The shipping platform

Location: Gove is situated in the NW Northern Territory of Australia. It is bounded by the Gulf of Carpentaria to the E, the Arafura Sea to the N and includes the body of water known as Melville Bay. General overview: Port facilities are established for the import of general cargo; bulk liquids and for the export of alumina; aluminium hydroxide and bauxite. The general cargo wharf lies on the E side, whilst the wharf for small vessels, lies at the head of the harbour. These facilities, with the exception of a small fishing vessel wharf/barge landing, are controlled by Alcan Gove. Traffic figures: Approx 125 overseas ships are handled annually, including bulk carriers, tankers and normally two coastal barges per week. Load line zone: South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31. Max size: Tankers: Maximum arrival draught 12.8m. Bulk carriers: Max departure draught 14.6m (tide dependent). Max airdraught 13.9m. Largest vessel handled: "Mobil Aladdin", LOA 270m.