Mesaieed

Size limits

Harbour: LOA 339.5m, beam 60m, draught 13.0m, 320,105DWT.

Off Shore: LOA 340m, BCM 180m, draught 12.5m, 322,861DWT.

Water density

1030-1035.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

In general the tide follows the coastline with the flood tide setting to the S or SW and the ebb tide setting to the N or NE. The greatest caution must be exercised by all vessels when setting course to round the SE Arrif Buoy. It should be noted that tidal sets can run up to 2 hours after the predicted HW/LW times, max current velocity is approx 2kts.

Abnormal meteorological conditions may affect all the above tides by 0.61m.

The normal tidal range is between 0.4m to 2.0m with the highest tides being in the region of 2.45m in exceptional circumstances.

HAT +2.59m above CD, LAT +0.22m above CD, Lowest observed tide -0.09m.

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

Approach

From the vicinity of Mishut Lightbuoy (W cardinal) (25°15.98'N 051°46.80'E) the approach leads initially SW to Mesaieed Approach Lightbuoy (W cardinal) (25°12.49'N 051°44.41'E) where the track divides to lead through West Channel or East Channel, before rejoining at the outer end of the Main Channel in the vicinity of SE Arif Lightbuoy (E cardinal) (25°53.73'N 051°43.20'E). The port is then entered through Main Channel, North Inner Channel and Fairway Channel.

Port limits

The port limits are between Lat. 24°55'N and Lat 25°14'N; and from the eastern coastline to Long.51°48.50'E. Mesaieed Port limits include the Inner Harbour and the Outer Channels to the Mesaieed Approach Buoy.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Entrance to Mesaieed by all shipping is strictly under the Vessel Traffic Control System. Call "Mesaieed Traffic" prior to any movement in Mesaieed port area or entry to the navigation channels. Permission must be obtained from Mesaieed Traffic. AIS equipment should be in good working order and switched on and operational before arriving at the port.

Vessels should call Mesaieed Traffic on VHF, 6 hours before arrival at Mishut Lightbuoy and also when 5nm from Mishut Lightbuoy. Departing vessels should advise their ETD on VHF Ch 11, 12 hours in advance and confirm 6 and 2 hours before completing cargo operations.

Anchorages

Vessel arriving Mesaieed Port but not clear to enter port shall request for anchoring outside Port limit at ALPHA anchorage (see BA 3787). Vessel shall maintain continuous listening watch on VHF 11 for clearance instructions.

Vessel arriving Mesaieed Port clear to enter Port limit but not berthing on arrival or vessel being shifted from berth may be allowed to use inner anchorage (see BA 3783) as directed by Port control.

The anchors are to be unlashed and ready for letting go during transiting the Channel and manoeuvring within the Port.

Once the Vessel is moored, the bow stoppers are r=to be placed on the chain with the pins removed, so that they can be lifted, clear of the chain in case of an emergency.

Restrictions

Prohibited area: A prohibited area, enclosed by the pecked lines as shown on Admiralty Chart No 3786, has been established. Masters of all vessels are prohibited from entering, anchoring or fishing within this area unless permission has been granted by the corporation.

Vessels calling Port of Mesaieed and intending to take in Port Hold ballast in the designated holds in order to fulfil the air draught requirements criteria. The vessels shall ensure a written approval of "No Objection" be obtained from Port Authority and the respective terminal prior to carrying out such ballasting operations.

The actual decision to berth or un-berth a vessel depends on many factors, which can only be assessed by the Pilot and the Master.

The parameters in the table below may not therefore be strictly observed by the Pilot, if in his professional judgement and in consultation with the Master, more or less restrictive parameters should apply to ensure the safe manoeuvring of the vessel.

Mesaieed Port Operations Limits

Maximum Beam of vessels calling at Mesaieed Port is 60 meters.

Maximum Draft for VLCC is 12.5m and 13.0m for all other vessels.

Maximum trim for all vessels is 3.0 meters.

Tugs

Eight tugs available: 2 x 80t, 4 x 55t, 2 x 35t bollard pull, and all tugs are equipped with fire-fighting and anti-pollution equipment operating on a 24hr basis.

