Akrotiri

Size limits

Off shore: Max LOA 195m, draught 12m.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 0.4m (springs), 0.2m (neaps).

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

Approach

The approach course of 176°, is marked by leading beacons standing near the root of the mole.

Port limits

The port is identified by two special marks, which have no top marks and show the lights F Y 4s. They are situated 0.3nm NNE and 0.6nm NNW of Cape Gata respectively and identify the seaward limit of the harbour. The area within the harbour limits is restricted and fishing is prohibited.

The special mark positions are:

North: 34°34.26'N 033°02.33'E

South: 34°34.63'N 033°01.97'E

Anchorages

Anchorage in depths of from 20 to 25m may be obtained 0.4nm off the outer dolphin of the Ro-Ro Terminal, subject to prior approval 24 hours in advance.

Caution: An outfall extends seaward for 0.4nm NNE from a position on the shore 0.9nm NNW of Cape Gata.

Restrictions

Vessels leaving the harbour have priority over those entering.

A maximum speed of 4kts is to be observed within the port limits and harbour area. Vessels leaving high wash at 4kts must reduce their speed.

Tugs

Required for Offshore Tanker berth and Ro-Ro Terminal.

Mooring

Mooring at the tanker facility (whilst not in use) is prohibited unless prior approval has been granted 24 hours in advance.

Charts and publications

BA 849, 850,852, 8052, 2074. Admiralty Pilot NP49, NP286(3).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessel's ETA is required 24 and 2 hours in advance prior to arrival.

Communications

Approval for entry must be authorised through: The Station Commander, RAF Akrotiri, BFPO 57. Tel: +357 25 276201, Fax: +357 25 276463.

Upon approval from the Station Commander the day to day operational control is passed to Troop Commander, 417 Maritime Troop. Movements within SBA waters and use of port facilities must be directed to: Tel: +357 25 276983, Fax: +357 25 278509.

VHF: Port: Ch 16, 74. Callsign 'Akrotiri Ops', 0700-1630hrs (Mon) 0700-1315hrs (Tue-Fri).

Operations: Ch 16, 29, 72, 73. Callsign 'Cyprus Ops', available 24 hours.

Customs and immigration

H M Customs and Excise operate within SBA.

Notices and regulations

Regulations concerning entry: Access is restricted; commercial traffic is not permitted without the written authority of the Station Commander of RAF Akrotiri.

Port State Control here: Paris MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Department of Merchant Shipping, Ministry of Communications and Public Work

Position: Head of Department

Address: PO Box 56193, CY-3305 Limassol, Cyprus.

Tel: +357 25 848100.

Fax: +357 25 848200.

Email: [email protected]

Telex: 2004 MERSHIPCY.

Website: http://www.shipping.gov.cy

RSO - Security Consultant Services: Class NK.

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)

Cyprus has signed a PSI ship boarding agreement with the USA aimed at stemming the flow of weapons of mass destruction. If a US or Cyprus flagged vessel is suspected of trafficking proliferation related cargo, either party to this agreement can request authorisation to board, search and possibly detain the other's vessel and it's cargo.

Repairs

A repair slipway and cradle is located NNW of the harbour entrance.

Bunkers, water and stores

Bunkers : Available.

Fresh water: Available.

Medical

RAF Akrotiri Health Center, 5km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Royal Air Force Akrotiri (used by MOD only), 5km.

Working hours

Mon 0700-1630hrs, Tue-Fri 0700-1315hrs.

Where it is

Akrotiri Harbour (Akrotiri Mole) is located on the SE of the Akrotiri peninsula within Sovereign Base Area (SBA) waters, about 5nm S of Limassol and 0.3nm NW of Cape Gata.

The port

RAF Akrotiri Mole is a military port with restricted access for MOD or associated vessels only. Commercial traffic is not permitted without the written authority of the Station Commander. The harbour consists of a basin enclosed by outer and inner rock arms with an entrance to the N. A light on a framework tower is exhibited at the roundhead of the outer arm and similarly on the inner arm head. The port can provide Ro-Ro facilities for MOD or trade shipping transiting the Eastern Mediterranean and offshore CBM fuel tanker facilities.

Traffic

Approx 10 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Akrotiri?

Compulsory for vessels proceeding to Offshore Tanker berth and Ro-Ro facilities.

What time zone is Akrotiri in?

Local time at Akrotiri is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Akrotiri?

The deepest berth listed is at RAF Akrotiri Terminal: 12.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

Which load line zone is Akrotiri in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Akrotiri?

Port State Control at Akrotiri: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Akrotiri?

The UN/LOCODE of Akrotiri is CYAKT.

What crews who called at Akrotiri 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.

Read and add tips for Akrotiri →