Mossel Bay

Size limits

LOA 130m, draught 6.5m.

Offshore: LOA 189m, beam 32.26m, draught 12m, 51,549DWT.

Water density

1040.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

HW: 1.84m

LW: 0.36m

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 the E by passing N of Cape Saint Blaize and the harbour is entered from the NNW through a dredged channel. The entrance channel is dredged to 8.0m with a width of 170m. The outer part of the harbour is dredged to 7.5m and the inner part to 6.0m.

Caution: Vessels approaching from the W are advised to clear Blinder Rock by at least 0.3nm as there is often an uncomfortable swell in the vicinity of the rock, upon which the sea nearly always breaks heavily.

Two pairs of leading beacons are situated in Mossel Bay to indicate where tankers should drop their anchors for CBM mooring. Lights are exhibited from the beacons during the period between the arrival and departure of a tanker.

First Pair, Voorbaai, in line 288.5; Second pair, Die Bakke, in line bearing 198°.

Port limits

The area W of a line between Cape Saint Blaize Light and the entrance to Klein Brakrivier, 5.75nm N.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Traffic schemes not yet operational.

Anchorages

Open anchorage with unlimited depth is available in position 34°09.0'S 22°11.0'E, depth 30m.

Within the bay the holding ground of mud and sand is good. Due to the heavy ground swell, which can develop at any time of the year, it is inadvisable to anchor in depths less than 15.0m. The anchorage recommended is in a depth of 20m with Seal Island (34°09'01S 22°07'.2E) bearing 276°distant 1.5nm. Fishing vessels and smaller craft may obtain anchorage off Munro's Bay (34°10'.6S 22°08'.4E) in a depth of 7.3m.

Prohibited anchorage: Anchoring is prohibited in the vicinity of the oil terminal moorings and pipelines. No ship larger than a fishing vessel is permitted to anchor within 1.6nm of the shore.

Restrictions

Berthing at the SPM and CBM will only be performed in daylight.

Tugs

There is 1 twin screw workboat "Artic Turn" 1,400bhp, bollard pull 18t, equipped with fire fighting and salvage appliances, VHF radio, radio telephone and radar. There is also 1 launch with VHF radio available and 1 tug.

Mooring

Mooring procedure: CBM: A vessel will approach the oil terminal from a S'ly direction and when in the required position the starboard anchor will be let go. The vessel will proceed on the line of the anchoring beacons until in a position to let go the port anchor. The vessel will be manoeuvred into the final position by use of helm and engines.

All manoeuvring of vessels within the loading berth area shall be done only in accordance with the advice of the pilot, subject to the understanding that in all cases and circumstances the master of the vessel being manoeuvred shall remain solely responsible, on behalf of the vessel, for the safety and proper manoeuvring of the vessel. The vessel's master must be on the bridge at all times while the vessel is manoeuvring. The vessel's master may request that the pilot remain onboard for the duration that the ship is at the buoy.

SPM: On the close approach to the SPM, the mooring launch will pass to the vessel a mooring pick up rope by connecting the vessel's messenger line to it. The vessel will then heave on the messenger until the pick up rope is onboard, which will then be heaved up until the chafe chain comes through the bow stopper and the vessel is secured.

In order to avoid damage to the submarine pipeline and the SPM anchor chains, the vessel's anchor will not be used under any circumstances and will remain secure during berthing operations and for the whole of the period that the vessel is moored to the buoy.

General berthing information: The vessel's master shall ensure that not less than 25% of the summer deadweight of ballast or cargo is onboard during loading operations at any time. This requirement is to prevent too high a vertical loading on the buoy turntable bearing during the initial stages of loading and to ensure that the vessel has good manoeuvrability at all times should it be required to leave the buoy.

Charts and publications

BA 4154, 2095; SA 1020. Admiralty Pilot NP3, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA should be re-confirmed 48, 24 and 12 hours prior to arrival and again when within 20nm of destination. All vessels required to comply with ISPS regulations are required to send their pre-arrival notification to the MRCC Post Security Officer 96 hours in advance of their arrival on: Tel: +27(0)44 6046273, Fax:+27(0)44 6046232)

All vessels at anchor, within or near, the limits of a South African port are required to maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Ch 16.

Communications

Mossel Bay Port Control is equipped with a VHF radio telephone and operates on a limited basis. The port's Control Centre is manned from 0600 to 1800 daily. A Transnet National Ports Authority watchman is on duty from 1800 to 0600.

Documents

Cargo documentation: Cargo documentation is handled by agent.

Health

The Bill of Health from the previous port is to be produced on inspection.

The standard quarantine regulations apply.

Customs and immigration

Available as required through agent.

Flags

The South African flag is to be exhibited during daylight hours.

Notices and regulations

CBM: Vessels calling at the Mossel Bay CBM must comply with the following requirements: (Refer to mooring diagram).

Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.

Inspection of ships in South Africa

The Director, Shipping Competence, Department of Transport

Private Bag X193, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.

Tel: +27 12 290 2904.

Fax: +27 12 290 2914.

