PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Jorf Lasfar
Pilot
updated Jan 2017- Jorf Lasfar pilot boarding Pilot boards33°07.6′N 008°40.9′W
Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels 100GT and over.
Pilots should be requested from a local station, 72 hours prior to arrival and board at least 0.6nm W of the breakwater head.
Vessels may arrive or depart from the port throughout the day or night, however the movement of ships carrying hazardous cargoes is restricted to daylight hours only.
Key data
updated May 2024Size limits
LOA 260.46m, beam 45m, draught 15.6m and 119,456DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range 3.6m.
Spring tides 0.3m LW, 3.8 HW. Neap tides 1.4m LW, 2.4m HW.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pier 1 | 15.60 m | 255 m | 1 |
| Multi-user Terminal | 15.60 m | 256 m | 5 |
| Pier 2 | 12.50 m | 260 m | 2 |
| Pier 4 | 12.50 m | 229 m | 5 |
| Pier 3 | 11.50 m | 230 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated May 2021Approach
To pass through the harbour entrance a sharp turn to port is required from the approaches. The channel is 240m wide and the entrance to the harbour between the breakwaters is 210m wide, with a depth of 16.0m.
A light (white square tower, black top, yellow wall 17m in height, 33°09.8'N 008°37.7'W) is exhibited from Cap Blanc du Nord. A second light, on a column, is exhibited 1.1nm SE, close N of an area of drying rocks upon which lies a conspicuous wreck.
A special spherical lightbuoy (wave recorder) is positioned 0.5nm NW of the light exhibited from the head of the Digue Principale.
Anchorages
Outer anchorage: Vessels may anchor in a position 1.5nm W of the light on Digue Principale head, as indicated, in depths of 34m but in strong SW'ly winds vessels must take extra care. The anchorage is clear for more than 5nm.
Restrictions
Vessels carrying dangerous cargo can only enter and leave the port in daylight.
Tugs
This service is provided by J.L TUG. Four tugs are available throughout 24 hours and join vessels just inside the breakwater. The tugs range from 1,500-3,500hp.
Charts and publications
BA 862, 3132. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP286(3).
Reporting before arrival
updated Jan 2017ETA and pre-arrival notices
Required, via agent, at least 72 hours prior to arrival and by fax to the Harbour Master, Fax 1: +212 (0) 523 345431, Fax 2: +212 (0) 523 345093.
Communications
Port: Available 24 hours.
Documents
CS = Customs, IM = Immigration, HA = Health Authority.
Health
Ship Sanitation Control and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be issued.
Notices and regulations
Port Facility Security Plan: Access to the vessel is the responsibility of the owner or his representative and all persons must be identified and listed. Any offences from shore to sea must be reported as soon as possible to the Harbour Office, Coastguard and Immigration directly by VHF or via local agent. Access to the vessel must be reserved for the persons concerned and no more than one person by department.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Ministere de L'Equipement et du Transport - Direction des Ports et du Domaine Public Maritime
Post: Director des Ports et du Domaine Public
Address: Direction des Ports et du Domaine Public, Hay Nahda II, Takadoum, B.P. 5131.
Tel: + 212 37 755758
Fax: + 212 37 750011
E-mail: [email protected]
For ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Oct 2010Repairs
Available but mainly for fishing vessels.
Bunkers, water and stores
Bunkering: Fuel and gas oil available by tanker trucks with more than 48 hours notice to Mory-Shell, Total, Mobil, etc. Not possible by barge and the tanker trucks can only access some berths.
Fresh water: Available in all quays on request via local agent.
Stores: Fresh provisions are available.
Medical
A hospital is located in El Jadida approx 20km to the NE.
Transport
Nearest airport: Casablanca, approx 96km to the NE of Jorf Lasfar.
Nearest highway: The port is served by R301 highway to El Jadida and N1 to Casablanca.
About Jorf Lasfar
updated Dec 2025Where it is
Jorf Lasfar is located approx 60nm SW of Casablanca on the Atlantic coast.
The port
The deep water port serves an industrial complex and is protected by two breakwaters, the longest being Dique Principale which runs NW, WSW then SW for approx 3,100m.
Main exports are phosphates and other minerals, chemicals, gases, oil, containers, fertilisers and general cargoes.
Traffic
Approx 20,000,00t of cargo (1,000,000t of grain) handled annually.
Questions about Jorf Lasfar
Where does the pilot board at Jorf Lasfar?
The pilot boards at Jorf Lasfar pilot boarding, 33°07.6′N 008°40.9′W.
What time zone is Jorf Lasfar in?
Local time at Jorf Lasfar is UTC+0. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Jorf Lasfar?
The deepest berth listed is at Pier 1: 15.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Jorf Lasfar?
1025.
Which load line zone is Jorf Lasfar in?
Summer.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Jorf Lasfar?
The UN/LOCODE of Jorf Lasfar is MAJFL.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Jorf Lasfar 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.
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.