Grays Harbor

Size limits

LOA 200.07m, beam 32.26m, draught 11.9m, 63,800DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 3.04m.

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

Approach

Extra caution is necessary when approaching Grays Harbor in thick weather, as the currents are variable and uncertain. In these conditions, vessels should maintain depths of not less than 37m until the position is assured. Deep draught vessels should not enter the harbour without local knowledge of conditions and depths in the various reaches of the channel. Up to date depths may be ascertained through the local authorities.

The approach to the harbour is marked by a lightbuoy "GH" (black and white stripes; white Morse ("A") light; radar reflector; whistle) moored 5.25nm WSW of Grays Harbor Light.

The channel is marked by lightbuoys and buoys in accordance with the IALA Maritime Buoyage System (region B).

Bar Range Leading Lights lead through the channel across the bar. The front light is exhibited from a red rectangular daymark with a black stripe on a framework tower 5.0m in height, near the SW extremity of Point Brown (46°56'N 124°09.5'W) and the rear light from a similar structure 14m in height, 0.22nm NE of the front light; the lights in line bearing 039°. This lead passes 0.2nm W of the outer end of the S training wall (submerged jetty), which is marked by "No 8" lightbuoy (starboard hand).

The project depths: for the Bar Channel is 14m; for the Entrance Range is 12.8m; for Point Chehalin Reach is 12m.

The project depth in the dredged channel inside the bay from South Reach (46°55'N 124°03'W) to Cow Point (46°58'N 123°50'W) is 11m; then 9.1m to Cosmopolis. There is no deep draught navigation above Cosmopolis.

Between the training walls, shoals extending S from Point Brown contract the deep water channel to a width of between 2.5 and 0.5nm.

The reach in the channel between the training walls is marked by leading lights on Point Chehalis (46°55'N 124°07'W), the front light is exhibited from a white square daymark with a red stripe on a pile close W of the N end of Point Chehalis; the rear light is exhibited from a similar daymark on a framework tower 0.125nm E of the front light; the lights in line bearing 093° lead from those bearing 039° into the entrance to the harbour. A fog signal is sounded from a position on Point Chehalis 0.5nm SW of the front light and a radio beacon transmits from a position 0.3nm E of the rear light.

Anchorages

There are no specific areas in Grays Harbor designated for anchorage; however, the best anchorage is N of Westport and SE of Damon Point in depths of 9.1-18.2m. The holding ground is good and there is more swinging room than elsewhere in the harbour.

Tugs

Two tugs available, 19t bollard pull each.

Mooring

Berthing arrangements must be made prior to arrival, contact the Marine Terminal Manager.

Charts and publications

BA 3125, 4919. Admiralty Pilot NP8, NP286(5).

Port State Control here: US Coast Guard.

Foreign ships are examined by the US Coast Guard. File the Advance Notice of Arrival 96 hours ahead (33 CFR 160).

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: United States Coast Guard, Office of Compliance. Address: 2100 Second St, SW, Washington DC, 20593, USA. Tel: +1 202 267 2978. Fax: +1 202 267 4858. Email: [email protected]. For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www2.imo.org/ISPSCode.

Repairs

Facilities available for minor repairs.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at Terminal's 1 - 4.

Bunkering: Available by barge or jetty for fishing vessels.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Grays Community Hospital (1.5km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Bowerman Airport (16km).

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

The Port of Grays Harbor is located at the mouth of the Chehalis River on the SW coast of Washington, approx. 96nm S of the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and 39nm N of Columbia River.

The port

Grays Harbor is a deep water port with terminals located 16nm from the Pacific Ocean in the Aberdeen, Cosmopolis and Hoquiam areas of Washington State. Grays Harbor has extensive facilities for handling forest products, with the principal cargoes being logs, lumber, aluminium, newsprint, pulp, steel and containers; cruise ships are also accommodated.

Traffic

Approx 2,900,000t of cargo and 100 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Grays Harbor?

Pilotage is required for all foreign vessels, and U.S.

What time zone is Grays Harbor in?

Local time at Grays Harbor is UTC−8. Clocks go to UTC−7 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−8 on 7 Nov 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Grays Harbor?

The deepest berth listed is at Port of Grays Harbor: 11.90 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Grays Harbor?

1025.

Which load line zone is Grays Harbor in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Grays Harbor?

Port State Control at Grays Harbor: US Coast Guard.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Grays Harbor?

The UN/LOCODE of Grays Harbor is USGHR.

What crews who called at Grays Harbor 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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