CHARTER SERVICES

Reliable Maritime Transport for Your Projects Across Kiribati

Kiribati National Shipping Line Ltd (KNSL) provides flexible charter services for government ministries, state-owned enterprises, private businesses, contractors, non-government organizations, schools, churches, community groups, and individuals requiring dedicated maritime transportation to the outer islands of Kiribati.

Whether you need to transport light cargo, heavy machinery, project materials, vehicles, equipment, or passengers, our charter services can be arranged to meet the requirements of your project or operation.

Transporting Cargo from Light to Heavy Machinery

Our operational ferries and vessels can be chartered to transport and deliver a wide range of cargo to outer islands.

Depending on vessel capacity, operational requirements, weather conditions, port or landing accessibility, and applicable maritime safety requirements, cargo may include:

  • Construction materials, including cement, timber, reinforcing rods, pipes, roofing materials, and building supplies
  • Heavy machinery, including excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, loaders, rollers, and other project equipment
  • Trucks, buses, vans, pickup trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles
  • Generators, water tanks, solar equipment, telecommunications equipment, and electrical supplies
  • Agricultural, fisheries, and marine equipment
  • School, hospital, office, and community equipment
  • Food, household goods, and general cargo
  • Government and development-project materials
  • Emergency and disaster-response supplies
  • Other specialized cargo, subject to assessment and approval

From a small shipment to major project equipment, KNSL Charter Services can provide a dedicated maritime transport solution for your operation.

Passenger & Special-Purpose Charter Services

Our current operational ferries may also be available for passenger and special-purpose charters, including:

  • Project Cargo Transportation – Machinery, vehicles, construction materials, equipment, and project supplies.
  • Government & SOE Missions – Official programmes, inspections, consultations, project implementation, and inter-island operations.
  • Student Transportation – Dedicated transportation for student groups travelling between Tarawa and the outer islands.
  • Retreats, Workshops & Meetings – Transportation for organizational retreats, workshops, conferences, meetings, and team activities.
  • Search & Support Missions – Vessel support for authorized search missions and maritime operations.
  • Community & Church Programmes – Transportation for conferences, religious gatherings, youth programmes, and community events.
  • Sports & Cultural Events – Transportation of teams, officials, participants, supporters, and equipment.
  • Research & Survey Missions – Supporting researchers, engineers, consultants, technical teams, and development partners.
  • Construction & Infrastructure Projects – Transportation of contractors, workers, machinery, vehicles, materials, and equipment.
  • Emergency & Humanitarian Support – Transportation of essential supplies, personnel, and equipment, subject to authorization and availability.
  • Special Group Transportation – Dedicated vessel arrangements for large groups travelling for approved purposes.

Tugboat Towing & Marine Support Services

 

In addition to our passenger and cargo charter services, KNSL also provides tugboat towing and marine support services through our tugboat, I-TUNGARU.

I-TUNGARU can be deployed, subject to operational assessment and availability, to provide towing assistance for ships, ferries, barges, and other suitable vessels requiring marine towing support.

 

Our tugboat services may be considered for:

  • Towing ships and ferries
  • Towing barges and other marine vessels
  • Assisting disabled or non-operational vessels
  • Supporting vessel relocation and repositioning
  • Supporting vessel recovery and refloating operations
  • Tug and barge charter operations
  • Transporting project cargo by tug and barge
  • Supporting construction and infrastructure projects
  • Providing marine support for government and commercial projects
  • Supporting approved search and maritime operations
  • Other specialized marine operations, subject to technical and safety assessment

Every towing operation is assessed according to the type and condition of the vessel being towed, towing distance, weather and sea conditions, technical requirements, safety considerations, tugboat capability, and operational availability.

Charter Booking Process

Booking a KNSL charter is straightforward. Our team will work with you to understand your requirements, assess vessel suitability, and coordinate your voyage.

1. Submit Your Charter Request

Contact KNSL and provide the main details of your proposed charter, including:

Destination / Island • Preferred Departure Date • Return Date (if applicable) • Purpose of Charter • Number of Passengers • Cargo Type • Estimated Weight or Volume • Vehicle or Machinery Details • Contact Person and Contact Details

For heavy machinery, vehicles, oversized cargo, or specialized equipment, additional dimensions and specifications may be requested.

2. KNSL Reviews Your Requirements

Our team will assess your request based on the proposed destination, voyage requirements, passenger numbers, cargo specifications, vessel capacity, operational schedule, safety requirements, and availability of a suitable vessel.

Where necessary, KNSL may contact you for additional information or clarification.

3. Vessel Availability & Quotation

Once the requirements have been assessed, KNSL will confirm whether a suitable vessel is available for the requested period.

A charter quotation will then be prepared based on the voyage and operational requirements. The quotation may take into consideration the vessel, destination, voyage duration, fuel requirements, cargo handling requirements, port arrangements, and other applicable costs.

4. Confirm Your Charter

Review the quotation and charter conditions provided by KNSL.

To proceed, the customer must provide the required confirmation and complete any necessary charter documentation. Any required payment or deposit must also be made according to the terms stated in the quotation or charter agreement.

A charter is not considered confirmed until KNSL has issued confirmation and all applicable booking requirements have been completed.

5. Voyage & Cargo Coordination

Once your charter is confirmed, KNSL will coordinate the operational arrangements with you.

This may include confirming:

Loading Date & Time • Passenger Reporting Time • Cargo Manifest • Passenger List • Vehicle/Machinery Details • Loading Arrangements • Departure Schedule • Destination Arrangements • Safety Requirements

Customers should ensure that cargo, passengers, vehicles, and equipment are ready according to the agreed schedule.

6. Vessel Departure & Charter Service

Following completion of the required loading, passenger, documentation, and safety procedures, the vessel will depart according to the confirmed operational schedule, subject to weather, maritime conditions, safety requirements, and other circumstances affecting vessel operations.

Ready to Request a Charter?

Whether you are transporting heavy machinery, vehicles, construction materials, project cargo, students, staff, community groups, or specialized equipment, contact KNSL to discuss your requirements.

Request a Charter
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