Number of tugs to be deployed as minimum as per below recommendation.

Tugs deployment is mandatory during East/West Channel transit under following circumstances. Pilot will decide number of tugs.

Charts and publications

BA 3783, 3787, 3789, 3950. Admiralty Pilot NP63, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels are required to inform Mesaieed Port (through the nominated agents) by PMIS and E-mail of their ETA at Mishut Light Buoy at least 72 hours before arrival and confirm the ETA 48 hours, 24 hours and 12 hours prior to their arrival. When within VHF range and as soon as possible vessel shall call Mesaieed traffic control on VHF Ch. 11 or 16 and update their ETA. It should be clearly indicated if times quoted are in Greewich Mean Time (GMT).

Upon departure, vessels shall maintain a listening watch on VHF channel 11 and 16 whilst in their port vicinity, anchorage or alongside. Vessels shall advise Mesaieed Port control on VHF Ch 11 their ETD 12 hours and confirm 6, 2 and 1 hour before completion of cargo operations.

Communications

Telex message: Vessels fitted with telex machines may make contact through telex No 4050 QPAUSD DH. However, only the low (50B) speed transmission mode should be used to ensure clear receipt of text. High (75B) speed transmission mode must not be used.

VHF: Vessel Traffic Control (VTC): Ch 11, 16, callsign "Mesaieed Traffic" monitored 24 hours. Mesaieed Traffic Email: [email protected]. The range of the station is approximately 50nm.

Vessel shall maintain listening watch on Ch 11, 16 whilst in port vicinity, anchorage or alongside.

Departure: Vessels will advise VTC on Ch 11 their ETD 12 hours, and confirm 6 hours and 2 hours before completion of cargo operations.

Terminal, Duty Harbour Pilot & Tugs: Ch 09, 11.

SPM & CBM Berthing & Cargo Operations: Private VHF Ch P1 and P2.

AIS: It is mandatory for vessels to have their AIS equipment switched on and input data is correct.

Notice of readiness

The Notice of Readiness (NOR) should be addressed to the "Qatar General Petroleum Corporation, Mesaieed, Qatar". The NOR will be received by the corporation representative provided that the vessel is ready to load. In the majority of cases, normal procedure is to present the NOR to the pilot who receives it at the same time as he boards the vessel.

Laytime will commence as stipulated in the export agreement between purchasers and vendors.

For vessels using the QAFCO installation, NOR should be tendered at time of anchoring at the Freighter Anchorage in Mesaieed. Vessels should not tender NOR upon reaching the Mishut Buoy as this pilot boarding area is not applicable for vessels using the QAFCO installation.

For all other berths, the notice should be presented to the shore representative.

Documents

The following is a list of documents required by the shore authorities upon arrival. The soft copy of document is provided to vessel agents for onward delivery to vessel prior vessel arrival.

Health

All ships must submit the 'MARITIME DECLARATION OF HEALTH' and the 'SHIP SANITATION CONTROL EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE', in accordance with the models in force.

All nine items of the Maritime Declaration of Health must be completed.

If, all nine questions were answered with "NO", then the vessel is considered a Healthy ship and the "FREE PRATIQUE" shall be granted when the pilot boards the ship.

If one or more of the nine questions is answered with "YES", then the vessel shall be considered as "SUSPECTED" or "INFECTED" ship and Mesaieed Port Authority shall notify Port Health Authorities to take all control measures and necessary actions, and the ship shall not be granted Free Pratique, unless confirmed by health authorities that the ship is considered as a healthy ship.

These documents are to be forwarded as part of the pre arrival required documents.

Free pratique shall be granted upon receipt of the abovementioned documents.

In case of failure to submit the abovementioned documents the vessel will be directed to proceed to the anchorage where authorities will board the vessel for necessary procedures.

The Port shall be advised of any report of a health incident likely to pose a threat to public health that is detected in the port area involving international traffic.

The Masters shall ensure that the certificate remains valid throughout Mesaieed Port stay.

