PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Fray Bentos
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory. Vessels inbound from the Atlantic Ocean and at Uruguayan ports use the Uruguayan pilot services.
Vessels proceeding from overseas, pick up pilots in Montevideo Roads, 35°00.0'S 056°3.5'W, just S of the Montevideo Channel Fairway Buoy. Vessels may be advised by their agent to pick up pilots further E, due to draught restrictions.
Information regarding the Uruguayan Pilots may be obtained through the Montevideo Control Centre (VHF Ch 16) or the Montevideo (Uruguayan) Pilot Boat (VHF Ch 16 and 11).
Key data
updated Aug 2010Size limits
Draught 6.7m.
Water density
1000.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
At Fray Bentos, depths of 1.2-1.3m above CD are usually recorded, however with a N'ly wind, this can drop to approx 0.6m. A SE'ly gale off the River Plate can cause the river level to rise to approx 1.8m-1.9m above CD. In all cases of sailing draught above CD figures, pilots should be consulted beforehand.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fray Bentos Terminal | — | — | 2 |
| M'bopicua Logistics Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| UPM Fray Bentos Mill | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Oct 2019Approach
Arrival at Fray Bentos from the River Plate is usually via the Martin Garcia Channel, max depth approx 9.7m CD. River Uruguay has two passes, Paso Marquez and Paso Barrizal with depths of approx 6.0m CD. A safe draught is dependant on prevailing river water levels and is usually around 6.7m. Rada de Fray Bentos is the reach of Rio Uruguay extending 3nm ENE from Punta Canarios, the main channel through it passes close to the Uruguayan shore and S of a large drying Bank which extends E of the meridian of Punta Canarios to Isla Sauzel and Isla Laguna, low marshy islands lying off the N shore 4-6nm ENE.
Anchorages
Anchorage may be obtained by small craft near the piers or in the bay to the W of them, ocean going ships should anchor further offshore, in deeper water.
Restrictions
Vessels navigate the following river passes, Martin Garcia Pass 6.7m; Pasco Barrizal 6.0m. Safe draught at Fray Bentos 6.0m. The last two passes have soft mud bottoms.
Martin Garcia Bridge: Centre span width 220m, vertical clearance 40m.
Charts and publications
BA 3548. Admiralty Pilot NP5, NP286(7).
Reporting before arrival
updated Oct 2019Communications
Cerrito Radio, Montevideo can be used for long range communications. The station works throughout 24 hours.
Inmarsat communication is possible.
VHF: Control and Information Centre: Ch 16, 11 and 13, callsign Control Fray Bentos Prefectura Radio (CWC25).
Tel: +598 562 2321, Fax: +598 562 3161.
Port: Ch 09. Tel: +598 562 8395, Fax: +598 562 2284.
General San Martin Bridge: Ch 16, 19, 11, 13. Call "CWC42".
Notice of readiness
NOR should be tendered in accordance with Charter Party terms. This is alongside if berth is free on arrival or on anchoring in the port roads if berth is occupied or if charterer, for any reason, does not accept vessel alongside.
If loading at more than one port, NOR should be presented at first loading port only, unless otherwise stated in the relevant Charter Party or contract; notwithstanding that the Master is obliged to keep agents/charterers well informed of progress and position whilst shifting between ports.
Health
Free pratique can be requested by radio. A message should be sent to the authorities, via the ship's agent, 48 hours prior to arrival. The message must include the number of crew and the full names of the Master.
Ship Sanitation Control Certificates and Exemption Certificates can be issued.
Customs and immigration
Customs: There are no restrictions regarding personal effects provided they are previously declared on the Crew Personal Effects List. Goods not declared are confiscated.
Immigration: All passengers' passports must be shown.
Flags
See "Standard messages" above.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Prefectura Nacional Naval.
Address: Rambla 25 de Agosto de 1825 s/n, Edif del Comando General de la Armada, Montevideo 11000, Uruguay.
Tel: +598 2 915 5500
Fax: +598 2 910 5500
Mob: +598 9 4433184
E-mail: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Oct 2019Repairs
Only minor repairs can be carried out.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Stores: Available.
Bunkering: Not available.
Medical
Hospital Dr Angel M Cuervo, 1.5km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Aeroclub Fray Bentos, 5km.
Roads: The port is close to the international bridge Fray Bentos-Puerto Unzue which is the shortest connection between Montevideo and Buenos Aires.
Working hours
Normally 0700-1100hrs and 1300-1700hrs.
About Fray Bentos
updated Oct 2019Where it is
Fray Bentos is located on the S side of the Rio Uruguay, approx 320km on the NW of Montevideo.
The port
The port handles general cargo, dry bulk and liquid cargo.
Questions about Fray Bentos
What are the pilot arrangements at Fray Bentos?
Compulsory. Vessels inbound from the Atlantic Ocean and at Uruguayan ports use the Uruguayan pilot services.
What time zone is Fray Bentos in?
Local time at Fray Bentos is UTC−3. No summer time.
What is the water density at Fray Bentos?
1000.
Which load line zone is Fray Bentos in?
Summer.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Fray Bentos?
The UN/LOCODE of Fray Bentos is UYFZB.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Fray Bentos 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.