Montevideo

1. Montevideo pilot boarding place A Pilot boards35°01.6′S 056°13.0′W
2. Montevideo pilot boarding place B Pilot boards35°01.6′S 056°10.0′W
3. Montevideo pilot boarding place C Pilot boards35°02.6′S 056°06.0′W
4. Montevideo pilot boarding place D Pilot boards35°04.0′S 055°59.0′W
5. Río de la Plata – Pontón Prácticos Recalada (Recalada pilot pontoon, charted position) Pilot35°06.5′S 055°57.9′W
6. Pilot boarding place Pilot boards35°00.0′S 056°13.6′W
7. Montevideo pilot boarding place E Pilot boards35°04.5′S 055°51.0′W

Size limits

Max LOA 340m, beam 51.0m, draught 13.0m and 208,391DWT.

Water density

1010.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

The mean HW interval at Montevideo is 4 hours 2 minutes. Range 1.0m. A wind from E, SE and SW raise the water level in the bay, the increase being generally from 1.2 to 1.8m, occasionally 2.4m and exceptionally has been known to reach 4.4m. Winds from the opposite quarters lower the water level which sometimes falls as much as 1.0m in Rio de la Plata. There can be a considerable difference in water level on opposite sides of the estuary. The rise in level is less noticeable at Montevideo than farther out in Rio de la Plata. Tidal currents only felt in Rada de Montevideo where they run E on the ebb and then W on the flood at rates of 1kts. It can be seen that strong S'ly winds will force water into the bay at around 3 to 4hrs after the wind has risen. The water will then begin to flow out and will create a countercurrent to run outward round Punta Sarandi. It is worth noting that vessels leaving the bay on the E side after Pampero are required to do so with caution due to the strong SE current which is present after passing Punta Sarandi. The crosscurrent can attain speeds of up to 2kts in the channel.

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 approached from Rada Exterior, the outer roads which lie 6nm SSW of Punta Teresa, through a dredged and buoyed channel.

Access channel: From 2024, the access channel will be deepened to 14.0m in the Port of Montevideo to allow larger vessels throughout the bay. Vessels waiting for a pilot should do so within 900m off the Fairway Buoy. Passing in the channel is permitted for vessels under 9.0m draught or for a vessel drawing over 9.0m with a vessel drawing less than 7.6m. There is a current, changing direction with wind and tide, of approx 1kt. The eastern section of the channel should not be used for anchoring, as there are submarine cables W of the channel, between the buoys and the "Calpean Star" wreck, depth is 7.0m for 500m.

Ships entering from the W, land their Argentine pilot at Montevideo but, if continuing on to sea without entering, may drop the pilot at the access channel or if weather does not permit, disembark at Recalada Lightship. In such cases a message should be sent to the control centre, Montevideo by VHF.

The E breakwater projecting from Punta Sarandi, has a length of 940m and the western breakwater lying at right angles to the eastern breakwater, has a length of 1,300m. The passage between the 2 breakwaters has a width of 300m.

Caution: High speed ferries use and cross the buoyed channel.

Port limits

These are defined as a line joining Punta Brava (34°56.0'S., 056°10.0'W) to Punta Yeguas, 8nm WNW.

Anchorages

Note: In those cases where the provisions of Rule 3 arise, the maritime authorities will choose the place of anchorage.

Anchorage may be taken in selected zones including: Bravo Zone located in the vicinity of 35°30'S, between the meridians of 56°30'W, and 56°36'W. Incoming vessels with a max draught of 12m to await clearance and free pratique. Vessels navigating in Bravo Zone are to report anchoring or weighing anchor in Montevideo Roads, within the zone or elsewhere, on passing the stranded wreck on the W side of the approach channel, on passing the breakwaters, on anchoring in Anteport, on berthing/unberthing in the basins, and on anchoring or weighing anchor in the zone. Charlie Zone covers an area bound between 35°59'S to 36°05'W and 56°30'W to 56°38'W for vessels with a max draught of 15.25m. The aforementioned anchorage is for vessels requiring lightening operations prior to a port entry (mainly tankers). Delta Zone is located in 35°04'S to 35°06'S and 55°11'W to 55°16'W and used by tankers of 15m draught in salt water for lightening before entering the port of Buenos Aires, La Plata, and Campana ports.

