Dakhla

Size limits

LOA 148m, draught 7.0m, beam 23.25m,13,858DWT

Water density

1000-1012.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

At the commencement of the East going stream, there are sometimes strong eddies on the bar and inside the bar the tidal stream has a rate of 2.5kts.

On the bar and over the shoal ground the tidal streams attain a great rate, causing the sea to break.

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

Approach

Access to the port is over a sand bar extending S from Punta de la Sarga. The channel across the bar is narrow and subject to change by strong tidal streams, the max depth is 6.4m.

Vessels approaching from the N should identify Roca Cabron, then follow the coast in a depth of 20m.

Approaching from the S, it is very difficult to make a good landfall as there are no good landmarks and it is dangerous to close with the coast.

Vessels should stay in depths of 25-30m until Punta Durnford has been identified. In clear weather Punta de El Argub stands out from the neighbouring cliffs.

The track for entering the bay passes approx 0.5nm S of Punta Galera, (23°38.0'N 016°00.0'W), and N of No 1 Lightbuoy. Then the track is SE to pass S of No 2 Lightbuoy, then NE into Canal Principal.

Caution: There are sandbanks within the bay, drying in places, and channels between them. Local knowledge is essential to navigate these dangers safely.

Anchorages

Anchorage outside the bar can be obtained approx 0.5nm SW of Punta Galera in a depth of approx 13.0m, local knowledge is required.

Anchorage within the bay can be obtained by small vessels E of the town of Dakhla and the old berthing facility, in a depth of 13.0m, the holding ground is good and there is shelter from SW winds. The tidal streams are strong and local knowledge is required.

Anchorage can also be obtained by small vessels in several places at the end of Bahia de Villa Cisneros and off El Argub, (23°38.0'N 015°53.0'W) and El Puertito, 3.25nm SSW, local knowledge is required.

Anchorage is prohibited in an area extending from No 1 Lightbuoy to the coast between Punta Galera and Punta de la Sarga.

Local knowledge is required when anchoring inside or outside the Bahia de Villa Cisneros.

There is a spoil ground situated close NE of Bajo de Galeota Atravesada (23°40.0'N 015°57.0'W) marked with red buoys

Anchoring is prohibited in an area centred on 23°27.5'N 015°59.4'W.

Restrictions

There is a bar across the estuary entrance with a max depth of 6.4m.

Light buoys marking the entrance to the bay may be moved during dredging operations and the controlling depth may not be as charted.

Tugs

There are 2 tugs available; 1 of 912hp and 1 of 450hp.

Charts and publications

BA 1690, 3134. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP286(3).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessel's ETA should be sent 48 hours, 24hours and 2 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

Radio: Radio telephone 2182 and 2626kHz from 0800-1300hrs, and 1500-2000hrs GMT.

VHF: Harbour master: Ch 16, 11, 12. Tel: +212 52 889 7176, Fax: +212 52 893 0999.

Port Authority: Tel: +212 52 889 7176, Fax: +212 52 893 0999.

ISPS

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Fuel can be supplied subject to advance notice.

Medical

Hassan II Hospital offers restricted hospital facilities and there are consultation centres, dentists and pharmacies available in the town. More extensive hospital facilities are available in Laayoune, 475km NE.

Transport

Nearest airport: Dakhla Airport (VIL), approx 6km NNE with Royal Air Maroc being the principal airline operating services to Agadir, Casablanca and Las Palmas.

Nearest railway: There is no rail service.

Nearest highway: The principal road is the N1 which links Dakhla with Boujdour to the N and Nouadhibou in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to the S.

Where it is

The new port of Dakhla, previously known as Villa Cisneros, is situated on the E coast of the Peninsular de Rio de Oro, in the Bahia de Villa Cisneros, approx 245nm S of Gran Canaria and approx 380nm SW of the port of Tan Tan.

The old port is located approx 2.5 nm along the coast to the NE.

The port

Dakhla is the capital city of Oued Eddahab province.

The new port area comprises 4 berths, 1 external and 3 internal, on a 'U' shaped head, linked to the mainland at the SW end of the city by a 1nm long access road lying NW/SE.

Mostly used by ocean going fishing vessels, the main cargoes are oil products, phosphates, fresh fish and fish products including frozen fish.

The old port, at the NE end of the city, comprises 5 berths located within the sheltered sections of a 'U' shaped facility. Like the new port, these older berths are connected to the mainland by a road, approx 445m long. The facility is used primarily by naval craft, small fishing vessels and coastal tankers.

All ports within the Western Sahara region are subject to heavy silting and regular dredging is carried out to keep ponds and access channels open.

Traffic

Approx 680,000t of cargo handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Dakhla?

Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 50GT entering or leaving Bahia de Villa Cisneros.

What time zone is Dakhla in?

Local time at Dakhla is UTC+0. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Dakhla?

The deepest berth listed is at Dakhla Port: 7.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Dakhla?

1000-1012.

Which load line zone is Dakhla in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Dakhla?

The UN/LOCODE of Dakhla is EHVIC.

What crews who called at Dakhla 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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