PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Noumea
Pilot
updated May 2010- Noumea (Passe de Dumbea) designated pilot boarding area Pilot boards22°23.0′S 166°13.0′E
Dumbea passage is compulsory for tankers (10.7m draught at Mobil buoys). French and English is spoken by pilots.
On boarding the pilot will require to sight the vessel's Ballast Report and he will require a copy of the Inward Declaration for transmission to port authorities.
Key data
updated May 2021Size limits
Harbour: LOA 262m, beam 44m, draught 10.3m, 115,663DWT.
Off Shore: LOA 200m, draught 10.4m, 50,000DWT.
Water density
1035 max (in dry season) 1024 min.
Load line zone
South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.
Tides
Range 1.65m, semi-diurnal type. April tides 0.4m higher/lower than October.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil Station | 10.40 m | 200 m | 3 |
| Port Autonome de la Nouvelle-Caledonie (PANC) | 10.30 m | — | 1 |
| Quai SLN | 10.00 m | 250 m | 1 |
| Ferry Terminal | 9.50 m | 262 m | 1 |
| Quai de l'Europe (FED) | 9.50 m | 185 m | 1 |
| Cement Terminal | 9.00 m | 170 m | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated May 2021Approach
Small Road is entered through Petite Passe between Pointe Denouel (22°17'S 166°25'E) and the N extremity of Ilot Brun. The fairway is 0.2nm wide with a depth of 11.0m on the alignment of the leading lights.
Great Road is entered between Pointed Kongou (22°15'S 166°23'E) the N extremity of Ile Nou and Pointe Lestelle the W extremity of Presqu'ile Ducos; the entrance is approx 0.8nm wide and free of dangers. The harbour is easy of access and well sheltered.
Port limits
The port limits are defined by the main harbour as far as the entrance between Pte Lestelle and Pte Kongou Secondary Harbour (Small Road) between Brun Islet and Pte Denouel.
Traffic schemes and VTS
Pilots when onboard will contact Harbour Master and/or other authorities by VHF or GSM.
Anchorages
In cyclone conditions, pilots will allocate more anchorages.
Outer anchorages:
Anchorage may be obtained in depths of approx 8.0m, soft mud, 1.5nm N of Ile de Freycinet in the approaches to Baie Gadji situated in the NW part of Baie de la Dumbea. It is sheltered from all but SSW winds although the sea is choppy in S and SE winds.
Quarantine anchorage: The quarantine anchorage is situated close within the entrance to Baie de la Dumbea between Ile de Freycinet (22°14'S 166°24'E) and Ile Ndie 0.75nm NE. Anchorage is afforded here in depths from 9.0 -16.0m, mud, clear of foul ground which lies approx 0.25nm ENE of Ile Freycinet.
Prohibited anchorage: A submarine pipeline is laid from the entrance to Great Road to Pointe Kuari (1.25nm ESE) and then to the NW side of Presquile Doniambo (1.25nm further ESE). Anchorage is prohibited within 50m of the pipeline.
Two white beacons, 4m in height, in line bearing 109°, indicate the alignment of the pipeline. The front beacon stands on Pointe Kuari and the rear beacon on Mont Montravel, 2nm ESE.
Anchorage at Great Road: In Great Road the deepest registered anchorage is 13.6m abreast Pte Lestelle.
Anchorage may be obtained in any part of Great Road clear of the prohibited anchorage. The holding ground is better than in Small Road and it is a good hurricane refuge. However, the bottom is foul with obstructions on the S side of Banc des Japonais.
A recommended anchorage while awaiting an alongside berth is on the NW of Banc des Japonais. Boat communication with the shore is often difficult and sometimes impossible in W winds.
Anchorage at Petite Rade: Anchorage may be obtained in Small Road, according to draught, in depths from 8.0-13.0m with good holding ground.
The Port Captain designates anchor berths.
Restrictions
Tankers are berthed in day time only. Berthing of cargo vessels alongside public main wharf is not permitted between 0001hrs and 0500hrs.
Tugs
Tugs lines are used, only one is usually required, Tel: +687 274557, Fax: +687 277160, VHF Ch 12.
Mooring
For berthing only, 1 line launch is compulsory for vessels over LOA 60m, Tel: +687 274849.
Charts and publications
BA 936, 2462, 2463. French 6633, 6687. Admiralty Pilot NP61, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Remark: All nil items can be listed on a single sheet.
Communications
There is a port radio station at Noumea which operates throughout 24 hours. Noumea Radio FJP RT (HF) 2182kHz, 4125kHz, 6215kHz.
VHF: Distress and calling Ch 16.
Notice of readiness
NOR should be handed to the agent on berthing or at the anchorage.
Documents
The above forms are for Customs, Immigration and agency.
Customs and immigration
Customs allowances: The allowances for officers and crew are 200 cigarettes or 500gm of rolling tobacco and 1 bottle of alcohol. Penalties for non compliance are fines of the value of the local resale price of the goods.
Immigration: There are no specific Immigration procedures and formalities at the port. Agent liaises with the relevant authorities.
Flags
The French flag is to be displayed whilst the vessel is in port. Vessels not complying may be subject to a fine at the Customs discretion.
Notices and regulations
There are no specific regulations but the Master should be advised by the agent.
Inspections
ISPS
For ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
All types of repairs available, but light repairs only for hull/deck.
Cale de Halage, one slipway, width 8.0m, draught 2.0m fore, 4.0m aft, slope 8%, to lift vessels up to 1,000t.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available at rate of 50tph.
Bunkering: Available through Shell and Mobil. Order through agent. Light fuel is available by road tanker, heavy fuel at Mobil post, Baie des Dames.
Medical
Hospital in Noumea, and 3 private clinics.
Crew change
By arrangement with agent.
Transport
Nearest airport: La Tontouta International (50km). Domestic at Magenta Airport (5km), East Noumea.
Airport facilities: Shuttle bus from Noumea.
Working hours
Mon-Sat 0700-1430hrs and 1430-2200hrs. Only Sunday is an overtime day.
About Noumea
updated May 2021Where it is
Noumea is situated on the S coast of New Caledonia.
The port
Noumea is the capital and principal port of New Caledonia. The port has public and private wharves for general cargoes, bulk minerals and oils. There is a passenger terminal.
The harbour is divided into Great Road and Small Road, lying N and W of the town respectively.
Traffic
Approx 1,500,000t of cargo (Including 175,000t of coal), 58,000TEU and 320,000 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Noumea
Where does the pilot board at Noumea?
The pilot boards at Noumea (Passe de Dumbea) designated pilot boarding area, 22°23.0′S 166°13.0′E.
What time zone is Noumea in?
Local time at Noumea is UTC+11. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Noumea?
The deepest berth listed is at Oil Station: 10.40 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Noumea?
1035 max (in dry season) 1024 min.
Which load line zone is Noumea in?
South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Noumea?
The UN/LOCODE of Noumea is NCNOU.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Noumea 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.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.