PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Mina Al Ahmadi
Pilot
updated May 2010Main language used is English.
Key data
updated Aug 2022Size limits
Harbour: LOA 350m, beam 60.3m, draught 16.9m, 350,000DWT
Off Shore: LOA Unlimited, draught 25m, 456,000DWT
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
MHWS, 3.1m; MHWN, 1.6m; MLWN, 1.2m; MLWS, 0.2m. Tidal stream up to 2kts experienced.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuwait Oil Co Terminal | 25.00 m | — | 4 |
| Mina Al Ahmadi Special Anchorage Area | 21.50 m | — | 1 |
| North Pier Terminal | 16.92 m | 340 m | 4 |
| New Oil Pier Terminal | 16.31 m | 350 m | 7 |
| South Pier Terminal | 13.50 m | 315 m | 2 |
| Bitumen Terminal | 5.10 m | — | 1 |
| KOC South Pier Small Boat Harbour | — | — | 4 |
| Sulphur Handling Facilities Terminal | — | 200 m | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Mar 2026Port limits
The port limit extends between 2 and 3nm seaward.
Restrictions
Loaded vessels over 20.0m draught should use the deep water departure channel which is marked by special buoys.
A topping-off area for STS transfer, if required, will be assigned by the harbour master.
Wind and weather permitting, the port operates a 24 hour service to visiting vessels.
Tugs
Available and normally on duty throughout 24 hours. LNG vessels usually require 3 tugs made fast with tug lines.
Mooring
A check on moorings will be made by the duty harbour master on all vessels calling at Mina Al Ahmadi.
Charts and publications
BA 1223, 2847, 2858, 2884, 3773. US Publication 172. Admiralty Pilot NP63, NP286(8).
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Ministry of Interior, Port Security Department.
Position: Head of Port Security Department.
Tel: +965 484 3599.
Fax: +965 483 6334.
Mob: +965 902 6496
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Jul 2020Repairs
Available. Local repair companies can undertake limited repairs of a general nature, including underwater cleaning, if time permits. Electronic navigational aids equipment service is also available. Diving services are also available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available at anchorage through the agent, Mina Tank, only.
Bunkering: Heavy fuel oil: Available at all Mina al Ahmadi, Mina Abdulla and Shuaiba oil terminals and all berths except the Bitumen Pier.
Light fuel oil: Available at all terminals and at all berths except Sea Island, SPM and Bitumen Pier.
Marine diesel oil: Available at all berths on South Pier.
Marine gas oil: Available at North Pier at all berths and South Pier on Berths No 3 and 4.
Lub oil: Can be supplied in drums at the anchorage.
Stores: Normally, provisions of all categories are available and orders should be placed in advance with the agent.
Medical
Patients will normally be treated at Port Medical Dispensaries where doctors are on duty between 0730-1330hrs and 1530-1930hrs daily. In an emergency, a doctor is available at any time. Patients requiring hospital treatment will be transported by agents to Addan Hospital 10km or Ahmadi Hospital, 9.0km.
Crew change
Possible
Transport
Nearest airport: Kuwait International Airport, 36.1km.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours, 365 days a year.
About Mina Al Ahmadi
updated Aug 2011Where it is
Mina Al Ahmadi is situated on the NW shore of the Gulf, 30km S of Al-Kuwayt.
The port
The port caters for tankers, crude/products and gas carriers only. The terminals which include South Pier, New Oil Pier, North Pier, Shuaiba Petroleum Products Pier (see separate entry), Mina Abdulla Sea Island (see separate entry) and the refineries are owned by Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC). The SPM's are owned by Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). Marine operations of the above terminals are run by Kuwait Oil Company's harbour master, pilots, tugs and craft are owned and controlled by Kuwait Oil Company.
Questions about Mina Al Ahmadi
What are the pilot arrangements at Mina Al Ahmadi?
Main language used is English.
What time zone is Mina Al Ahmadi in?
Local time at Mina Al Ahmadi is UTC+3. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Mina Al Ahmadi?
The deepest berth listed is at Kuwait Oil Co Terminal: 25.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Mina Al Ahmadi?
1025.
Which load line zone is Mina Al Ahmadi in?
Summer.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Mina Al Ahmadi?
The UN/LOCODE of Mina Al Ahmadi is KWMEA.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Mina Al Ahmadi 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.
Plan a route to Mina Al Ahmadi →
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.