Khalifa Port

1. Khalifa Port boarding Location A Pilot boards24°57.0′N 054°33.4′E
2. Khalifa Port boarding Location B Pilot boards24°54.0′N 054°38.2′E

Size limits

Max LOA 400m, beam 64.6m, draught 16.5m and 281,456DWT. (Note: Maximum possible LOA and DWT at the Khalifa Port Container Terminal 2 (KPCT 2) is unrestricted).

Load line zone

The Arabian Gulf is in the Tropical Zone for load line purposes, but the Arabian Sea east of the Straits of Hormuz are Seasonal Tropical from 1st September to 31st May and summer from 1st June to 31st August.

Tides

Max range 2.0m. Current speed 1-2kts.

Average range (LW-HW): 0.5m-2.2m.

Tide: HAT 2.2m.

Average High Tide in the channel: 1.5m

Average Low Tide in the channel: 0.7m-1.1m.

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

Approach

The approach channel is 11.5km (7.0nm) in length, 250m width and is dredged to 16.5m. The port basin dredged to a depth of 16.0m.

There is 18.5m available alongside the container and bulk berths, with maximum recommended vessel draught of 15m (more if approved by the Harbour Master).

Restrictions

Minimum UKC is 1.0m at all times.

Draught: Vessels entering the channel on a draught of 12m or more are considered to be vessels restricted by their draught.

There are spoil grounds located SW of the buoyed approach channel.

Caution must be taken due to extensive land reclamation, dredging and maritime works throughout the port.

Maximum speed in the channel is 11kts and then 5-6kts in the basin.

Tugs

Use of tugs is compulsory to assist with berthing or unberthing in ADPC ports, unless the Harbour Master issues an exemption after considering the size characteristics and manoeuvring equipment onboard the vessel. From time to time the Harbour Master may publish recommendations on tug use as well as any general exemptions. One tug will generally join inward vessels outside the end of the breakwater and will pass a towline to the vessel or just escort depending on the instruction given from the pilot. The second tug, when required will join vessel and pass a towline after the vessel has passed the end of the breakwater. Departing vessels will generally let go of both their tugs once the vessel has lined up and the pilot is satisfied with the manoeuvring of the vessel, for the approach/departure channel alongside the breakwater. Tugs must be ordered at least an hour before arrival or departure.

Khalifa Port Container Terminal 1 (KPCT 1): 3 x 4,500BHP.

Khalifa Port Container Terminal 2 (KPCT 2): Number of Tugs > 4000 bhp - 4 Tugs.

Mooring

The vessel will be moored and unmoored by the ports mooring gang, the minimum mooring lay out is 4 and 2 aft. Extra ropes may be requested by the pilot or Harbour Master on a case by case basis.

Quays have mooring fendering system.

Khalifa Port Container Terminal 1 (KPCT 1): Bollard capacity at the terminal is 200t (Model Richard Marine RT 100-200) with a distance of 18.9m between centre lines. Rubber fenders (Shibata CSS-2000H) at a distance of 12.6m between centre lines.

Khalifa Port Container Terminal 2 (KPCT 2): Bollard capacity at the terminal is 2000kN with a distance of 18.9m between centre lines. The fender types are Cell Types at a distance of 12.6m between centre lines.

Charts and publications

BA 3752, 3176, 2889. Admiralty Pilot NP286(8). NP63.

US62403. US Sailing Directions No 172 (Red Sea and the Persian Gulf).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

All vessels calling at Khalifa Port must update the vessel ETA regularly, as follows:

7 days before arrival.

3 days before arrival provide an update to vessel ETA.

48 hrs before arrival provide an update to vessel ETA.

24 hrs before arrival provide an update to vessel ETA.

3 hrs before arrival provide a final update of the ETA.

Vessels departing are required to submit a copy of the Immigration and Customs clearance and apply for clearance from ADPC via ship's agent.

Khalifa Port Control should be notified of ETD at least 24, 12, 6 and 3 hours prior to departure and confirm readiness 30 minutes prior departure.

