Limassol

1. Limassol pilot boarding place Pilot boards34°39.2′N 033°03.2′E

Size limits

Max LOA 399.87m, beam 58.8m, draught 16.0m, 191.374DWT.

Water density

1026.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 0.6m.

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

Approach

Directions for approaching Limassol are as follows: Approaching from the W, Cape Gata should be rounded at a distance of not less than 1.0nm or in depths of more than 37m. Cape Zevgari should be kept bearing more than 278° until the water tower on the NW side of Limassol bears 354°, when course may be altered to approach the harbour.

The harbour is approached by a channel dredged to a depth of 17.0m over a width of 250m. Between the harbour entrance and the quays a turning circle has been dredged to a depth of 17.0m, over a width of 600m.

The channel is marked by a Green Fairway Buoy (QG10s).

Port limits

The part of the coastline and the territorial water of Cyprus contained within a line drawn 135° to the high seas from the Roman Catholic cemetery, situated 1.6nm NE of Limassol fixed red light and a line drawn 108° from the point of interaction of the coastline and the South Breakwater of the New Port to the high seas up to distance of 7.8nm and from that point in the direction 136° up to the Lat 34 30'N.

Traffic schemes and VTS

There are no traffic schemes in operation.

Anchorages

Outside port, vessels can anchor in open roadstead with no draught limitations, however Masters are cautioned to keep clear of the entrance.

Outer Anchorages: Anchorage may be obtained 1.0nm E of Limassol Lighter Basin, in depths from 10-70m. The holding ground is good and although the anchorage is open S and E, vessels with good anchors and cables do not normally drag during gales.

STS Anchorage area in position 34°40.20'N 033°03.54'E.

From Oct to Apr, when NE gales occur, it is usual to anchor in a depth of approx 22m.

During the summer the prevailing W wind sometimes reaches gale force in the afternoon making boat work uncomfortable. For this reason, it is advisable for small vessels to anchor to the SW.

From Oct to Mar there are, on average, 7 days in each month in which the weather prevents the working of cargo with barges in the anchorage.

Restrictions

Tankers, gas carriers and other vessels carrying dangerous cargo are not permitted to enter port without special permission from the Port Manager.

Berthing is carried out between 0600hrs and sunset. Vessels can unberth and leave harbour up to midnight. Cargo vessels are allowed to berth during the night provided that berth space is available and vessels start cargo operations immediately with at least 1 gang.

Anchoring and fishing within the approach channel are prohibited.

Tugs

Tugs are available.

Mooring

Berthing space is decided at 1100hrs, there are usually no delays. Berthing is allocated according to the sequence of arrival.

Priority is granted to passenger vessels, containers and Ro-Ro vessels according to the cargo they carry.

Charts and publications

BA 849, 8052, 2074, Admiralty Pilot NP49, NP286(3).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessel's ETA should be sent 24 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

Cables can be sent through "Cyprus Radio", callsign "5BA".

Port Control contact:

VHF: Ch 10 or 16

Telephone: +357 25 819200

fax: 357-25-566374

Email: [email protected]

Port authority contact:

Fax: +357 25 575597+Website: www.cpa.gov.cy

Pilots contact:

Vhf: Ch 10

Vessel Traffic Service:

VHF: Ch 9 or 16

Telephone: +357 25 819200 (ext.182)

fax: +357 25 561914

Email: [email protected]

Notice of readiness

NOR is tendered in accordance with the agreement made between carriers/shippers/charterers but in case such agreement is not available then NOR is tendered to the ship's agent whilst the vessel is receiving free pratique.

Health

Medical requirements should be sent 3 hours prior to arrival. Pratique is required at first Cyprus port of call only. Pratique is granted either before or after berthing, as appropriate.

Pratique granted before or after berthing.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowances: For officers, 2 bottles of spirits and 400 cigarettes are allowed for a period of 4/5 days. For crew, the allowance is 1 bottle of spirits and 200 cigarettes. If a vessel stays for more than 4/5 days the Master may apply to the authorities requesting an extra allowance which is usually granted.

For non compliance there is a penalty of 3 times the value of the products plus any excess quantity found is confiscated.

Immigration: For landing of crew/passengers the Immigration authorities issue landing cards which are valid for disembarkation, embarkation and transit.

There are no restrictions on crew and/or passengers except for those who will remain in Cyprus for repatriation purposes. Those being repatriated must be in possession of tickets for onward travel prior to the vessel's departure.

Flags

The Cyprus flag and "Q" flag are required.

Notices and regulations

Usually all lashing and unlashing of cargo as well as opening and closing of hatches is undertaken by the vessel's crew.

Famagusta, Kyrenia and Karavostasi are occupied by the Turkish invasion and have been declared by the Cyprus Government to be closed and prohibited to all vessels, (cargo and passenger), since Oct 1974.

As a consequence agents are unable to undertake any operations at these ports until further notice. It should be noted that the authorities will take legal proceedings against any vessel that proceeds to the above named ports and later proceeds to other Cypriot ports free from the above measures, such as Limassol and Larnaca and a large fine will be imposed.

Port State Control here: Paris 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: Department of Merchant Shipping, Ministry of Communications and Public Work

Position: Head of Department

Address: PO Box 56193, CY-3305 Limassol, Cyprus.

Tel: +357 25 848100.

Fax: +357 25 848200.

Email: [email protected]

Telex: 2004 MERSHIPCY.

Website: http://www.shipping.gov.cy

RSO - Security Consultant Services: Class NK.

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

Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)

Cyprus has signed a PSI ship boarding agreement with the USA aimed at stemming the flow of weapons of mass destruction. If a US or Cyprus flagged vessel is suspected of trafficking proliferation related cargo, either party to this agreement can request authorisation to board, search and possibly detain the other's vessel and it's cargo.

Repairs

Minor repairs can be effected in the port including hull and engine repairs.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available at berth and in roadstead.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Limassol General Hospital, 8km. Notice of medical requirements should be sent to agent at least 3 hours before arrival.

Crew change

Airline tickets for off-signing crew must be available before vessel sails.

Transport

Nearest airport: Paphos, 48km. Larnaca International Airport, 60km.

Airport facilities: International services including daily direct flights to Europe and the Middle East.

Working hours

Cargo operations: Normally 0730-1630hrs, 1630-2300hrs (two shifts system). Container vessels and mother vessels work throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

The port of Limassol is located on the S coast of Cyprus, lies at the head of Akrotiri Bay.

The port

The port sheltered by breakwaters, is the principal port of Cyprus. Cargo handled includes containers, vehicles, timber, iron, Ro-Ro, break bulk, dry bulk, there are also ferry and cruise passenger facilities.

Traffic

Approx 3,000 vessels, 3,000,000t of cargo, 300,000TEU and 200,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Limassol?

The pilot boards at Limassol pilot boarding place, 34°39.2′N 033°03.2′E.

What time zone is Limassol in?

Local time at Limassol is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Limassol?

The deepest berth listed is at DP World Multipurpose Terminal: 16.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Limassol?

1026.

Which load line zone is Limassol in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Limassol?

Port State Control at Limassol: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Limassol?

The UN/LOCODE of Limassol is CYLMS.

What crews who called at Limassol 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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