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Port of Lae

PGLAE🇵🇬Papua New Guinea

Port Location

About Port of Lae

Lae is Papua New Guinea's largest cargo port and industrial hub, situated on the Huon Gulf. It handles a wide range of vessel types including bulk carriers, container ships, and tankers. The port features wharf loading/offloading facilities with channel depths up to 12.2 meters.

Background
Lae is the capital of Morobe Province and is the second-largest city in Papua New Guinea. It is located near the delta of the Markham River on the northern coast of Huon Gulf. It is at the start of the Highlands Highway, which is the main land transport corridor between the Highlands Region and the coast. Lae is the largest cargo port of the country and is the industrial hub of Papua New Guinea. The city is known as the Garden City and home of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
10m
Channel Depth
11ft
Tidal Range
1ft

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Drydock
U
Repair Code
N
Terminals
1

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
53230 →
Wikidata
Q612250 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
PGLAE
Country
🇵🇬Papua New Guinea
Time Zone
UTC+10

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Open roadstead
Shelter
Good

Region

Area
North Australia
Sub-area
Solomon Sea
Latitude
-6.7411°
Longitude
146.9966°

Terminals

SOUTH PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL (SPICT)

SOUTH PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL, LTD. (SPICT)

Lae Tidal Basin, International Wharf, Bumbu Road, Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea

www.ictsispl.com →
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Lae?+
The controlling depth at Lae is 10 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 Lae on?+
The Port of Lae is situated on the South Pacific Ocean in PG. 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 Lae?+
You can track vessels near Lae (PGLAE) 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 PGLAE on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Lae?+
The Port of Lae 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 Lae?+
LAE (UN/Locode: PGLAE), Papua New Guinea is a seaport located at approximately -6.74107° N, 146.99660° E.
Where is the Port of Lae located?+
Coordinates: -6.74107° N, 146.99660° E.
What facilities are available at the Port of Lae?+
Harbor type/size: Open Roadstead and Very Small. Support: wharf loading/offloading. Depths: channel depth 11m - 12.2m; anchorage depth 23.2m - OVER; cargo pier depth 14m - 15.2m; oil terminal depth 14m - 15.2m and maximum draft approx. 10 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Lae?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: restrictions present; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Lae?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: not 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.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Lae?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Fishing, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Ro Ro, Tanker and Tugs Harbor Craft.