PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Aktau
Pilot
updated May 2010Pilotage is not compulsory.
Key data
updated Sep 2022Size limits
LOA 160m, beam 25m, draught 5.1m, 13,470DWT.
Tides
The level of high tide and low tide is 0.0m. Wave amplitude will vary between 0.5 to 4.0m during a storm.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bautino | — | 53 m | 1 |
| Ferry Complex | 5.10 m | 155 m | 1 |
| Terminalex (formerly Mobilex) | 5.10 m | 160 m | 4 |
| Dry Bulk Terminal | 4.80 m | 141 m | 5 |
| AK Biday Terminal | — | 140 m | 3 |
| Agip KCO Bautino Base | — | 94 m | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Sep 2022Approach
The port is navigable all year round. Channel depths allow for vessels up to LOA 156m and 6.0m draught to use the inner port, tankers of 7.0m can berth on the breakwater.
Anchorages
Anchorage Area No 125 is located 4nm WSW from Aktua port and is intended for tankers.
Anchorage No 126 is 2.5nm to SSW from the port and is intended for dry cargo and fishing vessels.
Tugs
Two tugs are available, 1 x 2,720hp, 1 x 1,700hp for towing and docking approach operations.
Charts and publications
BA 4001. Admiralty Pilot NP286(3).
Inspections
ISPS
For ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Sep 2022Bunkers, water and stores
Freshwater: Available
Bunker: Available
Medical
Nearest hospital: Neyron Novyy Korpus, 11.1km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Aktau Airport, 36.5km.
Nearest railway: Mangyshlak railway station, 19.1km.
About Aktau
updated Oct 2017Where it is
Aktau is situated S of the Mangyshlak peninsula on the E coast of the Caspian Sea.
The port
It is the sole ice free port of Kazakhstan and operates throughout 24 hours. Main activity in the port is the reshipment of cargo. Products handled include sawn timber, metal and bulk products, loose cargo and the loading and unloading of oil products. There are 11 berths, 4 of which handle oil products.
The sub port of Bautino, operated by Aktau International Sea Commercial Port, lies 130km to the NW, on the Mangyshlak peninsula.
Traffic
Approx 12,000,000t of cargo handled annually.
Questions about Aktau
What are the pilot arrangements at Aktau?
Pilotage is not compulsory.
What time zone is Aktau in?
Local time at Aktau is UTC+5. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Aktau?
The deepest berth listed is at Ferry Complex: 5.10 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Aktau?
The UN/LOCODE of Aktau is KZAAU.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Aktau 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.