Penang

Size limits

Harbour: LOA 360m, beam 48.2m, draught 11m, 128,194DWT.

Off Shore: LOA 189m, draught 10m, BCM 103.4m, 51,543DWT.

Beam unrestricted for all berth except for North Inner & South Inner Berth at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.

LOA unrestricted for all berths at BWCT, outer berths at NBCT and outer berth at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.

Water density

1023-1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Tidal range 2.0m at spring and 0.5m at neap.

MHWS 2.6m; MHWN 1.8m, MLWN 1.3m, MLWS 0.6m.

North Channel: At springs, the streams runs at a rate of 2-3kts through the anchorage but less through the approaches. They continue to run N or S from 1 -1.5 hours after LW or HW. A S outward current of 0.5kt has been observed at the entrance to the N Channel.

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

Approach

North Channel - Inbound: The North Channel leading SE between Pulau Pinang and the mainland is approached through a dredged channel, 10nm in length, 183m wide and depth of 11.0m CD, which is marked by buoys. (The channel is due to be dredged to 15.0m by PPSB, as part of the agreement they have with the State Government who granted them the concession for the port).

The dredged channel is entered via 05°35'N 100°13'E, approx 1.5nm SE of the North Channel Light Float, length 8nm, marked by 7 port hand and 7 starboard hand lightbuoys. Traffic is one way only. Then the approach to Penang Harbour leads S in deeper water passing between the NE extremity of Pulau Pinang at George Town, 05°25'N 100°20'E and the mainland, 1.5nm E to the principal berths.

A min UKC of 10% draught is required at all times whilst transiting the channel. From the pilot station a course should be steered of 050°, to head towards a position between Buoy No 1 and the light float. For deep draught vessels, due allowance for course alteration into the channel at Buoy No 1 should be given so as not to arrive at too acute an angle.

Between Buoy No 1 and Buoy No 2, vessels will experience a bodily drift to the N or S depending on the prevailing tidal condition. This drift is especially pronounced during periods of spring tides. Upon reaching Buoy No 1, the course is 127°, then altered to 145° at Buoy No 5 to pass between No 6 pair of buoys. Vessels drawing more than 10.0m draught are advised to pass through Tokong Buoys before leaving the channel, bearing in mind the 8.2m shoal 0.35nm E of Tokong Buoys.

Inbound vessels with a draught of less than 7.0m may proceed without using the channel by staying close to the buoys.

An alternative route for shallow draught vessels, upon reaching Buoy No 5 is to alter course to 160°, keeping Buoy No 6 and Tokong Buoy to port until the Russian Wreck Buoy is reached.

North Channel - Outbound: Russian Wreck Buoy should be kept to port and upon reaching it, course should be altered to 340° direct to Buoy No 5, keeping Tokong Buoy and Buoy No 6 to starboard. For deep draught vessels it is advisable to do a dog leg upon reaching Tokong Buoys and steer towards Buoy No 6 to enter the channel.

South Channel - Inbound: South channel, 05°13'N 100°14'E is approached from the SW, passing NW of the N extremity of Outer Kra, 05°07'E 100°14'E.

Then the channel, with an approx width of 1nm, depth 5.8m CD, leads between Pulau Rimau lying of the SE extremity of Pulau Pinang and Great Kra Flat, which is littered with numerous fish stakes and wrecks of fishing boats. Then the S approach to Penang Harbour is E of Pulau Jerejak, 05°19'N 100°19'E. The draught limitation for the South Channel is 6.0m, vertical clearance 28m, irrespective of the height of the tide.

From the South Fairway Buoy, Rimau Buoy should be left 0.2nm to starboard and steer a course of 037°, keeping the isolated danger buoy to starboard, at the same time keeping the South No 1 and South No 2 Buoys to port. When abeam of the southern tip of Pulau Jerejak vessels should steer 044°, keeping the N Leading Marks in transit. When the Front Beacon of the S Leading Mark is abeam vessels should alter course to 005° until the S Leading Marks are right astern in transit. Vessels should then pass under the central span of the bridge with Alpha and Beta Buoys on the port side.