Note: Vessels using the zones are to inform the Control Centre of any accident, damage, fire, damage, unmarked navigational hazard and any reduction in visibility. Vessels must obtain permission, valid for 15mins, from the Control Centre before anchoring

Anteport: There are, seven anchorage berths with a depth of 9.0m, soft mud, anchor with both anchors. Anchorage is prohibited within 0.5nm of the breakwaters or of any of the lightbuoys marking the dredged channel.

Prohibited anchorage: Located 0.5nm of the breakwater or of any lighted buoys marking the dredged channels. Vessels are also prohibited from anchoring E of a line extending due S from Punta Teresa and W of a line due S from Punta Sayago due to submarine cables.

Note: Vessels may anchor temporarily. If a vessel is anchoring temporarily and does not requite the sanitary officer, then it must display their national flag and signal letters in the International Code of Signals for 4hrs during daylight. In the event of fog or tick weather, vessels must anchor in the roadstead until weather clears.

Restrictions

The port is closed to all shipping in winds exceeding 38kts by day and 32kts by night. It is closed when visibility is reduced to 1,000m.

Speed: Vessels must not exceed 8kts in the dredged channel, 6kts in Antepuerto and 4kts in the inner harbour. Towage is compulsory for any vessel unable to manoeuvre at these speeds.

Navigation: Numerous wrecks are found throughout the bay including and the "Calpean Star" wreck. Additional wrecks are including those with exposed masts are marked by buoys and lie close W of the channel between Km 4 and Km 6.5. Following the dredging works and construction of the new fishing terminal, 32-50 ship wrecks were removed from the N section of the harbour. It is worth noting that barges and other vessels may anchor inside the harbour, and are often crowded along the edge of the channel.

Restricted areas: An area 2nm SE of Isla de Flores of which anchoring and fishing is prohibited.

Silting: Prevalent in the harbour channels , basins, and berths. Depths may be less than charted and mariners are advised to proceed with caution within the port and contact the local authorities for the latest information.

Charts and publications

BA 2001, 1749. Admiralty Pilot NP5.

ETA and pre-arrival notices

For Pilotage, vessels are required to inform the port authority via agents of their expected arrival 72hrs in advance and then confirm 24hrs in advance. The pilot station is equipped with a radiotelephone.

Standard messages

Approaching from the S: According to regulations it is essential to contact and maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 16 with Prefectura Punta del Este on passing meridian 055°30'W. After this position contact Control port of Montevideo. If communications cannot be established, cable the vessel's agent and Montevideo Control Centre urgently, informing them of the date/hour of passing their area to avoid fines. Pilot will board with berthing instructions at 35°00'S., 056°14'W. Advise ETA and arrival draught.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered in accordance with Charter Party terms.

This is alongside if berth is free on arrival or on anchoring in the port roads if berth is occupied or if charterer, for any reason, does not accept vessel alongside.

If loading at more than one port, NOR should be presented at first loading port only, unless otherwise stated in the relevant Charter Party or contract; notwithstanding that the Master is obliged to keep agents/charterers well informed of progress and position whilst shifting between ports.

Documents

Refer to country information.

Health

Free pratique can be requested by radio. A message should be sent to the authorities, via the ship's agent, 48 hours prior to arrival. The message must include the number of crew and the full names of the Master.

Customs and immigration

Customs: There are no restrictions regarding personal effects provided they are previously declared on the Crew Personal Effects List. Goods not declared are confiscated.

Immigration: All passengers' passports must be shown.

Flags

Vessels arriving must display their national flag and the quarantine flag until pratique is given. Vessels entering the port should display the quarantine flag of the Health officer before communicating with the shore or shipping. Uruguayan flag over any other flag placed on port side.

