Muara

Size limits

LOA 339.76m, Beam 60m, Draught 12.5m, 319,368DWT

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 2.7m.

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

Approach

The entrance to the dredged channel leading to Muara Harbour lies 2.75nm ENE of Brunie Bluff, 05°03'N 115°03'E. A radio tower approx 24m in height stands 0.3nm SSW of Brunie Bluff.

The dredged channel has a bottom width of 150m and is dredged to 9.1m. The channel is protected on both sides by a training wall. The W training wall is 2,057m in length, its outer portion is below water at all times, only the inner 900m being above water at low springs and the inner 167m at HW springs.

The channel is entered between No 1 West Light Beacon and No 2 East Light Beacon. No 3 West and No 5 West Light Beacons mark the West training wall and No 4 East and No 6 East Light Beacons the East training wall. All the light beacons are concrete pile structures carrying radar reflectors and topmarks.

Leading lights are exhibited, the front from a framework tower surmounted by a red trapezium daymark with a white stripe, with a square hut adjacent, situated on the drying flat N of Pulau Muara Besar, 0.35nm E of Tanjong Ledong. The rear light is exhibited from a framework tower surmounted by a similar daymark, inverted 0.55nm SSW of the front light. The lights in line bear 209.75° and lead in the centre line of the dredged channel.

Northeastern approach:

Deepwater entrance channel: When the pilot has embarked, the vessel should proceed to a position approx 140m E of No 1 West Light Beacon on a heading of approx 210°, then; proceed through the dredged channel, adhering strictly to the alignment of the leading light structures, in line bearing 209.75°.

Mariners are cautioned that passage through the channel is strictly controlled during dredging operations and that the centre line of the dredged channel lies approx 137m from the West training wall and 320m from the East training wall.

Course should be altered to approx 246° when No 7 West Light Beacon is abeam, for Muara port wharf or anchorage.

Port limits

The area within the parallels of 04°58'N to 05°05'N and the meridian of 115°03'E to 115°10'E.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Communication Systems: The Muara Signal Station manned throughout 24 hours can be contacted on VHF Ch 16.

All vessels on arrival at the anchorage point should contact the Pilot Station for berthing instructions. When a berth is allocated, the vessel may proceed into the port with the pilot.

All port operation sections including shipping agents carry hand-held VHF marine radios.

Additionally the berthing unit of the port can be easily contacted on SSB radio and direct telefax for prior information on berthing schedules.

Anchorages

Safe anchorage is available in the vicinity of No 1 Beacon, SE of Tanjong Sapo Light, (04°59.7'N 115°07.6'E) and in Muara Harbour 0.5nm SSW of the wharf.

Tugs

There are 2 government owned tugs of 1,650hp and 1,248hp available with firefighting capabilities at Muara port. Normally 1 tug is used to assist vessels in berthing and unberthing. However if a vessel requires 2 tugs then at least 24 hours notice must be given to the Marine Department to ensure availability.

Mooring

The berthing planning unit provides a scheme whereby mother/feeder vessels are given priority services to meet critical shipping schedules. This scheme is further extended to cover vessels having fixed-day sailing schedules from/to Singapore and the EAGA region.

Charts and publications

BA 2134, 1844. Admiralty Pilot NP31, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessel's ETA should be sent 24 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

VHF: Ch 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16 are in operation Mon to Thu and Sat from 0745-1630hrs, callsign "Muara Port".

Notice of readiness

The NOR should be tendered 2 hours prior to arrival.

Health

A Health Certificate is required for clearance. The Health Officer will inspect the vessel prior to berthing and departure.

Customs and immigration

Upon arrival, vessels will be subject to an inspection from Customs and Immigration officials.

Notices and regulations

Vessels with a max draught of 8.5m and a max LOA of 180m may enter the port between 0700-2200hrs without restriction.

Vessels exceeding the above mentioned dimensions should apply in writing through their agent to the Director of Marine for permission prior to arrival.

Repairs

Minor deck and engine repairs are possible.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available through Brunei Shell.

Medical

Muara Health Centre, 0.9km and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, 28.6km.

Crew change

Following clearance crew members are allowed ashore if they are in possession of a discharge book, identity card and passport.

Transport

Nearest airport: Brunei International Airport located at Bandar Seri Bagawan, 22km.

Airport facilities: Freight building and maintenance centre.

Working hours

The port operates a very flexible 2 shift system, from 0700-1500hrs and 1500-2200hrs. Overtime is available on request.

Where it is

Muara is located at Brunei Bay to the N of Sarawak and S of Sabah.

The port

Cargoes handled include cement, containers, vehicles, building materials, livestock, refrigerated foodstuffs and other general cargo. New weekly container service has commenced covering some BIMP-EAGA area ports with vessels of 1,049TEU being used. Hengyi Terminal are used for exporting refined fuel products including LPG, gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel.

Traffic

Approximate 1,900,000t of cargo, 113,000 TEU and 2,300 vessels are handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Muara?

Pilotage is compulsory available between 0700-2200hrs.

What time zone is Muara in?

Local time at Muara is UTC+8. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Muara?

The deepest berth listed is at Muara Container Terminal: 12.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

Which load line zone is Muara in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Muara?

The UN/LOCODE of Muara is BNMUA.

What crews who called at Muara 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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