Benghazi

Size limits

LOA 199.99m, beam 32.26m, 50,521DWT.

Water density

1026.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

During Feb, Mar and Apr, especially during N and NE winds, the water level is very low, falling about 0.6m below MSL. During Jun, Jul and Aug, especially with W and SW winds, the water level rises about 0.4m above MSL.

Currents: Off Benghazi the current is usually S going.

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

Approach

There are 2 approaches as follows:

Approaching from SW: Keep between 2.0-3.0nm offshore, to avoid the rocky shoals which lie SW of the port.

Approaching from N: Make for the land NE of the port, especially in thick weather or with an offshore wind, as there are better landmarks here than SW, and there are no dangers lying more than 2.5nm offshore. A lightbuoy (safe water) is moored 4.0nm WSW of Benghazi Light structure (32°07.4'N 020°03.7'E). The white sector (064.75°-067.25°) of a direction light, situated 1.0nm WSW of the same light structure, leads past the lightbuoy and through the Middle Harbour entrance between the N extremity of W Breakwater and N Breakwater. Lights are exhibited from each side of the entrance. The entrance channel has been dredged to 13.5m and the harbour to 10.3m, except the approaches and alongside the tanker berth, just inside the W Breakwater, which are dredged to 12.5m.

Outer Harbour: For vessels proceeding to the Outer Harbour attention is drawn to a submerged spit, with a depth of 1.3m, at the S end of the entrance, extending 0.75nm from the shore at Ras Bu Sceiba.

Anchorages

Anchorage may be obtained in the roads, W and N of the port, but strong W winds cause a very heavy sea which renders the anchorage dangerous; during the winter it is seldom tenable. An obstruction lies 2.5nm W of Ra's Sidi Khuraybish.

The anchorage area for vessels awaiting a berth lies between the parallels of 32°07'N and 32°11'N and between the meridians 019°56'E and 019°59.2'E.

All vessels must anchor as instructed by the port authority, and must not shift berth except on the instruction of the port authority.

Prohibited anchorage: Anchoring and fishing are prohibited within an area, shown on the chart, surrounding a submarine cable which comes ashore 3.5nm S of the N breakwater head (32°07.0'N 020°01.8'E).

Tugs

Available.

Charts and publications

BA3352. Admiralty Pilot NP49, NP286(3).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notice of ETA should be sent 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

Radio: Benghazi Port Radio. VHF: Ch 16; 12.

Notices and regulations

The following are extracts from the harbour regulations:

All power driven vessels berthed either alongside or end on at Rasif Giuliana, Cathedral Mole or Italia Mole are to have power available during harbour working hours.

It is forbidden to discharge overboard, either in the harbour or in the roadstead, any burning material, ashes or rubbish of any kind.

The loading and discharging of inflammable material and explosives must be carried out in accordance with the directions of the harbour master.

Vessels arriving with a dangerous cargo onboard must anchor in the roadstead; the port authorities will instruct them where to berth.

Vessels which burn fuel oil must clean their bilges before arriving in the roadstead or the harbour.

Fuel oil must not be taken onboard without permission from the harbour master.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Libyan Arab Jamahiriya..

Address: PO Box 390, Tripoli, Libya.

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

Repairs

A maintenance berth and floating dock are available in the Inner Harbour.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Limited quantities are available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Al-Galaa Hospital, 9.1km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Benina International Airport, 24.9km.

Working hours

Port working hours is from 07:00 to 23:00 LT (Pilot in-Pilot out)

Stevedoring working hours Saturday - Thursday 08:00 to 18:00 LT

Friday - as per request/ case to case basis

Where it is

Benghazi is situated on the NE coast of the Gulf of Sidra.

The port

The port was closed in 2014 due to internal military/civil conflict with its last reported vessel arrival 14 Oct 2014. However, on 1st October 2017, after three years, the port has reportedly reopened.

It is a large commercial port serving the surrounding region, equipped to handle tankers, containers, Ro-Ro and general cargo vessels.

Main exports include sheep, wool, hides, goat's hair fabrics and woollen rugs. Imports include foodstuffs, tobacco, textiles, pottery and chemical products.

What are the pilot arrangements at Benghazi?

Compulsory and available between 0700-2000hrs.

What time zone is Benghazi in?

Local time at Benghazi is UTC+2. No summer time.

What is the water density at Benghazi?

1026.

Which load line zone is Benghazi in?

Summer.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Benghazi?

The UN/LOCODE of Benghazi is LYBEN.

What crews who called at Benghazi 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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