Alexandria

Size limits

Max ship details: LOA 349.98m, beam 48.19m, draught 14.3m and 120,892DWT.

Water density

1030.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

HAT 0.5m, MHWS (Spring) 0.4m, MHWN (Neaps) 0.3m, MSL 0.3m, MLWN 0.3m, MLWS 0.2m and LAT 0.1m.

Current: Little to no current within the harbour however strong NW winds cause a N set across the entrance to Alexandria harbour. In strong W'ly winds, the water level in the harbour may rise by as much as 0.5m. Fresh N'ly winds can sometimes raise a short sea within the outer harbour, they are not dangerous to vessels at anchor they may halt lighterage operations.

It has been reported that strong winds from the NW quadrant generate an E going current which follows the shore from Geziret el Marabit. The current generally sets E across El Bughaz el Kebir at a rate of approx 1.0kt, and a considerable cross current has been experienced in El Bughaz. The MSL in Aug, Sep and Oct is 0.2m higher than Feb, Mar and Apr. An automatic tide gauge is situated near the SE end of the Quarantine Breakwater.

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

Approach

Alexandria harbour is protected from the N by a breakwater which extends 0.7m SW and then 1.3m SSW

from Ras el Tin. Approach to or departure from the harbour must be made through the Approach Sector centred on 31°16'N 029°37'E, for a distance of 12nm by day and for 24nm at night. A fairway channel, 150 to 210m wide, extends ENE from Ad Dukhaylah Pass, the main entrance channel. This leads to the Alexandria complex with a dredged depth of 14m.

Al Bughaz al Akbar (Great Pass), has a minimum width of 210m, 2000m long and is dredged to 15.5-19.6m, it is the principal channel leading into Alexandria harbour. It is the only available channel at night and is used by all deep-draft vessels. El Bughaz (Bughaz Pass), which has a least depth of 9m, is only used during the day. This channel is suitable for vessels with drafts up to 7m, but is impracticable when there is a heavy sea or swell. The NE entrance channel Corvette Pass (Abu Baker Strait) is only used by small vessels with local knowledge and has a least depth of 5.8m.

The port is then divided into two harbours and separated by the 'Tahya Masr Multipurpose Terminal'. The first harbour, known as the Inner Dock while the second harbour is known as the Outer Harbour with a water area of 600ha.

Within Alexandria harbour, the recommended channel leads from the Outer Harbour to the Inner Dock and has a dredged depth of 14.5m and a minimum width of 200m. From the head of Outer Breakwater an entrance channel, length 2,000m, width 220m, depth 14.0m, leads through Outer Harbour to a turning area in Inner Dock approx 2nm NE. The channel and turning area are dredged to a depth of 14.2m.

Outer Harbour has depths from 5.8-11.0m and over, except on its W side where depths from 1.8-5.5m extend up to 0.5nm E of Outer Breakwater.

Inner Dock has depths from 5.8-12.5m, except for a bank with depths from 1.8-5.5m extending 0.35nm from its N shore.

Port limits

The outer limit of the port is a line drawn NNE from Tabiyet el Abbasiya to a position approx 0.2nm seaward of El Bughaz (Boghaz Pass) then ENE to Ras el Tin.

Traffic schemes and VTS

A Vessel Traffic Service with full radar surveillance is maintained for the control of shipping.

Anchorages

Outer anchorage: Large warships sometimes anchor off the Eastern Harbour in position 31°13'N 029°53'E.

Anchoring on arrival: Arriving vessels must wait at anchor in the quarantine anchorage in Outer Harbour for pratique, Customs and police formalities, after which they will be authorised to proceed to their berths, having first embarked the harbour pilot who is supplied on application to the Harbour Master.

Inner Harbour should not be entered until a berth has been assigned.

Quarantine anchorage: The quarantine anchorage is in Outer Harbour, 0.5nm N of Qamariya Signal Station.

All vessels arriving from an uninfected port and having no sickness onboard, may proceed into Inner Harbour where they will be boarded by the quarantine officer, but they may not go alongside the quays until pratique has been obtained.

All vessels arriving from an infected port are to anchor in the quarantine anchorage in Outer Harbour, where they will be visited by the Quarantine Officials.

While waiting at the quarantine anchorage vessels, in addition to displaying the quarantine flag, must display the flags "TP" which indicate that persons are forbidden to go onboard.

Should the Quarantine office receive information that a port has become contaminated with plague or cholera, the pilots will be advised. The production of Bills of Health is obligatory at all times by vessels arriving in an Egyptian port, and only those delivered within 48 hours previous to departure from the port of origin will be considered valid.

