Kuching

Size limits

Max LOA 199.98m, beam 35.6m, draught 11m, 61,177DWT.

Water density

1010-1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Senari range 4.5m, and at Pending 3.9m.

At Tanjung Muara Tebas (01°39.0'N 110°29.6'E) springs rise approx 4.2m and neaps approx 3.4m. Approx 9.5nm above Tanjung Muara Tebas, the ebb tide sets at a rate of 2-3kts, the flood tide at a rate of 1.5-2kts.

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

Approach

The port is approached through Sungai Sarawak, over an outer and inner bar via a buoyed channel indicated by leading marks and via the Sungai Sarawak Shiplock (Barrage) system.

Approaches: The navigation channel from the pilot station to Tanjung Po is buoyed and restricted by 2 bars. The Outer bar, with a hard sand bottom, is located approx 2nm ESE of Tanjung Po Lighthouse and has a depth of 5.2m above CD. The inner bar lies approx 1nm E by S of Tanjung Muara Tebas, with a depth of 5.1m above CD.

Note: Vessels drawing more than 5.0m (especially during the NE monsoon, Oct to Mar) on account of the swell, are advised to ensure an under keel clearance of at least 2.0m when approaching and crossing the bars.

In the E approach to the lock there is a least charted depth of 3.5m, and the W approach 3.8m. Close N of both approaches, beacons are located 90m from the lock.

Port limits

Outer limit: An imaginary line drawn from Tanjung Po Lighthouse in a NE'ly direction to a position 01°45.6'N 110°31.1'E, then due E to 01°45.5'N 110°35.8'E, then in a SW'ly direction to the front leading beacon on Tanjung Embang.

The limit shall extend 0.5nm into the Sungai Santubong, 1nm into Sungai Kuap and 0.5nm into Loba Batu Blat from their confluence with the Sarawak River to the North Junction Point, Pending Point and Tanjung Sedap respectively.

Inner limit: From Survey Standard Traverse Mark No 1 on the right bank of the Sarawak River to Survey Standard Traverse Mark No 2 on the left bank of the Sarawak River at Satok Suspension Bridge.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Vessels wishing to use the Sungai Sarawak Shiplock (Barrage) should report to Kuching Barrage by Tel: (+60 82 322722/3) or VHF Ch 61 at least 1 hour before the vessel arrives at the entrance to Shiplock.

Vessels should wait in the Waiting Area and maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 61 until being instructed by Kuching Barrage to enter the shiplock.

A system of lights is in use at the entrance and exit to the system, vessels may not proceed except when a green light is exhibited.

Anchorages

Inner anchorages: Anchorage for three vessels up to 11,000DWT, 175m in length and 7.6m draught can be obtained off Kampung Sijingkat (01°35.0'N 110°26.0'E). Two pairs of white beacons to assist anchoring, in line bearing 161° and 166.5° stand on the S bank 0.25nm and 0.5nm E, respectively, of Tanjung Sedap, opposite Kampung Sijingkat. There are also three white beacons on the N bank to assist the selection of a berth. This anchorage is a main timber loading point, loading continues throughout the year.

Anchorage at Kuching for small vessels may be obtained on the S side of the river above Brooke Dockyard.

Examination anchorage: An examination anchorage is established off Kampung Sijingkat. Its E limit is indicated by the above two beacons, in line bearing 166.5°, its W limit is a line drawn in a 343.5° direction from the W front beacon marking the measured distance. Vessels are recommended to anchor in the N half of the area; shallow draught vessels should anchor as close to the N bank of the river as practicable. A stranded wreck, marked by a lightbuoy (isolated danger), lies in the N half of this anchorage.

Explosives and dangerous goods: An explosive and dangerous goods anchorage is centred 0.4nm W of Tanjung Sedap (1°34.8'N 110°26.2'E).

Prohibited anchorage: Prohibited between No 11 Lightbuoy (01°35.1'N 110°27.3'E) and the NE limit of the explosives and dangerous goods anchorage, except for vessels loading logs or under pilotage, and vessels of less than 4.0m draught, which may be anchored at Beting Tanju, lying 0.6nm SW of Tanjung Renard.

Anchoring is prohibited between the explosive and dangerous cargo anchorage and the SE port limit in Sungai Kaup, which is indicated by a beacon (red ball topmark) on each bank 0.5nm ESE of Tanjung Metang Nibong (01°32.9'N 110°23.6'E).

Anchorage is prohibited in Turnabout Reach (01°34.0'N 110°23.7'E) E of the causeway, except in an emergency, when Kuching Port Control should be informed immediately.

Anchoring is prohibited in Turnabout Reach (01°34.0'N 110°23.7') E of the causeway, except in an emergency, when Kuching Port Control should be informed immediately.

Anchoring is prohibited in Town Reach between Warren Point and Brooke Dockyard.

Restrictions

Vessels up to 175m in length and 7.6m draught can reach the anchorage off Kampung Sijingkat, 6nm above Muara Tebas entrance. Vessels up to 95m in length and 5.2m draught can reach Tanah Puteh wharf via the Sungai Sarawak Shiplock (Barrage), 2nm below Kuching.

Overhead power cables with a vertical clearance of 45m cross the channel close W of Sejingkat Terminal.

