Gladstone

1. Gladstone boarding position 1 (LNG vessels) Pilot boards23°50.1′S 151°34.7′E
2. Gladstone boarding position Alpha Pilot boards23°51.0′S 151°31.5′E
3. Gladstone boarding position Bravo Pilot boards23°51.9′S 151°32.7′E
4. Gladstone boarding position Charlie Pilot boards23°53.0′S 151°33.0′E
5. Gladstone boarding position Delta Pilot boards23°55.0′S 151°31.0′E
6. Torres Strait Pilotage — Gladstone, North Point Pilot boards23°44.0′S 151°22.0′E

Size limits

LOA 320m, beam 55m, draught 17.90m, 220,000DWT.

Water density

1024-1028.

Load line zone

South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.

Tides

Range 3.2m (spring), 1.6m (neap).

Maximum daily tide height is 4.9m (HWS), minimum daily tide height is 2.7m (HWN).

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

Approach

The port is approached from that part of Curtis Channel abreast the coast between Rodds Peninsula and Facing Island. The deep water entrance is through South Channel.

The combined length of the three sea channels is 10.4nm from the Fairway Buoy. All three channels are 183m wide with a maintained depth of 15.7m at LAT.

RG Tanna Swing Basin: NW of berths, diameter 600m, depth 10.4m.

Auckland Point Swing Basin: Between channel and wharf, diameter 523m, depth 11.5m.

South Trees Basin: Width 670m, depth 12.8m.

Boyne Wharf Basin: Depth 15.0m.

Port limits

Then W to the HW line at Wild Cattle Island.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Outbound vessels of LOA 10m and over should contact the VTS Centre on VHF Ch 13 at least 15 minutes before departure, on departure and when outside the port limits.

Anchorages

Outer anchorage: Vessels awaiting a pilot or the tide may obtain anchorage in depths between 15-23m, good holding ground, N or E of the entrance (23°54.0'E 151°30.5'E) to Wild Cattle Cutting and South Channel in numbered anchorages clear of the prohibited anchorage.

Inner harbour: Good anchorage inside Gatcombe Head, approx 0.7nm S of Bushy Islet, in sand and mud, N of Facing Island leads, is available at the Harbour Master's discretion.

Prohibited anchorage: Anchorage is prohibited in the restricted area extending 3nm to seaward of the entrance to Wild Cattle Cutting. All vessels are required to remain outside the same area unless entering or leaving the dredged channel, or in the process of embarking or disembarking a pilot for the port.

Restrictions

Barney Point Wharf: Following difficulties with vessels remaining alongside at the Wharf, the UKC for all visiting has been increased from 0.5m to 1.00m.

Draught limits: The maximum allowable draught of a vessel passing through the channel is based on the dredged depth of the channel plus the tide height less the UKC allowance.

Currently the approach channels to the port are dredged to 16.3m LWS, which guarantees a minimum sailing draught of 17.0m on almost any day of the year and up to 18.0m on days with a maximum tide height. Maximum tidal rise in the port is in the range of 2.7-4.9m, which allows the greater departure draught for vessels on tides in excess of 2.7m.

Tugs

A new facility has been opened berthing accommodation for up to 12 tugs and an administration building. Five new tugs have been purchased to service the LNG industry, all of 70t bollard pull. Tug's wires are always used when a pilot is embarked.

Charts and publications

AUS819. BA 4635. Admiralty Pilot NP15, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels must advise ETA to Port Authorities 7 days, 5 days, 48 hours and 24 hours prior to arrival and pilots at least 24 hours in advance and confirm 2 hours before arrival, stating whether or not the pilot can be accepted by helicopter transfer.

Communications

Radio: Messages may be sent by Inmarsat, 'A', 'B' or 'C' or alternatively to coastal stations MF/HF voice broadcast "VIS" (Sydney Radio) throughout 24 hours on 2201, 4426, 6507, 8176 and 12365kHz.

"VIP" (Perth Radio) throughout 24 hours: 2201, 4426, 6507, 8176 and 12365kHz.

VHF: When in vicinity of Gladstone, Ch 27 can be used to make radio telephone calls, callsign "Brisbane Radio".

Standard messages

Note: To be lodged at Customs Marine Centre, with a copy of the Crew List, 48 hours prior to the vessel's arrival.

unquote

Notice of readiness

NOR tendering times vary according to Charter Party, however vessels are considered arrived when passing a line on a 4nm radius off the Fairway Buoy. Gladstone Port Control should be advised by VHF of this arrival time.