Prohibited anchorage: This area exists within approx 0.1nm of a wreck with a depth over it of 24.0m lying 3.75nm W of Ras el Tin Light. The wreck is marked by a buoy (red can).

Anchoring is prohibited in an area 0.2nm in width extending 1nm WNW from Boghaz Low Lighthouse.

Restrictions

Prohibited area: A prohibited area 31°14'N 029°49'E extends 5nm NW from Alexandria Harbour. Vessels may pass through the area, keeping strictly to the recommended track. A separate prohibited area fronts the naval base on the N side of the harbour. Finally, there are several prohibited anchorage areas in the vicinity of the harbour channel, including 2m NNW of the Great Pass Beacon Light in the vicinity of a wreck.

Towards the coast, the depth decreases rapidly and vessels should not approach within a depth of less than 35m unless proceeding to one of the entrance channels. Any information regarding the depths in the port and the channels must consult the port authority.

It is noted that pipelines are prevalent along the coast and offshore waters of Alexandria. These can pose a significant hazard as many are not buried and are exposed. It has also been seen that without prior warning, the buoys marking the entrance channels are liable to be moved. There are several spoil ground areas which lie in the approaches to the port and about 1.3 miles W of the W breakwater head of Ad Dukhaylah are two degaussing ranges.

Tugs

There are 68 tugs available at all times from 1,800-2,500hp, compulsory for vessels exceeding 2,000t. Vessels of less than 82m length are not required to use tugs.

Mooring

Vessels should use outer waiting area before being piloted to a specialised mooring berth at the inner waiting area.

Charts and publications

BA 302, 2681, 3119, 8055, 3326. Admiralty Pilot NP49, NP286(3).

Communications

Alexandria Contact Information.

Port Control

Call sign: Alexandria Port Control

VHF: Ch 11, 13, 16 or 67

Telephone: 20-3-4804633, 20-3-4805116

Facsimile: 20-3-4805840.

Harbour

Telephone: 20-3-4801574.

Port Authority

Telephone: 20-3-4800359, 20-3-4807267

Facsimile: 20-3-4807098

Email: [email protected]

Pilots

Telephone: 20-3-4802909.

Harbour Pilot

VHF ch 13 or 16.

Sea Pilots

VHF ch 11 or 16.

Tugs

VHF ch 14.

Naval Base

VHF ch 9.

Petroleum Basin

VHF ch 6.

Container Terminal

Telephone 20-3-523312, 20-3-5221211

Facsimile 20-3-5467198.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered by cable, fax or telex on the ship's arrival off the port, then in writing when the agent boards. Tendering is in accordance with the terms and conditions of the relative Charter Party.

Health

Free pratique is granted immediately on the ship's arrival if not coming from an infected area. Pratique cannot be applied for by radio.

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be renewed if expired.

Quarantine regulations: The quarantine anchorage is in El Iskandariya Outer Harbour, 0.5nm N of Qamariya Signal Station.

All vessels arriving from an uninfected port, and having no sickness onboard, may proceed into the Inner Harbour where they will be boarded by the quarantine office, but they may not go alongside the quays until pratique has been obtained.

All vessels arriving from an infected port are to anchor in the quarantine anchorage in Outer Harbour, where they will be visited by the quarantine officials.

While waiting at the quarantine anchorage vessels, in addition to displaying the quarantine flag, must display the flags TP which indicate that persons are forbidden to go onboard.

Should the quarantine office receive information that a port has become contaminated with plague or cholera, the pilots will be advised. The production of bills of health is obligatory at all times by vessels arriving in an Egyptian port, and only those delivered within 48 hours prior to departure from the port of origin will be considered valid.

Customs and immigration

Customs: On berthing, Customs officers will attend to check the ship's bonded store according to the list prepared by the Master.

There is no alcohol allowance for ships crew whilst in port, cigarettes only are allowed. Penalties for non compliance are large.

Immigration: The Immigration Officer is the first person to board after the pilot. He checks the Seaman's Books and issues the shore permits for crew members. Nobody is allowed to board the vessel before the Immigration clearance. Crew and/or passengers cannot leave the vessel before the attendance of the Immigration Officer.

Flags

Hoisting of the Egyptian flag on arrival is essential. If the flag is not available on arrival the Master may request one, through the agent, upon berthing.

Notices and regulations

Vessels arriving with cargo to be discharged, or for loading cargo, will not be berthed unless receivers or shippers are ready with the necessary documents duly approved by the state agent/Customs.

Only one vessel at a time is permitted to enter the same channel and those not intending to enter the port should not approach the channels except under unavoidable circumstance. Vessels departing do have priority over those entering.

