High Seas,South Pacific
High Seas, South Pacific: Vast international waters vital for global climate, marine biodiversity, and trade.
Port Overview
High Seas in the South Pacific refers to the vast international waters between Australia, New Zealand, and island nations such as Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. This region is among the largest oceanic areas globally, ranking as a key maritime corridor connecting Oceania with North America, Western Europe, and Asia. Its strategic importance lies in facilitating major trade routes for exports like agricultural products and imports of industrial goods. Annual container throughput is relatively modest compared to global hubs, with regional ports collectively handling under 1 million TEU, serving primarily island economies and transshipment needs.
Facilities & Infrastructure
High Seas, South Pacific features key terminals including the South Pacific International Container Terminal and Motukea International Terminal. Facilities include dedicated container berths, modern cargo handling areas, and secure storage. Equipment comprises ship-to-shore cranes, rubber-tired gantry cranes, reach stackers, and terminal tractors. Advanced systems such as RFID recognition and EDI communication support efficient operations. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are deployed for container movement, enhancing productivity and safety across the terminals.
Container Terminals
High Seas, South Pacific’s main container terminal is the South Pacific International Container Terminal (SPICT) in Lae, Papua New Guinea. It features 2 container berths and handles over 250,000 TEU annually. The terminal uses NAVIS 4 TOS with EDI and SAP integration, offering a moderate level of automation. The major operator is ICTSI, serving as the region’s primary international container gateway.
Port Services
- Container handling: Loading, unloading, and management of containerized cargo for import and export.
- Cargo operations: Full-service cargo handling, including breakbulk, project cargo, and general freight management.
- Ship services: Vessel support such as berthing, bunkering, crew assistance, and ship agency functions.
- Warehousing: Secure storage solutions for various cargo types, including consolidation and distribution.
- Customs: Customs clearance, documentation, and regulatory compliance for international shipments.
Global Connectivity
High Seas, South Pacific connectivity relies on regional feeder and shuttle services linking small island ports to major Pacific Rim hubs such as Auckland, Tauranga, Sydney, and Singapore. These routes serve Oceania, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, with transshipment connections to North America and East Asia. Main shipping lines operate both direct and transshipment services, ensuring access to global markets via key maritime corridors like the Malacca and Panama Canals.
Port Statistics
High Seas, South Pacific – Key Statistics (2025):
- TEU Throughput: Not applicable; as an open ocean area, the High Seas do not have container terminals or measured TEU throughput.
- World Ranking: Not ranked; the High Seas are not a port or terminal and thus are not included in global port rankings.
- Number of Berths: None; there are no berths or port infrastructure on the High Seas.
- Area: Covers vast international waters in the South Pacific, outside any national jurisdiction.
- Shipping Lines: Major global carriers (such as Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO, Hapag-Lloyd) operate vessels transiting these waters on Asia–Americas, Asia–Oceania, and cross-Pacific routes.
The High Seas, South Pacific, serve as a critical maritime corridor but do not have port facilities or direct throughput statistics.