ISPS

ISPS Compliance: SA Port Authority (TRANSNET)reports that South Africa's 7 commercial ports are fully compliant with the ISPS Code.

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

Head Office

Tel : (011) 351-9192

Fax: (011) 351-9196

Cell: 083 284 8210

ludwigb@Transnet National Port Authority.co.za

Richardsbay

Tel.: (035) 905-3146

Fax: (035) 905-3133

Cell: 083 417 2162

yogank@Transnet National Port Authority.co.za

Durban

Tel.: (031) 361-3771

Fax: (031) 361-3759

Cell: 083 286 2094

HennieST@Transnet National Port Authority.co.za

East London

Tel.: (043) 700-2421

Fax: (043) 700-2070

Cell: 083 417 3920

grahamk@Transnet National Port Authority.co.za

Port Elizabeth

Tel.: (041) 507-1773

Fax: (086) 500-7478

Cell: 083 301 2659

[email protected]

Mossel Bay

Tel.: (044) 604-6273

Fax: (044) 604-6232

Cell: 072 708 4378

deringj@Transnet National Port Authority.co.za

Cape Town

Tel.: (021) 449-4270

Fax: (021) 449-2274

Cell: 083 376 8826

thembanig@Transnet National Port Authority.co.za

Saldanha

Tel.: (022) 701-4344/5

Fax: (022) 714-3017

Cell: 083 285 3505

Sonwabog@Transnet National Port Authority.co.za

Repairs

Transnet has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a concession to construct and operate a new multi-purpose terminal at the Port of Mossel Bay in the Western Cape. This initiative is part of Transnet's R8.4 billion redevelopment plan for the port, which aims to be completed by 2030.

The proposed terminal will be located at Quay 4, which currently manages approximately 86,000 tons of breakbulk cargo annually, along with petroleum products. Acting Port Manager for Mossel Bay, Vania Cloete, highlighted that consultations with the agricultural sector, shipping agents, and local cargo owners have provided valuable insights into the types of cargo that could be handled at the new terminal. The RFI marks an initial step towards expanding operations at Quay 4 beyond its current small-scale multi-purpose and maritime commercial activities.

Mossel Bay, Transnet's smallest and oldest port, primarily supports the oil and gas industry and is situated 400 km east of Cape Town. The port's redevelopment includes dredging and breakwater extension as part of the broader R8.4 billion investment spanning 2022 to 2030. Currently, the harbour features navigable depths of 6.5m in the basin and 8m in the entrance channel.

At present, cargo handling at the terminal relies on mobile cranes and ships' gear due to limited berth equipment. TNPA is also working to acquire nearby land to support terminal operations and plans to engage Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) for rail services. The RFI, which closed on 29 November 2024, will gauge interest, potentially leading to a formal request for proposals.

Marine engineering firms are available for all classes and types of onboard repairs. A 250t slipway is also available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at all berths within the harbour on request.

Bunkering: No heavy fuel oil, only diesel oil for fishing and supply vessels. Marine diesel oil provided at Quay Nos 2, 3, 4 and 5 and at the Vincent Jetty.

Stores: Available with advance notice to Portnet Tug.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Life Bayview Private Hospital (1.5km).

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Mosselbay Airport (8km).

Nearest train: Diaz Express (6km).

Working hours

The Port of Mossel Bay operates Monday to Friday from 0800 - 1600.

The terminals operate throughout 24hrs Monday to Friday, 0700 - 1500 on Saturday and 0800 - 1600 on Sundays. On request the terminal can operate from 1800 - 2200.

Where it is

The port of Mossel Bay is situated on the N side of Cape Saint Blaize, Mossel Bay, approx 400km E of Cape Town and W of Port Elizabeth.

The port

Mossel Bay is mainly used by small passenger vessels and fishing boats. Service crafts (supporting the local oil and gas industry) and cargo vessels also use the harbour on occasion. The harbour itself is protected by a 540m breakwater where the entrance channel is 170m in width. There are also two offshore mooring points located outside of the main harbour area that comprise of an SPM and CBM, both of which are operated by PetroSA. The SPM is used for importing clean petroleum products which is then used as feedstock at the PetroSA GTL Refinery. The CBM is used for exporting industrial alcohol, diesel and kerosene but can also be used for importing and exporting clean petroleum products when the SPM is under maintenance. Mossel Bay is the smallest commercial harbour along the South African coast.

Traffic

Approx. 2,000,000t of cargo and 1,000 vessels are handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Mossel Bay?

Vessels are requested to have a pilot ladder rigged 2.0m above the waterline and 2 man ropes safely and securely rigged ready for immediate use and long enough to reach the pilot's launch.

What time zone is Mossel Bay in?

Local time at Mossel Bay is UTC+2. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Mossel Bay?

The deepest berth listed is at PetroSA GTL Refinery - Voorbaai Terminal: 12.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Mossel Bay?

1040.

Which load line zone is Mossel Bay in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Mossel Bay?

Port State Control at Mossel Bay: Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Mossel Bay?

The UN/LOCODE of Mossel Bay is ZAMZY.

What crews who called at Mossel Bay 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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