Pago Pago Harbor, American Samoa

Port Overview

Pago Pago Harbor, located on Tutuila Island in American Samoa, is one of the world’s largest and deepest natural harbors, stretching over two miles long and more than 400 feet deep. Strategically positioned in the South Pacific, it serves as a key deepwater port for regional shipping and U.S. interests. The harbor is protected by surrounding mountains, making it a vital and sheltered anchorage. Its annual container throughput is modest, typically handling between 25,000 and 35,000 TEU, supporting both local commerce and transshipment activities.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Pago Pago Harbor features several key facilities, including a container terminal for loading and unloading containers, a multiuse wharf for cruise ships and other operations, and a service wharf used by the government fleet. The port also includes an inter-island terminal for cargo and ferry services. While specific details on cranes and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not available, the port offers essential services like towage and pilotage.

Container Terminals

Pago Pago Harbor features a Container Terminal with approximately 1,100 feet of berthing space capable of handling container operations. The terminal has an annual capacity of 50,000 TEU with 15 hectares of dedicated storage area. The port operates conventional handling systems using mobile harbor cranes and reach stackers rather than automated equipment. The facility is managed by the American Samoa Department of Port Administration and serves as the territory's primary gateway for containerized cargo operations.

Port Services

• Container handling: Dedicated container terminal with full intermodal processing and specialized equipment.
• Cargo operations: General cargo, bulk, and break-bulk handling; 24/7 stevedoring services.
• Ship services: Bunker fuel supply, fresh water provisioning, emergency repairs, waste management, and pilotage.
• Warehousing: Secure cargo storage areas, including temperature-controlled facilities for refrigerated goods.
• Customs: On-site customs and immigration processing, vessel clearance, and security screening.

Global Connectivity

Pago Pago Harbor is American Samoa’s main maritime gateway, connecting primarily with Honolulu, Los Angeles, Auckland, and other Pacific island ports. It serves regional trade within the South Pacific and supports transpacific shipping routes to major markets in the United States, New Zealand, and Australia. The harbor is a key logistics hub for container, reefer, and general cargo, facilitating both local resupply and tuna exports.

Port Statistics

Pago Pago Harbor, American Samoa – Key Statistics

• TEU Throughput: Approximately 76,000–92,000 TEU annually (recent years)
• World Ranking: 532nd by port connectivity
• Number of Berths: 4 main berths (including recent dock extension)
• Port Area: Deep natural harbor, sheltered, with container yard at capacity
• Shipping Lines: Serviced by regional and international carriers, supporting container, tanker, and fishing vessels

The port is a critical logistics hub for American Samoa and the South Pacific, with direct connections to U.S. and Pacific island ports.