Documents

The vessel should complete and send through the local agent either by mail, courier or through

the web booking the following forms,

1. Uniform Ship's Pre-Arrival Notification

2. Ship's Pre-Arrival Security Information

3. Advance Notification Form for Waste Delivery

Also available at:

http://www.adpc.ae/en/media/get/20110201_uniform-ships-pre-arrival-notification-report.doc

http://www.adpc.ae/en/media/get/20110201_ships-pre-arrival-security-information-form.doc

The following lists and certificates copy are mandatory to be attached to the above forms

1. Crew list/Passenger Manifest

2. Continuous Synopsis Records (CSR) (if applicable)

3. International Tonnage Certificate

4. Certificate of Registry

5. Insurance Certificate - P&I Club member only

6. Cargo manifest

7. Class certificate.

Health

Health clearance: Vessels should complete the Health declaration form, declaring any sickness onboard the vessel,

for submission to the agent on arrival. The National Transportation Agency (NTA) is responsible for port health matters and has approved a number of local companies to inspect vessels and issue ship sanitation certificates or exemptions.

Customs and immigration

Customs: The following documents must be available:

Cargo declaration, including dangerous goods.

A copy of the ship's manifest and any support documents.

Crew effects declaration IMO FAL 4

Vessel stores declaration IMO FAL 3 (including a bonded stores list)

The Arms and Ammunition Declaration (if Applicable)

The Customs Officer will seal the bonded store where all goods not for immediate personal crew

use must be placed.

Customs allowances: Customs Officers will endorse inward and outward immigration clearances.

Restricted Items: On arrival Customs will seal the bonded stores.

All political and religious literature needs prior approval from the Ministry

Plants and plant material require a Health Certificate

Medication and foodstuff (subject to special approval and inspection by Ministry of Health), and

must be packed separately

Flammable or corrosive items

Exposed film or other valuables, stamp or coin collections of high value

Prohibited Items: Alcoholic beverages

Narcotics and drugs can lead to very severe legal action and even long prison terms.

Articles dealing with endangered animals and any items made out of ivory

Wireless transmitters and communications equipment

False and counterfeit money

Erotic statues/figurines, idols, made of any metal/clay/glass, etc, defined offensive to Islamic

teachings and principles.

Immigration: The agent will require FAL 4 and FAL 5 if appropriate;

The ship's last port clearance in original

Crew list converted into Arabic and English on a specific format.

Copy of the Ship's Certificate of Registry

Copy of the Master's Licence

The passports and seaman's books for all those on the crew list.

Shore passes: Shore passes for crew are available provided the agent is informed three days before arrival so

that he can complete an application in a format specified by the authorities. All shore leavers must return to their ship by midnight.

Notices and regulations

Scrubbers:

In 2013 Abu Dhabi Authorities issued “Vessel Discharge and Maintenance Guidelines For Owners, Masters And Agents”. This states that scrubber washwater can be discharged in port waters if free from pollutants whilst scrubber sludge should be discharged from the vessel to an Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) licensed waste disposal contractor.

Lowering Boats/Rafts:

Lowering boats and rafts to embarkation levels when appropriate for the purpose of testing or exercising drills will generally be permitted provided the vessel seeks agreement from Port Control before commencing any exercises. The ship's agent can also seek permission in advance of arrival if necessary. Lowering boats to the water and moving around in the harbour will depend on the reason and what other activities are taking place. The ship's agent should be consulted and ask to seek permission from the harbour master well in advance of the planned activity. Without good reason, permission is likely to be refused.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministry of Interior, Central Operation Department.

Address: PO Box 398, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Tel: +971 2 441 5288

Fax: +971 2 441 5266

Mob: +971 50 667 8700

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

Repairs

Ad Ports Group and IRH Global Trading Ltd. Signed an MoU on 30 June to explore cooperation in bunkering services and alternative marine fuels at Khalifa Port. The partnership will assess opportunities in LNG, biofuels, and methanol supply, as well as fuel storage, terminal infrastructure, and fuel testing capabilities.