Customs and immigration

Customs Allowance: Liquor and drugs: The State Laws of Qatar are very strict about the import of liquor and drugs and their consumption, both on the mainland and on vessels in the harbour, is prohibited. No employee, whether junior or senior, is permitted to import any liquor or drugs direct or bring any liquor or drugs ashore from vessels and under no circumstances should liquor or drugs be offered for consumption onboard to any QGPC employee or any shore personnel. Vessels should seal their liquor and drugs before arrival and any cameras should also be placed under seal. Heavy penalties are enforced for any infringement of the law.

Immigration: Immigration/transit facilities for arriving or departing ship personnel are good. Ample notice should be given together with Passport/Seaman's details to ensure minimum delay to travelling personnel.

Flags

The Qatar National Flag is to be flown during daylight hours when a vessel is in Mesaieed Port.

Notices and regulations

Arms onboard: With immediate effect, all vessels calling to Mesaieed Port will not be allowed to carry onboard any weapons or armed security teams.

Channel clearance: Vessels proceeding to Mesaieed must obtain channel clearance from Mesaieed traffic control upon arrival at "Mishut" Buoy by contacting VHF Ch 16 or 11 and also Doha Port Control on VHF Ch 16 or reporting points as shown on BA Chart 3787.

The Port Authorities' permission is necessary for shifting of other ports' cargo. All Doha/Mesaieed cargo must be cleared for discharging prior to berthing. Restricted Area: North Berth SBM lies in a restricted area, vessels are prohibited from entering this area unless a pilot is embarked and permission has been obtained from the Qatar Petroleum Company.

As per the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution form ships (MARPOL) Annex VI (Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships), reg. 14, covers the emissions of Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and particulate matter from ships. The regulation requires ships to meet the new requirements, by using low sulphur in marine "fuel oil used on board", such as Marine Gas Oil. The "Fuel oil used on board" includes use in main and auxiliary engines and boilers. At present, the current limit for Sulphur content of fuel oil is 3.50% mm in Mesaieed Port, and will be required to attain 0.50% m/m on and after 1 January 2020.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Customs and Ports General Authority.

Position: Director, Maritime Affairs and Transport.

Address: PO Box 313, Customs and Ports General Authority Bldg, Corniche Road, Doha, Qatar.

Tel: +974 441 4626.

Fax: +974 441 4864.

Mob: +974 589 1095.

Email: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available. Can be supplied alongside at some of the selective berths via tanker road trucks.

Bunkering: Available via bunker barge at anchorages as designated by Mesaieed port Authority within the limits of Mesaieed Port.

Stores: Available at anchorage and at some selective berths.

Medical

Al Wakra Hospital in Al Wakrah, 37km.

Crew change

Facilities exist for crew change. Twenty-four hours notice is required with full details of names, Passport and Seaman's Book numbers.

Note: It is essential to have a Seaman's Book in order to join a vessel.

Immigration/transit facilities for arriving or departing ship personnel are good. Ample notice should be given on Passport details to ensure minimum delay to travelling personnel.

Transport

Nearest airport: Hamad International Airport in Doha, 43km.

Nearest railway: Doha Expressway in Doha, 50km.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Where it is

Mesaieed (also known as Umm Said) is located in a natural south on the east coast of the State of Qatar, approximately 45km south of Doha.

The port

Mesaieed lies in the industrial heartland of the country and is the premier port in the State of Qatar. There port mainly handles crude oil, petroleum products, LPG, chemicals, fertiliser, bulk and general cargoes.

Exports: Include Qatar (land) crude oil, condensate, refined products, LPG, naphtha, petrochemicals, ethylene, ammonia, methanol, polythene pellets, bulk urea, steel bars, sulphur, and bulk and general cargo.

Imports: Include iron ore pellets, salt, aggregates, cement, clinker and project cargoes.

Traffic

Approx 50,000,000t of cargos, 60,000TEU and 3,000 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Mesaieed?

Pilotage includes channel navigation, berthing, un-berthing and shifting.

What time zone is Mesaieed in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Mesaieed?

The deepest berth listed is at Gabbro Terminal: 13.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Mesaieed?

1030-1035.

Which load line zone is Mesaieed in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Mesaieed?

The UN/LOCODE of Mesaieed is QAMES.

What crews who called at Mesaieed 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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