Cochin

Size limits

Harbour: LOA 365.99m, beam 51.2m, draught 14.5m, 199,999DWT

Off Shore: LOA 370.0m, draught 22.5m, BCM 220m, 321,137DWT

Water density

1000-1020.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

The average maximum and minimum tidal ranges are about 0.6m and 0.2m.

The max rate of the ebb stream at springs throughout the year is 2-3kts and at neaps from 0.75-1.25kts. The rate of the flood stream at springs throughout the year varies from 1.5-2kts, and at neaps from approx 0.75-1.25kts.

Both streams run for a considerable time after the predicted times of HW and LW, from 3-4 hours on the ebb, according to the season.

After heavy inland rains the ebb stream may run continuously for many days, while the flood stream enters the harbour under the surface ebb. On very rare occasions, and after high inland floods, the tidal stream in the harbour may have a rate of 5kts or more.

In Jan and Feb the effect of the ebb stream is not noticeable W of the outer channel buoys, and no appreciable current is experienced off the coast in the vicinity of Cochin.

Under monsoon conditions, strong eddies and cross currents have been experienced in the harbour entrance, and also off the NW point of Willingdon Island.

On the ebb stream, between the harbour entrance and the NW end of Willingdon Island, there is a strong set across the channel from the N part of the harbour; the limits of this stream are marked by tide rips which cause a vessel to sheer.

The maximum current at Cochin Gut during non-monsoon periods is approx 3kts, increasing to as much as 5.5kts during monsoon periods. Inside the harbour the current velocities are low, approx 0.5kt.

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 directly from seaward through the dredged approach channel and entered between Fort Cochin and Vypeen headland (0.23nm N).

The approach channel, length 10.5km, 175m wide, has been dredged across the bar to the harbour entrance from a position 4.5nm WSW of Cochin Lighthouse; it is maintained to 13.8m. Vessels of 12.5m draught can enter the harbour at all times of the year.

The channel is being further widened to 260m and a minimum depth of 16.7m to handle vessels of 14.5m draught.

Caution: The bar is dangerous for vessels' boats when the ebb sets strongly against sea breezes resulting in a short choppy sea.

The channels are marked with leading lights and buoys in accordance with the IALA Maritime Buoyage System (Region A).

A dangerous wreck and a small foul area lying close N of the N side of the dredged channel are situated, respectively, 2nm W, and 3nm W, of the harbour entrance.

Within the harbour entrance the channel is maintained at a depth of 13.8m over a width of approx 400m.

The dredged channel divides 0.5nm within the harbour entrance into Mattancheri Channel, leading W and Ernakulam Channel leading E of Willingdon Island. A new container terminal is being constructed on the north side of Willingdon Island on Vallarpadam Island, which will have a minimum depth of 16.0m and a turning circle of 700m diameter.

Ernakulam Channel has a length of 4.9km, width of 250m to 500mm and a turning basin of 500m. A depth of 13.5m(12.5m draught) is maintained to the Oil Terminal and Q8/Q9

and 9.75m (9.14m draught) to other berths, STB and NTB.

Mattancherry Channel has a length of 4.08km, width 180m to 250m. A depth of 10.00m (9.14m draught) is maintained with exception of a10.0m draught at Boat Train Pier.

A road bridge, with a lifting span connects the SW end of Willingdon Island with the mainland W, and a road and rail bridge, with a navigable opening marked by lighted dolphins, connects the E side of the island with the mainland E.

Port limits

The seaward limits of the port extend 12nm from the coast within the following co-ordinates:

10°07.4'N 076°10.6'E

10°07.4'N 076°58.8'E

09°48.2'N 076°04.6'E

09°48.2'N 076°16.4'E.

The port area includes the harbour and backwater, with the creeks and channels connecting with them and as much of their shores, whether of the mainland or of islands as may lie up to the HW mark.

Traffic schemes and VTS

The approaches and channels of Cochin port are monitored by a VTMS located in the port control, situated at the northern end of Willingdon Island. There are two radar locations, one at port control and another at Puthuvypeen.