A road bridge with a vertical clearance of 6.1m and a navigable span of 65m spans Sungai Sarawak between Warren Point (01°33.47'N 110°22.70'E) and Tanah Puteh Terminal. Another road bridge also spans the channel to the NE of Pending Terminal (01°33.50'N 110°23.76'E). Reportedly, the oil terminal berth facilities below this bridge are no longer used.

Tugs

Fleet of tugs with 1,000-3,000hp available with 2 hours notice any time of the day.

All vessels having LOA 100m and above shall use the assistance of at least 2 tugs when going alongside and leaving Kuching port's jetties.

Tug services for berthing and unberthing are operated by a private company, refer to ship agents to liase with tug operators.

The port has 2 tugs of 1,000hp equipped with fire fighting equipment.

Mooring

Berthing available daylight hours only.

Sungai Sarawak Shiplock (barrage) System: Mooring lines may be provided to vessels of less than 50m in length when berthing in the system; for vessels of 50m or more in length, vessel's lines are required. All vessels are to secure with at least 2 lines at either end, and the first line required will usually be a forward backspring followed by a sternline.

Vessels with a beam of less than 7m may be required to berth side by side.

Charts and publications

BA 1823. MAL 1822. Admiralty Pilot NP31, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notice of ETA should be sent 36 hours prior to arrival to the relevant authorities, Kuching Port Authority, Customs and Excise Department, Immigration Department, Port Health and the special branch of the Police Department.

Health

International Health Regulation and WHO Vaccination Information applies. Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate can be issued. Pratique should be applied for at anchorage or berth.

Customs and immigration

Customs Department: Tel: +60 82 333133, Fax: +60 82 332204.

Immigration Department: Tel: +60 82 245661, Fax: +60 82 240390.

Customs: Each crew member is allowed 25 cigarettes and 1,135ml of alcohol per day.

Flags

Malaysian Flag.

Notices and regulations

All port users are bound by Port Authorities Ordinance 1961 and are advised to purchase Kuching Port Authorities Legal Provisions on the Establishment, Management and Operations.

Regulations concerning entry: All vessels are required to anchor in the examination anchorage off Kampung Sijingkat or, if carrying dangerous goods, in the dangerous goods anchorage and report their arrival to the Marine Signal Station at Pending; they must not proceed further until permission has been granted.

Vessels are prohibited within 1.5km (0.8nm) of the barrage during flushing-in and draining-out. For times of these operations contact the Kuching Barrage.

No vessels exceeding 80NT shall be under way in the Sarawak River above the barrage between the hours of 1930 and 0500hrs without permission of the Director of Marine.

Power driven vessels when approaching Bintawa Rocks (1°35.0'N 110°22.3'E) and Dido Rocks, situated approx 1.75nm and 3.5nm respectively, above North Junction Point (1°34.6'N 110°24.3'E), and when approaching a bend, shall give one prolonged blast on the whistle or siren.

Power driven vessels exceeding 80NT may not overtake or pass another vessel in Sarawak River upstream of a point 0.5nm E of Bintawa Rocks.

There is a speed limit, for passenger vessels, of 10kts between the Barrage and Kuching.

Sungai Sarawak Shiplock (Barrage) system: The Sungai Sarawak Shiplock (Barrage) system comprises a barrage (1°34.5'N 110°24.5'E) across the new river cut leading into Prima Donna Reach with a shiplock on the S side of the barrage. A bridge spans the barrage. The former course of Sungai Sarawak is closed by a causeway in Turnabout Reach.

Vessels using the Sungai Sarawak Shiplock (Barrage) system are required to establish communication with Kuching Barrage in accordance with prescribed procedures.

Prior to using the Sungai Sarawak Shiplock (Barrage) system, mariners are advised to familiarise themselves with the guidelines on the requirement of the regulation relating to communications, documentation, conduct, vessel handling and liability.

Hazards: A good lookout must be kept for small low powered crafts towing large rafts and large amounts of debris which should be given a wide berth.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Marine Industrial Control Division.

Contact person: Director.

Address: PO Box 12, 42007 Port Klang, Malaysia.

Tel: +60 3 3346 7777.

Fax: +60 3 3168 4454.

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.marine.gov.my

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

Repairs

Minor ship repairs are available at Brooke Dockyard.

Dry docks

There is a dockyard at Brooke Shipyard with a 1,000t lifting capacity and 3 slipways at Iron Woods Shipyard with a maximum 1,000t lift capacity.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: High speed diesel fuel is provided at the Authority's oil wharf at Biawak by Shell, Esso and Petronas.

Stores: Limited quantities are available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Borneo Specialist Hospital (5.2km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Kuching International Airport (10km).

Where it is

Kuching is located in the E region of the Malaysian state of Sarawak.

The port

This inland port has facilities for tankers, Ro-Ro, general cargo and container vessels.

Exports: Rubber, timber, sago and rattan. Agriculture is the principle industry.

Imports: Manufactured goods, machinery and motor vehicles.

Traffic

Approx 9,000,000t of cargo, 270,000TEU and 1,200 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Kuching?

Pilotage is compulsory and is available 24 hours.

What time zone is Kuching in?

Local time at Kuching is UTC+8. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Kuching?

The deepest berth listed is at CMS Cement Terminal: 7.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Kuching?

1010-1025.

Which load line zone is Kuching in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Kuching?

Port State Control at Kuching: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Kuching?

The UN/LOCODE of Kuching is MYKCH.

What crews who called at Kuching 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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