Mersa Matruh

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

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 naturally protected by rocky plateau from the E and W sides. The entrance channel has been dredged to 9.0m, with a minimum width of 50m. Depths within the port range from 2.0m to 10.0m.

The directions are as follows:

First leg: The entrance to Mersa Matruh is indicated by 2 Leading Beacons (black and white bands), 0.6nm SSW of Point Labeit, which in line bear 210°. This alignment should be gained as soon as the beacons can be distinguished, so as to steady the vessel on the correct course before reaching the entrance, which has a width of only 100m.

A radar reflector on a pipe 6.0m in height, stands near the E side of the entrance.

The Leading Line passes W of Sponge Patch, with a depth of 5.8m over it and close E of a buoy (black can) moored 100m SSE of a rock with a depth of 2.4m over it.

Second leg: The second leg of the channel is indicated by 2 Leading Beacons (poles; rectangle topmarks), 140m E of Sidi Awam Mosque, which in line bear 169°-349°, the E side of this leg of the channel is marked by Buoys No 1 and 2 (yellow).

Third leg: The third leg of the channel is indicated by a pair of Leading Beacons (poles; diamond topmarks) in line bearing 129°-309°.

Fourth leg: The fourth leg on the N side, with a depth of 5.5m is indicated by a pair of Leading Beacons (poles triangle topmarks) in line bearing 090°-270°.

Then vessels should steer for the middle of the harbour entrance.

Anchorages

The best berth is at the mooring buoy 0.15nm N of Drama Point, in a depth of approx 7.0m, fair holding ground of mud over sand, heading W with a stern anchor out.

In good weather a vessel can anchor in the deeper water N of Harbour Point, with her stern secured to the buoy.

Charts and publications

BA 3400. Admiralty Pilot NP49.

Communications

Alexandria Radio is recommended for passing messages at long range.

Inmarsat communication is possible.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered by cable, fax or telex on the ship's arrival off the port, then in writing when the agent boards. Tendering is in accordance with the terms and conditions of the relative Charter Party.

Documents

Cargo documents (copies of Bills of Lading and Manifest) should be in possession of state agent prior to ship's arrival for the purpose of approaching cargo receivers to enable them to manage the necessary formalities.

Special forms, for completion by the Master, will be delivered to him by the pilot, Immigration and state agent.

Health

Free pratique is granted immediately on the ship's arrival if not coming from an infected area. Pratique cannot be applied for by radio.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates can be renewed if expired.

Customs and immigration

Customs: On berthing, Customs Officers will attend to check the ship's bonded store according to the list prepared by the Master.

There is no alcohol allowance for ships crews whilst in port, cigarettes only are allowed. Penalties for non compliance are large.

Immigration: The Immigration Officer is the first person to board after the pilot, he checks the Seaman's Books and issues the shore permits for crew members. Nobody is allowed to board the vessel before the Immigration clearance. Crew and/or passengers cannot leave the vessel before the attendance of the Immigration Officer.

Flags

Hoisting of the Egyptian flag on arrival is essential. If the flag is not available on arrival the Master may request one, through the agent, upon berthing.

Notices and regulations

Vessels arriving with cargo to be discharged, or for loading cargo, will not be berthed unless receivers or shippers are ready with the necessary documents duly approved by the state agent/customs.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Maritime Transport Sector.

Position: Head of Department

Address: 4 Petolomy Street, Alexandria, 21514, Egypt.

Fax: +203 484 2096

Email: [email protected]

RSO - Security Consultant Services: Class NK.

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Limited quantities, supplied in casks.

Bunkers: Marine diesel available.

Stores: Limited.

Transport

Nearest airport: Situated close S of the town.

Nearest railway: Connected to the Egyptian railway system.

Where it is

Mersa Matruh is situated approx 290km W of Alexandria, on the N coast of Egypt.

The port

The port has been used as a Naval Base before. However, as part of the "west of Egypt" national development plan, the new Naval Base and salt loading operations is been handled at Gargoub (see separate entry), 75km West of Mersa Matrouh.

What time zone is Mersa Matruh in?

Local time at Mersa Matruh is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 29 Apr 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 28 Oct 2027.

What is the water density at Mersa Matruh?

1025.

Which load line zone is Mersa Matruh in?

Summer.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Mersa Matruh?

The UN/LOCODE of Mersa Matruh is EGMUH.

What crews who called at Mersa Matruh 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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