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Abbot Point Port (Queensland, Australia)

Abbot Point (Queensland, Australia) — A Practical Guide for Visiting Ships

Abbot Point Port

What this post is: a quick, working guide for Masters/Chief Officers calling at Abbot Point. At the bottom you’ll find a Download section with the key attachments (General Port Info, Pilot Arrangements, Mooring Procedures, Passage Plan).


1) Where you’re going (in one minute)

Abbot Point is a deep-water coal export port about 25 km north of Bowen in North Queensland. The terminal on site is NQXT (North Queensland Export Terminal). Expect a single offshore berth connected by trestle jetty and a high-rate ship loader. nqxt.com.au

Port administration, navigation rules and ship scheduling are managed under Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) Port Procedures & Information for Shipping (PPM) for Abbot Point. Keep that manual as your primary reference. msq.qld.gov.au


2) Before arrival — bookings & notifications

  • QSHIPS scheduling + advance notices are required per the Abbot Point PPM. Follow the arrival checklist in the manual (security, MASTREP/REEFVTS, customs/quarantine, dangerous goods, etc.). msq.qld.gov.au

  • Compulsory pilotage applies (50 m LOA and above). Pilotage for Abbot Point is provided under contract via Port of Townsville’s pilotage service (through MSQ). townsville-port.com.au


3) Communications (VTS / REEFVTS)

  • Abbot Point VTS (Townsville VTS): maintain watch on VHF 12 and 16. You may also be contacted via Reef VTS (working VHF 14) as you approach. nqbp.com.au+1

  • Expect VTS to make initial contact about two hours before pilot boarding, subject to traffic/scheduling. Keep a listening watch and report as required by the PPM. msq.qld.gov.au


4) Pilotage, pilot boarding & passage planning

  • Compulsory pilotage area and pilot boarding ground are published by MSQ (chart lets in the Abbot Point pilotage area pages). Use the latest MSQ chart let for boarding positions and limits. msq.qld.gov.au+1

  • Bring a completed berth-to-sea passage plan to the Master/Pilot exchange. The Abbot Point PPM provides structure/requirements for BRM, reporting points, and transfer arrangements. msq.qld.gov.au


5) Berth, tugs & mooring — what to expect

  • The terminal is an offshore trestle jetty with a single ship loader ~2.75 km from stockpiles; loading rates are high, and timings are tide/traffic dependent. Use your agent/terminal line-up for specifics. msq.qld.gov.au

  • Tug allocation and mooring arrangement follow the PPM and pilot’s directions for your ship’s size, weather and tidal window. Your Mooring Procedures attachment below provides a ready checklist to brief the deck team. msq.qld.gov.au


6) UKC, tides and DUKC (departure)

  • Abbot Point applies defined UKC criteria and movement restrictions in the PPM. For departure drafts > 15.0 m, ships use DUKC (Dynamic Under Keel Clearance) per the Abbot Point manual. Follow pilot/VTS instructions and the DUKC clearance issued.


7) Environmental & safety notes

  • You’re operating adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef management area. Expect strict adherence to pollution prevention, reporting, cyclone procedures, and marine incident reporting under MSQ. Keep the PPM emergency contacts handy. msq.qld.gov.au


Download: Abbot Point Port Pack (2025)




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