Bitung

Size limits

Harbour: Max LOA 345.03m, beam 41.0m, draught 12.5m and 52,579DWT

Offshore: Max LOA 116.90m, BCM 56.0m, draught 5.3m and 5,619DWT.

Water density

1030.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 4.0m.

Flood tide sets E and W on the ebb where both run parallel with a rate of approx 1kts-2kts.

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

Approach

Approach and entry: Bitung is approached from Molucca Sea and entered from N or S through Selat Lembeh. The channel has a length of 14km, width 600m, min depth is 12m and max depth is 15m.

The min depth of the basin is 7m and max depth is 15m.

Port limits

The port is bounded by the parallels 01°24.0'N and 01°27.1'N, the meridian of 125°13'E and to the W by the coast of Sulawesi.

Restrictions

The waters are filled with numerous fishing vessel with no lights, as a result precaution must be taken. Approaching or sailing at night should not be attempted.

Tugs

4 tugs are available (2 x 750hp and 1 x 1000hp). Two tugs are compulsory for vessels over 150m in length.

Mooring

Due to the currents, vessels are usually berthed against the current.

Charts and publications

BA 2638, 2575. Admiralty Pilot NP34, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should forward their initial ETA to the local agent and/or port authority, at least 24 hours prior to arrival stating last port of call and draught. An update should be forwarded at least 6 hours prior to arrival. Vessels departing should request a pilot at least 3 hours prior departure.

Documents

The agent will deliver the special forms onboard the vessel when alongside.

Health

Free pratique is granted on arrival.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC) and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (SSCEC) can be renewed at the major ports.

Customs and immigration

Immigration: All crew members must have a valid travel document.

Port State Control here: Tokyo 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: Directorate of Marine Safety and Seafarers, Directorate General of Sea Communications.

Position: Director

Address: Karya Building, 12th Floor, JI Merdeka Barat 8, Jakarta Pusat 10110, Indonesia.

Tel: +62 21 350 5705.

Fax: +62 21 350 5705.

Mob: +62 811 960640.

Email: [email protected]

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

ISPS compliance: The US Coast Guard has determined (12/2012) that the Republic of Indonesia is now maintaining effective anti-terrorism measures in their ports. The Republic of Indonesia is removed from the list of the Countries Affected in paragraph B of the Port Security Advisory. Therefore, actions required in paragraphs C and D of this Port Security Advisory are no longer required for vessels that arrive in the United States after visiting ports in the Republic of Indonesia.

In a further effort to combat piracy, the Indonesian Government are allocating Piracy Anchor Safe Zones within some of their ports. These will be patrolled by the Indonesian Marine Police. Individual Port Authorities should be contacted about the latest information concerning these.

Repairs

Minor repairs can be undertaken.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available. Supply capacity approximately 100-150tph.

Bunkering: Diesel fuel and lubricating oil can be supplied by road tanker at 48 hours notice. HFO is not available. Diesel and marine fuel supplied by PERTAMINA depend on request 100- 150tph.

Medical

Nearest hospital: RSMN Bitung (9.1km), RSU Hermana Lembean (22.2km) and RSU GMIM Tonsea Airmadidi (24.5km).

Note: There is a Port Health Officer and a clinic.

Transport

Nearest airport: Sam Ratulangi International Airport (32.8km).

Nearest highway: Port has direct access to Manado-Bitung Toll Rd.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Bitung.

Working hours

Port working hours normally Mon-Sat throughout 24 hours and office working hours Mon-Fri 0730-1630hrs. Port open even in holiday, tides do not effect entry.

Where it is

Bitung is situated at the NE tip of Sulawesi province, Indonesia approx 15nm from Manado, the capital.

The port

The Port of Bitung, strategically located on the northeastern coast of Sulawesi, serves as the primary maritime gateway for North Sulawesi, playing a pivotal role in the region's economic development. Bitung also plays a crucial role in the economic landscape, facilitating the export of various goods and serving as a hub for maritime activities.

Bitung's primary export is copra, with an annual production of approximately 216,000t. This coconut byproduct not only supports the livelihoods of local farmers but also positions Bitung as a key player in the global coconut market. In addition to copra, the Port of Bitung is adept at managing a diverse array of cargo. It handles container traffic, facilitating the import and export of goods that are essential for the region's economy. The port is also a critical hub for fishing (most notably tuna) asphalt, cement and petroleum products. Adding to its versatility, the Port of Bitung also houses a ferry terminal, providing essential connectivity for passengers across the region.

Traffic

Approx 1,700,000t of cargo, 2,600TEU, 2,600 vessels and 200,000 passengers handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Bitung?

Compulsory and available 24 hours via Coastal Radio Station Bitung (call sign PKM).

What time zone is Bitung in?

Local time at Bitung is UTC+8. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Bitung?

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

What is the water density at Bitung?

1030.

Which load line zone is Bitung in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Bitung?

Port State Control at Bitung: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Bitung?

The UN/LOCODE of Bitung is IDBIT.

What crews who called at Bitung 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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