PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Escravos Oil Terminal
Pilot
updated Dec 2023- Escravos Terminal pilot/mooring-master boarding place Pilot boards05°23.0′N 004°58.0′E
Pilotage is compulsory for berthing at Escravos Terminal. Pilots act as Mooring Masters and the boarding area for the Escravos Terminal is in position (005° 28'.5N., 004° 59'.0 E) or as otherwise agreed between the Mooring Mater & the vessel's Master on arrival. Vessels must have their engines ready for immediate use while moored at Escravos Oil Terminal and subsequent berths.
If in the opinion of the Mooring Master, the pilot ladder is not safe; the Mooring Master may refuse to board and thus cause a delay to the ship. Such delay would be for the ship's account.
During the approach to the berth, while mooring, secured on the berth or LPG FSO and whilst un-berthing, the vessel's anchors must be secured by stoppers with the pawl bar down and wire or chain lashing.
All vessels manoeuvring within the area of the SBM Berths or LPG FSO will be under the advice of the Mooring Master, with the understanding that the Master of the vessel being manoeuvred shall remain solely responsible for the safety and proper manoeuvring of the vessel. The Master or a qualified Navigating Officer must be on the bridge at all times while the vessel is manoeuvring and mooring.
Two CNL Mooring Masters, together with three Mooring Technicians, will remain on board throughout the vessel's stay on the berth to coordinate the mooring and transfer operation. In addition one or two Surveyors and a Government appointed Pollution Inspector will remian onboard as well. Suitable and adequate accommodation shall be provided for them onboard the vessel.
Key data
updated Dec 2023Size limits
Max offshore LOA 365m, BCM 183m, draught 22.5m and 350,000DWT
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Tidal range approx 1.5m. The currents in the vicinity of the berths varies frequently in strength and direction, which can cause a vessel to yaw significantly, with a max rate of approx 1.5kts.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escravos Terminal | 22.50 m | 365 m | 4 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Dec 2023Approach
Even in daylight there is little indication of the terminal until within a short distance. However the following electronic aids have been reported as being helpful:
Radar responses from the oil rigs N of the terminal at 24nm. The coastline showing on radar at 14nm with the breakwater easily identifiable. Aero-radio beacon at the airport tank farm (005°36.5'N., 005°11.2'E).
When within VHF communication range (20 to 40 miles), Masters of vessel should ascertain berthing prospects from "Escravos Terminal" on VHF Ch 16 or 10.
Anchorages
The designated anchorage area is located 2.17nm SSW of the Berth Operations Platform (BOP) in position (005° 28'.5N., 004° 59'.0E). The depth here is approximately 23m, where the seabed is predominately mud. Unless otherwise instructed by the Terminal, this is also used as a mooring master/authorities boarding area.
In case where VHF contact cannot be established, the vessel should proceed to the recommended anchorage position and anchor.
Vessel must not enter the SBM 2 and SBM 3 "Restricted Entry" areas without a Chevron mooring Master on board.
Restrictions
Under no circumstances are engine repairs or the immobilisation of the main engines permitted within the terminal limits.
It is worth noting that groups of individuals have been known to attack the oil pipelines in the vicinity of the offshore facilities.
There is a restricted area which surrounds the two SBM's as well as the LPG FSO. Under no circumstances should vessels enter this area without prior permission.
Severe caution must be advised as there are several platforms in ruins that are located 3nm S of the Berth Operations Platform. The ruins are roughly 5m above sea level and form poor radar targets.
Tugs
Normally two tugs (bollard pull 30t) will assist in berthing the vessel.
Mooring
Mooring and unmooring operations at the crude oil berths will be undertaken day or night under suitable weather conditions. Mooring operations at the LPG FSO will be carried out during the hours of daylight only; unmooring will be carried out during day or night.
Charts and publications
BA 1385, 3321. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP286(8).
