is 12 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.

The approach to Darwin is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Emery Point Lighthouse at 2.3 NM to the NW. Other aids include Darwin Area Lighthouses (13.5 NM WNW), Northwest Vernon Island (27.6 NM NNE), Southwest Vernon Island (28.5 NM NNE), East Vernon (28.6 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.

The Port of Darwin is situated on the Indian Ocean in AU. The area falls within the tropical climate zone with warm waters and seasonal monsoons, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.

You can track vessels near Darwin (AUDRW) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course.

The Port of Darwin is a port in AU. Its UN/LOCODE is AUDRW — the five-character code the UNECE assigns to trade and transport locations, and the identifier used on shipping documents and in port calls.

The first two characters, AU, are the ISO country code for AU. The remaining three identify the location within that country. The code is issued by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and is the international standard for naming ports in trade and transport systems.

The Port of Darwin operates in the UTC+9:30 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.

DARWIN (UN/Locode: AUDRW), Australia is a seaport located at approximately -12.48300° N, 130.84000° E.

Coordinates: -12.48300° N, 130.84000° E.

Harbor type/size: Coastal Natural and Medium. Cranes: mobile cranes and fixed cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts, 25–49 MT lifts, 50–100 MT lifts and 100 MT+ lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, good holding ground and turning area. Depths: channel depth 18.6m - 19.8m; anchorage depth 17.1m - 18.2m; cargo pier depth 7.1m - 9.1m; oil terminal depth 11m - 12.2m and maximum draft approx. 12 m.

Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: none noted.

Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: available; first port of entry: available and additional quarantine services available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: not available.

Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Pleasure Craft, Ro Ro, Special Craft, Tanker, Tugs Harbor Craft and Unspecified.

Service providers include Inglasco International Ltd.