Corinto

1. Puerto Corinto pilot boarding Pilot boards12°28.5′N 087°14.0′W

Size limits

LOA 294.13m, beam 36.45m, draught 12.2m, 74,543DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 0.91m. Mean spring range about 2.3m; mean neap range about 1.9m.

Currents: The growing currents to N direction reach velocities up to 0.8kt, ebb tides reach velocities up to 3kts in the vessel berth zone.

Tidal streams: The tidal streams are strong and care is necessary. The ingoing stream sets towards Banco Sawyer, and also has a tendency to set a vessel towards the shoals extending S from the bank, and towards the bank that extends N from Peninsula Castanones.

An outgoing stream has been experienced, close inshore between Punta Icaco and Corinto piers, one hour before HW.

In the harbour the tidal streams set parallel to the axis of the berths at a rate of approx 3kts.

The ingoing stream is reported to set through Baca Falsa at a rate of approx 3kts.

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

Approach

Vessels should close the lightbuoy marking the outer end of the external buoyed channel of 1.8nm length and 150m width and follow the three sets of leading lines through the internal buoyed channel of 1.4nm length and 115m width leading to Corinto Harbour. The buoys follow IALA Buoyage system "B". A vessel approaching from S should give a wide berth to Bajos Castanones.

Anchorages

The anchorage outside the bar is safe, but it is not comfortable, on account of the ground swell that sets in; consequently when it is intended to make a stay, it is advisable to enter the port. Large vessels usually anchor with Morro Cardon Light bearing 095° distance 2nm, in a depth of approx 16.0m, mud and black sand. Further S a heavy sea is usually experienced. Vessels waiting to go alongside always anchor in mid-stream, abeam the town, in depths from 8.0 -12.0m.

Vessels may, however, be found at anchor on or near the 074.5° leading line.

There is anchorage for large vessels, in depths of approx 13.0m, in a position 0.5nm NE of Cabo Austro. An area situated approx 0.3nm S of Corinto pier should be avoided as an anchorage, for in it the full force of the tidal streams are felt and the holding ground is poor.

It is recommended always to moor, as the tidal streams are strong at springs and the holding ground is indifferent.

Restrictions

The entrance to the harbour at Cardon Island, 1.6km from the town is only 108.5m wide. Minimum depth over the bar 8.53m; depth in harbour max 13.1-13.7m.

The port is operational throughout 24 hours but entry is restricted by the tide and the vessel's draught.

Speed: It has been reported that there is a speed limit of 8kts in the harbour and 5kts in the vicinity of the berths.

Tugs

Tugs are available.

Charts and publications

BA 1969. Admiralty Pilot NP8, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should send ETA 72, 48 and 24 hours in advance.

Communications

VHF: Port Authority: Ch 11, 16.

Agent: Ch 12, 16.

Documents

These documents will be distributed to the Immigration Office, Harbour Master, Customs Office, Port Authority and agent.

Notices and regulations

Vessels are considered as "arrived" only after they have fully entered the harbour, vessels at the pilot station are not considered to have "arrived".

ISPS

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

Repairs

Available, minor repairs only.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Not available, except in an emergency, when it may be possible to arrange small quantities.

Stores: Available in limited quantities.

Medical

Nearest hopsital: Hospital José Schendel (2km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Augusto Cesar Sandino International, Managua (155km).

Airport facilities: All facilities at principal airport, Managua.

Working hours

Normally 0730-1200hrs, 1300-1730hrs and 1900-2330hrs.

Where it is

Corinto is the largest port in Nicaragua, located 152 km from Managua, became the first in the region to have a gantry crane, which was a landmark in the Central American port activity.

The port

The main exports from Puerto Corinto are coffee, sugar, wood, scrap metal, seafood, free zone goods and imports are inputs for industry, fertilizers, fuels and vehicles.

Facilities are available for general cargo vessels and tankers with cargoes ranging from bananas, sugar and cotton to oil and manufactured goods. Ships use their own gear for cargo handling. No fuel oil, diesel, kerosene or gasoline is available.

Where does the pilot board at Corinto?

The pilot boards at Puerto Corinto pilot boarding, 12°28.5′N 087°14.0′W.

What time zone is Corinto in?

Local time at Corinto is UTC−6. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Corinto?

The deepest berth listed is at General Cargo Terminal: 12.20 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Corinto?

1025.

Which load line zone is Corinto in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Corinto?

The UN/LOCODE of Corinto is NICIO.

What crews who called at Corinto 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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