Aden

1. Aden Harbor pilot boarding Pilot boards12°47.0′N 044°58.2′E

Size limits

LOA 350m, Draught 14.7m, Beam 44.8m, 110,000 DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 1.5m springs, 0.5m neaps. Max tidal flow approx 1.75kts.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

The peninsulas of Aden and Little Aden are very prominent. The harbour lies between them.

The Outer and Inner harbours are reached by an entrance channel, starting from mid-way between the promontories of Elephant's Bank and Little Aden. The outer section of the channel has a depth of 16.0m.

From where this channel divides (the bifurcation point), a channel heading NW to the Little Aden Oil Harbour has a depth of 14.7m, leading to four dolphin berths for oil tankers at depths of 11.6 to15.8m, alongside LPG and dry cargo berths, and a Ro-Ro berth, all at a depth of 11.0m.

The channel to the Inner Harbour, leading NE from the bifurcation point, has a least depth of 15.0m.

The Inner Harbour has nine alongside berths, plus six buoys and three bunkering (dolphin) berths with depths of 5.5 to 11.9m. On the N side of the Inner Harbour, the Aden Container Terminal (ACT) provides 700m of quays with depth alongside of 16.0m. Off the ACT, is a turning area, depth 15.0m, diameter 700m. At the E end of the Inner Harbour, a short channel, depth 11.0m, leads to the Ma'alla Terminal, with four container/general/bulk berths of total length 750m, depth 11.0m, and a Ro-Ro berth, depth 7.6m. At the E end of this terminal is the Home Trade Quay, length 250m, depth 6.7m. The Inner Harbour also contains a fisheries harbour and Ro-Ro berth, max draught 6.0m and a ship repair yard with one floating dock in operation.

The Inner Harbour is protected by a short breakwater at Ras Marbut, where the harbour control tower is situated.

Approaches:

From the W at a position about 7nm S of Jabal Aziz the approach leads ENE to pass 1nm S of Little Aden Peninsula and then to the entrance to the dredged channel, 12°44.5'N 044°57.0'E, the No 1 Buoys (QR and QG). At night steer with Elephant's Back Light (red and white sectored) bearing not greater than 061° (white sector) for the entrance.

From the E, at a position about 4nm SSE of Ras Marshaq Light (12°46.0'N 045°03.0'E) the approach leads WNW passing SSW of Ras Marshaq Light then SSW of Ras Antuk then SSW of Round Island then SSW of the Elephants Back , and then to the entrance to the channel. At night pass 1.5nm S of Ra's Marshaq Light and then steer W to the entrance to the channel.

Aden Oil Harbour: The harbour is approached through a dredged channel, depth 14.7m below CD, width 220m, length 2.3nm, marked by pairs of buoys. Vessels should proceed mid way between these buoys and after passing No 2 Buoy, turn to a heading of 300° towards the leading marks for the centre of the channel to pass N of the oil harbour breakwater turning area (diameter 420m).

Aden Inner Harbour: Approached by the same channel, which divides at Buoy No 3 (S cardinal), 0.9nm N of the channel entrance. From this point, the Inner Harbour Channel has a depth of 15.0m, width 185m and extends 2.6nm to the Inner Harbour Breakwater. Vessels proceed on a course of 027° to Buoy No 2, then on a heading of 047° between the channel buoys to clear the Inner Harbour Breakwater. The 15.0m deep dredged channel in the Inner Harbour leads, on a heading of 068°, to the 700m diameter turning area off the ACT terminal.

Vessels proceeding to the Ma'alla Terminal should pass from the S section of the turning area to the N of starboard hand Buoys No 9 and 10, berth Nos 1-4 dredged to 11.0m and Berth Nos 5 to 6, to 6.7m.

See Communications and Traffic Scheme sections for additional information on Gulf of Aden.

Port limits

The port of Aden comprises the area N of a line from Ras Abu Qiyamah on a bearing of 166° for 1.7nm to 12°42.0'N 044°54.0'E, then 090° to 12°42.0'N 045°00.0'E, then 3.1nm on a bearing of 007° to Round Island.

