Onslow

Size limits

Max LOA 199.98m, beam 32.26m, draught 11.80m and 63,878DWT.

Load line zone

South Indian Ocean Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical May 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Apr 30.

Tides

HAT 3.0m, MHWS 2.5m, MHWN, 1.8m, MLWN 1.2m and MLWS 0.6m.

On the approach to Beadon Creek, tidal stream ENE on the tide and WSW on the ebb. Prevailing winds influence the spring tides as rates can be up to 1.5kts.

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

Approach

Vessels for Onslow pass S or SE of Thevenard Island to approx 4.3nm W of Direction Island, vessels must then bring Onslow Range Lights into line. The approach then leads W of Gorgon Patch (depth 2.2m) and Koolinda Patch (depth 2.5m) and E of Hastings Shoal (depth 2m) and Ward Reef (dries at 0.9m). 2.25nm WNW of Direction Island, the Weeks Shoal (depth 1.9m) lies outside of the 10m curve.

Vessels departing follow 4.3nm W of Direction Islet and then steer W with Bessieres Island Light and Direction Islet astern. Vessels with Bessieres Island ahead approx 2.8nm, steer course 310°; then once the light is 2.1nm distant S, steer course as desired and clear of the offshore facilities.

Approaches to Beadon Creek are made from either the NW (N of Thevenard Island) or NE (S of Arlie Island). The route, surveyed in 2019, has depths of 5.4m at CD. The recommended route is as follows:

21°28.4984'S., 115°04.9972'E leading 3.16nm at 156°T then;

21°31.4012'S., 115°06.3694'E leading 1.92nm at 192°T then;

21°33.2899'S., 115°05.9559'E leading 4.00nm at 159°T then;

21°37.0253'S., 115°07.5232'E leading 1.31nm at 159°T (channel entrance) then;

21°38.2509'S., 115°08.0353'E leading 0.40nm at 202°T then;

21°38.6258'S., 115°07.8761'E to the swing basin.

The inner channel on Beadon Creek is 1.9nm aligned with a 168m turning basin.

Port limits

Port limits extend from the coast between Coolgra Point and Entrance Point 14.7nm WSW; N to Asburton Islet; E to Direction Islet and SE to Coolgra Point. The salt export terminal located 2.7nm ESE of Thevenard Island.

Traffic schemes and VTS

For Beadon Creek, vessels constrained by draught (CBD) have priority using the channel and the turning basin in both directions. Vessels must not overtake a departing CBD vessel until it clears the initial channel, once outside the channel the CBD vessel may be overtaken. Vessels are allowed to follow a CBD vessel down the main channel on entry or exit however, they are required to keep a safe distance.

Anchorages

For Beadon Creek, a temporary anchorage may be found at the Onslow Salt Anchorage (Delta and Echo). For use of the anchorage there must be a prior request and written approval from the DoT Harbour Master through the OPS manager.

Delta Anchorage (21°28.55'S., 115°05.80'E),

Echo Anchorage (21°29.50'S., 115°05.80'E).

Onslow Anchorages;

Restrictions

Numerous offshore facilities are located on the approach to the port and mariners are advised to be cautious, local knowledge is advised.

For Beadon Creek, the maximum wind operating parameters for vessels sits at 20kts from all directions and 15kts for jack-up barges. This is based on a 10 min average.

Tugs

For Beadon Creek, three tugs are available depending on the need for the vessel. For a vessel with no bow thruster, two tugs are provided (1 x 28t and 1 x 25t) whilst a vessel with a bow thruster, one tug is provided.

Mooring

For Beadon Creek, the UKC must be at least 1.0m and 0.2m for landing craft at the Ro-Ro berth. For all vessels at the port facilities, winches and mooring lines must be operational and in good condition.

Charts and publications

Admiralty Pilot NP13.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

Contact person: The Secretary.

Address: GPO Box 594, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia.

Tel: +61 2 6274 7114.

Fax: +61 2 6274 7994.

Mob: +61 0417 273 185.

24 hour contact: Office of Transport Security Operations Centre.

Tel: +61 2 6274 8187.

Fax: +61 2 6274 6089.

Email: [email protected]

ISPS Compliance: ISPS compliance is 100% for Australian ports, Australian port facilities and Australian flagged ships.

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

Repairs

General ship repairs may be performed at Beadon Creek. Slipway is located at 21° 38.875'S., 115° 7.827'E.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at Beadon Creek.

Bunkers: DO available at Beadon Creek and provided by Bailey's Marine Fuels. Up to 1,200l per min.

Stores: Available and arranged at Beadon Creek 24hrs prior to arrival.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Onslow Hospital (1.2km).

Crew change

Crew change available at Beadon Creek and must comply with the WA State and Commonwealth health and safety requirements.

Transport

Nearest airport: Onslow Airport (2.5km).

Nearest highway: Port has access to Highway 1. The road circumnavigates Australia, 14,500km, connecting all mainland state capitals and to Tasmania.

Working hours

Operates throughout 24hrs.

Where it is

Onslow port is located approx 1,000km N of Perth in Western Australia's Pilbara region.

The port

The port consists of a facility within Beadon Creek and a salt exportation jetty to the NW. Onslow exports salt from local mines and is operated by Shark Bay Salt Pty Ltd (SBS); a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui. Beadon Creek offers logistics support for onshore and offshore industries; including project, general and containerised cargo.

What are the pilot arrangements at Onslow?

Pilot boards 2.8nm ESE off the E end of Thevenard Island or 3.4nm E of Ashburton Island.

What time zone is Onslow in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Onslow?

The deepest berth listed is at Onslow Salt Terminal: 11.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

Which load line zone is Onslow in?

South Indian Ocean Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical May 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Apr 30.

Who carries out Port State Control at Onslow?

Port State Control at Onslow: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Onslow?

The UN/LOCODE of Onslow is AUONS.

What crews who called at Onslow 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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