Frontera

Size limits

Draught 6.6m, LOA 87.25m, Beam 23m, 5,136DWT.

Tides

Tidal rise is 0.6 to 1.2m at springs. One tidal rise in 24 hours.

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

Approach

The approach is from the N, passing the Landfall Lightbuoy (black can), moored 1.5nm off Punta Buey Light (18°40'N 092°41'W), along a channel marked in places by lightbuoys.

The port approach channel crosses a bar with depths varying from 3.7-4.9m, depending on the flow of water in Rio Grijalva. The bar has the least depth over it when the river is at its highest level. When it is at its lowest level, the channel, being contracted, is scoured and becomes deeper.

As of 2009, hurricanes have reduced channels depths to 2.7m, exercise with caution within the area.

Anchorages

Outer anchorages: Anchorage is available outside the bar in depths of 7-9m.

Anchorage is also available 1.5nm SW of Punta Buey (18°39'N 092°43'W) in a depth of 7.6m. A dangerous wreck is 0.3nm ESE of this anchorage. Both anchorages are exposed to N'ly winds.

Anchorage can be given W entrance to the Grijalva canal however care must be taken with wrecks within the area.

Anchorage is available for coasters off the town.

Restrictions

An overhead cable with safe vertical clearance of 36m spans the river close N of the town.

As of 2009, hurricanes have reduced channels depths to 2.7m, exercise with caution within the area.

Tugs

Available.

Charts and publications

BA 373. Admiralty Pilot NP69A, NP286(7).

Communications

The following coastal radio stations are recommended:

West Coast Mexico: International station and Mobile Radio (USA).

East Coast Mexico: Mobile, Alabama Radio.

The stations work throughout 24 hours.

Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Port and Pilotage: Ch 16 is used to contact the port on arrival.

Port Authority Tel: +52 913 332 0643. Fax: +52 913 332 0643.

Harbourmaster Tel: +52 913 332 0046

Pilots Tel: +52 913 332 0643

Notice of readiness

Tendered in accordance with the Charter Party.

Documents

Documents are received by the Harbour Master, Health Inspector, Immigration Authorities, Customs Authorities, Agricultural Inspector. There are no special forms for completion.

Health

Pratique will be granted by the Port Authorities once they arrive onboard the vessel. Free pratique is not granted by radio.

Vessels arriving from South America have to be fumigated. Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC) can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Allowances for officers and crew do not exist for personal possessions which must be kept onboard. Penalties for non-compliance will result in confiscation of the goods and fines.

Immigration: Formalities depend on the nationality of the crew. Nationalities that are not restricted in Mexico can proceed ashore provided they have a shore pass which can be issued by the port agent upon request of the Master. Joining and off signing crew members have to be declared 24 hours prior to the time and date of arrival/departure.

Vessel is cleared on arrival and departure.

Notices and regulations

Cargo documents have to be in the port in order for the vessel to be programmed.

Port State Control here: Tokyo 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: Director General for Merchant Navy/Office of National Protection of Maritime Ports.

Position: Director General for Merchant Navy

Address: Avenida Nuevo Leon 210, 3rd Floor, Colonia Hipodromo Condesa, 06100 Piso Deleg. Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, D.F.

Tel: +52 55 5265 3216.

Fax: +52 55 5265 3215.

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: http://www.sct.gob.mx/e-mar

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

Repairs

Minor repairs available.

Medical

Hospital available locally.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1200hrs and 1400-1800hrs.

Where it is

Frontera is located on the E bank of the River Grijalva, near to the river mouth in the Bay of Campeche.

The port

Berthing facilities are located 5nm upstream from the river mouth on the East bank, next to the town.

Used mainly by small coastal vessels.

What are the pilot arrangements at Frontera?

Compulsory. Pilots used from lighthouse for vessels arriving before 2200 .

What time zone is Frontera in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Frontera?

The deepest berth listed is at Frontera Terminal: 6.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

Who carries out Port State Control at Frontera?

Port State Control at Frontera: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Frontera?

The UN/LOCODE of Frontera is MXFRN.

What crews who called at Frontera 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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