Paramaribo

Size limits

LOA 207.4m, beam 32.26m, draught 8.5m, 56,052DWT.

Water density

1000.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Water depth at MHWN 6.15m; MHWS 6.8m.

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

Approach

The allowable draught is dependent on the depth at the outer bar at the entrance to the Suriname River. The minimum depth over the outer bar at LW springs is 4.6m and the average rise in tide is 2.7m springs and 2.0m neaps. The bottom of the outer bar is soft mud.

Vessels inbound should keep well to windward of the entrance as a strong current of 2.5-3.5kts runs to leeward.

Port limits

The seaward boundaries of the port, within which a vessel is considered to be arrived, is the entrance of the Suriname, Marowijne, Coppename, Corantijn and Nickerie Rivers.

Anchorages

Vessels awaiting a berth can anchor off Paramaribo in depths from 5.0-10.0m, avoiding a submarine power cable laid across the river WNW from Hoek van Meerzorg (05°48'N 055°09'W).

Vessels leaving Paramaribo can anchor 5nm below the town if required to await HW, avoiding submarine cables laid across the river NE from Leonsberg (05°55'N 055°06'W).

Care should be taken to prevent water snakes, which are poisonous, getting onboard up the cables.

Launch Service: While at anchor in Paramaribo a launch may be hired at an hourly rate from the harbour office with arrangements via the agent.

Restrictions

The minimum depth on the bar which extends N across the Suriname River from Braams Point is 4.6m. Depths may be inconsistent due to continuous silting. The bar consists of very soft mud and vessels with draught up to 7.1m have, on occasions, pushed through.

Bridge: Approximately 0.5nm S of Hoek van Meerzorg a bridge (05°48.3'N 055°09.8'W) with a vertical clearance of 44m (LW) and 41m (HW) spans the river. Mariners are advised that before approaching the bridge, both anchors are to be prepared for letting go, with crew standing by on the focsle.

Controlling factors for all loaded vessels entering or leaving the ports of Paramaribo and Paranam:

Largest vessel can be handled LOA 225m and beam 35m.

While alongside vessels must maintain engines and propulsion machinery in readiness to leave the pier under full power, on short notice.

No repairs are permitted which would interfere with this requirement while alongside. Oil tankers should have their off shore anchor out about soft.

Tugs

There are tugs available of 1,750hp and 756hp, for emergencies only. These tugs are privately owned and stationed at Paramaribo.

Charts and publications

BA 2765, 2766, 517, 4216. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify ETA 36, 24 and 12 hours prior to arrival at the Seabuoy and if necessary amend the ETA in local time after the 12 hour message, via Paramaribo Radio or via the harbour master on VHF Ch 12, 16. The arrival message should include forward and aft draughts. Vessels should also advise their airdraught on arrival and departure.

The pilot will be ordered only after receipt of the confirmed (12 hour) and/or amended ETA.

Communications

The coast station "PZN" maintains a 24 hour watch on 500kHz. A continuous guard is maintained on 2182kHz.

VHF: Ch 16. Harbour Office, (Pilot Office), Ch 12, day and night.

Notice of readiness

NOR to be tendered upon arrival at the pilot station.

Documents

These are prepared by the agent before vessel's arrival.

These must be prepared by the vessel before arrival.

Outward Clearance: This will be prepared by the agent.

Health

Pratique will be granted after the vessel has been cleared by customs and cannot be applied for by radio.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be renewed in Suriname.

Customs and immigration

During the vessel's stay in Paramaribo each crew member/passenger (excluding children under 16) will be permitted to retain, in their possession for their own use onboard, the following: 60 cigarettes or 15 cigars or 220 grams tobacco, 0.2 litres of spirits; 0.33 litres of wine; 2 litres of beer.

All quantities in excess of the above will be put under seal. In order to facilitate Customs formalities stewards should collect all excess quantities before arrival for sealing.

All fire arms and ammunition must be manifested on a Stores List and remain onboard, in bond, for the duration of a vessels stay in Suriname territorial waters.

Flags

Suriname flag must be displayed at all times.

Notices and regulations

While alongside, vessels must maintain engines and propulsion machinery in readiness to leave the pier under full power, at short notice.

No repairs are permitted which would interfere with this requirement. While alongside oil tankers should have their off shore anchor lowered to the bottom.

Inspection of ships in Suriname

Maritime Affairs. Cornelius Jongbawstr 2, Paramaribo, Suriname.

Tel: +597 692 474575

Fax: +597 692 472940

Telex: 163 havkan.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Maritime Authority Suriname.

Position: Acting Manager.

Address: Cornelis Jongbawstr 2, Paramaribo, Suriname.

Tel: +597 476733

Fax: +597 472940

Mob: +597 856 5861

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

Repairs

Available.

Dry docks

Available at Paramaribo.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available via agent.

Bunkering: Available in limited quantities.

Medical

Wanica Regional Hospital, 17km.

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Zanderij International, approx 28km.

Working hours

Normally Mon-Sat 0700-1200hrs and 1300-1800hrs; night work can be arranged.

Stevedoring gangs work from 0700-2300hrs in 2 shifts from Mon-Fri. Work on Sat and Sun is also possible.

Where it is

Paramaribo is situated on the W bank of the Suriname River, 12nm above its mouth.

The port

Paramaribo, locally known as Nieuwe Haven, is Suriname's primary seaport, equipped to handle break bulk, container and general cargo through existing facilities. The port accommodates specialized cargo at its wheat jetty, oil tanker terminals and a privately owned liquefied gas terminal. The port also handles a variety of cargo, including general cargo, containers, cement, grain, fertilizer, sugar, oil products, lumber and shrimps. Main exports comprise bananas, rice, and timber, while key imports include flour, cement and petrochemicals.

Traffic

Approx 515,000t of cargo, 104,000TEU and 900 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Paramaribo?

Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 50GT.

What time zone is Paramaribo in?

Local time at Paramaribo is UTC−3. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Paramaribo?

The deepest berth listed is at Nieuwe Haven: 8.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Paramaribo?

1000.

Which load line zone is Paramaribo in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Paramaribo?

The UN/LOCODE of Paramaribo is SRPBM.

What crews who called at Paramaribo 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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