A shoal of 5.5m close to SE of Beta Buoy should be avoided.

Alternatively, when the vessel is abeam of the S tip of Pulau Jerejak, the vessel should head towards the chimney of the Prai Power Station. This is most useful when the N Leading Lights are obscured or unlit.

South Channel - Outbound: From the harbour, vessels should steer S and head towards the central span, keeping Peal Beacon to port and Alpha Buoy to starboard. Spithead Buoy should be kept 0.35nm to port and course altered to 185° with the S Leading Marks in transit.

After passing Beta Buoy to starboard course is altered to starboard until the North Leading Marks are in transit at the stern. The course should now be 244° and Owen Beacon bearing 090° x 0.25nm. The courses to steer are reciprocal of that recommended for inbound vessels.

Passage to Western Channel: There is a bar 3.2m N of Aston Beacon, which has to be traversed in order to reach the Junk Anchorage and the channel. The vessel should preferably pass 1/3 the distance between the Safe Water Mark, (Ferry Buoy) and Aston Beacon from the Ferry Buoy.

Mainly junks, fishing boats, tugs, barges and coastal vessels utilise this passage to Jelutong or Gelugor private landing places.

As the current generally runs in the NE'ly and SE'ly direction, due allowance for current should be taken whilst crossing the bar especially during periods of spring tide. For the purpose of anchoring at the Junk Anchorage, Russian Wreck Buoy should be kept in line with the S end of Swettenham Pier. However, this is often obscured by the vessels anchored at the roads.

Port limits

Penang harbour comprises of all the waters contained within the following limits: North Channel, 05°35.9'N 100°12.4'E, South Channel, 05°11.0'N 100°10.8'E.

Traffic schemes and VTS

There is no VTS in operation. AIS station installed.

Restrictions

Draught: Approach through the North Channel is 11.0m ACD, the South Channel is restricted by a bar of 5.8m ACD and airdraught of not more than 28m.

The South Channel is open day and night with the following restrictions: Vessels of 5m and more in height and a length of 30m intending to pass beneath the bridge must make a written declaration to the Port Officer, Penang, at least 12 hours prior to the proposed passage.

Penang Bridge: There is a bridge joining Pulau Pinang with the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia in the following positions: 05°21.6'N 100°18.9'E, 05°21.1'N 100°22.0'E and 05°21.2'N 100°23.4'E.

Vertical clearance is 28m and the distance between bridge piers 150m. Vessels of more than 5m in height or 30m in length intending to pass beneath the bridge, must pass under the central span in the vicinity of 05°21.24'N 100°20.79'E and must make written declaration to the Port Officer, Penang, at least 12 hours prior to the proposed passage. Vessels of more than 28m height are not allowed passage under the bridge.

Sector lights, which are visible from N and S of the bridge, have been established in position 05°21.3'N 100°20.9'E on the bridge. These lights indicate the centre of the channel beneath the bridge.

A railway swing bridge spans the river 0.5nm within the entrance. Traffic signals are exhibited from the bridge. When opened, a 30m channel with depths of 3.7m exist on each side of the centre pier. When closed, the vertical clearance is 3.7m and lights are exhibited from the side piers of the bridge and from the dolphins on which it rests in the open position.

Berthing: Night berthing is not permitted at the Petron Wharf, night berthing at the Shell Terminal is only permitted during the ebb tide.

Berthing is not permitted at the Vegetable Oil Tanker Pier during periods of strong flooding tide.

Restricted areas for ferries is defined as within an area 183m of any terminal.

Tugs

There are 5 bollard pull tugs are available in 24hrs and complete with fire-fighting equipments.

Charts and publications

BA 1366, 3732, 3944, 3901. Tide tables published by the Royal Malaysian Navy Vol 1. Admiralty Pilot NP44, NP286(4).

