Ana Chaves

Size limits

Max offshore draught 10.0m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 1.4m (springs), 0.6m (neaps).

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

Approach

Directions: Vessels intending to anchor off Baia de Ana Chaves should approach, with the gateway of the cemetery, the white walls of which will be easily recognised, just open N of Fortaleza Sao Sebastiao bearing 269° until Ilheu das Cabras Lighthouse bears approx 322° and the leading light beacons come into line bearing 285°, when any of the anchorages may be steered for, but, in view of the shoaling, soundings should be taken frequently.

Vessels approaching from SE or S should keep in a depth of more than 37m, and at least 1.5nm offshore, until the leading light beacons come into line, when they should steer on this alignment to the anchorage. If proceeding N from the anchorage, keep Fortaleza Sao Sebastiao bearing more than 263° until Ilheu de Santana bearing 184°, is just open of Ponta Praiao, then steer N, keeping the island open of the point, until the S extremity of Ilheu deo Cabras is in line with N extremity of Sao Tome, bearing approx 278° when the vessel will be clear of Banco do Pescador.

Anchorages

Vessels of moderate to deep draught should anchor on the alignment of the leading lights, in a depth appropriate to their draught. Anchorage in a depth of 10.0m is available 0.7nm ENE of Ponta Sao Sebastiao, and in a depth of approx 4.6m, 0.55nm NNW of the point. The holding ground in this area is good. In these outer anchorages there is nearly always a considerable SE swell, and vessels swing to the current, which is weak and irregular but frequently sets N or NNE.

Small vessels may enter Baia de Ana Chaves, and should anchor well inside the fort, as long SE rollers often enter the bay. During a tornado they should anchor in the N part of the bay. At this anchorage smooth water may generally be expected, but after tornadoes, or when the swell sets in, the sea breaks right across the bay, but not dangerously so as to prevent landing.

Tugs

Not available.

Charts and publications

BA 1595. Admiralty Pilot NP2.

Communications

VHF: Ch 16.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Not available.

Stores: Available in small quantities.

Medical

Hospital in the town centre.

Transport

Nearest airport: Sao Tome Airport (4km).

Working hours

By arrangement.

Where it is

Ana Chaves is the principal port of Sao Tome, and is situated on the NE coast of the island of Sao Tome, 220km off the African coast in the Gulf of Guinea.

The port

The major export is cocoa, with palm oil, coffee and copra also important.

What are the pilot arrangements at Ana Chaves?

Not compulsory, but Port Captain will board vessels if requested.

What time zone is Ana Chaves in?

Local time at Ana Chaves is UTC+0. No summer time.

What is the water density at Ana Chaves?

1025.

Which load line zone is Ana Chaves in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Ana Chaves?

The UN/LOCODE of Ana Chaves is STTMS.

What crews who called at Ana Chaves 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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