Port Overview

The port of Weno is operated through the State government Department of Transport and Public works who has responsibility for both the seaports and airports throughout Chuuk.

The port consists of two main docks and hosts both Intentional and domestic shipping.

 Freight through the terminal is almost exclusively container freight with the exception of vehicles. No bulk break cargo is moved unless it is in an LCL containers bulk or bagged commodities are received or handled internationally. Bulk break goods are however handled on domestic shipping legs.

 Chuuk (formerly Truk) lagoon has a significant maritime history being the service port for Japanese fleet during WW2. As such the access and shelter provided to ships including aircraft carriers is historically easily accommodated.

Port website:  http://www.ict.fm/transportation-marine.html

Key port information can also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com

Port Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

The port terminal services and stevedoring is handled by a private company Transco. Piloting services are handled by private operators. 

Chuuk Department of transport and Public works are responsible for the administration and regulations of Weno Port. However all port operations are contracted out to private companies.

Transco are the main contractors and are responsible for all terminal services and stevedoring. Piloting services are available through Transco through a subcontracted pilot. 

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Micronesia Port and Waterways Companies Contact List

Port Performance

The port itself handles approximately 5 cargo vessels per month almost exclusively container freight with Matson and Kyowa line providing scheduled services to Chuuk. The dock is situated on Weno Island inside Truk lagoon and access is via channels through the outer reef. With 2 docks 190m and 185M long the largest vessel accommodated at the dock was 13000 tons. Larger ships may anchor in the lagoon.

Containers must all be unloaded by Gantry crane as no container cranes are available at the dock. Depending on ships gantry crane capacity. Containers can generally be unloaded at 6-10 per hour. 

The port is not congested but the limited amount handling equipment used on the port could leave the port vulnerable in times of high need. Port handling equipment was in good condition but only a small number were available.  

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

For information on port rates and charges, please see the following table:

Berthing Specifications

A concrete RoRo ramp available for front ramp vessels including landing craft.

General Cargo Handling Berths

Port Handling Equipment

The port equipment is owned and managed by Transco - a private operator. The handling equipment seen was in good condition although only single top loader is available. Smaller forklift for movement of palletised freight are available and in fair condition.

The top loader moves all containers from dockside to storage and loads all tractor trailers for delivery. Consignees can also unload containers in the storage area in lieu of delivery 

There are no tug masters and all containers are stacked and loaded directly upon the

Delivery equipment (being trailer chassis) by the single top loader.  Transco maintains a single prime mover/tractor for delivery.  

Container Facilities

While almost all freight moving through the port in containers the port has no dedicated container facility and operates as a general port.

Customs Guidance

As will all states in the FSM Customs is nationally controlled and regulated through the Department of Finance and Tax Administration. DFTA Customs officers are based in each state capital and attend the airport upon the arrival of each vessel. Attendance at the port is dependent on the schedule otherwise customs is located at the Government administration buildings between 8am-5pm M-F

Standard shipment documentation is required to clear customs and is processed at the port at state level. For tax and duty exemption the procedure is to obtain the exemption letter for humanitarian goods through DECEM and the Dept of Transport and Infrastructure in Palikir and for such an exemption letter to be provided with the clearance documentation at the port level ideally prior to the arrival of the shipment. 

Clearance time for consignment is 24-48 hours and humanitarian goods will be prioritised in an emergency provided correct documentation is complete

For more information on customs in the Federated States of Micronesia, please see the following link: 1.3 Micronesia Customs Information.  

Terminal Information

Multipurpose Terminal

Weno port is essentially a general terminal and all vessel must be compatible and equipped with the ability to load and unload i.e. Gantry cranes for containers or bulk break or bagged or Ramped vessels for vehicle loading on to the flat dock.

 There are 2 general docks areas 180m and 190m long by 20m wide.

The Domestic RoRo ramp is situated outside the main dock adjacent to the east end of Dock A for use with front ramp landing craft.

Main Storage Terminal

Weno Port has two storage areas dock side this a transit warehouse for Bulk break fright and outside container storage Please see map above

Transit warehouse for LCL Bulk break freight	Warehouse adjacent to transit warehouse

Stevedoring

While the port operation falls under the Department of Public Works and Transport stevedoring services are provided by a single private company Transco. Transco also undertakes terminal services. Transco also provide services as a shipping agent and local transport services. Transco Offices are located adjacent to the Dock area on the access road (refer map)

 All ships operating at the port require gantry cranes to load/unload all container freight. The Kyowa line uses RoRo vessels for the shipment of vehicles which also fall under the responsibility of Transco.

 Stevedoring services are mechanical as are terminal services and the labour component is for the unstuffing of containers. During an emergency additional labour can be provided by the dept of Public owrks and transport of needed.

Hinterland Information

The private Terminal services operator Transco also provides distribution services through the use of container chassis. Containers are delivered to customers and dropped at the consignee’s site. Consignees have 3 days after vessel departure to unload containers. Transco own 1 x prime mover /tractor and 8 trailers.

Demurrage is charged after 3 days at the following rates

20’ container USD65.21/day

40”container USD130.41.20/day

Port Security

Micronesia is not signatory to the ISPS Code, however, the U.S. has invested resources to assist the Federated States of Micronesia build the capacity to implement the ISPS Code to increase merchant trade. 

 Weno Port operates under ISPS guidleines and has recently undertaken an inspection (January 2018) While the results are unknown at the time of writing there was verbal acknowledgment from the Port Manager of some minor breaches which are rectifiable. Surveillance