Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE KI TRW

Tarawa Atoll, Kiribati

Kiribati · 1.33° N, 172.93° E

The World Port Index classes Tarawa Atoll as an open roadstead on the North Pacific Ocean. It records a channel depth of 7.9 m and a cargo pier depth of 6.4 m. Norfolk is 11,750 km away in a straight line.

11,750 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
7.9 m
Cargo pier depth
6.4 m
From Norfolk
11,750 kmGreat-circle distance

Depths and vessel limits

Channel depth
7.9 m
Anchorage depth
7.9 m
Cargo pier depth
6.4 m
Tidal range
0.9 m

As recorded in the World Port Index. Gauges run from 0 to 25 m. Confirm current depths and limits with the port before you fix a vessel.

Facilities on record

Arrival and entry

Tarawa Atoll is listed as a first port of entry.

First port of entry
Yes
Pilotage available
Yes
Pilotage advisable
Yes
Tug assistance
Yes
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Shelter afforded
Fair
Entrance restricted by tide
No
Entrance restricted by swell
No
Entrance restricted by ice
No

Cargo handling

The heaviest lift class recorded is 25 to 49 tons.

Anchorage
Yes
Fixed cranes
Yes
Mobile cranes
Yes
Lifts of 25 to 49 tons
Yes
Lifts up to 24 tons
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated limited.

Repairs
Limited
Fuel oil
Yes
Diesel oil
No
Potable water
Yes
Provisions
No
Deck supplies
Yes
Engine supplies
Yes
Medical facilities
Yes
Garbage disposal
Yes
Dirty ballast disposal
No
Airport
Yes

US trade with Kiribati

US exports, 2025
$2.2MLed by special classification provisions
US imports, 2025
$1.4MLed by fish and seafood

Top goods, trade terms and port guides for Kiribati

Sources

  • US trade figures: US Census Bureau, International Trade API, HS2 total exports and general imports for calendar 2024 and 2025, retrieved November 4, 2026.
  • Port data: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, World Port Index (Pub 150), from NGA's UpdatedPub150.csv as captured by the Internet Archive on September 29, 2026.
  • Distances are great-circle distances computed from World Port Index coordinates, not sailing distances.
  • Map: Natural Earth 1:110m land, public domain.