Logistics services in Marshall Islands.

Marshall Islands logistics overview: modes, trade and gateways

International freight moves mainly by sea through the three listed ports at Majuro Atoll, Enitwetak Island and Kwajalein. Majuro Atoll is the primary cargo port, with a pier depth of 15.5 m and rail access at the terminal. All three ports are classed as very small, and together they handled about 30,700 TEU in 2019. Scheduled air services at Marshall Islands International Airport (MAJ) and Bucholz Army Air Field (KWA) provide additional options for lighter or time-sensitive cargo. Export and import flows are relatively modest, at about 72 million USD and 111 million USD in 2025.

Freight forwarders in Marshall Islands need to be comfortable working with very small island ports and limited scheduled air gateways. Most ocean cargo moves through Majuro Atoll, Enitwetak Island and Kwajalein, so experience consolidating FCL and LCL there, or via regional transshipment hubs, is critical.

The country’s liner shipping connectivity index is 7.21, so forwarders should be strong at routing via third-country hubs and managing feeder services. LPI customs performance is near the world median, so you can focus on forwarders who provide clear guidance on timing rather than extensive problem-solving at the border. Check that they understand the import and export patterns with China, Japan, the UK and Germany, and that they coordinate closely with carriers like PIL that maintain offices in Ebeye and Majuro.

FCL and LCL shipping from and to Marshall Islands moves through three very small seaports: Majuro Atoll (MHMAJ), Enitwetak Island (MHENT) and Kwajalein (MHKWA). Cargo pier depths reach about 15.5 m at Majuro, with 7.9 m at Enitwetak Island and Kwajalein, suitable for smaller container and general cargo vessels.

Container throughput is about 30,700 TEU per year, ranking between 150th and 168th in the world and between 29th and 33rd in East Asia & Pacific. The liner shipping connectivity index of 7.21 indicates limited but established scheduled calls, often via regional hubs. Shipping line PIL has offices in Ebeye and Majuro, which can help coordinate both FCL and LCL bookings. The merchant marine fleet is large, at about 4,180 vessels across bulk carriers, container ships, general cargo, oil tankers and other ship types, so local stakeholders are familiar with ocean shipping operations.

Air freight in Marshall Islands uses two airports with scheduled service: Marshall Islands International Airport (MAJ) and Bucholz Army Air Field (KWA). Air cargo volume is about 0.4 million tonne-km, which is small compared with many regional peers.

Given the trade mix in ships, petroleum products, fish and machinery, air freight is mainly relevant for high-value components, smaller machinery items or time-sensitive documents. For most heavy cargo and bulk commodities, ocean freight remains the primary option. Forwarders typically route air shipments through regional hubs before final delivery into MAJ or KWA.

There is rail access at the cargo pier in Majuro Atoll, which supports port operations and short-haul movements in the terminal area. Other listed ports, Enitwetak Island and Kwajalein, do not have rail at the pier. As an island country with a coastline of about 370 km, inland distribution relies on local road transport on each atoll. International movements of freight connect to overseas markets primarily via sea and air rather than cross-border road corridors.

Marshall Islands is not a member of the WTO according to the data provided. For customs clearance, shippers should coordinate closely with local agents or forwarders who understand procedures at Majuro Atoll and the other two commercial ports. Standard trade documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list and transport document will be required. Using a forwarder familiar with the country’s main import and export goods, including ships, refined petroleum, fish and machinery, helps align tariff classification and handling with local practice.