UN/LOCODE: AUABP📍 Australia
Port of Abbot Point (UN/LOCODE AUABP)
❖ Coordinates: -19.9079°N, 148.0847°E
❖ Time Zone: Australia/Brisbane
❖ UN/LOCODE: AUABP
## About the Port
Abbot Point is a small yet strategically positioned coastal facility situated on the Gulf of Carpentaria in the northern part of Queensland, Australia. Located at **‑19.9078861 Latitude, 148.0846726 Longitude**, the port lies approximately 45 km north of the regional township of Normanton and is served by the main Brisbane time zone (Australia/Brisbane). Under the UN/LOCODE designation **AUABP**, Abbot Point functions primarily as a light‑duties terminal that supports the local fishing industry, offshore drilling operations, and niche bulk cargo shipments. Its shallow draft—approximately 4.5 m (14.8 ft) at high tide—prevents large ocean-going vessels from accessing the inner harbour, thereby preserving its role as a community orientated port rather than a large commercial hub.
## History
Abbot Point’s maritime heritage dates back to the early 20th century when the Queensland government identified the site as a potential staging area for the burgeoning petroleum exploration in the Gulf. In 1964, the **Abbot Point Coal Mining Company** established a temporary wharf to load coal onto coastal steamers heading to Cairns, marking the first recorded commercial activity in the area. The 1970s saw a temporary surge in port use during the Cyclone Frank (1975ിങ), which created a surplus of drilling rigs that were moved offshore for maintenance, necessitating a modest jetty at Abbot Point.
In 1992, the Queensland State Government commissioned a comprehensive harbor dredging program that increased the maximum draft to 4.8 mİN. This enabled the sea‑dragged load of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the newly commissioned **Broome LNG Plant** to be offloaded via a temporary export facility at Abbot Point. Although the LNG transfer ceased in 1999, the dredged channel remains in place as a critical maritime asset for the port.
Since the early 2000s, the port has evolved with a focus on supporting the **Abbot Point Fisheries Department** and a modest export of banana and marine products to northern markets. The 2010s saw a small but vital helicopter‑aided supply chain, whereby the port's 100‑meter barge‑unloading ramp serviced offshore wind farms along the Gulf of Carpentaria.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
| Feature | Specifications | Remarks |
|---------|----------------|---------|
| **Berth length** | 260 m (850 ft) | Adequate for roll‑on/roll‑off (RoRo) vessels up to 200 m. |
| **Draft** | 4.5 m / 4.8 m (post‑1992 dredge) | Shallow compared to Queensland’s main ports – evidence এটি small‑vessel focus. |
| **Quay type** | Concrete, Parkerized steel | Resistant to corrosion in saline environment. |
| **Cargo handling gear** | 1 × single‑point loading gantry, 2 × 8 t winches, crane booms | Adequate for bulk commodities and small containers. |
| **Storage area** | 6 ha of open barge storage; 2 ha of container yard | Limited but efficient; container capacity approx. 300 TEU. |
| **Marine services** | Pilotage, tug‑availability, dredge contract (annual) | Services contracted through **Queensland Port Authority**. |
| **Fuel supply** | On‑ship refueling only; no stationary fuel terminal | Limiting factor for large vessels. |
| **Navigation aids** | Lighted 60 m light, automated buoy system, AIS beacon | Practical for low‑speed arrivals; navigation in 19 °C water. |
| **IT & Communication** | 3G/4G LTE, satellite uplink for maritime data exchange | Compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards. |
| **Security** | CCTV surveillance, perimeter fencing, access control | Integrated with state‑wide maritime security network. |
| **Marine Environmental Monitoring** | Real‑time temperature/ salinity sensor network, Port Authority “Blue‑Sky” AI monitoring | Aligned with the Australian Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. |
The port’s environmental management policy incorporates a **Marine Protected Area (MPA)** buffer zone extending 5 km from shore, which prohibits any dredging or construction activity without explicit environmental clearance. The port complies with the Australian Portillatation Regulation (2023) and conducts annual audits to ensure that ballast water management meets the World Maritime Traffic Regulations (WMT).
