Bangkok

Size limits

LOA 172m (vessels up to 182m can be handled on a case by case basis), beam 30m, draught 8.2m, 32,256DWT.

Note: Increased beam may be permitted with a reduction in draught.

Off Shore:

Draught 7.6m, LOA 137m, 31,771 DWT.

Water density

1000-1011.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 2.0m.

Tidal streams outside the bar and near the anchorages set NW on the rising tide and SE on the falling tide, attaining a rate of up to 1kt. During the NE monsoon the current occasionally sets W along the edge of the bank with considerable strength.

Tidal streams over the bar run in the direction of the channel.

Tidal streams within the bar. The flow, which sets in the direction of the channel, is the combined result of the tidal streams in and out of the river, and of the current down the river.

At Bangkok the tidal stream is usually weaker than the river current from Sept to Dec: During this period the flow is almost continuously towards the sea. Occasionally, during the rainy season, it may reach a rate of 4 to 5kts, and an exceptional quantity of floating debris may be brought down river.

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

Approach

The entrance of Chao Phraya River is marked by the Bangkok Bar Light Beacon. The approach to Bangkok is 10nm length, width 150m in the reach and 250m width in the bend. The channel is dredged and maintained to depth of 8.5m below MSL. The depth of the river within the port area varies from 8.5-11.0m below MSL. The MSL at Bangkok Bar and at the Klong Toey is 2.3m and 1.6m above LLW respectively. The depth of the river within the port area varies from 8.5 to 11.0m MSL.

The harbour fairway is divided into two parts, the E and the W, by vessels moored in mid stream. The E part, the main fairway, is to be used by vessels of more than 50t, and the W part by all other vessels.

Port limits

From the Memorial Bridge of the Chao Phraya River downstream to Km 18 in the Gulf of Thailand, approx 66km long.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Traffic signals are displayed from a flagstaff standing on the E end of W quay.

Restrictions

Due to draught limitations in the approaching channels, the maximum size of vessel allowed to navigate through the channel for berthing is LOA 172-182m draught 8.2m or 12,000DWT.

Vessels are berthed on a "first come first served" basis, with the exception of warships which have priority where necessary.

Vessels are not permitted to berth at Bangkok Port or mid-stream to load tapioca chips in bulk or without good packing.

Vertical Clearances: Several major bridges span the river in Zone 1; elsewhere, overhead cables and a bridge cross the river as follows:

A power transmission line, vertical clearance 53m, crosses the river at 12.6km from the river mouth.

At Phra Pradeng, 17km from the river mouth, power transmission lines, vertical clearance 51m cross the river.

Rama 9 Bridge, vertical clearance 41m, spans the river close NW of the inner limit of zone 2.

Charts and publications

BA 993, 999, 1046. Admiralty Pilot NP30, NP286(4).

Communications

Upon reaching the bar channel or at a distance of 6-10nm from the pilot station, communication by radio telegraphy is to be changed to radio telephony callsign "Port of Bangkok".

Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Vessels should establish VHF contact with the port when within 10nm and maintain a listening watch on Ch 16.

Bangkok Port Control: Ch 16, 14. Telex: 72331 PAT TH, Fax: +66 2249 0885, Email: [email protected].

Bangkok Pilot Office: Ch 16, 10, 12, 13, 14.

Notice of readiness

On arrival in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Charter Party.

Documents

CS = Customs; IM = Immigration; HA = Health Authorities.

Health

Pratique should be applied for on arrival at Samutprakarn.

No person with an infectious disease is allowed to land in the port area.

Ship Sanitation Control and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be renewed. A quarantine station is located at 13°35.5'N 100°36.0'E and Quarantine Officers may board the vessel here or at the berth.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowances are 1 bottle of whisky and one carton of cigarettes. For non-compliance with regulations there will be fines.

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: Marine Safety and Environment Bureau

Address: 1278 Yotha Road, Talardnoi, Samphantawong, Bangkok, 10100, Thailand.

Tel: +66 2639 4774

Fax: +66 2639 4775

Mob: +66 1777 1000

Email: [email protected]

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available, supply can be made through barges and shoreline. Capacity of barges from 120-350t, rate of supply approx 30tph. Advance notice of 24 hours required.

Bunkering: Available from the major oil companies and other companies by barge. Advance notice of 48 hours required.

Medical

Kluaynamthai Hospital, 2.4km, Sukumvit Hospital, 4.7km and BNH Hospital (Private Hospital)

Transport

Nearest airport: Suvarnabhumi Airport located at Samut Prakan, 33.8km.

Nearest railway: Freight 15km, passenger 5km.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1600hrs. Overtime 1630-1800hrs until the 1900-2400hrs and 0100-0500hrs night shifts. Further overtime available from 0500-0700hrs until the day shift begins.

Where it is

Bangkok port, also known as Krung Thep, is situated on the left side of the Chao Phraya River between Km 26.5 and Km 28.5 Klongtoey District, Bangkok, in the N of the Gulf of Thailand.

The port

There are 2 main quays, the West for general cargo vessels and the East for container vessels, as well as dolphins and mooring buoys for 20 vessels. There is a new container terminal at Ayutthaya, upriver from Bangkok, which will eventually link to the Laem Chabang hub terminal.

The new ports of Laem Chabang (130km) and Map Ta Phut (185km) from Bangkok are deep water harbours designed to take container ships up to post Panamax size and bulk carriers that the Chao Phraya River cannot accommodate (see separate entries).

Traffic

Approx 21,000,000t of cargo, 1,500,000TEU and 3,800 vessels handled annually.

Annually, approx 13,000 vessels cross the Bangkok Bar and use the Chao Phraya River. These vessels carry approx 100,000,000t of cargo to and from all terminals situated along both banks of the river.

What are the pilot arrangements at Bangkok?

Compulsory for all vessels over LOA 50m sailing between the entrance to the Bangkok Bar Channel and the upper limit of the port in the river.

What time zone is Bangkok in?

Local time at Bangkok is UTC+7. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Bangkok?

The deepest berth listed is at Unithai Container Terminal (UTCT): 8.20 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Bangkok?

1000-1011.

Which load line zone is Bangkok in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Bangkok?

Port State Control at Bangkok: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Bangkok?

The UN/LOCODE of Bangkok is THBKK.

What crews who called at Bangkok 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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