PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Cherry Point
Pilot
updated Jan 2011Pilotage is compulsory in Puget Sound for all foreign vessels and US vessels engaged in foreign trade. Pilotage should be arranged 24 hours in advance for inbound vessels through the vessels agent, by direct telephone communication with Puget Sound Pilots. Vessels should proceed to a point 1.4nm NNE of the Eastern end of Ediz Hook where the pilot will board the vessel. When approaching the boarding area, vessels are requested to monitor VHF Ch 13 and maintain a steady course and speed of 8-10kts when the pilot boat comes along.
Key data
updated May 2024Size limits
LOA 287.25m, beam 50m, draught 16.76m, 193,049DWT.
Load line zone
Summer zone.
Tides
Mean maximum range 2.6m, mean minimum range 0.7m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| BP Cherry Point Terminal | — | 287 m | 2 |
| Phillips 66 - Ferndale Refinery | 16.76 m | 275 m | 2 |
| Petrogas Ferndale Terminal | 8.69 m | 230 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 May 2024Approach
BP Terminal: The controlling depth of water at the South wing is 20.1m MLLW and the controlling depth of water at the North wing is 20.4m MLLW.
Caution: There are strong currents in the waters of Puget Sound.
Anchorages
Cherry Point anchorage area is located at 48°48.30'N 122°46.00'W. Other anchorage areas are available, and require prior arrangement with the US Coastguard before anchoring.
There is a general anchorage area 2.75nm NW of Sandy Point (48°47.2'N 123°42.3'W).
Tugs
Available, laden tank vessels, except double hull tankers less than 40,000DWT, carrying oil or oil products are required to have tug escort between buoy 'R' and the terminal. Masters or their agents shall consult with the Pilot Authority for information on the type and power of tug required by the regulations for the particular service.
Terminal rules require 2 assist tugs for all tank vessel docking and undocking operations. For barges and ATB's one assist tug is required, in addition to the primary tug.
Tugs are prohibited from working the inshore side of the vessel except in the case of an emergency. This is to prevent boom damage caused by tug propeller wash.
Mooring
The Master shall ensure that the safe working load, size, strength and condition of the vessels mooring lines are sufficient to safety secure the vessel in all conditions and that the ship will not break away during sudden changes of wind, current or surge of passing traffic.
The minimum number of lines is 14 in a 3-2-2 configuration. None of those maybe of mixed moorings.
All terminal mooring points are locally operated quick release style hooks and with the exception of one set of 50t hooks on the south wing, which are not used, are all rated at 100t.
Vessels are encouraged to put out additional spring lines depending on weather conditions and forecasts. The use of mixed moorings is discouraged. Any deviation from the minimum line requirements must be communicated to the dock PIC before tugs and pilots are dismissed.
It is the responsibility of the master to establish and maintain safe moorings that account for all weather and current conditions keeping in mind that it is not uncommon to have winds over 50kts and seas in excess of 2.0m.
Mooring lines shall be kept taut at all times in order to keep the vessel securely alongside. If the vessel moves in a lateral or tangential direction of more than 1.2m from the original position, the cargo transfer will be stopped immediately until the vessel is repositioned and secured. Upon initial mooring and at any subsequent adjustment, care should be taken to ensure an even spread of load over all lines leading in the same direction.
On vessels with tension winches, the winches shall be set for manual operation and the brakes securely applied.
Anchors will be cleared and ready for use at all times while the vessel is alongside the terminal. Tank barges are required to put out a minimum of 8 lines.
Starboard side to berth is recommended.
Charts and publications
BA 4920, 4922, 4951; US 18421. Admiralty Pilot NP25, NP286(5).
Reporting before arrival
updated Mar 2011Communications
VHF: Ch 7A, callsign "KUZ 435".
Inspections
Port State Control here: US Coast Guard.
Foreign ships are examined by the US Coast Guard. File the Advance Notice of Arrival 96 hours ahead (33 CFR 160).
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: United States Coast Guard, Office of Compliance. Address: 2100 Second St, SW, Washington DC, 20593, USA. Tel: +1 202 267 2978. Fax: +1 202 267 4858. Email: [email protected]. For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www2.imo.org/ISPSCode.
About Cherry Point
updated Sep 2019Where it is
Cherry Point is located, close to Ferndale, on the NW coast of the USA in the state of Washington, close to the Canadian border.
The port
The area consists of three terminals, the BP Terminal has two berths, principally used by tankers for receipt of crude oil, and the shipment of petroleum products. There is also the ConocoPhillips Refinery with a crude oil discharge berth and the Petrogas Ferndale Terminal with an alumina and LPG berth.
Questions about Cherry Point
What are the pilot arrangements at Cherry Point?
Pilotage is compulsory in Puget Sound for all foreign vessels and US vessels engaged in foreign trade.
What time zone is Cherry Point in?
Local time at Cherry Point is UTC−8. Clocks go to UTC−7 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−8 on 7 Nov 2027.
What is the maximum draft at Cherry Point?
The deepest berth listed is at Phillips 66 - Ferndale Refinery: 16.76 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
Which load line zone is Cherry Point in?
Summer zone.
Who carries out Port State Control at Cherry Point?
Port State Control at Cherry Point: US Coast Guard.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Cherry Point?
The UN/LOCODE of Cherry Point is USCP4.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Cherry Point 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.
Plan a route to Cherry Point →
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.