Hurghada

Size limits

Draught 7.6m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

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

Approach

Approach and entry: Northern Approach: From the N, the port is approached on the alignment of the leading lights situated W of Merlin Point (27°12'N 033°51'E) which leads to the N end of Minqar Channel, having a least charted depth of 6.0m.

Southern Approach: From the S the port is approached through Giftun Channel.

In the Giftun Channel depths are generally less than those in Manqar Channel; a least depth of 5.0m in the fairway lies approx 0.35nm SE of Merlin Point.

The directions for approaching Hurghada are as follows:

Giftun Channel is entered from N between Franken Point and the reef 0.8nm ESE and from the S between Sha'b el-Lug and Umm Agawish el-Kebir.

Minqar Channel is the N part of Giftun Channel between Franken Point and Merlin Point.

North entrance: From the N pass 0.25nm S of Umm Qamar Islet, 27°21'N 033°54'E on a SW course. Two dangerous rocks lie 1.75m and 3.25m SSE of Umm Qamar Islet.

When Dishet Abu Minqar and the Leading Light Beacons bear 199.5°, in line with a high hill in the background steer for these marks on that bearing and then to the anchorage. A 7m pinnacle lies on this transit 0.335nm ESE of South Pier.

From S pass 1nm E of Giftun, 1nm N of the reef extending N from Giftun el-Kebir and continue on a W course until Dishet Abu Minqar bears 199.5°, then as previously described.

In leaving Hurghada by the N entrance, when clear of Giftun Channel and approx 2.25nm E of Dishet Abu Hurghada, 27°15'N 033°49'E, bring Dishet Abu Minqar to bear approx 195° astern and continue NNE on this course until Umm Qamar Islet bears 110°, when course may be shaped to pass on either side of Sha'b el-Erg to enter Shadwan Channel, or NW to enter Tawila Channel.

South entrance: From a position 1nm E of Sa'l Hashish Islet, 27°02'N 033°55'E, steer NW until Dishet Abu Minqar is seen between Umm Agawish el-Kebir and the low rocky islet 0.6nm SW.

This low rocky islet should be kept bearing more than 310° until the W extremity of Umm Agawish el-Kebir bears 010°, when course may be altered N into Giftun Channel, taking care to avoid the NE extremity of Sha'b el-Lug, 1.25nm SE of Dishet Abu Minqar.

Caution is necessary when approaching Merlin Point as the coastal bank with depths of less than 5.5m, which extends 0.6nm SE of the point, is not easily seen as the coral reef on the E side of the channel.

Leading Lights: (White towers with black bands; topmarks, Rear light, white inverted trapezoid, Front light, white trapezoid), in line bearing 199.5°, stand 2 and 0.5nm respectively, NNE of Dishet Abu Minqar, with which they are in transit on this bearing.

Caution: Minqar Channel and Giftun Channel have been incompletely surveyed and mariners are warned that uncharted shoals may exist. Recent hydrographic surveys in the N approaches to Hurghada have revealed many depths less than charted. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution and consult with local authorities for the latest information.

Anchorages

Anchorage may be obtained in a depth of 25.0m approx 0.25nm ESE of Franken Point (27°14.2'N 033°50.9'E).

Anchorage is also obtainable off Hurghada, with the leading lights in transit and the Harbour Master's office bearing 300°, in depths from 16.0-18.0m. Care should be taken to avoid the wreck, with a least depth of 33m over it, which lies close N of the anchorage. This anchorage berth is comparatively well sheltered but strong N winds raise a considerable sea.

Tugs

Not available.

Charts and publications

BA 2375, 3043. Admiralty Pilot NP64, NP286(8).

Communications

Radio: Alexandria Radio is recommended for passing messages at long range.

Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Ch 16.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered by cable, fax or telex on the ship's arrival off the port, then in writing when the agent boards. Tendering is in accordance with the terms and conditions of the relative Charter Party.

Documents

Cargo documents (copies of Bills of Lading and Manifest) should be in possession of state agent prior to ship's arrival for the purpose of approaching cargo receivers to enable them to manage the necessary formalities.

Special forms, for completion by the Master, will be delivered to him by the pilot, Immigration and state agent.

Health

Free pratique is granted immediately on the ship's arrival if not coming from an infected area. Pratique cannot be applied for by radio.

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be renewed if expired.

Customs and immigration

Customs: On berthing, Customs Officers will attend to check the ship's bonded store according to the list prepared by the Master.

There is no alcohol allowance for ships crews whilst in port, cigarettes only are allowed. Penalties for non compliance are large.

Immigration: The Immigration Officer is the first person to board after the pilot, he checks the Seaman's Books and issues the shore permits for crew members. Nobody is allowed to board the vessel before the Immigration clearance. Crew and/or passengers cannot leave the vessel before the attendance of the Immigration Officer.

Flags

Hoisting of the Egyptian flag on arrival is essential. If the flag is not available on arrival the Master may request one, through the agent, upon berthing.

Notices and regulations

Vessels arriving with cargo to be discharged, or for loading cargo, will not be berthed unless receivers or shippers are ready with the necessary documents duly approved by the state agent/Customs.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Maritime Transport Sector.

Position: Head of Department

Address: 4 Petolomy Street, Alexandria, 21514, Egypt.

Fax: +203 484 2096

Email: [email protected]

RSO - Security Consultant Services: Class NK.

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Medical

Hurghada General Hospital, 4km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Hurghada International Airport, 7km.

Where it is

The port of Hurghada is situated on the Red Sea, approx 370km S of Suez.

The port

The port services international tourism and yacht tourism in the Red Sea as well as serving cruise vessels and shipping lines transporting tourists and passengers from Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries to Sharm El Sheikh Port.

What time zone is Hurghada in?

Local time at Hurghada is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 29 Apr 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 28 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Hurghada?

The deepest berth listed is at Hurghada Terminal: 7.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Hurghada?

1025.

Which load line zone is Hurghada in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Hurghada?

The UN/LOCODE of Hurghada is EGHRG.

What crews who called at Hurghada 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 Hurghada →