Notices and regulations

Hazardous cargo: Vessels with explosive or inflammable's onboard should display flag B of the International Code of Signals by day and one red light at night. Such vessels may be required to discharge their cargo in Antepuerto or at Rada Exterior.

Vessels arriving with damaged hulls may not enter the port until after an examination by the officials.

If a vessels arrives at Montevideo from a port where contagious diseases exist, then they are required to anchor off Isla Flores (34°57'S., 55°56'W.). These vessels will proceed to the aforementioned location before proceeding to the designated anchorage so that fumigation may be carried out before pratique is granted.

All vessels wishing to berth/unberth and anchor within the port must obtain permission from the Control Centre. The permission, if granted, is only valid for 15mins.

Weather signals are displayed from the mast of the Meteorological Station situated on top of one of the buildings on Punta Sarandi (34°54'S., 56°13'W.). Weather information is signaled from this station daily at 1600. The information given includes a forecast for the following 24 hours. The height of the barometer (in millimeters), the temperature, and the force of the wind are made in International Code by the station if requested. The barometer is located at a height of 25m above mean sea level.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Prefectura Nacional Naval.

Address: Rambla 25 de Agosto de 1825 s/n, Edif del Comando General de la Armada, Montevideo 11000, Uruguay.

Tel: +598 2 915 5500

Fax: +598 2 910 5500

Mob: +598 9 4433184

E-mail: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Divers and repairs are available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at all berths.

Bunkering: All grades of fuel and lubricants available from ANCAP. Bunkering operations may be carried out throughout the port and delivered by barge or road tanker via Christophersen Shipping agents.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Círculo Catolico de Obreros - Sanatorio Central Dr. Luis Pedro Lenguas (2.2km), Asociacion Espanola (3.15km), Círculo Catolico - Sanatorio Galicia (5.95km) and North Hospital Center Gustavo Saint-Bois (12.6km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Carrasco International Airport (17.8km).

Nearest railway: Estacion Bella Vista (1.83km). UPM has a dedicated railway unloading area with direct rail connections from the mill to the terminal. TGM Terminal has access to railway unloading.

Nearest highway: The port has direct access to Route 1. The road runs 174.29km connecting Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento along the coast.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Montevideo.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours, 365 days a year. Levels of port activity are reduced on 1st January and 1st May.

Where it is

Montevideo is the principal port in Uruguay and is situated on the River Plate.

The port

The Port of Montevideo serves as the primary commercial port of Uruguay, playing a pivotal role in the country’s trade and economic activities. Managed by the National Port Administration, this vital maritime facility is strategically located on the east coast of the Bay of Montevideo, providing an advantageous position for shipping and logistics operations.

The port's infrastructure is robust and versatile, designed to accommodate a wide variety of cargo types. In addition to general cargo, Montevideo handles containers, passenger vessels, Ro-Ro ships, breakbulk shipments, and both dry and liquid bulk commodities. The port is also equipped to manage reefer cargo, fish products, and LPG.

Notably, while the main port facilities are located along the bay, the Ancap Refinery and recently inaugurated Puerto Capurro Fishing Terminal are situated to the north of the bay. These specialized terminals enhance the port's operational scope, particularly in the fishing and hydrocarbons sectors.

The port is a critical conduit for Uruguay's exports, which predominantly feature forest products, cereals, meat, oil products, fruits, dairy products, and fish.

Traffic

Approx 18,400,000t of cargo, 650,000TEU, 4,300 vessels and 860,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Montevideo?

The pilot boards at Montevideo pilot boarding place A, 35°01.6′S 056°13.0′W. Montevideo has 7 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Montevideo in?

Local time at Montevideo is UTC−3. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Montevideo?

The deepest berth listed is at Terminal de Graneles Montevideo (TGM): 13.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Montevideo?

1010.

Which load line zone is Montevideo in?

Summer.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Montevideo?

The UN/LOCODE of Montevideo is UYMVD.

What crews who called at Montevideo 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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