PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Laayoune
Pilot
updated Aug 2010Compulsory. Pilot boards vessels approx 0.7nm off the pier head (27°03.9'N 013°27.8'W).
Key data
updated Sep 2016Size limits
LOA 230m, beam 32m, draught 17.0m, 100,000DWT.
Water density
1025
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Range 2.0m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphate Terminal | 17.00 m | 230 m | 1 |
| Laayoune Terminal | — | 120 m | 3 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Oct 2021Approach
Laayoune can be approached towards the point located 0.2nm S end of main breakwater (between two cardinal marks). The access channel to the port is dredged to 7m-6.5m depth, 140m wide with length of 0.3nm and oriented at 040° heading to the centre of fairway.
The fishing port and Muelle de Fosbucraa can be approached from N through W to S, the final approach to both being from S.
Fishing Port: The fishing port (27°06'N 013°26'W) is enclosed by a breakwater extending 0.8nm W and 0.4nm S, from 0.175nmSW from the old lighthouse.
Anchorages
Anchorage can be obtained 1nm SW of the head of the jetty in depths of 10.5m. It should be noted that there are areas of flat rock in the anchorage.
Vessels should not anchor N of the parallel of the pier head as the bottom is rocky.
Anchorage is prohibited in the vicinity of the oil pipeline, the area is marked by beacons and extends as far as the lightbuoy.
Restrictions
Vessels under 70,000DWT, berth on arrival daylight weather permitting.
Tugs
2 tugs of 1,200hp and 2,600hp available.
Mooring
Vessel normally berths starboard side alongside using the port anchor. Mooring winches to be fully operational and max power available at all times. Two x 300m ropes are necessary for berthing. A min of 6 mooring lines fore and 5 lines aft are required. Propeller to be submerged with vessel at or near even keel.
Special towage requirements can be confirmed with the harbour authority.
Charts and publications
BA 863, 1862. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP286(3).
Reporting before arrival
updated Sep 2016ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels should send ETA 72, 48 and 24 hours in advance to Phosboucraa Laayoune.
Communications
VHF: Terminal, Ch 16, 12, 14, 69, 70
Tel: +212 528 890472, Fax: +212 528 893628
Health
Quarantine officer may board when vessel is alongside if weather permits.
Customs and immigration
Customs officer may board when vessel is alongside if weather permits.
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 2021Repairs
Not available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Bunkering: Available.
Water: Available.
Provisions: Can be arranged and delivered by boat.
Medical
Hospital: Laayoune 35km. Agent requires 48 hours notice to arrange doctor.
Transport
Nearest airport: Laayoune Airport, 35km. Flights available to Casablanca for international connections.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours, including all Public holidays.
About Laayoune
updated Oct 2021Where it is
The port of Laayoune, also known as Aaiun, is situated 650km SW of Agadir, in the Western Sahara region of Morocco.
The port
Laayoune is mainly a bulk phosphate terminal. The terminal, situated approx 3.6km from the coast, is served by conveyor systems and stocking area. There are also general cargo and fishery facilities available in small harbour.
Imports include hydrocarbons, general sundries and clinker.
Exports phosphate, sand, frozen fish, fish oil and general sundries.
Traffic
Approx 1,900,000t of cargo and 220 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Laayoune
What are the pilot arrangements at Laayoune?
Compulsory. Pilot boards vessels approx 0.7nm off the pier head (27°03.9'N 013°27.8'W).
What time zone is Laayoune in?
Local time at Laayoune is UTC+0. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Laayoune?
The deepest berth listed is at Phosphate Terminal: 17.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Laayoune?
1025
Which load line zone is Laayoune in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Laayoune?
The UN/LOCODE of Laayoune is MAEUN.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Laayoune 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.