Port of Cairns (AUCNS): Details, Transit Times & Shipping Routes
Port of Cairns (UN/LOCODE AUCNS) is a small river (natural) harbor located in Australia, on the Coral Sea. It sits at 16.9167° S, 145.7833° E. The port reports a channel depth of about 7.9 m, an anchorage depth near 11 m, cargo pier depths around 9.4 m. Shelter afforded is rated good. Cargo handling includes wharves, anchorage, ro-ro, solid bulk, liquid bulk facilities.
Port Specifications & Capabilities
Physical characteristics from the NGA World Port Index. Values of 0 in the source are shown as not reported.
Harbor Profile
- Harbor Type
- River (Natural)
- Harbor Size
- Small
- Shelter Afforded
- Good
- World Water Body
- Coral Sea; South Pacific Ocean
- Region
- Australia
Services & Restrictions
Route Calculator & Transit Estimator
Great-circle distance — actual sea routes vary with canals, traffic lanes & weather.
nautical miles (direct)
@ 14 knots
B2B Freight Quote — Port of Cairns
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Nearby Ports & Connections
Nearest Ports to Cairns
Frequently Asked Questions about Port of Cairns
Where is Port of Cairns located?
Port of Cairns is a seaport located in Australia, on the Coral Sea. Its coordinates are 16.9167° S, 145.7833° E.
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Cairns?
The UN/LOCODE for Port of Cairns is AUCNS — country code AU, location code CNS.
How deep is Port of Cairns?
Per the NGA World Port Index, Port of Cairns has a channel depth of about 7.9 m, an anchorage depth of about 11 m, cargo pier depths of about 9.4 m.
What is the largest vessel that can call at Port of Cairns?
Port of Cairns reports a maximum draft of 10.1 m, a maximum length of 294 m, a maximum beam of 32.3 m for vessels calling at the port.
Does Port of Cairns require a pilot?
Yes — pilotage is compulsory at Port of Cairns.
What type of harbor is Port of Cairns?
Port of Cairns is classified as a river (natural) harbor, of small size, offering good shelter.
What cargo facilities does Port of Cairns have?
Port of Cairns is recorded as offering wharves, anchorage, ro-ro, solid bulk, liquid bulk, container, breakbulk facilities.
About this data
Specifications for Port of Cairns are derived from the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) World Port Index (Pub 150, WPI #53340), a public-domain U.S. Government dataset. View the relevant Sailing Directions →