Reporting before arrival
updated Dec 2023Communications
Escravos Oil Terminal contact info
Call sign: Escravos Terminal
VHF: Ch 10, 16
Telephone: +870 601 007284 / +870 765 041274 / +870 765 041275
Facsimile: +870 765 041276
Telex: +581 465 748510
CNL Escravos contact info
Telephone: +234 1 260 0600 (ext. 73370) / +234 1 367 3370
Facsimile: +234 1 260 0600 (ext. 74725)
Email: [email protected]
Crude Tanker Berthing and Cargo Operations contact info
VHF: Ch 10, 10A
LPG FSO Tanker Berthing and Cargo Operations contact info
VHF: Ch 77
LPG FSO contact info
Telephone: +234 1 260 0600 (ext. 73420)
Facsimile: +234 1 260 0395
Email: [email protected]
Notice of readiness
The Mooring Master will only receive the vessel's NOR when he is satisfied that all conditions have been met. NOR will not be accepted when the port is closed due to adverse weather conditions or the vessel arrives too early.
Documents
All items marked * should be issued and marked 'NIL' if the items are not onboard. All documents to be on IMO forms.
Customs and immigration
Nigerian Customs and Immigration Officials will board the vessel on arrival to clear the vessel and issue Free Pratique. This will be the case even if the vessel is arriving from another Nigerian port.
Flags
The national flag of Nigeria shall be permanently displayed by vessels at the terminal.
Notices and regulations
Once within VHF range vessel will receive berthing instructions from the terminal operator.
Vessels are able to moor and depart from the two SBM's at any time, under normal weather conditions. Vessels wanting to moor at the LPG FSO can only do so during daylight hours however they may depart at any time.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Nigeria Ports Authority.
Position: General Security Manager.
Address: 26/28 Marina, Lagos, Nigeria.
Tel: +234 1 264 5894
Fax: +234 1 264 5894
Mob: +234 80 3301 9750.
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Dec 2023Repairs
Not available. Repairs will not be permitted when the vessel is berthed. Repair facilities are not readily available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Not available.
Medical
Medical facilities are available in an emergency.
Nearest hospital: Capitol-Hill Hospital (63.2km).
Note: Hospital figures given from the onshore tanks located at the Escravos Terminal (005° 36.738'N., 005° 11.255'E).
Crew change
Only permitted in emergency situations.
Transport
Nearest airport: Escravos Airstrip (Adjacent to the onshore tanks, used to service the Escravos Oil Terminal) and Osubi Airport, Wado City (70km).
Nearest railway: Warri Train Station (70.80km).
Note: Transportation figures given from the onshore tanks located at the Escravos Terminal (005° 36.738'N., 005° 11.255'E).
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Escravos Oil Terminal
updated Dec 2023Where it is
Escravos Terminal is situated approx 9.5nm offshore, close W of the River Niger delta.
The port
The terminal, operated by Chevron Nigeria Ltd, consists of a fixed platform with two SBM's for loading export crude, an LPG FSO as well as an STS facility. The Berth Operations Platform (BOP) is equipped with a heliport and is accessible at night due the red lights that surround it. The field is expected to reach its economic limit in 2051.
SBM No 2 is off the mouth of the Escravos River in position 005°30'.6N., 004°59'.4E.
SBM No 3 is situated 3.2nm W of SBM No 2 in position 005°29'.5N., 004°55'.9E.
The LPG FSO is situated 4nm WNW of SBM No 3 in position 005°31'.6N., 004°51'.7E. A gas pipeline extends in an E'ly direction from this position.
STS is located 35nm ESE of the LPG FSO in position 005° 28.573'N., 005° 26.487'E.
LPG FSO specifications: LOA 172.10m, beam 36m, Gascap 54,000m³ and 37,354DWT.
Questions about Escravos Oil Terminal
Where does the pilot board at Escravos Oil Terminal?
The pilot boards at Escravos Terminal pilot/mooring-master boarding place, 05°23.0′N 004°58.0′E.
What time zone is Escravos Oil Terminal in?
Local time at Escravos Oil Terminal is UTC+1. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Escravos Oil Terminal?
The deepest berth listed is at Escravos Terminal: 22.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Escravos Oil Terminal?
1025.
Which load line zone is Escravos Oil Terminal in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Escravos Oil Terminal?
The UN/LOCODE of Escravos Oil Terminal is NGESC.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Escravos Oil Terminal 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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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.