CARGO SERVICES
Moving Cargo, Connecting Islands & Supporting Kiribati.
Kiribati National Shipping Line Ltd (KNSL) provides maritime cargo transportation services connecting Betio with the outer islands of Kiribati.
From small personal consignments and everyday supplies to construction materials, vehicles, heavy machinery and major project cargo, our vessels support individuals, businesses, communities, government ministries, State-Owned Enterprises, NGOs, contractors and other organizations that depend on reliable sea transportation.
Our operational Ro-Pax ferries, landing craft, tugboats and barges enable KNSL to accommodate different cargo requirements, subject to vessel capacity, voyage schedules, loading conditions and applicable maritime safety requirements.
📦 General Cargo
We transport a wide range of general freight and everyday goods between Tarawa and the outer islands, including:
- Cartons, boxes and bags
- Household goods and personal belongings
- Furniture and appliances
- Office equipment and supplies
- Hardware and tools
- Packaged goods
- General merchandise
- Other approved freight
Whether you are sending a few items or a larger consignment, our team can assist you in selecting an appropriate scheduled voyage.
🏗️ Construction Materials
KNSL supports construction and infrastructure development throughout Kiribati by transporting building materials and equipment to the outer islands.
Cargo may include:
- Cement
- Timber
- Steel rods
- Roofing materials
- Pipes and plumbing materials
- Bricks and blocks
- Sandbags
- Building equipment
- Construction tools and supplies
We can support cargo movements for private developments, community projects, government projects and major infrastructure works.
🚛 Vehicles & Heavy Machinery
Our suitable Ro-Pax ferries and landing craft can transport vehicles and machinery, subject to available deck space, weight, dimensions, loading conditions and vessel capacity.
Examples include:
- Cars
- Pickup trucks
- Vans
- Buses
- Motorcycles
- Trucks
- Tractors
- Excavators
- Backhoes
- Bulldozers
- Dump trucks
- Concrete mixers
- Other approved machinery
Customers transporting large or heavy equipment should provide the cargo dimensions and approximate weight before booking so that our team can assess the appropriate vessel and loading arrangements.
🚢 Project Cargo
Need to transport equipment and materials for a project on an outer island?
KNSL provides cargo transportation support for government ministries, State-Owned Enterprises, contractors, private businesses, NGOs, development partners, religious organizations and community projects.
Project cargo may include:
- Construction equipment and materials
- Water and sanitation equipment
- Solar systems and equipment
- Telecommunications equipment
- Electrical equipment
- Machinery
- Project vehicles
- Building supplies
- Other specialized project cargo
For projects requiring dedicated vessel capacity or special voyage arrangements, customers may also enquire about our Charter Services!
⚓ Heavy & Oversized Cargo
For cargo that cannot be handled as ordinary freight, selected KNSL vessels may accommodate heavy or oversized loads.
This service may be suitable for large machinery, vehicles, industrial equipment, construction equipment and other project-related cargo.
Acceptance depends on factors including cargo weight, dimensions, vessel capacity, deck space, loading arrangements, destination conditions and maritime safety requirements.
Please contact KNSL in advance to discuss heavy or oversized cargo before bringing it to the loading area.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR CARGO
1. Check the Voyage
Contact KNSL to confirm the next AVAILABLE VOYAGE to your destination.
2. Provide Your Cargo Details
Tell our staff what you intend to transport. For large cargo, vehicles or machinery, please provide the approximate weight, length, width and height.
3. Confirm Space & Freight Charges
Our team will advise whether space is available and provide information about the applicable freight charges and loading requirements.
4. Complete Your Booking
Provide the required cargo information and complete the applicable booking and payment process.
5. Deliver Your Cargo
Bring your cargo to the designated KNSL cargo receiving or loading area within the advised receiving period.
6. Loading & Transportation
Once accepted and cleared for transportation, your cargo will be loaded aboard the assigned vessel and transported to its destination.
Come and visit us at our office!
We strongly recommend that you visit our office in Betio in person so that our team can better understand your cargo requirements and provide you with the appropriate information and assistance.