Bahia Las Minas

1. Bahia de las Minas pilot boarding Pilot boards09°25.7′N 079°49.6′W

Size limits

Max LOA 236m, beam 40.0m, draught 12.20m and 80,000DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Tides: Range 0.3m.

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

Approach

The approach channel is 2,286m in length and 320m wide with a min depth of 14.3m; the inner channel is 914m long and 91.4m wide with a min depth of 11.4m. The channel is marked by lighted buoys. The Fairway Buoy is moored in a position 09°25.8'N., 079°49.8'W.

Anchorages

Anchorage is available in position 09° 25.5'N., 079° 40.58'W where there are depths of 19.2-20.1m. Vessels awaiting a pilot may also obtain anchorage in depths of 20.0m, 0.3nm WNW or 0.2nm E of Fairway Lightbuoy.

Restrictions

A dangerous wreck lies to the S of the LM Lighted Buoy.

Tugs

There are 4 tugs available from Refineria Panama SA. One tug is on 24 hour stand-by duty; the pilot station can summon additional tugs.

Mooring

Six loading arms are available at the North and Barge Dock to service vessels.

Charts and publications

BA 1400. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

Communications

Bahia Las Minas contact info

VHF: Ch 10, 12, 14, 16

Pilots contact info

VHF: Ch 10, 12, 14, 16

Chevron Terminal contact info

Telephone: +507 444 1658; +507 444 1936

Facsimile: ++507 444 1936

Email: [email protected]

Bahia Las Minas Terminal Operators contact info

Telephone: +507 501 5106; +507 501 5227

Facsimile: +507 444 0736; +507 444 0708

National Port Authority contact info

Telephone: +507 501 5106; +507 501 5227

Facsimile: +507 501 5405

Email: [email protected]

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:

1. For Ports and Ship Registry:

Contact person: Chief of Port Security Department

Address: Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), Diablo Heights, Building 5534, PO Box 8062, Panama 7, Republic of Panama.

Tel: +507 232 7352

Mobile: +507 660 61057.

Website: www.amp.gob.pa

2. For the Panama Canal:

Contact person: Manager - Canal Security Division.

Address: Panama Canal Authority (ACP), Balboa - Ancon, Republic of Panama, PO Box 5413, Miami FL 33102-5413

Tel: +507 272 4646, Cell: +507 614 1941.

Recognised Security Organisations:

RSO - ISSC Issue: Phoenix Management Service Group, Universe Security Group (London), Singapore Technologies.

RSO - Security Consultant Services: MUSC, Secure Maritime Group (St Petersburg, Florida).

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

Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)

Panama has signed a PSI ship boarding agreement with the USA aimed at stemming the flow of weapons of mass destruction. If a US or Panama flagged vessel is suspected of trafficking proliferation related cargo, either party to this agreement can request authorisation to board, search and possibly detain the others vessel and its cargo.

Repairs

Machine shop at the refinery for minor repairs; patent slip, with a 90ft x 40ft cradle, is situated at the NE corner of Isla Samba Bonita (9°23.4'N., 079°50.2'W).

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Pipelines are available at all oil docks.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Policlinica Hugo Spadafora Franco (6.15km), Manuel Amador Guerrero Hospital Complex (8.9km) and Hospital Colon Cuatro Altos (9.45km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Tocumen International Airport Panama (59.5km).

Nearest railway: Atlantic Intermodal Terminal (AIT) Panama Canal Railway Company (6.45km).

Nearest highway: Port has access to highway 3 and 9, both travel to Colon and Panama City.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Colon.

Working hours

Normally 0700-1500hrs and 1700-0100hrs.

Where it is

Bahia Las Minas is on a peninsula 8.8km E of the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal.

The port

The port is primarily used for the importation and exportation of petroleum products as well as servicing the bunkering needs of the Panama Canal. The port is strategically located to serve the international trade routes and Panama region for refined petroleum products. In 2016, Royal Vopak signed a long-term agreement with Chevron to manage and operate the Chevron Terminal.

Additional facilities at the port include facilities able to cater for dry bulk (cement, clinker and coal) general and project cargo.

Minor repairs can be carried out; major repairs can be completed at the Panama Canal facilities, less than 15km away.

Traffic

Approx 3,400,000t of cargo handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Bahia Las Minas?

The pilot boards at Bahia de las Minas pilot boarding, 09°25.7′N 079°49.6′W.

What time zone is Bahia Las Minas in?

Local time at Bahia Las Minas is UTC−5. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Bahia Las Minas?

The deepest berth listed is at Chevron Terminal: 12.20 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Bahia Las Minas?

1025.

Which load line zone is Bahia Las Minas in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Bahia Las Minas?

Port State Control at Bahia Las Minas: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Bahia Las Minas?

The UN/LOCODE of Bahia Las Minas is PAPBM.

What crews who called at Bahia Las Minas 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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