PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Cai Lan
Pilot
updated Jul 2014Pilot is compulsory. Pilot boards at 20°44.0'N 107°10.8'E, by the entrance to Passe Henriette. In bad weather pilots board 5.5nm further inside the pass, in the vicinity of Le Nez. Requests for pilots to be made 8 hours in advance, available throughout 24 hours.
Key data
updated Jun 2018Size limits
Draught 11.0m, LOA 245m, 85,000DWT.
Load line zone
China Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Jan 21 to Apr 30, Summer May 1 to Jan 20.
Tides
Range 3.2m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cai Lan International Container Terminal | — | 262 m | 3 |
| B12 Oil Terminal | 11.00 m | 245 m | 1 |
| Cai Lan Port | 8.60 m | 255 m | 5 |
| Cai Lan Lightering Area STS | — | — | 1 |
| Ha Long Cement Terminal | — | 120 m | 2 |
| Thang Long Cement Terminal | — | 160 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Mar 2012Approach
The recommended approach for large vessels is from seaward, N of Xuy Nong Chao to the pilot boarding ground, then by Passe Henriette to Vinh Ha Long and via the dredged channel to Cua Luc. Cai Lan port is approached though Cua Luc and is built on reclaimed land in the NW part, approx 1.5nm from the entrance.
The total length of the channel is 36km and is in two sections. From 0 to Hon Mot Buoy, length 25.5km, width 300-400m, depth 13.0 - 20.0m and from Hon Mot Buoy to the dock, length 10.5km, width 130m, depth 10m.
Anchorages
Anchorage can be obtained in Cai Lan port, close inside the entrance, within depths of 15.0 to 17.0m and anywhere in the deep water close S of Cua Luc. Small vessels are advised to anchor off Va Chai, 0.2nm SW of the W entrance point of Cua Luc, within depths of 0.4m to 8.0m, where the tidal streams are weak.
Local knowledge is required when anchoring.
Caution: In the deep water close S of Cua Luc, when the tidal stream is against the wind, the sea is rough for vessels.
Restrictions
Bai Chay Bridge: Max vertical clearance 50m.
Tugs
One tug available: CV 1,200hp.
Reporting before arrival
updated Jul 2014ETA and pre-arrival notices
Cai Lan International Container Terminal (Berths 2,3,4): Tel: 84 33 389 6000.
Email: [email protected], Website: http://www.cict.com.vn
Inspections
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: Vietnam Maritime Administration.
Position: Director of Marine Safety Department.
Address: 8 Pham Hung Road, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Tel: +84 4 768 3194.
Fax: +84 4 768 3058.
Mob: +84 90 329 5340.
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
About Cai Lan
updated Oct 2020Where it is
Cai Lan is situated on the Cau Bai Peninsula, approx 50km E of Haiphong.
The port
Cai Lan port (also known as Quang Ninh) consists of a container and general cargo quay, part of which has been extended to include the new Cai Lan International Container Terminal (CICT).
There is the large Thang Long cement factory close NW of the port with an extensive jetty for bulk and bagged products.
Tanker terminal B12 is situated close SE of the container terminal.
Traffic
The port handles 8,000,000t of cargo, 2,000TEU and 400 vessels annually.
Questions about Cai Lan
What are the pilot arrangements at Cai Lan?
Pilot is compulsory. Pilot boards at 20°44.0'N 107°10.8'E, by the entrance to Passe Henriette.
What time zone is Cai Lan in?
Local time at Cai Lan is UTC+7. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Cai Lan?
The deepest berth listed is at B12 Oil Terminal: 11.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
Which load line zone is Cai Lan in?
China Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Jan 21 to Apr 30, Summer May 1 to Jan 20.
Who carries out Port State Control at Cai Lan?
Port State Control at Cai Lan: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Cai Lan?
The UN/LOCODE of Cai Lan is VNCLN.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Cai Lan 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.