Traffic schemes and VTS

None. The control tower is fitted with an ARPA radar having traffic monitoring capability.

Gulf of Aden Group Transits (GOAGT): A designated Group transit Scheme has been put in place for transit through the Gulf of Aden, beginning at the following starting points:

Point A - 11°50'N 045°00'E

Point B - 14°28'N 053°00'E

Although not considered a Naval convoy, following the GOAGT scheme will help with mutual protection, maximise the coordination of military assets in support and help vessels to avoid higher risk piracy areas during the most vulnerable times of day.

Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC): Has been established in the Gulf of Aden to reduce conflict between commercial traffic and Yemeni fishermen, provide a measure of traffic separation and allow maritime forces to conduct deterrent operations in the Gulf of Aden with a greater degree of flexibility. The IRTC is not marked or defined by visual navigational nor is it a dedicated traffic separation scheme but, in order for CMF patrols to be effective, vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden are strongly recommended to adhere to guidelines regarding the use of the IRTC.

See also Communications Section.

Anchorages

A large anchorage area with good holding ground is available for ships in the outer harbour, with depths of 6.0m-20.0m. Deep draught vessels can anchor to the W of the channel entrance whilst smaller vessels may anchor to the N of the oil harbour approach channel and W of the Inner Harbour approach channel. Vessels with a draught of 10.0m or more can anchor to the S of the Oil harbour approach channel and W of the approach channel to both harbours.

Caution: Vessels are warned that many disused cables exist in the area between Ras Tarshayn and Jazirat Salil. A fibre-optic cable is laid from S of the port entrance to the shore.

Prohibited anchorage: Anchorage is prohibited within 5nm of the channel entrance and within 2nm of any port approach channel.

Restrictions

Vessels over 85,000SDWT shall only manoeuvre during day light hours, unless otherwise permitted by the port officer/harbour master.

Vessels in both harbours are required to have a minimum UKC of 0.6m, but vessels with draught greater than 11.3m require a minimum UKC of 1.2m.

Tankers with a draught exceeding 9.1m may not enter the Inner Harbour at night.

Cargo operations not allowed at anchorage.

Submarine cables: A submarine cable is laid from Gold Mohur Bay (12°46'N 044°59'E) in a SSW direction into the Gulf of Aden.

Tugs

Aden is currently operating 4 tugs. One of these has Voith Schneider propulsion of 2,000hp, two are conventional tugs of 2,800hp, 40t bollard pull, the fourth 2,500hp. Two additional ASD tugs are due for delivery.

Little Aden Oil Harbour has 2 Voith Schneider propelled tugs, each of 3,200hp. For vessels up to 35,000DWT 2 tugs are used, for larger vessels, 3 tugs are required.

Charts and publications

BA 6, 7, 434, 3660, 3661. Admiralty Pilot NP64, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify ETA at least 24 hours prior to arrival, preferably 48 hours.

All vessels should send ETA and a list of all crew and passengers onboard to the PFSO and port immigration office 48 hours before vessels arrival.

Vessels departing from ports less than 48 hours steaming time from Aden shall advise ETA on departure from that port.

Communications

GULF OF ADEN TRANSITS:

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organisation (UKMTO): While transiting waters in the Gulf of Aden vessels should operate at a heightened level of readiness and should maintain a 24 hour visual and radar watch system. Vessels are at greater risk in areas where there is restricted manoeuvrability and are urged to report their position, course and speed regularly to the UKMTO. Merchant vessels are also encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO or the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre.

Gulf of Aden Voluntary Reporting System: A voluntary reporting system in support of Operation Enduring Freedom has been established to support surveillance and anti-terrorist operations in the Gulf of Aden and its approaches.

Middle East Merchant Vessel Voluntary Reporting: A voluntary reporting system covering the Red Sea and Indian Ocean North of 10°00'S, we well as the Arabian Sea. Merchant vessels of any flag or ownership are invited to participate in the system.

Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) Bahrain Recommended Reporting Procedures: US flagged vessels, vessels under effective US control and other maritime interests should check in with the Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) Bahrain 96 hours prior to entering the Gulf of Aden recommended transit corridor.

Notice of readiness

As per Charter Party.

Documents

Vessels to have statutory certificates onboard, Crew List and Crew Declaration. Pilot will need to sight the Certificate of Registry and Dangerous Goods Declaration (if any).

Note: Vessels are required to confirm that they carry a Certificate of Compliance issued under the ISPS section of the IMO SOLAS Convention.

Health

Vessels with all healthy crew are granted pratique by the pilot when entering. Pilgrim ships are given pratique by the port health doctor. The port doctor will board these vessels where all landing passengers are medically inspected and require international vaccination certificates against yellow fever and cholera if coming from infected areas.

Customs and immigration

Customs/Immigration board vessels calling at the port, when they enter and leave. Customs requires a copy of Crew List; Passenger List and Bonded Stores List. Immigration require a copy of the Crew List and Passenger List.

Flags

Vessels are required to fly their national flag and the courtesy flag of the Republic of Yemen.

Notices and regulations

Note: Firefighting tugs are not compulsory but dangerous cargo is restricted to discharging at the outer harbour and stowed separately.

Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Yemen Coastguard

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 any ports in Yemen, with the exception of Ash Shihr Terminal, Balhaf LNG Terminal and the Port of Hodeidah, 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.

Repairs

A ship repair yard (12°47.77'N 45°00.07'E) lies between the W end of Ma'allah Wharf and Ra's Hedjuff (12°47.80'N 44°59.70'E). There is a least chartered depth on this face of the facility of 1.5m; similar depths lie off its NW face.

A small basin, enclosed by a pier extending NW then NE, lies off the NW side of the yard.

Heavy and minor repairs to the hull and machinery can also be carried out; electrical repairs can also be undertaken; there are several slips for small vessels up to a maximum capacity of 900t on a transverse slip and 800t on a patent slip. Divers are available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Bunkers: Available at Aden Refinery Terminal and Bunker Berth.

Fresh Water : Available

Stores : Available

Medical

Government hospitals, private hospitals and clinics operate at Aden, offering most medical services.

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: National and international flights operate from Aden International Airport in Khormaksar, 6km from the Ma'alla Terminal.

Taxi and bus service to Sana'a and other parts of Yemen are available.

Working hours

Containers (Ma'alla): First shift 0700-1300hrs (extended to 1800hrs if required), second shift 1800-0700hrs.

Containers (ACT): Throughout 24 hours.

Other cargoes: First shift 0600-1200hrs, second shift 1400-1800hrs and third shift 1800-0600hrs

Note: Reefer cargoes are generally worked during the hours of darkness.

Where it is

Aden is located on the southern coast of Yemen in the Gulf of Aden, approx 95nm E of the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern entrance to the Red Sea.

The port

The port of Aden is situated between the promontories of Aden (Jebel Shamsan, 553m) and Little Aden (Jebel Muzalqam, 374m). It is protected from the NE and SW monsoons by these hills and along the northern boundary by the land, enabling it to operate without restriction all year. The harbour covers an distance some 8nm EW and 3nm NS.

The port consists of the Outer Harbour, providing anchorage areas, the Oil Harbour at Little Aden on the W side of the harbour, and the Inner Harbour to the E.

Exports: Refined oil products, salt, frozen fish, manufactured foodstuffs, flour, scrap steel.

Imports: Crude oil, bulk and bagged foodstuffs, construction materials, lubricants, vehicles, general cargo, livestock.

Traffic

Approx 4,000,000t of cargo, 360,000TEU, 460 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Aden?

The pilot boards at Aden Harbor pilot boarding, 12°47.0′N 044°58.2′E.

What time zone is Aden in?

Local time at Aden is UTC+3. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Aden?

The deepest berth listed is at Aden Container Terminal: 14.70 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Aden?

1025.

Which load line zone is Aden in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Aden?

Port State Control at Aden: Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Aden?

The UN/LOCODE of Aden is YEADE.

What crews who called at Aden 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.

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