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Page last updated on 25-01-2023.
Pilotage
Port of Townsville Limited provides pilotage services at the Port of Townsville and Port of Lucinda (and Abbot Point under separate contract to the Department of Transport and Main Roads).
The ports of Townsville, Abbot Point, and Lucinda are compulsory pilotage areas; meaning that ships that are 50 metres in length or more that sail within the pilotage areas must either carry a licensed marine pilot or be under the command of a Master who holds a pilotage exemption certificate for the area.
Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) may grant a master an exemption from pilotage within a declared Queensland pilotage area. Please contact the MSQ Townsville office for more information.
Pilotage Fees
Fees can be found on the MSQ website. Please contact the MSQ Townsville office if you have an enquiry related to fees and charges.
Requesting a Pilot
Pilotage is supplied as per the scheduling arrangements found within the port procedures manuals for Townsville, Abbot Point, or Lucinda as required. Instructions can be found on the MSQ website.
Shipping Movements in Queensland
A summary of information about current shipping movements in Queensland ports can be seen at the QShips ship movement display program. Here you can view information on ships in a particular port including movements in the port yesterday, today and tomorrow, as well as seven days ahead.