The collaboration aims to combine IRHs global energy trading expertise with AD Ports Groups Port infrastructure to strengthen Khalifa Port's position as a sustainable, future-ready maritime hub. Both companies see alternative marine fuels and bunkering as key growth areas that support the UAE's ambitions as a leading global trade and logistic center.

The agreement builds on Khalifa Ports's ongoing energy infrastructure development, following AD Ports Group's long-term agreements with Nimex Terminals to establish the UAE's First private-sector LNG and LPG Terminal hubs.

Vessel's Agents can arrange for local contractors to carry out a range of common and specialist repairs. Safeen Drydock provides extensive shipbuilding, drydocking and repair solutions. The facility offers a 45,000m² shipyard and repair facility which is a fully equipped hub designed to accommodate diverse vessel types and sizes.

Bunkers, water and stores

Bunkers: By barge or by truck are available in the port. The ship's agent can make the necessary arrangements. LNG bunkering available at certain berths via LNG bunkering vessels.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Al Taweelah Medical Centre (4.5km), Ambulatory Center (16.35km), Seha - Al Rahba Hospital (24.5km), Reem Hospital (44km) and NMC Royal Hospital (44.2km).

Crew change

Crews of visiting vessels are not permitted to walk around the port of Khalifa. The distance to the main port gate is approx 10km and the nearest recreational facilities outside of the port are over 25km away. Masters who wish to grant Shore Leave, should liaise with their Agent and arrange for transport buses to collect crew members from their vessel to take crew members to their intended destination and arrange for them to be returned to the vessel. Taxis are not permitted to enter the port.

Transport

Nearest airport: Zayed International Airport (39.4km) and Dubai International Airport (84.6km).

Nearest highway: E11.

Nearest railway: A 1km maritime railway bridge links the mainland to the port. The line is dedicated to freight trains for transportation from the terminals to the UAE. The line is operated by Etihad Rail.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout the region.

Working hours

The port operates continuously but normal office hours for general administration are 0730 - 1530 weekdays.

Where it is

Khalifa port is located in Taweelah, midway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The port

Khalifa Port, strategically situated between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, stands as a pivotal hub for global trade in the region. Officially inaugurated on December 12th 2012, this state-of-the-art facility is recognised as the first semi-automated container port in the Middle East, showcasing advanced technology and operational efficiency.

Constructed on a reclaimed island, Khalifa Port boasts deep-water access, making it an ideal location for handling a diverse array of cargo types. The port serves as a vital crossroads, connecting Europe and the West with the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, thereby facilitating seamless international trade. Currently, it manages all of Abu Dhabi's container traffic, underscoring its significance in the region's logistics and supply chain.

Khalifa Port is designed to accommodate a wide range of cargo, including general cargo, containers, liquid bulk, Ro-Ro - specifically PCC - and dry bulk commodities such as bauxite, petcoke, and alumina. This versatility enhances its role as a multi-purpose port, catering to various shipping needs.

In line with its commitment to continuous improvement and expansion, Khalifa Port is undergoing significant development. As of 2025, future plans include the opening of additional facilities within the South Quay and the Khalifa Port Logistics Area. This expansion is set to further enhance the port's capabilities and solidify its position as a key player in the global maritime industry.

Traffic

Approx 50,000,000t of cargo, 3,000,000TEU and 40,000 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Khalifa Port?

The pilot boards at Khalifa Port boarding Location A, 24°57.0′N 054°33.4′E. Khalifa Port has 2 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Khalifa Port in?

Local time at Khalifa Port is UTC+4. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Khalifa Port?

The deepest berth listed is at Khalifa Port Container Terminal 1 (KPCT 1): 16.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

Which load line zone is Khalifa Port in?

The Arabian Gulf is in the Tropical Zone for load line purposes, but the Arabian Sea east of the Straits of Hormuz are Seasonal Tropical from 1st September to 31st May and summer from 1st June to 31st August.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Khalifa Port?

The UN/LOCODE of Khalifa Port is AEKHL.

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