Majunga

Size limits

Anchorage: Maximum draught 10.0m, 20,000DWT.

Alongside: Draught 4.5m HW.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 3.8m, mean neap range 1.2m.

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

Approach

There are 3 channels that lead to Majunga, between Toraka Cavalier and Toraka Narcissus, as follows:

Chenal du Nord Ouest entrance (15°36'S 046°11'E) which is the principal channel, suitable for ocean going vessels, least depth 8.5m.

Chenal du Nord Est entrance (15°30'S 046°22'E), normally used by coasters approaching from NE, least depth 10.1m.

Chenal de l'Ouest entrance (15°40'S 046°06'E), which can be used by coasters approaching from W, least depth 7.0m.

The harbour is entered through a channel leading from the SE end of Chenal du Nord-Ouest.

Caution: It was reported that Banc du Narcissus extends further W and S than charted, reducing depths to 3.7m in the vicinity of the 11.0m contour.

The harbour is subject to severe shoaling.

Anchorages

Outer anchorage:They are marked by the intersection of the bearing 003° of Pointe Anorombato beacon in line with Pointe Anorombato Light and the bearing 062° of a light, 0.4nm E of Pointe de Sable, in line with another light, 220m ENE. There are greater depths farther SW.

A suitable anchorage area for a deep draft vessel is reported to be in depth of approx. 13m. The hard mud provided good holding ground, with Katsepy Light bearing 279°, the radio tower on Pointe Anorombato bearing 033°, and the anchorage rear leading light bearing 134°.

Prohibited anchorage: Anchorage is prohibited on the approach leading lines.

With local knowledge coasters can anchor a little farther E in a depth of 5.0m

Tugs

Small tugs are available.

Charts and publications

BA 3871, 3872. Admiralty Pilot NP39.

Communications

VHF: Port: Ch 16.

Health

Vessels arriving from another port in Madagascar are granted free pratique. The Port Health Officer boards vessels requesting clearance, from sunrise to sunset only. Such vessels may not proceed farther into Heldrano Bombetoka than Majunga until pratique has been granted.

Notices and regulations

Vessels can arrive and sail during both day and night but, due to the difficulty of identifying the leading light structures for the anchorage, the best time is late in the day or when the leading lights are exhibited, bearing in mind their unreliability.

Cargoes of vessels larger than coasters are worked by lighters in the anchorage or at moorings.

Departing from the anchorage, it is better to sail after the end of the ingoing stream, as there is little room for turning a vessel.

Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Agence Portuaire Maritime et Fluviale.

Position: Director General.

Address: Vice Premature, BP 581, Anosy, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar.

Tel: +261 20 222 5860.

Fax: +261 20 222 5860.

Mob: +261 320 229259.

Email: [email protected]

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

USCG Security Levels: The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that, effective Dec 4 2009, it will impose conditions of entry on vessels arriving to the United States from Madagascar, with the exception of vessels arriving from Toamasina (also known as Tamatave) during their last five port calls.

In summary, each affected vessel must: (1) implement the Security Level 2 measures from its ship security plan while in a Madagascan port; (2) ensure that each access point is guarded and that guards have total visibility of the exterior of the vessel while in a Madagascan port; (3) attempt to execute a Declaration of Security while in a Madagascan port; (4) log all security actions; and (5) report actions taken to the pertinent USCG Captain of the Port [COTP] prior to arrival in the US. (74 Fed. Reg. 45230).

Repairs

Minor repairs available. There is a slipway for vessels up to 300t, 0.9nm E of Pointe de Sable.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Water barges can supply 200m³/day.

Bunkers: Fuel oil, diesel and petroleum are available by pipeline at Digue Schneider.

Stores: Provisions available.

Medical

Majunga Hospital.

Transport

Nearest airport: Majunga Airport, 7km.

Airport facilities: Regular flights to Antananarivo International Airport.

Working hours

Normally Mon-Sat, 0700-1100hrs and 1300-1700hrs. Overtime by arrangement.

Where it is

Majunga (Mahajanga) is situated on the NW coast of Madagascar in Bombetoka Bay.

The port

Majunga is a commercial port, handling transhipment cargoes for coastal trading ports on the W coast of Madagascar. Cargo operations are carried out in the roadstead for ocean going vessels and at the quay for small coastal vessels, including oil and gas tankers.

Principle cargoes are rice, salt and containers.

Traffic

Approx 340,000t of cargo handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Majunga?

Pilotage is compulsory, with at least 24 hours in advance by radio.

What time zone is Majunga in?

Local time at Majunga is UTC+3. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Majunga?

The deepest berth listed is at Port Schneider: 7.20 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Majunga?

1025.

Which load line zone is Majunga in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Majunga?

Port State Control at Majunga: Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Majunga?

The UN/LOCODE of Majunga is MGMJN.

What crews who called at Majunga 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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