PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Abadan
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory from the Rooka Channel. Vessels bound for Abadan or Khorramshar should be conducted by Iranian River pilot through "Arvand Rud" (formerly known as Shatt Al Arab).
Key data
updated May 2019Size limits
Draught 3.5m.
Water density
1030.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Nil. Tidal stream: Flood usually commences about the time of HW on the outer bar and attains a rate of 1.5kts.
Ebb stream: Time of commencement varies greatly with a rate of 3kts being obtained.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| General cargo & Passenger Terminal | — | — | 3 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jun 2016Port limits
The port limits extend from Jetty No 1 at the N end of Abadan to Bawarda (1.6km SE of Abadan).
Traffic schemes and VTS
VTMS is not available.
Anchorages
Contact port authority for information on anchorage areas.
Restrictions
Arrivals and departures are controlled by the tide.
Inerting is not allowed alongside jetty.
Purging should be carried out at anchorage.
Tugs
Tugs are available.
Charts and publications
BA 3844, 3845. Admiralty Pilot NP63, NP286(8).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
ETA should be sent to the port authority and other concerned parties through agents at least 72 hours prior to arrival of vessel.
The following information should be supplied to the agent at least 72 hours prior to arrival, for submission to port authority.
Communications
Abadan (EQA) VHF: Ch 16. Working Ch 13, 18, 25, 64, 79.
Abadan (EQZ) (for tankers) Ch 16. Working Ch 10, 12, 20, 26.
Notice of readiness
NOR should be tendered to National Iranian Oil Company, the port authority and other concerned parties, in accordance with the instructions of the owner or Charter Party, on arrival of vessel.
Documents
*(to include original)
Health
Free pratique should be applied for before vessel's arrival by VHF Ch 16. All crew should have a Vaccination Book. Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate will be issued and renewed by PSO.
Customs and immigration
Not available.
Flags
Foreign vessels, on entering Iranian marine territory and during their stay at Iranian ports, must always raise the Iranian flag forward.
Inspections
Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Ports and Shipping Organization.
Position: Port Security Senior Officer.
Address: 751 Enghlab Av, Tehran 1599661464, Iran.
Tel: +98 21 849 32051.
Fax: +98 21 880 9329.
Mob: +98 91 238 42649.
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org.
ISPS Compliance: The US Coast Guard has reported that vessels arriving at US ports from Iran will be subject to increased attention and are more likely to be boarded and inspected due to their country's failure to maintain effective anti terrorism measures.
Port services
updated Jun 2016Repairs
Minor repairs are available.
Dry docks
Available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available.
Medical
Imam Khomeini Hospital is approximately 2km from the port.
Crew change
Crew change is possible when the crew is provided with a valid Seaman's Book.
Transport
Nearest airport: Abadan Airport is approximately 15km from the port.
Working hours
Normally 0700-1900hrs; overtime is applicable. Friday is a weekly day of rest and overtime rates are applicable.
The port works on most of the above holidays except 1st Day of Nowrooz and Ashooora the Martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hosein.
About Abadan
updated Apr 2023Where it is
Abadan is situated some 50km from the entrance to Arvand Rud (Shatt-al-Arab) waterway on the Iran-Iraq border.
The port
The port handles general cargo and passengers. Iran is planning to build new Oil Refinery in Abadan.
Traffic
Approx 320,000t of cargo, 50 vessels and 700 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Abadan
What are the pilot arrangements at Abadan?
Compulsory from the Rooka Channel.
What time zone is Abadan in?
Local time at Abadan is UTC+3. No summer time.
What is the water density at Abadan?
1030.
Which load line zone is Abadan in?
Tropical.
Who carries out Port State Control at Abadan?
Port State Control at Abadan: Indian Ocean MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Abadan?
The UN/LOCODE of Abadan is IRABD.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Abadan say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.