Cap Lopez

1. Cap Lopez Oil Terminal pilot boarding place Pilot boards00°37.0′S 008°44.0′E

Size limits

LOA 340m, draught 20.5m, 250,000DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 2.2m. Current: In the vicinity of Cap Lopez, an eddy current sets towards Banc du Loiret or into Baie du Prince. Strong eddies and discoloured water will be found in the neighbourhood of the bank.

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

Approach

The port is approached from NE, and entered through Baie du Prince, E of Cape Lopez (00°37.3'S 008°42.9'E). There are depths in excess of 30m in the approaches.

Anchorages

There is a good anchorage in line bearing 075° from Cap Lopez Lighthouse at a distance between 1.5-2nm.

Restrictions

Day time berthing only, unberthing anytime.

The dimensions of vessels berthing at Cap Lopez must be within the following limits:

Max draught 20.5m, length of vessel must not be less than 215m and not greater than 340m, max 250,000DWT, for partially loaded vessels max 160,000DWT. Vessels must be adequately ballasted and properly trimmed, ballast not being less than 30% of DWT and draught not being less than 50% of loaded draught.

A restricted area surrounding Cap Lopez Oil Loading Terminal (00°37.9'S 008°43.2'E), the limits of which can only be entered when under pilotage.

Tugs

Compulsory. There are 3 tugs available; 2 x 3,400hp, 1 x 2,700hp.

Mooring

Vessels are berthed port side alongside 6 dolphins, heading 044°. Mooring lines are attached to 8 mooring posts fitted with quick release hooks.

Charts and publications

BA 1322, 1887, 3447. Admiralty Pilot NP2, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA to be advised to agents and Elf Gabon 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

VHF: Total Gabon Terminal: Ch 16 and 72. Listening watch is kept when a vessel is expected.

Terminal Tel: +241 556339, Fax: +241 556478.

Notices and regulations

Tankers must have main engines and mooring equipment available for use at all times. When tornadoes are expected cargo operations are generally suspended.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministere de la Marine Marchande.

Position: Joint Secretary General

Address: BP 6795, Libreville, Gabon

Tel: +241 74 78 40 or +241 89 61 91

Fax: +241 74 78 40

Email: [email protected]

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available with 24 hours notice.

Bunkering: Available at the loading berth, or at anchor by barge, with 24 hours prior notice.

Medical

Port Gentil Hospital, 25km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Port Gentil Airport, 15km.

Airport facilities: Daily flights to Libreville International Airport.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Cap Lopez is situated in Prince's Bay, N of Port Gentil.

The port

Cap Lopez is an oil loading terminal, exporting crude oil and petroleum products. The entire bay is a sheltered anchorage with good holding ground, but there is a risk of tornadoes between Oct-May, especially during the months of Feb, Mar and Apr.

Traffic

Approx 90 vessels visit the port annually.

Where does the pilot board at Cap Lopez?

The pilot boards at Cap Lopez Oil Terminal pilot boarding place, 00°37.0′S 008°44.0′E.

What time zone is Cap Lopez in?

Local time at Cap Lopez is UTC+1. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Cap Lopez?

The deepest berth listed is at Elf Gabon: 20.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Cap Lopez?

1025.

Which load line zone is Cap Lopez in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Cap Lopez?

The UN/LOCODE of Cap Lopez is GACLZ.

What crews who called at Cap Lopez 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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