Customs and immigration

Customs board at the anchorage or at the berth.

The Australian Customs Services acts on behalf of the Department of Immigration for everyday matters concerning vessels crew and passengers in the port of Gladstone. Crew may come ashore providing they carry a form of ID, usually a company ID or photocopy of passport (preferably with photo) and that primary identification documents (passport or Seaman's Book) are kept onboard the vessel (usually left with the Master).

Customs allow one bottle of alcohol and one carton of cigarettes in each crew member's cabin, the remainder of such stores onboard will be kept in bonded store. The penalty for non-compliance is forfeiture of the goods.

Passengers and non-working supernumeraries such as family of crew members require Australian Visa, non compliance will incur a fine.

Notices and regulations

Regulations concerning entry:

Tankers: Tankers carrying petroleum products may only enter in daylight unless otherwise agreed with the Harbour Master.

Vessels passing: All vessels should normally avoid passing in the dredged cuttings, but may do so using the charted bypass channels where draught permits between Gatcombe Head and Clinton Wharf.

Deep draught vessels and non gas free tankers at any draught are not permitted to pass other such vessels except in Gatcombe Channel and Bypass, and then only if their draughts are suitable.

Vessels carrying explosives: Vessels carrying in excess of the quantity stipulated may not proceed above Barney Point (23°50.2'S 151°16.3'E).

Vessels in ballast: Required to be in seaworthy trim with forward draught not less than 2% of LOA and with propellers submerged.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean 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 Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

Contact person: The Secretary.

Address: GPO Box 594, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia.

Tel: +61 2 6274 7114.

Fax: +61 2 6274 7994.

Mob: +61 0417 273 185.

24 hour contact: Office of Transport Security Operations Centre.

Tel: +61 2 6274 8187.

Fax: +61 2 6274 6089.

Email: [email protected]

ISPS Compliance: ISPS compliance is 100% for Australian ports, Australian port facilities and Australian flagged ships.

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

Repairs

Major in water repair facilities available for hull, engine, electrical and electronic equipment.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at all berths by pipeline.

Bunkering: MV Larcom, a 60m self propelled bunkering barge is available to supply Bunker C Fuel Oil, diesel and fresh water to vessels at all berths and inner anchorages except LNG tanker berth and WICET berth (bunker not permitted). The service is also available, weather permitting, at outer anchorages to vessels transiting the Inner Route that do not otherwise require to enter harbour.

Stores: Fresh provisions and other stores are plentiful and can be delivered to anchorages by boat or helicopter if required.

Medical

Gladstone District Hospital, 1.4km.

Aero Medical Evacuation (AME): Helicopter medical retrieval services Tel: 000.

Transport

Nearest airport: Gladstone Airport, 6.4km (domestic only) and Brisbane Airport located at Brisbane, 514km.

Airport facilities: Frequent connections to Brisbane.

Nearest railway: Gladstone Rail.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

The port of Gladstone is situated approx 160km N of Hervey Bay and 525km N of Brisbane.

The port

Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) is a government-owned organisation. The port has a natural deepwater harbour with protected waters sheltered by harbour islands.

Port Gladstone is Queensland'ss largest multi-commodity port, handling over 30 different products. Major cargoes include coal, LNG, bauxite, alumina, aluminium and cement.

Imports: Bauxite, caustic soda, container, gypsum, petroleum products, copper slag, LP gas, bunker oil, general cargo, liquid ammonia, petroleum coke, magnetite, liquid pitch and bulk.

Exports: Coal, alumina, scrap metal, magnesia, cement, grain, break bulk, aluminium, cement clinker, calcite, magnesite, ilmenite, limestone, fly ash, ammonium nitrate and liquefied natural gas.

Traffic

Approx 117,000,000t of cargo (including 66,000,000t of coal), 2,300TEU and 1,900 vessels are handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Gladstone?

The pilot boards at Gladstone boarding position 1 (LNG vessels), 23°50.1′S 151°34.7′E. Gladstone has 6 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Gladstone in?

Local time at Gladstone is UTC+10. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Gladstone?

The deepest berth listed is at RG Tanna Coal Terminal: 18.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Gladstone?

1024-1028.

Which load line zone is Gladstone in?

South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.

Who carries out Port State Control at Gladstone?

Port State Control at Gladstone: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Gladstone?

The UN/LOCODE of Gladstone is AUGLT.

What crews who called at Gladstone 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.

Read and add tips for Gladstone →