PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
FSO Benchamas 2
Pilot
updated May 2010The Mooring Master boarding position is at the anchorage, 3nm E of BLQ Platform (10°31'N 101°17'E) or where the Terminal Superintendent may otherwise advise. Customs, Immigration and Port Health Officials will board the vessels at the same time as the Mooring Master.
The use of a mechanical pilot hoist is not acceptable.
Key data
updated Apr 2024Size limits
Offshore: LOA 246.8m, beam 42.0m, 109,855DWT.
Water density
1030-1033.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Currents in the gulf are generally weak and variable. From Oct-May during the NE monsoon, wind driven mainly near shore, surface currents in the gulf circulate in an anti clockwise direction. These currents are reversed by prevailing SW winds from June-Sep and develop a clockwise flow. Current speeds of greater than 1.35kts have been reported in the NE gulf, average speeds are usually less than 0.5kt.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benchamas 2 | — | 247 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 Apr 2024Approach
Safe approach to the terminal is from the NE or the SE, passing to the E of the Terminal to the Mooring Master boarding position. Masters should note that the terminal is situated near to busy shipping lanes and are cautioned accordingly.
Anchorages
The designated anchorage position for vessels awaiting berth lies 3nm E of BLQ Platform in a water depth of approx 70m. To avoid danger to sub sea installations, no anchors may be dropped in the terminal area except at the designated anchoring position and only with prior approval from the terminal.
It is recommended that whenever possible vessels time their arrival to coincide with the agreed Mooring Master boarding time and avoid anchoring.
Vessels at anchor, awaiting berthing shall keep, at all times, a full bridge watch and monitor the VHF on the terminal frequency.
Restrictions
The Terminal conducts mooring of tankers during daylight hours only. Unmooring can be done at anytime.
Tugs
One tug is available to assist with berthing and unberthing. Whilst moored at the terminal, a tug will remain secured to the stern of the export vessel on a soft rope deployed from the vessel. The tug will assist in maintaining alignment and safe distance between the Terminal and the vessel. It is strongly recommended that the soft rope is protected against chafing damage at its exit point from the stern of the vessel.
Mooring
Vessels using the terminal will be moored in tandem, export vessel's bow to the stern of the FSO and loading will be by means of a floating hose deployed between the two vessels.
Vessel bow mooring arrangements must comply with the recommendations contained in the latest OCIMF publication. Vessels must be fitted with an approved chain stopper.
Smit Brackets or other devices to secure the chafe chain are not permitted.
In addition to the above it is compulsory to use a winch storage drum to handle and stow the entire length of the pick up rope which is attached to the mooring assembly. The use of a warping drum to handle the pick up rope is a hazardous practice and is not normally permitted.
A 76mm chafe chain should be used to secure the vessel.
On completion of mooring, the vessel shall rig on the starboard side on the foredeck only, one emergency towing wire of adequate strength. The line must be secured on mooring bitts and have sufficient slack on deck with the eye maintained at water level.
Charts and publications
BA 3963. Admiralty Pilot NP30, NP286(4). US 93010: Gulf of Thailand.
Inspections
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: Marine Safety and Environment Bureau
Address: 1278 Yotha Road, Talardnoi, Samphantawong, Bangkok, 10100, Thailand.
Tel: +66 2639 4774
Fax: +66 2639 4775
Mob: +66 1777 1000
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
About FSO Benchamas 2
updated Aug 2018Where it is
The terminal is located in position 10°31'N 101°16'E, offshore in the Gulf of Thailand.
The port
The aframax tanker Bunga Kelana 5 has converted into FSO Benchamas 2 formerly known as Benchamas Terminal. The terminal handles the storage and transhipment of crude oil.
Questions about FSO Benchamas 2
What are the pilot arrangements at FSO Benchamas 2?
The Mooring Master boarding position is at the anchorage, 3nm E of BLQ Platform (10°31'N 101°17'E) or where the Terminal Superintendent may otherwise advise.
What time zone is FSO Benchamas 2 in?
Local time at FSO Benchamas 2 is UTC+7. No summer time.
What is the water density at FSO Benchamas 2?
1030-1033.
Which load line zone is FSO Benchamas 2 in?
Tropical.
Who carries out Port State Control at FSO Benchamas 2?
Port State Control at FSO Benchamas 2: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of FSO Benchamas 2?
The UN/LOCODE of FSO Benchamas 2 is THBEN.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at FSO Benchamas 2 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.