PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Arzew
Pilot
updated Mar 2013- Arzew pilot boarding place Pilot boards35°50.8′N 000°14.7′W
Pilotage is compulsory and available throughout 24 hours, for entering the harbour or for anchoring. For entering the harbour the pilot boards from a small launch approx 2.5nm ESE of the head of "Jetee Abri" (35°50.81'N 000°14.60'W)
Key data
updated Aug 2026Size limits
LOA 249.98m, draught 14.90m, beam 44m, 115024DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range 0.2m (springs), 0.0m (neaps).
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonatrach Terminal | 17.00 m | 277 m | 8 |
| Mole No 4 | 10.20 m | 200 m | 2 |
| Mole No 3 | 9.20 m | 200 m | 5 |
| Jetee Sud (South Jetty) | — | — | 1 |
| Mole No 2 | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Feb 2019Approach
Arzew is approached through the Golfe d' Arzew and then entered between Jetee du Large and Jetee Secondaire.
From the Pilot Boarding area (35°50.9'N 000°14.5'W) the entrance to the harbour is generally W and NW for 1.9nm passing:
(Positions from head of Jetee du Large)
S of Junction Lightbuoy (1.3nm E)
N of a N cardinal Lightbuoy (0.9nm SSE)
S of a Lightbuoy (0.1nm E) and S of a mooring dolphin (0.08nm SE) close NW of Jetee du Large then S and SW of the head of Jetee du Large, marked by a light.
Anchorages
Vessels bound for Arzew Harbour normally anchor in a depth of approx 69m in the vicinity of the pilot boarding ground, otherwise the pilot will advise on a suitable anchorage.
In Arzew-El-Djedid anchorage is available 1-1.5nm N of detached breakwater in depths of 60-77m.
In both cases holding ground is reported to be poor in strong winds, when vessels are advised to use extra cable. After prolonged winds from the N sector, a heavy ground swell rolls into Golfe d' Arzew.
Prohibited anchorage: Anchoring and fishing are prohibited in an area extending 0.8nm E of the head of Jetee Abri.
A prohibited anchorage area lies within the 100m depth contour line in the vicinity of Ras Falcon.
Tankers are prohibited from anchoring in an extensive area, enclosed by a line extending 2.75nm E from Ilot d'Arzew, then SW to the vicinity of Rocher Damesne.
Restrictions
Berthing/unberthing usually takes place during daylight only. Night berthing may be possible for tankers.
The movement of large tankers ceases if winds exceed 20kn.
Tugs
Compulsory for vessels over 1,500GT. There are 7 tugs of 1,500-2,300hp.
Charts and publications
BA 838, 822. US Publications 131. Admiralty Pilot NP45, NP286(3).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
ETA should be advised to the Captain of the Port 72 and 48 hours prior to arrival and should be confirmed/amended 12 hours before arrival.
Health
Health authorities require an ETA message 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival. The messages should list all ports visited within the previous 10 days.
Free pratique is not granted by radio and the sanitary inspection is carried out upon berthing. Crew must have vaccination certificates against Yellow fever.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Direction de la Marine Marchande.
Address: 119 rue Didouche Mourad, Algiers, Algeria.
Tel: +213 21 747572.
Fax: +213 21 743395.
Recognised Security Organisations:
RSO - ISSC Issue: Class NK.
RSO - Security Consultant Services: Class NK.
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Dec 2018Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Small quantities available by barge from "Sonatrach".
Stores: Available in small quantities.
Medical
Hospital in Arzew, 1.5km
Transport
Nearest airport: Oran International Airport Ahmed Ben Bella in Es-Senia, 46km.
Nearest railway: Rail station in Azrew.
Working hours
Normally throughout 24 hours per day at tanker berths. Other berths: 0700-1300hrs, 1300-1900hrs, 2100-0300hrs. During Ramadan: 0700-1200hrs, 1200-1700hrs, and 2100-0300hrs.
About Arzew
updated Feb 2019Where it is
Arzew is situated 30km E of Oran on the W side of the Golfe d'Arzew.
The port
The port consists of Arzew Harbour and Arzew-El-Djedid (Bethioua) 4.8km SE (see separate entry).
The port has 150ha of sheltered water with a total quayage of 2,500m. The port mainly handles general cargo, cement and dry bulk.
Arzew-El-Djedid is a dedicated LNG/LPG export terminal.
Questions about Arzew
Where does the pilot board at Arzew?
The pilot boards at Arzew pilot boarding place, 35°50.8′N 000°14.7′W.
What time zone is Arzew in?
Local time at Arzew is UTC+1. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Arzew?
The deepest berth listed is at Sonatrach Terminal: 17.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Arzew?
1025.
Which load line zone is Arzew in?
Summer.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Arzew?
The UN/LOCODE of Arzew is DZAZW.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Arzew 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.