Port of Melbourne

The controlling depth at Melbourne is 11.09 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 Melbourne is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Port Melbourne Channel Lighthouse at 0.3 NM to the WNW. Other aids include Port Melbourne Range Front (0.4 NM WSW), Point Gellibrand (2 NM SW), Point Gellibrand Pile (2 NM SW), Schnapper Point (22.9 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.

The Port of Melbourne is situated on the South Pacific Ocean in AU. The area falls within the temperate maritime climate zone, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.

You can track vessels near Melbourne (AUMEL) 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 AUMEL on the live map.

The Port of Melbourne is a port in AU. Its UN/LOCODE is AUMEL — 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 Melbourne operates in the UTC+11 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.

MELBOURNE (UN/Locode: AUMEL), Australia is a seaport located at approximately -37.83878° N, 144.93700° E.

Coordinates: -37.83878° N, 144.93700° E. Nearby terminals/ports:HASTINGS — UN/Locode: AUHAS — -38.29000° N, 145.23000° EGEELONG — UN/Locode: AUGEX — -38.11310° N, 144.37080° EWESTERNPORT — UN/Locode: AUWEP — -38.33199° N, 145.22570° E

Harbor type/size: Coastal Natural and Large. Cranes: mobile cranes and fixed cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts and 25–49 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading and turning area. Depths: channel depth 12.5m - 13.7m; anchorage depth 9.4m - 10m; cargo pier depth 9.4m - 10m; oil terminal depth 11m - 12.2m and maximum draft approx. 11.09 m.

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

Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: not 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 Hans Lutz Maschinenfabrik GmbH, Inglasco International Ltd and SHIPAUS Pty Ltd.