Nouadhibou

Size limits

LOA 300m, draught 18.9m, Beam 50m, 250,000DWT

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 2.3m.

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

Approach

Nouadhibou: No 5 Lightbuoy is moored 2nm N of Pointe de Cansado (20°51.3'N 017°01.8'W). Vessels bound for Nouadhibou should pass about 1.5nm E of Pointe de Cansado following the track and when about 2.25nm NE of the point shape course between the buoyed channel, keeping in the white sector of Pointe Chacal Light. This channel, with a least depth of 8.0m leads to the dredged area and Pier. Three mooring buoys lie 0.5nm S of the pier.

Note: Mariners are warned to use every caution when entering the bay.

Port Central: Vessels approach berth from S in dredged channel with minimum width of 250m and minimum depth of 18.0m LLWS. Depth of water alongside is 17.0m LLWS.

Approaches to Quai Petrolier and inner anchorage have depths of 12.4m LW so that arriving loaded tankers are restricted to max draught of 12.0m.

Anchorages

For coasters anchorage can be obtained in the S dredged area with excellent holding ground of soft mud. It is recommended to use at least 3 shackles as the wind is usually very strong. Bottom sand and mud.

Anchoring is prohibited in the entrance channel.

Tugs

One tug of 150hp available. Two private tugs, 900hp total for both.

Mooring

Vessels in Nouadhibou are advised not to remain alongside when the wind is from the NE as a choppy sea is raised.

Three mooring boats with mooring staff are available. For vessels bound for refinery port, 2 tugs are required and for vessels bound for Nouadhibou port, 1 tug is required.

Charts and publications

BA 1661,1131,1132, 1133. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP286(8).

Communications

VHF: Pilots: Ch 16, 12, 13, 14.

Port: Ch 16. Tel: +222 4574 6103, Fax: + 222 4574 5136. Email: [email protected].

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered on arrival.

Documents

Ship's certificates (up to date) required for port control on berthing.

Flags

Ship's flag and Mauritanian flag must be flown.

Notices and regulations

Propellers: All vessels calling at Ore Berth must have right handed propellers, due berthing/departing berth without tugs. Vessels berth port side alongside and on departure the dredged turning basin is on starboard side, requiring right handed propellers for the turn clear of berth.

Ballast: All Capesized vessels must arrive with 12.0m draught, due to airdraught requirements at berth. If not at this draught on arrival vessels will be required to proceed to calm inner anchorage (1nm from berth) to take extra hold ballast.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Direction de la Marine Marchande

Tel: +222 525 7893

E-mail: [email protected]

Mob: +222 636 1219

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

Repairs

Small repairs available

Dry docks

Two drydocks available, Masharef 1,000t, Mauritramar 400t.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at quayside.

Bunkering: Small quantities available at the berths or by barge.

Medical

Medical facilities are available in the town.

Transport

Nearest airport: Nouadhibou Airport, 1.5km.

Nearest railway: From stocking area to Point Central (operated by SNIM).

Working hours

Normally 0800-1200hrs and 1400-1800hrs. Overtime 0700-0800hrs, 1200-1400hrs and 1800-2000hrs. Weekends and holidays 0700-2200hrs at overtime rates. During Ramadan no work after 1800hrs.

Where it is

Nouadhibou is situated in N Mauritania, close to the border with Western Sahara.

The port

Nouadhibou port has 2 general cargo berths and an iron ore terminal situated 15km S at Point Central, operated by SNIM. Pointe des Mouettes tanker berth is 1.2km N of Point Central and consists of a "T" jetty.

The Government has made Nouadhibou Bay a Free Zone.

What are the pilot arrangements at Nouadhibou?

Compulsory for vessels over LOA 70m.

What time zone is Nouadhibou in?

Local time at Nouadhibou is UTC+0. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Nouadhibou?

The deepest berth listed is at Snim Iron Ore Terminal: 18.90 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Nouadhibou?

1025.

Which load line zone is Nouadhibou in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Nouadhibou?

The UN/LOCODE of Nouadhibou is MRNDB.

What crews who called at Nouadhibou 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.

Read and add tips for Nouadhibou →