PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Jawaharlal Nehru Port
Pilot
updated Aug 2010Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels exceeding 200GT and is available throughout 24 hours. Minimum of 24 hours advance notice, confirm ETA at least 3 hours prior to arrival, to agents and deputy conservator, JNPT, Fax: +91 22 2724 4170, Email: [email protected]. Inbound vessels are required to contact "Jawaharlal Port Control" on VHF Ch 13 and VTS Mumbai, ie, Mumbai Port on VHF Ch 12 to report ETA and receive instructions. Vessels must not proceed beyond E of Long 072°44'E without being instructed to do so.
Pilot will embark by a pilot launch, black hull and green superstructure with the legend "Pilot" on the side, in position 1.7nm SE of Prongs Reef Lighthouse. The pilot launch is equipped with VHF Ch 13, radar and searchlight and displays the usual pilot jack during daylight hours and pilot lights at night. In monsoon conditions pilot boards inside the channel.
Whilst Jawaharlal Nehru Port pilot may give advice and communicate directly on VHF Ch 13 to incoming vessels, overall co-ordination of shipping at pilotage ground rests with the Mumbai VTS. During the SW monsoon season, a long swell prevails at the port entrance and the pilot launch may experience difficulties in coming alongside. At such times, masters may be instructed to steam to a position approx 1nm SE of Sunk Rock Lighthouse, where a better lee is obtained. Masters will be advised which side to make a lee by the pilot, for incoming vessels it is usually starboard side.
Key data
updated Dec 2024Size limits
LOA 366.46m, draught 16.5m, beam 51.2, 204,738DWT.
Water density
1012-1024. Jawaharlal Nehru port is essentially a salt water port and major fluctuation in the density occurs on account of seasons. Density varies mostly in the monsoon period from June to September. Sea water temperature is 18°-23° throughout the year.
Load line zone
Arabian Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Sep 1 to May 31, Summer Jun 1 to Aug 31.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT) | 16.50 m | — | 4 |
| APM Terminals Mumbai | 15.00 m | 351 m | 2 |
| Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT-DP WORLD) | 15.00 m | 366 m | 3 |
| Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) | 15.00 m | 294 m | 2 |
| Nhava Sheva Freeport Container Terminal | 15.00 m | 349 m | 4 |
| Additional Liquid Cargo Berth (JSW JNPT Liquid Terminal Private Limited) | 14.80 m | 285 m | 2 |
| Nhava Sheva Distribution Terminal | 10.00 m | 160 m | 1 |
| ONGC Service Berths | — | 225 m | 1 |
| JNPT Ferry Terminal | — | — | 5 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Dec 2024Approach
The port shares a common channel with Mumbai port to the point of access to the South Elephanta Channel.
The navigational channel is buoyed and two transit lights mark the centre of the approach channel, permitting night navigation.
The port has undergone a substantial dredging programme to accommodate much larger vessels of up to 12,500TEU and will shortly officially announce that the JNP Approach Channel has been lengthened from 33.5km to 35.5km. At the same time, this Channel's depth has been increased from 14m to 15m and the channel width from 370m to 450m. However, the Harbour Master should always be contacted for the latest information on this Channel and alongside depths.
Approaches: The channel, turning circle and anchorage area are marked by lightbuoys.
Leading Lights: From the turning basin, S of Butcher Light Beacon, leading lights exhibited on Shiva Island, in line bearing 085°, lead to a position W of the Sheva Beacon.
Port limits
A vessel is considered arrived when pilot has embarked and/or when vessel has anchored at outer roads.
Traffic schemes and VTS
In conjunction with Mumbai Port a VTMS system is in operation with terminals at both ports.
All vessels must contact both Mumbai VTMS on VHF Ch 12 and Jawaharlal Nehru Port on VHF Ch 13 when arriving within a radius of 24nm from Prongs Light.
Vessels over 200GT or more should report to VTMS stating their ETA and time of arrival at the outer road.
In addition to reporting, vessels must maintain a continuous listening watch on Ch 13 and also Ch 12 on the approach.
All vessels in the inner anchorage area must maintain a continuous listening watch on Ch 13.
Anchorages
An anchorage lies at west end of Panvel Creek (18°58.5'N 072.58.0'E). Marked by lightbuoys and is available for vessels up to LOA 180m, draught 7.0-8.5m, depth dredged to 13m.
Tugs
The port has 8 tugs available, equipped with dispersant spraying system and ready for service at short notice. Contact control room: Tel: +91 222 724 5151.
Mooring
Vessel Berthing Regulations are produced by the Port and may change from time to time. The port should be contacted for the latest version of these.
Charts and publications
IND 211, 255, 2016, 2076. Admiralty Pilot NP38, NP286(4).
Inspections
Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Director-General of Shipping.
Position: Nautical Adviser to the Government of India.
Address: Jahaz Bhavan, Walchand Hirachand Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai 400 001, India.
Tel: +91 22 2261 0606
Fax: +91 22 2269 4352
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.dgshipping.com
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org.
Port services
updated Dec 2024Repairs
Available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available. Bunkers provided from storage tanks belonging to BPCL and from barges.
Stores: Available.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust Hospital (7km).
Crew change
Repatriation and crew changes can be arranged.
Transport
Nearest airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Mumbai (20km).
Working hours
Container terminals work throughout 24 hours in 3 shifts including Sundays with the exception of a few holidays.
Overtime is arranged on holidays, if necessary.
Average discharge rate is 25 moves per gantry per hour.
About Jawaharlal Nehru Port
updated Dec 2024Where it is
Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Jawahar Lal Nehru) is situated along the eastern shore of Mumbai harbour, SE of Elephanta Island.
The port
The port has modern facilities. Although the port was initially planned and constructed for handling dry bulk cargo and containerised cargo, the port facilities have been upgraded for handling containers, vehicles, cement, project cargoes and liquid bulk cargoes of "B" & "C" class.
Traffic
Approx 83,000,000t of cargo, 6,000,000TEU, and 2,800 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Jawaharlal Nehru Port
What are the pilot arrangements at Jawaharlal Nehru Port?
Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels exceeding 200GT and is available throughout 24 hours.
What time zone is Jawaharlal Nehru Port in?
Local time at Jawaharlal Nehru Port is UTC+5:30. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Jawaharlal Nehru Port?
The deepest berth listed is at Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT): 16.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Jawaharlal Nehru Port?
1012-1024. Jawaharlal Nehru port is essentially a salt water port and major fluctuation in the density occurs on account of seasons.
Which load line zone is Jawaharlal Nehru Port in?
Arabian Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Sep 1 to May 31, Summer Jun 1 to Aug 31.
Who carries out Port State Control at Jawaharlal Nehru Port?
Port State Control at Jawaharlal Nehru Port: Indian Ocean MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Jawaharlal Nehru Port?
The UN/LOCODE of Jawaharlal Nehru Port is INNSA.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Jawaharlal Nehru Port 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.