Altamira

1. Altamira pilot boarding place Pilot boards22°29.5′N 097°48.4′W

Size limits

Max LOA 339.62m, beam 48.2m, draught 12.5m and 134,931DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 0.6m.

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

Approach

From a position in the vicinity of 22°29'N., 097°42'W the track leads W for 9nm, passing Altamira Lightbuoy (22°28'N., 097°48'W), then through a marked entry channel. The Access Channel is 1.8nm long and 350m wide with an official draught of 11.9m. The alignment 270° of leading lights leads between lighted breakwaters to the turning basin and wharf area. The turning basin has diameter of 650m, with a depth of 13.7m, maximum draught is 12.2m. The North Channel is 0.5nm long.

Port limits

Port Altamira limits are marked by the sea buoy located at 22°29.3'N., 097°48.2'W, approx 2nm E from the channel entrance.

Anchorages

An open anchorage is available 3nm NE or SE of the breakwaters in depths of 18.0m. Anchorage must be taken clear of the precautionary area, within a 2nm radius of Altamira Lighted Buoy. The Master can contact 'Altamira Traffic' for anchorage advice or instructions on VHF Ch 16, 17.

Restrictions

Vessels may enter at any time day or night, weather permitting.

A precautionary area, within a 2nm radius of Altamira Lighted Buoy.

Tugs

Two tugs available for port manoeuvres and berthing assistance. Saam Remolques, SA de CV has two harbour tugs of 55t and 51t bollard pull. Services available 24 hours a day.

Mooring

A mooring service is provided by most of the terminals. However, the service should be arranged through the ship's agent.

Mooring of ropes provided by Ronalu Logistics and Services, S. de R.L. de C.V. and Cecyl Denisse Hidalgo Perez.

Charts and publications

BA 365, 364, 8209. Mexican 722, 722.1, 722.2. Admiralty Pilot NP69A, NP286(7).

Communications

The following coastal radio stations are recommended:

West Coast Mexico: International station and Mobile Radio (USA).

East Coast Mexico: Mobile, Alabama Radio.

The stations work throughout 24 hours.

Inmarsat communication is possible.

Notice of readiness

Tendered in accordance with the Charter Party.

Documents

Documents are received by the Harbour Master, Health Inspector, Immigration Authorities, Customs Authorities, Agricultural Inspector. There are no special forms for completion.

Health

Pratique will be granted by the Port Authorities once they arrive onboard the vessel. Free pratique is not granted by radio.

Vessels arriving from South America have to be fumigated.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Allowances for officers and crew do not exist for personal possessions which must be kept onboard. Penalties for non-compliance will result in confiscation of the goods and fines.

Immigration: Formalities depend on the nationality of the crew. Nationalities that are not restricted in Mexico can proceed ashore provided they have a shore pass which can be issued by the port agent upon request of the Master. Joining and off signing crew members have to be declared 24 hours prior to the time and date of arrival/departure.

Vessel is cleared on arrival and departure.

Notices and regulations

Cargo documents have to be in the port in order for the vessel to be programmed.

Port State Control here: Tokyo 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: Director General for Merchant Navy/Office of National Protection of Maritime Ports.

Position: Director General for Merchant Navy

Address: Avenida Nuevo Leon 210, 3rd Floor, Colonia Hipodromo Condesa, 06100 Piso Deleg. Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, D.F.

Tel: +52 55 5265 3216.

Fax: +52 55 5265 3215.

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: http://www.sct.gob.mx/e-mar

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

Repairs

Minor repairs available. Repairs may be provided by Electromex Mantenimiento Industrial y Marino, S.A. de C.V., Construcciones MYSY, S.A. de C.V., Francisco Javier Delgado Del Angel (Delso) and Masi Marino, S.A. de C.V.

Diving services may be provided by Gulf Diving, S.A. de C.V., Techdiving Marine Services, S.A. de C.V., Veracruz Adventures, S.A. de C.V. and Cabo Diving Services.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at Terminal de LNG de Altamira.

Bunkering: Available at Terminal de LNG de Altamira. Bunkering services may be provided by Marinoil Servicios Maritimos, S.A. de C.V., Distribuidora de Diesel Rio Panuco, S.A. de C.V., Combustibles y Refinados Burgos, S.A. de C.V., Servicios Marinos del Sureste, S.A. de C.V. and Navalmex Combustibles, S.A. de C.V.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Altamira General Hospital Dr. Rodolfo Torre Cantu (9.4km).

Crew change

Crew changes and repatriation can be arranged.

Transport

Nearest airport: General Francisco Javier Mina International Airport (21.5km).

Nearest railway: The port has direct rail links which connects the port to Northern and Central parts of Mexico such as Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City. Connections are made through Ferromex and the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC).

Nearest highway: The port has access to Mexican Federal Highway 80.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Tampico.

Working hours

Containers and trade vehicles are handled 24 hours a day in three shifts. Other cargo is handled from 08:00 to 24:00 hours in two shifts.

Where it is

Altamira is situated on the Gulf of Mexico, approx 12nm N of Tampico, Mexico.

The port

The Altamira Industrial Port, situated on the eastern coast of Mexico, is a significant maritime hub that spans over 9,500ha. Renowned as a national leader in the handling of petrochemical fluids and bulk general cargo, the port plays a pivotal role in the country’s logistics and trade sectors.

One of the key features of Altamira Port is its multimodal connectivity. It is strategically linked to an extensive network of railways and highways, facilitating seamless transportation of goods to and from the port. This advantageous location allows for efficient handling of a diverse range of cargo types, including break bulk, dry bulk, and liquid cargo.

The port’s infrastructure is designed to accommodate large vessels, enhancing its capacity to manage high volumes of cargo. With state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated terminals for various types of cargo, Altamira is equipped to meet the demands of both domestic and international shipping.

Traffic

Approx 18,500,000t of cargo, 890,000TEUs and 2,400 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Altamira?

The pilot boards at Altamira pilot boarding place, 22°29.5′N 097°48.4′W.

What time zone is Altamira in?

Local time at Altamira is UTC−6. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Altamira?

The deepest berth listed is at Multipurpose Terminal II: 12.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Altamira?

1025.

Which load line zone is Altamira in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Altamira?

Port State Control at Altamira: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Altamira?

The UN/LOCODE of Altamira is MXATM.

What crews who called at Altamira 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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