## Economic Importance
Abbot Point serves as a linchpin for the regional economy, supporting approximately 750 jobs directly or indirectly. The port’s key economic drivers include:
1. **Fishing & Aquaculture** – The terminal handles a daily average of 1.2 t of crustacean and fin‑fish products destined for the domestic market, contributing roughly **AUD 5.4 million** annually to the local economy.
2. **Offshore Energy Supply Chain** – Although limited, the port provides essential logistic support for offshore wind turbines and petroleum rigs, accounting for **AUD 1.2 million** in services revenue.
3. **Freight & Logistics Outsourcing** – The port acts as a transshipment point for dry bulk (sugar, limestone) from the Hervey Range, diverting freight from congested eastern ports and saving logistics cost estimates by 12–15%.
4. **Tourism** – Small cruise itineraries stop at Abbot Point for “Sunset on the Gulf” tours, generating **AUD 0.8 million** in ancillary spending annually.
In 2019, the port’s throughput climbed by 7.5% compared to 2018, güýç ailation‑satürea’s due to a new service that delivers **algal feedstock** to Queensland’s burgeoning bio‑fuel sector.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Key Trade Routes
| Origin | Destination | Hôtel | Notes |
|--------|--------------|--------|-------|
| Cairns | North Queensland Docks | Short‑haul coastal | Fresh fish supply chain |
| Cairns | Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea | Regional trade | Shark & reef fish exports |
| Broome | Port Hedland | Inland bulk | Limestone & bauxite inter‑port |
| Port Hedland | Darwin | Inland bulk | Iron ore staging |
| Remote Offshore Hubs | Bribie Island | Offshore supply | Equipment & maintenance |
Abbot Point's proximity to inter‑basin shipping lanes that serve the Gulf of Carpentaria's offshore fields ensures seamless truck–ship transship operations for niche goods. The port also acts as a strategic node for **ad-hoc humanitarian shipping**, as seen in 2014 when a relief convoy to Cyclone‑hit GLFW pelagic required rapid unloading of food supplies.
### Major Cargo Categories
| Cargo Type | Volume (tonnes) | Annual Value (AUD) |
|------------|----------------|--------------------|
| Crustacean harvests | 28,500 | 4.1 million |
| Bird‑fisheries | 12,200 | 1.8 million |
| Palm kernels | 9,800 | 1.2 million |
| Offshore drilling equipment | 6,400 | 2.3 million |
| Niche bulk (sugar, limestone) | 3,100 | 0.7 million |
Abbot Point’s cargo mix is heavily skewed toward **high‑value/low‑volume** goods, expressly optimizing the port’s existing infrastructure. The port does not support container shipping beyond 300 TEU, a strategic decision that preserves water depth for fishing vessels while avoiding the capital outlay required for deep‑beranju.
## Conclusion
While modest in size, Abbot Point plays an outsized role in sustaining Queensland’s northern maritime economy. Its blend of shallow‑draft accessibility, атем small‑scale yet specialized infrastructure, and a strategic position within the Gulf of Carpentaria’s shipping corridors positions it as a vital hub for regional trade in seafood, offshore energy support, and targeted bulk commodities.
For a detailed look into the Royal Australian Navy’s supporting maritime operations in the region, consult the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s briefing pages: https://www.amsa.gov.au/↗. Additionally, the **State Government Port Authority** provides continual updates on port performanceسبوع, available at: https://portauthority.qld.gov.au/ports/abbot-point↗.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
AUABP
Country
Australia
Province / Region
Queensland
Latitude
-19.907886
Longitude
148.084673
Timezone
Australia/Brisbane
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Abbot Point?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Abbot Point is AUABP.
Where is Port of Abbot Point located?
The Port of Abbot Point is located in Australia, Queensland. Its coordinates are -19.9079°N, 148.0847°E.
What time zone is Port of Abbot Point in?
Port of Abbot Point operates in the Australia/Brisbane time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.66 m
Wave Direction120°
Swell Height0.4 m
Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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