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Port of Darwin

AUDRW🇦🇺Australia

Port Location

About Port of Darwin

Port Darwin is Australia's most northerly seaport, located in the Northern Territory. It handles a diverse range of vessel types, including bulk carriers, container ships, and tankers. The port features mobile and fixed cranes for cargo operations.

Background
Port Darwin is the port in Darwin, Northern Territory, and is the most northerly port in Australia. The port has operated in a number of locations, including Stokes Hill Wharf, Cullen Bay, and East Arm Wharf.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
12m
Elevation
10m

Operations & Services

Terminals
1

References & Identifiers

GeoNames ID
11886619 →
Wikidata
Q22330172 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
AUDRW
Country
🇦🇺Australia
Time Zone
UTC+9:30
Feature Type
PRT (Port)

Classification

Type
Port

Region

Subdivision
AU-NT
Area
North Australia
Sub-area
Timor Sea
Latitude
-12.4830°
Longitude
130.8400°

Terminals

DARWIN EAST ARM WHARF

DARWIN PORT OPERATIONS PTY LTD

880 Berrimah Road, East Arm NT 0822, Australia

www.darwinport.com.au →
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the 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.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Darwin?+
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.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Darwin on?+
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.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Darwin?+
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. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for AUDRW on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Darwin?+
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.
What is the Port of Darwin?+
DARWIN (UN/Locode: AUDRW), Australia is a seaport located at approximately -12.48300° N, 130.84000° E.
Where is the Port of Darwin located?+
Coordinates: -12.48300° N, 130.84000° E.
What facilities are available at the Port of Darwin?+
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.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Darwin?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: none noted.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Darwin?+
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.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Darwin?+
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.
Which service providers operate at the Port of Darwin?+
Service providers include Inglasco International Ltd.