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Port of Townsville

AUTSV🇦🇺Australia

Port Location

About Port of Townsville

Located in Cleveland Bay, Queensland, Australia, this seaport serves as a key hub for North Queensland. It handles a variety of cargo, including bulk, containerized goods, and general cargo, with vessels ranging from bulk carriers to container ships. The port features mobile and fixed cranes for lifting operations.

Background
Port of Townsville is a government-owned Corporation and seaport in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It is the third largest seaport in Queensland after Port of Brisbane and the Port of Gladstone. It is located south of the mouth of Ross Creek and north of the Ross River. Main shipping access is through Cleveland Bay. A second seaport, which only exports sugar is found about 100 kilometres (62 mi) north of Townsville at Lucinda and is also managed by Port of Townsville Limited.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
13.03m
Elevation
-9999m

Operations & Services

References & Identifiers

GeoNames ID
2146141 →
Wikidata
Q7231285 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
AUTSV
Country
🇦🇺Australia
Time Zone
UTC+10
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port

Region

Subdivision
AU-QLD
Area
East Australia
Sub-area
Coral Sea
Latitude
-19.2529°
Longitude
146.8348°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Townsville?+
The controlling depth at Townsville is 13.03 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 Townsville?+
The approach to Townsville is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Bay Rock Lighthouse at 0.7 NM to the WSW. Other aids include Platypus Channel Range Rear (0.7 NM WSW), Albino Rock (0.8 NM WSW), Wharton Reef (0.8 NM WSW), Cape Cleveland (11.1 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Townsville on?+
The Port of Townsville is situated on the Coral Sea in AU. The area falls within the subtropical climate zone with mild winters and warm summers, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Townsville?+
You can track vessels near Townsville (AUTSV) 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 AUTSV on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Townsville?+
The Port of Townsville operates in the UTC+10 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 Townsville?+
TOWNSVILLE (UN/Locode: AUTSV), Australia is a seaport located at approximately -19.25289° N, 146.83480° E.
Where is the Port of Townsville located?+
Coordinates: -19.25289° N, 146.83480° E. Nearby terminals/ports:LUCINDA — UN/Locode: AULUC — -18.52104° N, 146.36110° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Townsville?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Breakwater and Small. Cranes: mobile cranes and fixed cranes. Lifting: 50–100 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, good holding ground and turning area. Depths: channel depth 11m - 12.2m; anchorage depth 7.1m - 9.1m; cargo pier depth 11m - 12.2m; oil terminal depth 11m - 12.2m and maximum draft approx. 13.03 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Townsville?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Townsville?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: available and first port of entry: available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Townsville?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Fishing, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Ro Ro, Special Craft, Tanker, Tugs Harbor Craft and Unspecified.