PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Basseterre
Pilot
updated May 2010- Basseterre pilot boarding place Pilot boards17°16.2′N 062°43.0′W
Pilotage compulsory for vessels over 99GT. Pilot boards vessel 1nm E of cruise terminal, via pilot ladder on the port side of vessel. Normally requested 24 hours in advance through agent.
Key data
updated May 2017Size limits
LOA 274m, 20,000DWT, draught 8.0m.
Largest vessel handled: "Summit", 91,000GT, LOA 296m, draught 8.2m.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Zante Cruise Terminal | — | — | 2 |
| Basseterre Cargo (Deep Water) Port | — | — | 1 |
| Texaco Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| Basseterre Cargo (Deep Water) Port | — | — | 1 |
| Basseterre Bay White Oil & LPG Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| Basseterre Ferry Terminal | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated May 2017Approach
Basseterre Bay is open to the S and is approached over a coastal bank which extends 2nm offshore, with no obstructions.
The controlling depth in the approach to the main anchorage is 13.7m. Min depth is 9.1m.
Port limits
From 17°17.9'N 062°45.0'W then in the direction of 180° for 2.8nm, then in the direction of 090° for 4.8nm, then in the direction of 000° for 1.8nm to 17°16.8'N 062°40.0'W, then along the foreshore of Frigate Bay around the Point of Forth Smith then all along the Bay to Point Fort Thomas including all marine works, wharves and upland property vested in the Crown. All around Limekiln Bay, then all along the foreshore to 17°17.9'N 062°45.0'W.
Anchorages
Anchorage situated 0.9nm from the dock. Bottom at anchorage area provides good holding ground, depths 14.0 to 16.0m.
Due to the proximity of the Cruise Terminal, it may be prudent for larger vessels to anchor further offshore. Good anchorage for waiting vessels off port in depths of 21.0 to 25.0m.
Tugs
1 x 2,000hp tug is available to assist with berthing.
Charts and publications
BA 487, 489. Admiralty Pilot NP71, NP286(7).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Notify ETA to agent 24 hours prior to arrival. Vessels normally confirm ETA 1 hour before arrival, berth to be pre-arranged before final ETA advised.
Communications
VHF: Pilots & Port: Ch 16, 06, 12 and 14. Listening watch when a vessel is expected. Pilots listen daytime Ch 16 or tel: +1 869 663 5859.
Notice of readiness
Presented by master to the agents on behalf of cargo owners when vessel is secured alongside or anchored.
Documents
Cargo documentation: Normally done by agency in conjunction with vessel principals.
Health
Customs boarding officer will grant free pratique after clearance is completed. Quarantine: The harbour master boards on arrival and inspects health clearance from the last port of call. Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be issued.
Customs and immigration
Officials from Customs and Immigration will board when the vessel is properly secured alongside or anchored. Immigration requires passports, etc, for disembarking passengers/crew only.
Flags
Vessel expected to fly "Quarantine" and any other pertinent flags when arriving in the harbour. National flag expected to be flown as a courtesy when arriving in port.
Port services
updated May 2017Repairs
Minor repairs are available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Water supply available at all berths, 20tph.
Bunkering: Bunkers available by road tanker and barge.
Medical
Joseph N France General Hospital, 1.8km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Robert L Bradshaw International Airport located at Basseterre, 7.5km.
Airport facilities: International flights twice daily.
Working hours
Normally Mon- Fri 0800-1600hrs. Weekend and holiday working available.
About Basseterre
updated Jun 2018Where it is
Basseterre is situated on the SW side of St Kitts (St Christopher) around the shores of a sandy bay.
The port
The port is principally a sugar exporting port but also handles the import of bulk, break bulk, containers, Ro-Ro and general cargo in St Kitts Deep Water Port. Cruise vessels can be accommodated at Port Zante Terminal.
Principal imports include general cargo, lumber, petroleum products, LPG, cement and building materials.
Principal exports include sugar, molasses, soft drinks and concrete blocks. The sugar industry is being closed down by the government.
Traffic
Approx 255,430t of cargo and 535,290 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Basseterre
Where does the pilot board at Basseterre?
The pilot boards at Basseterre pilot boarding place, 17°16.2′N 062°43.0′W.
What time zone is Basseterre in?
Local time at Basseterre is UTC−4. No summer time.
What is the water density at Basseterre?
1025.
Which load line zone is Basseterre in?
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Basseterre?
The UN/LOCODE of Basseterre is KNBAS.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Basseterre 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.