PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Bhavnagar
Pilot
updated Jul 2010- Bhavnagar pilot boarding Pilot boards21°36.3′N 072°29.4′E
Pilotage is compulsory and vessels should arrive at the pilot boarding area (21°39.4'N 072°24.9'E), 4.5nm NE of Piram Island Light, not less than 2 hours before high water at Bhavnagar, for docking on the same tide. If the vessel is unable to arrive at the pilot station, 2 hours before high water it should cruise around and wait for instruction from the port authority. Notice of ETA at this position is necessary to obtain a pilot and should be sent to the port office at least 48 hours in advance. Vessels are advised not to anchor when awaiting a pilot but to make a reciprocal course until the pilot arrives. Berthing and unberthing is carried out during daylight hours only, except in special circumstances.
The pilot vessel is a black hulled tug with buff upper works and a buff funnel with a black top. The usual signals are displayed and a searchlight is flashed from time to time at night. The pilot vessel is available only during pilotage duty.
Key data
updated Sep 2024Size limits
LOA 78.95m, beam 14.8m, draught 12.8m, 2,590DWT.
Water density
1025.
Mud content of water: High.
Load line zone
Arabian Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Sep 1 to May 31, Summer Jun 1 to Aug 31.
Tides
In the vicinity of 21°41.0'N 072°22.0'E, approx 4.5nm SE of Perigee Rock, the tidal stream is reported to attain a rate of 5kts at springs and set NNW/SSE. Mean spring range approx 8.8m, mean neap range approx 4.8m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhavnagar Port Terminal | 4.00 m | 79 m | 3 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Sep 2024Approach
In the SE approach from the pilot boarding place towards the S part of Malcolm Channel, 7nm NW, depths are irregular and there are numerous shoal patches. Malcolm Channel, the S part of which is generally deep, lies between Channel Bank on its W side and several minor shoals to the E; the latter has not been fully examined.
Requirement for local knowledge: Due to the continuous shifting of banks and channels, depths in the approaches to Bhavnagar change quite frequently: Mariners are strongly advised not to navigate in the approaches without local knowledge or assistance. A wide berth should be given to the area around Perigee Light-float (21°41.8'N 072°18.3'E) within 3 hours of low water because of excessive silting.
Approaches: From the vicinity of the pilot boarding position the route leads NW to a position E of Perigee Rock, which dries and at the lowest spring tides shows three heads. Then Malcolm Channel should be followed to the route which leads across Channel Bank.
Anchorages
Deep Water Anchorage (DWA): Vessels up to 12.0m draught are permitted at DWA anchorage, 250° x 5.1' from Gogha Lighthouse.
Caution: Strong tidal streams, an irregular-shaped seabed and shipping congestion make the anchorage described below potentially hazardous; considerable care in anchoring is required and constant vigilance, particularly during cargo operations, is recommended. Several vessels have lost anchors in the foul ground situated about 1.5nm E of Perigee Rock: The tidal stream there is reported to reach about 6.kts at springs.
Anchorage for vessels unable to enter Bhavnagar New Port may be obtained 3nm E of Perigee Rock; local knowledge is necessary.
To prevent yawing during spring tides consideration should be given to the use of a second anchor and/or steering. The second anchor should be heaved up and dropped about 1.5 hours before and after the tidal stream change to avoid fouling the first anchor. It is recommended that engines are kept on standby, to be available within 20 minutes, during spring tides.
Because of the strong tidal streams and irregular bottom, vessels continue to lose their anchors. The anchorage can be very congested and must be considered potentially hazardous; considerable vigilance is recommended.
Restrictions
Max draught up to 4.0m depending on tide. To pass through the lock gates max LOA 143.8m, max beam 19.8m.
Lock gate surge: The lock gate is unusual in that it is lifted vertically before being swung clear. Successive heights of tide at HW during springs can vary by up to 2.0m resulting in unequal water levels. The initial lock gate lift, at any time between 2.5 hours and 30 minutes before HW, can cause a surge within the dock basin and attention to moorings and gangways during this period is recommended.
Tugs
2 tugs are available. Vessels arrive and depart at about slack water with a tug ahead; another is available in the turning basin, abeam the concrete jetty, where vessels are usually swung before being berthed starboard side to the wharf.
Mooring
Moorings and gangways require attention during periods of lock gate surge. Silt content at jetties becomes very high each side of LW and condensers are liable to become choked.
Charts and publications
IND 2039, IND 254, IND 292. Admiralty Pilot NP38, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated Jan 2024ETA and pre-arrival notices
ETA should be advised 48 hours in advance to the pilot station. Messages should be sent through Mumbai coast radio station.
Notice of readiness
To be tendered as per terms and conditions of Charter Party. Generally, NOR tendered by master on vessel's arrival advising that vessel is ready to load/discharge the nominated cargo.
Health
Local port health officer grants pratique after boarding vessel.
Customs and immigration
Customs allowances: One bottle of liquor and one carton of cigarettes is allowed for each crew member per week.
Immigration: Immigration officials will check passports/CDC (Seaman's Books) and issue shore permits. Nationals from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China (mainland) will not be issued with landing permits.
Inspections
Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Director-General of Shipping.
Position: Nautical Adviser to the Government of India.
Address: Jahaz Bhavan, Walchand Hirachand Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai 400 001, India.
Tel: +91 22 2261 0606
Fax: +91 22 2269 4352
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.dgshipping.com
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org.
Port services
updated Jul 2018Repairs
Minor repairs can be effected; A well equipped workshop is available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available by barge. Water is often in very short supply and may not be available at all to vessels at anchor.
Bunkering: Small quantities of fuel, by tankers when alongside and by drums at the anchorage, are available.
Medical
Sir Takhtasinhji General Hospital, 11.8km.
Transport
Nearest hospital: Bhavnagar Airport located at Bhavnagar, 9.0km. (domestic only)
Railway / Highway: Connected with State Highway and broad gauge railway line.
Working hours
Normally 0800-1200hrs, 1300-1700hrs. Overtime available 1800-2200hrs, 2300-0300hrs.
About Bhavnagar
updated Sep 2024Where it is
Bhavnagar is located in the Gulf of Cambay on India's NW coast.
The port
Bhavnagar Port handles a diverse range of imports and exports. Key imports include rock phosphate, coal, coke, building materials, fertilizers, wood, timber, iron scrap, and sulfur, while its exports primarily consist of oil cakes, salt, scrap, onions, clay and grape seeds. These goods support both the industrial needs and agricultural outputs of the region, reflecting Bhavnagar's role as a critical hub for trade in Gujarat, India.
Traffic
Approx 22,300,000t of cargo are handled annually.
Questions about Bhavnagar
Where does the pilot board at Bhavnagar?
The pilot boards at Bhavnagar pilot boarding, 21°36.3′N 072°29.4′E.
What time zone is Bhavnagar in?
Local time at Bhavnagar is UTC+5:30. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Bhavnagar?
The deepest berth listed is at Bhavnagar Port Terminal: 4.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Bhavnagar?
1025. Mud content of water: High.
Which load line zone is Bhavnagar in?
Arabian Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Sep 1 to May 31, Summer Jun 1 to Aug 31.
Who carries out Port State Control at Bhavnagar?
Port State Control at Bhavnagar: Indian Ocean MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Bhavnagar?
The UN/LOCODE of Bhavnagar is INBHU.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Bhavnagar 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.