Mtwara

1. Mikindani Bay pilot boarding place Pilot boards10°12.1′S 040°11.6′E

Size limits

LOA 221.7m, beam 32.2m, draught 13.5m, 51,218DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Mean spring range 3.7m.

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

Approach

Mtawara port is approached between Ras Lichamelelo and Msemo Spit. The fairway is approx 20m deep and 250m wide. Vessels entering with the sun astern should experience no difficulty as the channel is then clearly defined by the colour of the water. Moderately large vessels are able to enter without difficulty in slack water, but the sharp turn round Msemo Spit requires careful handling of large vessels.

Port limits

All the tidal waters S of a line 270° from the N extremity of Ras Msangumkuu (10°12'S 040°14'E) to the W shore of Mikindani Bay.

Anchorages

Mtwara harbour provides sheltered anchorage in all winds for vessels of LOA 175m. General depths are from 13.0-33.0m, with mud bottom for the most part, but swinging room is considerably restricted by the many shoals. The best temporary berth is 0.25nm NNE of the deep water quay in a depth of 26.0m, sand, with the beacon marking the SW extremity of Msemo Spit bearing 284° distant 0.5nm. A better anchorage is in the N part of the harbour, in depths from 13.0-18.0m, mud.

Restrictions

No entry permitted after 1800hrs. When solar powered navigation aids are introduced, 24 hours berthing and unberthing will be permitted.

There are no tidal restrictions for vessels entering and leaving the harbour, but there is an enforcement of LOA 175m due to the shape of the channel.

Tugs

One tug available.

Charts and publications

BA 664, 690. Admiralty Pilot NP3, NP286(3).

Communications

VHF: Port: Ch 12, 16.

Port Authority (TPA) Email: [email protected]

Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.

ISPS

Designated Authority: Ministry of Communications and Transport, Shipping Department.

Contact: Registrar of Ships.

Address: PO Box 9144, Tancot House, 5th Floor, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Tel: +255 22 212 2268

Fax: +255 22 212 2268

Mob: +255 748 540404

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.moct.go.tz

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available by road tanker.

Medical

MCC Hospital Mtwara, 3.5km.

Ligula Hospital, 3km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Mtwara Airport, 10km.

Working hours

Normally Mon-Fri 0800-1230hrs and 1400-1630hrs; Sat 0800-1230hrs.

Where it is

The port is located on the W shore of Mtwara Bay and SE of Mikindani Bay in Southern area of Tanzania.

The port

Mtwara port is one of the three major port operates by Tanzania Ports Authority and mainly designed to handle conventional cargo. The port handled container, break bulk and liquid cargo.

Traffic

Approx 273,000t of cargo, 14,300TEU and 100 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Mtwara?

The pilot boards at Mikindani Bay pilot boarding place, 10°12.1′S 040°11.6′E.

What time zone is Mtwara in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Mtwara?

The deepest berth listed is at Mtwara Terminal: 13.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Mtwara?

1025.

Which load line zone is Mtwara in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Mtwara?

Port State Control at Mtwara: Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Mtwara?

The UN/LOCODE of Mtwara is TZMYW.

What crews who called at Mtwara 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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