UN/LOCODE: AUARD📍 Australia
Port of Ardrossan (UN/LOCODE AUARD)
❖ Coordinates: -34.4231°N, 137.9174°E
❖ Time Zone: Australia/Adelaide
❖ UN/LOCODE: AUARD
## About the Port
Ardrossan (UN/LOCODE: **AUARD**) is a secondary commercial port situated on the eastern shore of Gulf St Vincent in **South Australia**. Its geographic coordinates are **-34.4230702° S, 137.9174283° E**, placing it within the Adelaide metropolitan region’s industrial corridor. The port operates under the **Australia/Adelaide** timezone (UTC +9:30) and is strategically positioned to serve both regional freight movements and interstate distribution networks. Because of its modest size and limited deep‑water capabilities, Ardrossan is primarily employed for **bulk commodity handling**, especially grain, mineral sands, and livestock exports. Its proximity to major transport arteries—including the **Horstmann Highway**, the **Port Adelaide railway line**, and the **Adelaide‑Whyalla railway**—enhances its suitability for just‑in‑time supply chains and multimodal logistics.
## History
The **Ardrossan Wharf** was originally constructed in the early 20th century to support the burgeoning wheat and cereal trade of the Adelaide Plains. Over the ensuing decades, the facility evolved from a modest timber jetty into a purpose‑built concrete quay capable of accommodating **Handymax** and **Panamax** vessels. Significant upgrades occurred in the 1970s and again in 2005, when the South Australian Government invested in **container handling equipment** and **grain terminal automation**. Although the port never achieved the prominence of larger hubs such as **Port Adelaide** or **Port Pirie**, its development reflects a broader national trend toward decentralising bulk export infrastructure to regional centres. For a detailed chronological account, see the **South Australian Maritime Museum** archives (external link: SA Maritime Museum – Ardrossan History↗).
## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berthing Capacity
Ardrossan’s single **60‑meter timber‑core wharf** is reinforced with a 12‑meter‑wide concrete apron, allowing a maximum draft of **8.5 meters** at high tide. The berth is equipped with a **straddle crane** (30‑tonne lifting capacity) and a **grain conveyor system** capable of transferring **2,500 tonnes per day** from rail wagons to ship holds.
### Yard & Storage
The adjacent **15‑hectare cargo yard** features paved, graded surfaces with **5‑meter‑wide access roads** and a **gravity‑fed drainage network** to mitigate coastal inundation. Grain silos with a combined capacity of **120,000 tonnes** provide on‑site storage, while temperature‑controlled sheds accommodate perishable cargo such as **livestock feed and horticultural products**.
### Support Services
The port includes a **fuel depot**, **waterfront fire‑suppression system**, and a **dedicated pilotage service** for vessel guidance during peak traffic periods. Electrical supply is provided via a **33 kV sub‑station**, enabling shore‑power connections for vessels awaiting berth.
### Environmental & Safety Measures
Ardrossan adheres to the **Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)** standards, maintaining a **Spill Response Team** and a **Hazardous Materials Management Plan**. The port’s coastal location necessitates continuous monitoring of **tidal fluctuations** and **wave energy** to protect infrastructure from erosion.
## Economic Importance
Although modest in size, Ardrossan contributes significantly to **South Australia’s export economy**. In 2023, the port handled **approximately 3.8 million tonnes** of cargo, representing **~5 %** of the state’s total bulk export volume. Grain exports alone accounted for **~2.6 million tonnes**, supporting regional **agricultural producers** and reinforcing the **food‑security supply chain** for Asia‑Pacific markets. The port also facilitates **mineral sands shipments** from the **Murray Basin**, providing a vital outlet for the mining sector. Economic analyses suggest that each berth utilisation increase of 10 % can generate up to **AU$12 million** in ancillary economic activity, including **trucking, rail services, and local employment**.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Ardrossan’s primary **trade routes** link the **Gulf St Vincent** region with **Asia‑Pacific destinations**—notably **China**, **Japan**, and **South Korea**—as well as **domestic ports** such as **Port Adelaide** and **Port Lincoln**. Seasonal fluctuations influence cargo mix:
- **Grain & Cereals**: The dominant cargo, shipped primarily during the Australian harvest (February–May).
- **Mineral Sands**: Exported year‑round, valued for titanium and zircon applications.
- **Livestock Feed & Fertiliser**: Utilised by regional farms and processed food manufacturers.
- **General Cargo**: Small containers of manufactured goods and spare parts.
The port’s **multimodal integration** enables seamless transfer from rail (via the **Adelaide‑Whyalla line**) to vessel, reducing inland haulage costs and associated carbon emissions. Partnering carriers frequently schedule **direct sailings** to **Shanghai** and **Busan**, underscoring Ardrossan’s role as an efficient regional hub for **just‑in‑time** logistics.
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*Keywords*: Ardrossan port, South Australia port, bulk cargo, grain export, maritime infrastructure, export logistics, Gulf St Vincent, UN/LOCODE AUARD.
*External References*:
- South Australian Maritime Museum – Ardrossan History↗
- Australian Maritime Safety Authority – Port Safety Guidelines↗
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
AUARD
Country
Australia
Province / Region
South Australia
Latitude
-34.423070
Longitude
137.917428
Timezone
Australia/Adelaide
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Ardrossan?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Ardrossan is AUARD.
Where is Port of Ardrossan located?
The Port of Ardrossan is located in Australia, South Australia. Its coordinates are -34.4231°N, 137.9174°E.
What time zone is Port of Ardrossan in?
Port of Ardrossan operates in the Australia/Adelaide time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.12 m
Wave Direction177°
Swell Height0.1 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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