Haifa

1. Haifa pilot boarding place Pilot boards32°50.4′N 035°00.9′E

Size limits

Harbour: LOA 366.52m, draught 15.0m, beam 53.5m, 190,668DWT

Offshore: LOA 249.97m, draught 14.0m,BCM 124.89m, 115,896DWT

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range approx 0.6m (springs), 0.3m (neaps).

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

Approach

The recommended approach to Haifa is by the designated route from 10nm WNW of the port. The Main Port is entered by passing S of Main Breakwater and N of Lee Breakwater, which has a width of 183m and a depth of 15.5m to the Carmel Container Terminal (CCT).

The entrance channel to the Kishon Zone, to the E of the main port, is 80m in width and depth 12.0m.

Port limits

The outer limit of the port extends NE from Rosh Har Karmel for 2nm, then E to the coast.

Anchorages

Anchorage may be obtained off Haifa, in any convenient depth, clear of prohibited areas. The depths are regular and sand bottom affords good holding. In the W part of the anchorage vessels are liable to lie across the swell.

A designated tanker anchorage area for vessels exceeding 12.0m draught is centred 2.0nm NE of Har Karmel Lighthouse (32°49.7'N 034°58.1'E).

Vessels are not allowed to anchor within prohibited areas and should remain clear of the Main Harbour fairways and Kishon Zone. Vessels at anchor, during the night must display anchor lights. Masters are advised to keep the decks well lit so that the strong shore lights will not cause the anchor lights to be lost by approaching vessels. Anchorage in the bay itself is protected from all but the strongest SW'ly gales, experienced most often in winter.

Vessels with a draught of up to 13.0m can anchor safely in the main port but the max draught of vessels anchoring in the Kishon port is restricted to 9.5m.

Tugs

There are 5 tugs available:

"Eithanah 2", "Ariel" and "Edvah" which have Voith propulsion permitting optimal manoeuvrability, with a power of 3,000-3,500hp and 30-35t bollard pull each.

"Amatzia 2" with 6,000hp has 55t bollard pull.

"Ilan 1", 70t bollard pull.

Charts and publications

BA 1585, 1634. Admiralty Pilot NP49, NP286(3).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

For port agent, approx ETA should be sent 7, 5 and 3 days prior to arrival with definite ETA sent 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

Haifa Radio (callsign "4XO") works MF frequencies throughout 24 hours.

Inmarsat communication is available.

VHF: Pilots & Port: Ch 16, 14 and 12. Tel: +972 4 851 8111, Fax: +972 4 867 4853.

Standard messages

Vessels may be contacted by Israeli Navy on VHF Ch 16 when detected on radar.

Notice of readiness

To be tendered to agents in accordance with the Charter Party during office hours (0800-1600hrs).

Documents

Port agent requires Crew List and all valid ship certificates.

A Declaration of Ship's Stores, for customs, is to be completed and ready in case customs officials board the vessel, which they do randomly.

Health

No contact with shore is allowed until Free Pratique has been obtained from the Quarantine Authorities. (Free Pratique can be obtained by radio. Masters should send a "Standard Quarantine Message" to the quarantine authorities through Haifa Coastal Station).

Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates issued.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowances: All officers and crew are allowed one carton of cigarettes and 1 bottle of spirits. For non compliance, penalties can be heavy.

Immigration: Immigration authorities require photos of crew for Landing Permits and the form called "Condition Slip" is to be filled when they visit the vessel.

Flags

Israeli flag must be displayed. A penalty may be imposed for non compliance.

Notices and regulations

No person should leave the port without a Clearance Certificate which will be issued by the port management subject to Customs and Health Department clearance after payment of all port charges. The Clearance Certificate should be stamped by the Israel Port Police.

Shore leave passes are obtainable at the Frontier Control Section of the port police. All shore leave passes must be returned to the boarding officer before departure of the vessel.

Standby for moving vessels:

The master or the person temporarily in charge of a vessel is to ensure that an adequate number of officers and crew are onboard and that the main propelling machinery of the vessel is maintained so that the vessel could be moved with one hours notice. No vessel may dismantle engines or otherwise interfere with propelling power of the vessel, nor may the vessel be left unattended by responsible officers and crew unless permission to do so is first obtained in writing from the harbour master.

Turning of propellers:

All vessels are required to avoid turning their propellers when berthed in port.

Vessels preparing to manoeuvre may contact the port management by VHF, through the port's lookout station and request permission before turning their propellers for trial.

Turbine ships which must have their propellers turning while berthed, should inform the harbour master's office in writing.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministry of Transport, Administration of Shipping and Ports.

Position: Shipping Commissioner.

Address: 15 Palm-Yam St, 31999 Haifa, Israel.

Tel: +972 4 863 2097.

Fax: +972 4 863 2133.

Mob: +972 56 212332.

Email: [email protected]

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

Repairs

The shipyard in Kishon Harbour, which builds ships of up to 25,000DWT, can undertake hull, machinery, electrical and most other types of repair.

Note: In the scope of customs agreement with the USA, American ship owners who have their ships repaired by "Maspenot Israel" are granted a special 50% exemption from customs levied on repairs executed outside the USA.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available throughout the port. Fuel is supplied by direct connection at the fuel quay or by road tankers or barges. The following types of fuel are supplied in the port: Heavy fuel oil with a viscosity of 1,500 seconds, Redwood gauge at 100°F, light fuel oil with a viscosity of 450, seconds Redwood gauge at 100°F, marine diesel oil, standard grade.

Medical

Rambam Hospital near port entrance. A quarantine station operates throughout 24 hours (including holy days). Free medical advice is also available by means of the shore radio station ("4XO").

Transport

Nearest airport: Domestic and international charter flights are available at Haifa Airport. International flights from Ben-Gurion Airport (105km).

Nearest railway: The port is connected to the Israel Railways network which goes N to Naharyah and S to Jerusalem, Dimonah and Oron.

Working hours

General cargo 0630-1430hrs and 1530-2230hrs. Container terminal 24 hours continuous working.

Where it is

The port of Haifa is located in the S of Haifa Bay.

The port

The port handles containers, general fright, bulk, grains, chemicals, vehicles, fuel and RoRo ships.

Traffic

Approx 12,000,000t of cargo, 1,500,000TEU and 411,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Haifa?

The pilot boards at Haifa pilot boarding place, 32°50.4′N 035°00.9′E.

What time zone is Haifa in?

Local time at Haifa is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 26 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 30 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Haifa?

The deepest berth listed is at Carmel Container Terminal: 15.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Haifa?

1025.

Which load line zone is Haifa in?

Summer.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Haifa?

The UN/LOCODE of Haifa is ILHFA.

What crews who called at Haifa 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 Haifa →