Al Basra Oil Terminal

Size limits

Max offshore LOA 366m, BCM 176.55m, draught 25.5m and 350,000DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 1.0m.

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

Approach

Buoys No 1 and No 2 mark the start of the channel which has 14 buoys leading to the oil platform. Channel depth is 20.2m in shallow areas, vessel departs berth on a rising tide to ensure a minimum of 0.6m UKC at all times.

Anchorages

There are 2 deep water anchorages which have good holding ground in exposed positions. The anchorage are located in the following areas:

"A" (17nm from berth), with depths of between 23.0-26.0m

"B" (7nm from berth), with depths of between 21.0-28.0m, adjacent to the fairway.

Prohibited anchorage: Cargo vessels are prohibited from anchoring W of a line, between the N end of the temporary anchorage area and the restricted area surrounding Khawr al Amaya Oil Terminal. Anchorage is prohibited 1.3nm from the main terminal.

Restrictions

Loaded tankers are given priority in the channel and as a result other vessels must remain clear.

A restricted zone extends 4,000m from each direction of the steel island structure. A separate restricted zone extends 2,000m around the SPM 03 berth. Tankers and support vessels must be given permission by the terminal or Coalition/Iraqi Security Forces via VHF Ch 16 or 69 to enter the restricted zones. All other vessels are strictly prohibited from entering the two restricted zones.

Caution must be taken in the anchorage area "B" as it was reported (2005) that acts of piracy take place.

It is reported that there a numerous wrecks, foul areas and obstructions in the surrounding areas 2.6nm from the oil terminal. As a result vessels are to proceed to the terminal with caution.

Tugs

Available, 3 tugs used, ship's lines.

Mooring

3, 3, 2 fore and 2, 3, 3 aft is usual mooring arrangement. Ship's gangway used.

Each berth on the sea island structure is fitted with 3 x 24in loading arms. The couplings are fitted with adaptors to allow coupling to tanker manifold flanges from 16 to 24in.

Charts and publications

BA 1265. US Publication 172. Admiralty Pilot NP63, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels voyaging to the terminal must make contact on VHF Ch 16 at least 5 hours prior to arrival at the pilot boarding station. In the event that the vessel has not made contact by the aforementioned time, then masters may contact the terminal whilst approaching the pilot boarding station.

Communications

Al Basra Oil Terminal contact information

VHF: Ch 12, 14, 16

Email: [email protected]

Health

All vessels wishing to transit within Iraqi waters must contact Al Faw Control (YIS) 24 hours prior to arrival. Once contact has been made they must confirm the health of the crew and request free pratique from the medical officer at Al Faw.

Customs and immigration

Agent only boards and completes formalities.

ISPS

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Bunkering: Not available.

Water: Available.

Working hours

The terminal operates continuously throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Al Basra Oil Terminal (ABOT) is a sea island tanker terminal, located 10km S of the Khor al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT), see separate entry.

The port

Al-Basra Oil Terminal is open to commercial shipping following the recent war.

Because of the changing situation in Iraq, Masters are advised to contact the Iraq Port Authority for the latest information. We are unable to verify the following information at the time of going to print therefore caution is advised.

Al-Basra Oil Terminal (1974) consists of a steel island structure, 975m in length and 107m in width and 4 berths that can accommodate 4 tankers simultaneously on two platforms, from 35,000-350,000DWT. However, it is reported that although all berths are operational, only 2 vessels can load at a time due to the maximum output being around 80-85,000bbls/hr. The steel structure contains a helipad (currently not in operation) and living quarters. The FAO liquid storage terminal services the Al Basra Oil Terminal and has a storage capacity of 5,836,934bbls through 16 tanks. The produced crude oil is exported through a 48in pipeline to the Al Faw Peninsula then 50km S undersea to the terminal.

Associated with the Al Basra Oil Terminal are four SPM buoys. The aforementioned buoys are connected to the terminal via submarine pipelines.

What are the pilot arrangements at Al Basra Oil Terminal?

Compulsory in the buoyed channel for all vessels drawing in excess of 15.8m and available throughout 24hrs.

What time zone is Al Basra Oil Terminal in?

Local time at Al Basra Oil Terminal is UTC+3. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Al Basra Oil Terminal?

The deepest berth listed is at Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT): 25.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Al Basra Oil Terminal?

1025.

Which load line zone is Al Basra Oil Terminal in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Al Basra Oil Terminal?

The UN/LOCODE of Al Basra Oil Terminal is IQMAB.

What crews who called at Al Basra Oil Terminal 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 Al Basra Oil Terminal →