Barranquilla

1. Barranquilla punto de embarque de pilotos prácticos (CP3) – 1.5 M NW of Bocas de Ceniza Pilot boards11°07.0′N 074°52.5′W

Size limits

LOA 200.0m, draught 12.5m, beam 32.26m, 64,012DWT

Water density

1000.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

At the entrance, when the river current meets the sea, there is a slight increase and steepening and shortening of the waves. This is most noticeable at high river and with a rising tide during the NE trade winds. At such times, a vessel entering should proceed at a good speed.

Entry is often impossible during a strong trade wind and high sea. Vessels may pitch up to 2.4m in a heavy swell on the bar and they may also yaw heavily when crossing it. In all conditions special care is necessary.

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

Approach

The entrance to Bocas de Ceniza has a width of 500m between the heads of the breakwaters.

The W breakwater, which is submerged for 0.2nm from its head, extends 2.5nm S and then curves SE as a training wall as far as Las Flores, (11°02'N 074°49'W).

The E breakwater extends 0.5nm SSE from its head to the W side of Punta Faro, (11°06'N 074°51'W).

The navigable channel, with a min depth of 9.1m, normally lies along the W breakwater and follows the W side of the river as far as Siape, approx 1.0nm above Las Flores. The E side of the river from the S end of the E breakwater to abeam of Siape is mostly shoal. Then the channel draws over to the E side and follows it to Barranquilla, where the water is relatively deep from bank to bank.

When approaching from the E, vessels should keep from 1.5-2.0nm offshore until abeam the entrance Bocas de Ceniza.

Leading Lights: Leading lights standing on the W side of Punta Faro, (11°06.1'N 074°50.9'W) and in line bearing 135° lead to the Pilot Station and to Bocas de Ceniza.

Leading lights on the W side of the river and in line with a beacon, (11°01.7'N 074°50.2'W), (white diamond), bearing 167.75°, lead close E of the W breakwater for 2.5nm:

Front light, (11°03.9'N 074°50.7'W), (red and white striped square daymark on a square metal tower, 9m in height).

Rear light (similar structure, 18m in height), 697m from the front light.

Then leading lights standing at Las Flores and in line bearing 143° lead through the centre of the channel.

Front light (11°02.6'N 074°49.6'W), (white square daymark on a metal mast, white square concrete base, 5m in height).

Rear light (similar structure, 18m in height), 520m from the front light.

Leading lights standing on and close W of the W breakwater, 2.25nm S of its outer head and in line bearing 322.75° astern, lead through this part of the channel, approx 0.025nm farther NE:

Front light, (11°04.2'N 074°50.8'W) (red and white square daymark on a metal mast, white square concrete base, 5m in height)

Rear light (red and white square daymark on a square metal tower, 9m in height), 393m from the front light.

Then leading lights standing on and close W of the W training wall, 1.5nm NW of Las Flores and in line bearing 304.25° astern, lead through the channel past Las Flores:

Front light (11°03.4'N 074°50.3'W), (red and white daymark on square metal tower, 6m in height).

Rear light from the same structure as the rear light of the 167.75° leading line.

Final approach is SW of Isla 1972, (11°01'N 074°47'W), following the buoyed channel to Barranquilla.

Port limits

The limits comprises the outer part of Rio Magdalena from its mouth to Terminal Maritimo at the city 10nm upstream.

Anchorages

There are 5 anchorages on the Magdalena River and 1 anchorage at Las Flores for vessels which have explosives. The anchorages within the river are as follows:

Near the W bank off Las Flores, near the bank approx 2nm ESE of Las Flores and approx 1nm N of the terminal wharf at Baranquilla, (10°58.0'N 074°45.5'W).

Outer anchorage: Vessels awaiting a pilot may anchor in depths of 11.0-40m, approx 1nm W of the head of the W breakwater, the holding ground is not good.

Restrictions

The maximum speed in the river channel is 12kts, reducing to 6kts when passing berths and other vessels.

There is a road bridge which crosses the river 0.75nm above the terminal wharf. The centre span is 140m in width, with a vertical clearance of 16m.

Tugs

The use of tugs is compulsory, for all vessels over 2,000DWT, for vessels over LOA 150m pilots may request a second tug. There are at least 2 tugs, 2,400hp and 3,400hp, available on a 24 hour basis and have fire fighting capabilities.

Mooring

Eight lines to be used. Berthing on starboard side.

Charts and publications

BA 1276, 2261. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Initial ETA is to be sent 72 hours before arrival to the port agent. Additional ETA's are to be sent 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival.

ETA message should include date/time of arrival (local time), arrival draught, number of crew including master and any special requirements from the vessel such as additional tugs, side preferred for berthing, etc.

Communications

Radio: It is recommended that all messages are passed directly to the agent by fax or telex. Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Pilot: Ch 16, 13.

Port: Ch 16, 13. Tel: +57 5 371 6200, Fax: +57 5 371 6310.

Notice of readiness

To be tendered as per Charter Party terms. This is normally on arrival at the pilot station.

Health

Pratique is applied for on arrival to the port doctor. It is not possible to request pratique by radio.

All mooring lines are to be fitted with rat guards.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates and Exemption Certificates can be renewed in the port.

Customs and immigration

Immigration: Crew can proceed ashore when in possession of a Shore Pass signed by the boarding immigration officer.

Flags

Colombian and Interco flags must be in good condition.

Notices and regulations

Vessels are required to slow down, but not stop, off Las Flores about 4.5nm within the river, to embark the health and customs officials. If the officials do not board here, vessels continue direct to Barranquilla and either berth alongside or as ordered by the authorities.

ISPS

Designated Authority: Direccion General Maritima.

Contact: Jefe Division de Gente de Mar y Naves.

Address: Transversal 41 No 27-50 CAN, Bogota, Colombia.

Tel: +57 1 220 0490

Fax: +57 1 222 5152

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.dimar.mil.co

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

Repairs

Available. Good facilities for mechanical or electrical and radio repairs, patent slips available for vessels up to 600t.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available from coasters under contract.

Stores: Supermarket, stores and commercial malls available in city, 6m.

Medical

Barranquilla. Hospitals available within 29km radius.

Transport

Nearest airport: Ernesto Cortizzos International Airport, 8km. Barranquilla, 10km.

Nearest railway: Barranquilla.

Road system connects with Colombia's hinterland as well as to Venezuela and Ecuador.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours, 365 days.

Where it is

Barranquilla is situated on the Caribbean coast, 10nm upriver on the W bank of the Magdalena River.

The port

The port authority and private operators handles containers, breakbulk, liquid bulk and dry bulk cargo.

The port includes the terminals of Monomeros, Gracetales, Vopak, Portmagdelena and SP Del Norte.

Import: Rolled wire, steel, bulk grain, chemicals, project cargo, scrap metals, tuna fish, food products, vehicles, containers.

Export: Sugar, textiles, wood plates, tuna, synthetic fibres, steel and pharmaceutical products.

Traffic

Approx 11,000,000t of cargo and 1,400 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Barranquilla?

The pilot boards at Barranquilla punto de embarque de pilotos prácticos (CP3) – 1.5 M NW of Bocas de Ceniza, 11°07.0′N 074°52.5′W.

What time zone is Barranquilla in?

Local time at Barranquilla is UTC−5. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Barranquilla?

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

What is the water density at Barranquilla?

1000.

Which load line zone is Barranquilla in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Barranquilla?

The UN/LOCODE of Barranquilla is COBAQ.

What crews who called at Barranquilla 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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