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Port of Tarawa

KITRW🇰🇮Kiribati

Port Location

About Port of Tarawa

Tarawa is a harbor on the atoll of the same name in the central Pacific Ocean, serving as Kiribati's primary port. It handles container, fishing, general cargo, and tanker vessels, with a maximum draft of approximately 9.14 meters. Tugs are available for port operations.

Background
Tarawa is an atoll and the capital of the Republic of Kiribati, in the Micronesia region of the central Pacific Ocean. It comprises North Tarawa, which has 6,629 inhabitants and much in common with other more remote islands of the Gilbert group, and South Tarawa, which has 56,388 inhabitants as of 2015, half of the country's total population. The atoll was the site of the Battle of Tarawa during World War II.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
9.14m
Channel Depth
8ft
Tidal Range
1ft
Elevation
-9999m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Unknown
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile
Drydock
U
Repair Code
C

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
56450 →
GeoNames ID
7601802 →
Wikidata
Q2486 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
KITRW
Country
🇰🇮Kiribati
Time Zone
UTC+12
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Open roadstead
Shelter
Fair

Region

Area
North Australia
Latitude
1.3656°
Longitude
172.9340°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Tarawa?+
The controlling depth at Tarawa is 9.14 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.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Tarawa on?+
The Port of Tarawa is situated on the North Pacific Ocean in KI. The area falls within the equatorial climate zone with warm waters year-round, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Tarawa?+
You can track vessels near Tarawa (KITRW) 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 KITRW on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Tarawa?+
The Port of Tarawa operates in the UTC+12 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 Tarawa?+
BETIO (UN/Locode: KITRW), Kiribati is a seaport located at approximately 1.36562° N, 172.93400° E.
Where is the Port of Tarawa located?+
Coordinates: 1.36562° N, 172.93400° E.
What facilities are available at the Port of Tarawa?+
Depths: maximum draft approx. 9.14 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Tarawa?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: none noted.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Tarawa?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: not available; radio (VHF): not available; air services: not available; rail: not available; ETA message: not required; quarantine pratique: not available; deratting certificate: not available and first port of entry: not available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: not available; tug assistance: not available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Tarawa?+
Vessel types historically calling: Container, Fishing, General Cargo, Offshore, Special Craft, Tanker, Tugs Harbor Craft and Unspecified.