Tankers should enter the port during day light hours only.

Speed Limits: No vessel is to proceed at a greater speed than 10kts when in Outer Harbour, nor greater than 5kts when rounding Coal Quay and in Inner Harbour.

Anchoring on arrival: Vessels arriving must wait at anchor in the quarantine anchorage in Outer Harbour for pratique, Customs and police formalities, after which they will be authorised to proceed to their berths, having embarked the harbour pilot who is supplied on application to the Harbour Master. The Inner Harbour should not be entered until a berth has been assigned.

Declaration of arrival: This should be made at the port office in Arsenal Basin within 24 hours of arrival. The boarding office will be open every day from 0800-1430hrs, except Sundays, single day holidays, and the first day of longer holidays. During the remaining days of the longer holidays the boarding service will be maintained. Vessels arriving after 1900hrs will not receive clearance until the following morning but, if cargo working can be commenced immediately, communication with the shore may be granted on arrival.

Dangerous cargoes: When a vessel has powder or other explosives onboard, a red flag by day and a red light at night are to be displayed before entering the Outer Harbour. Vessels with explosives or petroleum onboard are to anchor in Outer Harbour, and are not allowed in Inner Harbour.

Berthing applications: Application for a berth alongside a quay, or for permission to secure to a buoy, must be made to the superintendent of the quay at the quay office on PL Form No 180 (supplied to shipping agents and captains on request). Berthing applications should be presented at least 24 hours before the vessel's arrival, and departure applications at least 2 hours before departure. Berthing at, and departure from, Petroleum Harbour is prohibited between sunset and sunrise. Applications for berths in Arsenal and Careening Basins, and on the E side of Inner Harbour N of El Mahmudiya Qanat must be approved by the Customs Administration before being sent to the quay office. If a particular berth is required, the vessel first entering the harbour will have the prior claim, and should that vessel be placed in quarantine the next in order of entering will take precedence of others.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Maritime Transport Sector.

Position: Head of Department

Address: 4 Petolomy Street, Alexandria, 21514, Egypt.

Fax: +203 484 2096

Email: [email protected]

RSO - Security Consultant Services: Class NK.

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

Repairs

El Iskandariya shipyard can undertake large hull and machinery repairs.

Repairs can be undertaken at Egyptian ship repairs and building Company (ESRBC) ( 31° 11.924'N, 29° 52.473'E) with numerous repair berths available.

Dry docks

Alexandria naval base (31° 11.682'N, 29° 51.929'E) - multiple slipways and a floating drydock available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at most alongside berths and by barge to vessels at anchor.

Bunkering: Available from Alexandria Petroleum Company.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospitals include:

Karmouz medical insurance hospital (1.9km)

Fawzy Moaaz Hospital For Children (2.3km)

El Gomhoreya Public Hospital (3.4km)

Crew change

For crew departing from Alexandria their PTA tickets should be collected from Alexandria town office (never from Cairo) at least 24 hours prior to departure, in order to proceed with necessary formalities. This does not apply for European/USA citizens who can collect their tickets at Cairo airport.

Note: The regulations for crew change are subject to frequent alterations. The owners should always consult their agents.

Transport

Nearest airport: Alexandria (El Nozha), 10.6km from city centre.

Nearest railway: The port is connected to the national rail network.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1600hrs. Overtime available.

AICT Terminal operates 24/7.

Where it is

Alexandria is situated on the N coast of Egypt, approx 220km from Cairo.

The port

Alexandria is the principal port of Egypt. It is separated into two harbours by the coke quays and breakwater. The Inner Dock handling general cargo and the Outer Dock handling petroleum and bulk cargoes. The harbour is formed by two converging breakwaters, with the entrance channel being 400m in width. There is a free zone area within the port.

The principal exports are agricultural products, cotton, onions, garlic, rice, groundnuts, citrons, fruit and cotton yarn.

The chief imports are agricultural products, tea, grain, coal, coffee, timber, tobacco, industrial products, machinery and motor vehicles.

Traffic

Approx 28,000,000t of cargo, 800,000TEU, 3,000 vessels, 17,000 passengers, 3,900,000 iron ore and 13,600,000 grain handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Alexandria?

Compulsory for vessels over 300GT except for government and military vessels.

What time zone is Alexandria in?

Local time at Alexandria is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 29 Apr 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 28 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Alexandria?

The deepest berth listed is at Tahya Masr Multi-Purpose Terminal: 14.30 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Alexandria?

1030.

Which load line zone is Alexandria in?

Summer.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Alexandria?

The UN/LOCODE of Alexandria is EGALY.

What crews who called at Alexandria 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 Alexandria →