Anchorages

Vessels may anchor between W and SW of the Fairway Lightbuoy, at a distance of not less than 2nm from the FWB when waiting a pilot, clear of the axis of the channel, in good holding ground and mud.

SPM: Vessels calling for discharge at the SPM should anchor 2.5nm S of the SPM.

Lightering area: STS operations are carried out in position 10°03.5'N 076°04.5'E.

Restrictions

Vessels can enter or leave harbour by day or night at almost any state of the tide, except for laden crude oil tankers which may only enter on suitable tide.

Silting occurs in SW monsoon (May-Sep).

A vessel shifting berth within the port must not proceed at more than 7kts.

Tanker minimum draught: Tankers in ballast are subject to draught restrictions. Min draughts for tankers of 152.4m and over are 4.9m (plus or minus 0.6m) forward and 6.1m aft. Additionally, tankers over 213.4m in length are subject to a max draught of 8.5m. Tankers less than 152.4m in length must have a min draught forward of 4.3m (plus or minus 0.6m, and be trimmed by the stern) and 4.9m aft.

Vertical Clearance: A road and rail bridge spans the SE part of Ernakulam Channel with 4.75m vertical clearance.

Submarine Pipeline and Cables: A pipeline extends W from just off the Cochin Light to the SPM and underwater cable WSW from a position e.75nm SSE of Azhikod Light.

Tugs

Two tugs, 2 x 45t are available in Cochin are used for each shipping movement as per requirement of the Pilot.

Tugs work with the Pilots on VHF Channel 14.

SBM: Two tugs (50t and 60t) should be used for SPM operations as follows:

One tug will remain at the tanker for pull back operations and unmooring of the tanker from the SPM on completion of cargo operations. The second tug will be finished with after the mooring of the tanker is completed.Only the Port Pilot, BPCL(KR) representatives, Ship's Agents, Customs and Immigration personnel, and Cargo Surveyors are allowed to use the tugs when they are engaged in ship operations.

Mooring

Vessels awaiting berthing information should maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 16. Berthing information is generally available from Cochin Port Control at 0600, 1300 and 1800hrs.

SBM Mooring Arrangements: Vessel will be moored to the SPM using two 76mm chains (OCIMF Type B). Vessel to prepare two free mooring drums forward with messenger lines reeled through the bow stoppers and fairleads and kept standby at the break of the forecastle for passing to the mooring boats.

Mooring of tankers to the SPM will be undertaken only during daylight hours so vessels should arrive and board the Pilot before 1600hrs to give sufficient time to berth. Vessels arriving later will be berthed at first light (Pilot Boarding at 0600hrs) the next day. Unmooring operations are undertaken at all hours and since the Pilot is already on board, will be undertaken as soon as the vessel is ready for sailing.

Hoses: 2 x 16in hoses will be connected at the Port side manifold the tanker. Hose connection gear and crew will baord he tanker during the approach to the SPM and the vessel's crane will be used for lifting the gear.

Charts and publications

IN2045, IN2004, IN2029, IN220, IN259. Admiralty Pilot NP38, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA should be sent to Harbour Master at least 48 hours prior to arrival through the vessel's agent. ETA messages should also advise the vessel's draught forward and aft (Salt Water), date and ETA (in Local Time) at the Outer Roads, number and nationality of crew, brief description of cargo and purpose of call. Amendments to the ETA should be advised at least 12 hours in advance.

Cochin port control should be contacted on VHF 2 hours and 30 minutes before arrival at the fairway buoy.

Notice of readiness

NOR to be advised 72 hours prior to arrival and when in VHF range.

Documents

The agent's representative collects the aforementioned documents after the vessel is all fast and customs officers have boarded the vessel.

Kochi SPM: BPCL (KR) have prepared a questionnaire (Q88) for vessels calling at the SPM. On completion, a copy of this should be forwarded to the Port Office or emailed to [email protected].

