PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Bing Bong
Pilot
updated May 2010Not compulsory but is recommended to anchorages. Pilotage can be arranged through Queensland Coast and Torres Strait Pilot Association (Telex: AA140003 REEFS) or through agent. Masters requiring a pilot should, where possible, give 5 days notice. Permission to enter Bing Bong wharf must be obtained from the mine authorities.
Key data
updated Mar 2024Size limits
LOA 79.9m, beam 18.5m, 3,300DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
HW: 2.5m
LW: 0.5m
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bing Bong Terminal | — | 80 m | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Mar 2024Approach
Sea buoy, fairways and channels: The port is approached in a SSW direction via a buoyed channel. Navigation into the port area is also aided by a leading light.
Traffic schemes and VTS
No traffic schemes have been established.
Anchorages
Vessels intending to load concentrate from Bing Bong should anchor 17nm N of the port in position 15°21.5'S 136°30'E. There are two working anchorages established, both approached through open waters to the N.
The recommended and marked track to follow to the outer anchorage (BB2) from the open sea is 180° following the meridian136°32'E.
The recommended and marked track to follow to the inner anchorage (BB1) from the open sea is 180° following the meridian 136°32'E and passing through BB2 still at 180°. Then at 15°24'S and 136°32'E, just 0.5nm E of the 9.8m shoal, turn 36° to starboard and follow 216° to the inner anchorage BB1.
BB1 has a depth of between 11.6m and 13.2m and is better protected from the weather and the E'ly swell than BB2.
BB2 has a depth between13.2m to 13.8m.
The Master should use the starboard anchor for anchoring at BB1 and BB2 since the shuttle vessel 'Aburri' will not berth on your starboard side forward of hatch No 2. Both anchorages are reported to be good holding ground.
Restrictions
Distance from the top of the hatch coaming to the waterline should not exceed 10m.
Cargo operations may be suspended should the wind speed exceed 25kts or the wave height exceed 2.5m, due to limitations of local lightering vessel.
Tugs
No tugs are available.
Mooring
Cargo is loaded at anchor from the "Aburri". This vessel is a self discharging vessel of 3,250DWT and a loaded draught of 3.8m. Under normal circumstances her discharge rate is 1,000tph. After 'Aburri' is secured alongside the port side of the export vessel, loading will commence via a loading boom which is swung into position over the hatch. The export vessel's crew will be required to attend to Aburri's mooring lines both on arrival, departure and at all times when alongside.
Boarding: A pilot ladder is ready on the port or starboard side, depending on which side the first cargo transfer will take place.
The Marine Manager plus one of the Chief Officers from 'Aburri' will constitute the boarding team who will board before the first transfer has taken place. They will measure airdraught and possibly make a hold inspection. Upon commencement of the cargo transfer, the boarding team will proceed to the Master's office to complete arrival formalities and documentation.
Charts and publications
BA 4720, 4721. Admiralty Pilot NP13, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
ETA should be advised to Beaufort Shipping Agency, Townsville, 48 hours then confirmation 24 hours prior to ETA.
Communications
VHF: Cargo operations: Ch 10, 12. Ch 12 is used for general communications between 'Aburri' and outgoing vessel. Ch 10 is used for all internal communications in the port. When a bulk carrier is expected at BB1 or BB2, Ch 10 will be constantly monitored. However, it would be helpful if the vessel calls 'Bing Bong Harbour Control' on Ch 10 and provide an updated ETA. From arrival at anchorage, start of cargo operations, to final departure from anchorage, all communication with 'Aburri' will be on Ch 12, which will be monitored at all times. The internal working channel for 'Bing Bong Harbour Control', the bulk loading facility and for 'Aburri' is Ch 10. This channel is monitored every day between 0700-1700hrs as well as some evenings. Since it is also the internal working channel on 'Aburri', when transferring cargo to the vessels, use CH 10 only in emergencies and for the very first call advising your arrival at Bing Bong.
Approx 4 hours before the export vessel's last known ETA, Bing Bong Harbour Control will call the vessel on Ch 16 and again on Ch 12 to confirm arrival and loading details.
Notice of readiness
As per Charter Party.
Customs and immigration
Customs and Radio Pratique clearance is arranged through the port of Darwin. Bing Bong is not a recognised Customs Port. Unless in an emergency, crew members are not permitted aboard 'Aburri' or ashore. The 'Aburri' officers and crew are obliged to report any breaches of the AQIS (Australian Quarantine Act).
Notices and regulations
Customs and Quarantine regulations are strictly enforced. Details of these regulations are available from the Port Authority.
Before arriving at Bing Bong, the vessel's master must inform Beaufort Townsville of the airdraught in metres and centimetres from waterline to the three points at the hatch where the first load is to be transferred.
Inspections
Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean 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: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
Contact person: The Secretary.
Address: GPO Box 594, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia.
Tel: +61 2 6274 7114.
Fax: +61 2 6274 7994.
Mob: +61 0417 273 185.
24 hour contact: Office of Transport Security Operations Centre.
Tel: +61 2 6274 8187.
Fax: +61 2 6274 6089.
Email: [email protected]
ISPS Compliance: ISPS compliance is 100% for Australian ports, Australian port facilities and Australian flagged ships.
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Mar 2024Repairs
There are no repair facilities available.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Aboriginal Health Clinic (48km).
Crew change
Not possible.
Transport
Nearest airport: McArthur River Mine Airport (98km).
About Bing Bong
updated May 2010Where it is
Situated in the SW corner of the Gulf of Carpentaria approx 67nm S of Groote Eylandt and 56km N of Borroloola.
The port
The port is a bulk loading facility and exports Lead/Zinc concentrates which are mined at the McArthur River Mine some 100km inland. Loading takes place at anchorage using the "Aburri" shuttle vessel. The Bing Bong channel is 1.9nm long, 60m wide, with depths of 3.5m reduced to Centre Island prediction data.
Questions about Bing Bong
What are the pilot arrangements at Bing Bong?
Not compulsory but is recommended to anchorages.
What time zone is Bing Bong in?
Local time at Bing Bong is UTC+9:30. No summer time.
What is the water density at Bing Bong?
1025.
Which load line zone is Bing Bong in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Bing Bong?
Port State Control at Bing Bong: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Bing Bong?
The UN/LOCODE of Bing Bong is AUBBG.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Bing Bong 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.