PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Famagusta
Pilot
updated May 2010- Famagusta boarding — anchorage Pilot boards35°09.3′N 033°56.4′E
Pilotage is compulsory for ships above 300GT entering the harbour, vessels should not enter the harbour approach without a pilot. There is direct communication with the pilots by VHF during office hours. Vessels should send request for pilots 24 hours in advance through the agent. Pilot boards to seaward of Turning Lightbuoy, 35°09.2'N 033°56.2'E and directs vessels to their berth. In bad weather pilot will advise Master to proceed to entrance of outer harbour for boarding purposes.
Key data
updated Mar 2024Size limits
LOA192m, beam 27m, draught 9.1m, 27,917DWT.
Water density
1028.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range 0.4m (springs), 0.1m (neaps).
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Famagusta Outer Harbour | 9.10 m | 192 m | 1 |
| Famagusta Inner Harbour | 6.70 m | 147 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 Mar 2024Approach
The depth in the entrance channel is dredged to a depth of 10.2m over a width of 183m.
The Outer Harbour is protected from NE by an Outer Breakwater which extends in an arc N and W from Messanisi, a light is exhibited at the head of the breakwater.
W Arm extends from the shore 550m WSW of the head of the outer breakwater, forming the entrance, 220m wide to Outer Harbour, a light is exhibited at the head of the W Arm.
The Inner Harbour is protected from NE by Karavolos Patamothio, Oxo Islet and Messanisi.
Old Mole, which dries, extends W from Messanisi for 400m, a light is exhibited at the head of the mole.
The entrance to the Inner Harbour, between the head of Old Mole and the quay on the SW side of Outer Harbour, is approx 110m wide.
Within the entrance a basin, extending SE for 550m, has been dredged to a depth of 7.3m, 2 dolphins are situated at the SE end of the basin.
Schooner Basin, at the SE end of the Inner Harbour, is dredged to a depth of 2.7m.
Directions for entering the harbour: From position, 35°10'N 033°57'E approach with Famagusta Lighthouse and the beacon 0.2nm NE in a line bearing 216°, which leads close NW of Turning Lightbuoy in a least depth of 10.7m.
When SE Bastion Light is seen in the centre of the entrances to Outer and Inner Harbour on a bearing of 158.5°, steer on this bearing, which leads into the harbour. This light structure is usually obscured by fishing vessels masts. The channel of approach to Outer Harbour entrance has been dredged to a depth of 10.2m over a width of 90m.
At night, approach in the white sector 178°-216° of Famagusta Light with the light bearing 207°, which leads 0.15nm W of Turning Lightbuoy.
When SE Bastion Light is seen midway between the lights on Outer Breakwater and W Arm heads, on a bearing of 158.5°, it should be steered for on this bearing to the inner anchorage or into the harbour.
Anchorages
Anchorage may be obtained near the approach channel, inside the shoals, with Famagusta Lighthouse bearing approx 277°, distance 0.65nm, in a depth of 12m. The shoals give no protection to this berth in NE and E gales and vessels should proceed to sea during a gale from this quarter.
Small vessels may anchor in the area sheltered by Outer Breakwater in depths of 5.5-7.3m, or may enter Inner Harbour.
Outer anchorage may be obtained in a depth of approx 18m with Famagusta Light 35°08.2'N 033°55.5'E, bearing 218° distance 1.5nm.
Recommended anchorage in a depths of 24.0-29.0m may be obtained in approx 1.3nm ESE of the light.
Restrictions
Vessels may berth between 0600hrs and sunset, unberthing is carried out between 0600hrs and midnight, including weekends and official holidays. Passenger vessels are allowed to enter the port up to 2300hrs.
Tugs
The following tugs are available: "Piyale Pasa", 1,350hp, 16t bollard pull, towing tug; "Mehmetcik III", 650hp, manual operating, "Mehmetcik II", 205hp, pilot boat.
Tugs meet vessels at the entrance to the outer harbour.
Charts and publications
BA 848, 2074,2633,851. Admiralty Pilot NP49, NP286(3).