Documents for vessel clearance at SPM: For the purposes of outward clearance, due to the great distance of the SPM from the port and the long boat ride, Agents may produce photocopies of visiting vessel's documents attested by the Port Pilot or Master of the Vessel, instead of the original paperwork.

Health

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificate can be issued.

Radio pratique: Master should advise Quarantine Cochin in the International Code of Health Declaration, a list of ports called at during the last 30 days with dates of departure, validity of Ship Sanitation Control Certificate, when and where issued, whether any port in a yellow fever area called at, whether any monkeys onboard, whether any person embarked in Aden or Djibouti or any mortality in rats or mice. If there is no serious mortality in rats or mice to be advised, then specifically request radio pratique advising the vessel's agent at the port within 12 hours but not later than 4 hours of ETA at Cochin. The boarding pilot grants pratique against the Master's Declaration of Health if the official form is found to be satisfactory. The Certificate of Health Inspection issued by the port health officer is a pre-requisite for obtaining the customs clearance and for the pilot to sail the vessel. Vessel must have onboard a valid Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and record the status of vaccinations in respect of the crew and officers. Garbage clearance is compulsory.

Customs and immigration

The posting of a Customs Officer for preventative supervision is a statutory requirement. The officer must be provided with food as available onboard and a cabin.

Any cigarettes or liquor found in possession of the crew in excess of the normal allowances for weekly consumption (200 cigarettes and 1 bottle of hard liquor each) will be liable for seizure by the Customs. No landing permits issued to Pakistani crew. Chinese crew are allowed landing permits for 24 hours, renewable for 24 hours at a time.

Flags

An oil tanker should display flag B by day and an all round red light by night.

Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Director-General of Shipping.

Position: Nautical Adviser to the Government of India.

Address: Jahaz Bhavan, Walchand Hirachand Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai 400 001, India.

Tel: +91 22 2261 0606

Fax: +91 22 2269 4352

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.dgshipping.com

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

Repairs

Major repairs possible, Cochin Shipyard Limited. Divers available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available. Supplied by hose/barge.

Bunkering: Available. Bunker supply can be done by all berths by barge/trucks/pipeline. All major oil companies undertakes supplies which is arranged through agents.

LNG Bunker: Available at Kochi LNG Terminal.

Stores: Available with prior notice.

Cochin is emerging as a high turnover bunkering hub for South Asian Region. The port is supported by a coastal refinery ensuring a reliable supply. 380 centistoke fuel oils comply with latest ISO Standard 8217-2010 with a Sulphur Content of less than 3.5%.

Medical

Available. The Port has a 150 bed hospital. Facilities include an Intensive Care Unit, Operating Theatre, Laboratory, Scanning and X-Ray Department, Accident and Emergency Unit and immunization services.

Crew change

Possible. All persons using the wharves are required to have appropriate Wharf Passes, issued by the port via Vessel's Agent.

Transport

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, 35km.

Nearest railway: Cochin.

Working hours

Normally 0700-1500hrs, 1500-2300hrs, 2300-0700hrs.

Where it is

Cochin (also known as Kochi) is situated in SW India in the state of Kerala.

The port

Cochin is a deep water harbour S of Mumbai. The port has an offshore SBM capable of handling VLCC's and berths for general, coal and tanker cargoes, also specialised container transhipment berths. Main imports are mineral oils, chemicals and raw cotton.

Main exports include seafood, coir products, cashew kernels, tea rubber and coconuts.

STS tanker operations in a designated anchorage area using Yokohama fenders is available.

Reportedly, Cochin is set to become the major port for bunkering within the South Asian Region.

Traffic

Approx 36,000,000t of cargo, 750,000TEU and 1,700 vessels handled annually.

What time zone is Cochin in?

Local time at Cochin is UTC+5:30. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Cochin?

The deepest berth listed is at BPCL Kochi Refinery: 22.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Cochin?

1000-1020.

Which load line zone is Cochin in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Cochin?

Port State Control at Cochin: Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Cochin?

The UN/LOCODE of Cochin is INCOK.

What crews who called at Cochin 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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