Reporting before arrival
updated Feb 2018ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels ETA should be sent 24 hours prior to arrival.
Communications
Northern Cyprus Radio, R/T 2182kHz.
VHF: Ch 16, Ch 14, Ch 06.
Tel: +90 392 3654388, +90 392 3650466.
Fax: +90 392 3650466.
Notice of readiness
The NOR should be submitted by the Master and accepted by the agent.
Health
Pratique is required only at first port of call in Northern Cyprus. Pratique is granted either before or after berthing as appropriate.
Customs and immigration
Customs allowances: Cigarettes 200 or 250 grams of tobacco and 0.75cl of spirits and 0.75cl of wine per man per week.
Passports and/or Seaman's Books are accepted by the police and immigration authorities. On ship's arrival passports and/or Seaman's Books are retained by Immigration against the issue of landing cards which are used until the ship's departure when the passports and/or Seaman's Books are returned to the Master.
Flags
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus flag is to be hoisted on a mast from 0800hrs to sunset.
Notices and regulations
The landing of dogs or other animals is not permitted. The disposal of garbage and waste is strictly prohibited both in the port and territorial waters.
Inspections
Port State Control here: Paris MOU.
Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Department of Merchant Shipping, Ministry of Communications and Public Work
Position: Head of Department
Address: PO Box 56193, CY-3305 Limassol, Cyprus.
Tel: +357 25 848100.
Fax: +357 25 848200.
Email: [email protected]
Telex: 2004 MERSHIPCY.
Website: http://www.shipping.gov.cy
RSO - Security Consultant Services: Class NK.
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)
Cyprus has signed a PSI ship boarding agreement with the USA aimed at stemming the flow of weapons of mass destruction. If a US or Cyprus flagged vessel is suspected of trafficking proliferation related cargo, either party to this agreement can request authorisation to board, search and possibly detain the other's vessel and it's cargo.
Port services
updated Feb 2018Repairs
Minor deck and engine repairs can be undertaken at a local workshop. Two slipways capable of handling vessels up to 3,000DWT operate at the Inner Basin end of the port.
Dry docks
There is one floating dock capable of handling vessels up to 4,500t, located at the entrance of the outer harbour.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Water hydrants are installed alongside the quay, both at the inner and outer basins, delivery through hoses is 10t per hydrant, per hour.
Certain limitations to the quantities available are possible during the summer months, (Jun-Sep), owing to the general shortage of water.
Bunkering: There are no bunkering facilities available alongside the quay. Limited fuel deliveries to vessels alongside the quay can be made by road tankers of 8-20t each.
Medical
Famagusta Medical Hospital, 2.6km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Larnaca International Airport, 45km.
Working hours
Winter (Oct - Apr): Normally 0800-1700hrs (Mon - Fri). Sat: 0800-1100 (Berthing only).
Summer (May - Sep): Normally 0700-1400 (Mon - Fri). Sat: 0800 - 1100
About Famagusta
updated Mar 2024Where it is
Famagusta is situated within Famagusta Bay in approx 11nm NW of Cape Greco, on the E coast of Cyprus.
The port
Since the Turkish intervention in the northern part of Cyprus in 1974, the port of Famagusta has been declared an illegal point of entry by the Cyprus Government and is closed to all international shipping. Attention is drawn to United Nations Resolutions 541/1983 and 550/1984. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ministry of Communications and Works state that the port is open to international shipping.
The port handles container, general cargo, Ro-Ro and passengers.
Questions about Famagusta
Where does the pilot board at Famagusta?
The pilot boards at Famagusta boarding — anchorage, 35°09.3′N 033°56.4′E.
What time zone is Famagusta in?
Local time at Famagusta is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 31 Oct 2027.
What is the maximum draft at Famagusta?
The deepest berth listed is at Famagusta Outer Harbour: 9.10 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Famagusta?
1028.
Which load line zone is Famagusta in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Famagusta?
Port State Control at Famagusta: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Famagusta?
The UN/LOCODE of Famagusta is CYFMG.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Famagusta 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.
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.