Communications

Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Pilot station and Harbour Control: Ch 12, Ch 16, range 25-50nm.

Tugs: Ch 13, range 25nm.

Pilot boats: Ch 12, range 25nm.

Ferries: Ch 08, range 25m.

Port Authority (SPPP) Email: [email protected]

Documents

These original certificates will be returned to the vessel by the port agent after inspection by the Harbour Master.

Health

Pratique should be applied for 24 hours prior to arrival.

Yellow fever: A valid Vaccination Certificate is required by all visitors, over one year old, who, within the preceding 6 days, has been in or visited any country in the yellow fever endemic zone.

Countries in the zone are: Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Congo (Democratic Republic) Cote d'Ivoire, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Guyane, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Upper Volta, Venezuela and Zambia.

Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates can be issued.

Customs and immigration

Customs: The following allowances of dutiable liquor and tobacco are made for the consumption of officers, crew and passengers during the vessel's stay in port. The allowances are per person per day: Spirits, 142ml or wines, 1,136ml; beer or stout, 1,136ml. Cigarettes, 25 or cigars, 8 or tobacco, 28.3gm or snuff, 28.3gm.

Flags

Interco flags '2' over '5' to be displayed by cargo vessels on arrival and '3' over '4' if passengers onboard. These are displayed for Immigration clearance.

Vessels carrying, loading or discharging explosives must display, by day, Flag 'B' (international Code) and at night a red light, at the masthead.

Notices and regulations

Trafficking and possession of drugs is a serious offence and may result in capital punishment.

Petroleum carrying vessels: No petroleum carrying vessel is permitted within an area bounded by a line drawn: 090° for 0.3nm from Fort Cornwallis Light Beacon (05°25.3'N 100°20.7'E), then: 180° for 0.425nm then: 270° to ferry terminal (05°24.8'N 100°20.6'E), then: 220°for 1.3nm, then: 310° to shore in position 05°24.1'N 100°19.6'E.

Vessels loading or unloading dangerous cargoes are required to moor and comply with any restrictions or conditions that may be imposed by the Port Officer. Such vessels must not berth elsewhere within the port limits without the permission, in writing, of the Port Officer.

Port State Control here: Tokyo 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: Marine Industrial Control Division.

Contact person: Director.

Address: PO Box 12, 42007 Port Klang, Malaysia.

Tel: +60 3 3346 7777.

Fax: +60 3 3168 4454.

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.marine.gov.my

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

Repairs

Available. Repair and maintenance for commercial vessels up to 700 gross tonnages is performed at the Bagan Dalam Dockyard. Divers are not available locally but can be obtained from Port Klang or Singapore.

Medical

Penang General Hospital, Tel: +60 4 229 3333, Fax +60 4 228 1737, Private Hospital, Gleneagle Hospital, Pangkor Road, Penang, Tel: +60 4 227 6111, Fax: +60 4 226 2294.

Transport

Nearest airport: Penang International Airport, 19km.

Airport facilities: International Airport including facilities for cargo handling and storage.

Nearest railway: Malayan railway (KTM) at Butterworth connects Butterworth with Thailand in the N and other states of Malaysia and Singapore in the S with regular and efficient services.

A 2.5km track connects NBCT to the Butterworh railway system.

Nearest highway: The North-South Expressway serves the Malaysia-Thai border and the Malaysia-Singapore border.

Working hours

Normally 0730-1530hrs (meal break 1130-1230hrs); 1530-2330hrs (meal break 1930-2030 hrs) and 2330-0730hrs (meal break 0330-0430hrs).

Where it is

The port of Penang is positioned on the NW coast of Peninsular Malaysia, between the E coast of the Penang island and the W coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

The port

The port has up to date facilities to handle containers, liquid bulk, dry bulk and breakbulk cargoes. Penang Port Sdn Bhd, which is the Port Operator also operates ferry service linking the island to the mainland from 0530 to 0030 hours and a cruise terminal on the Island.

The major commodities imported via the port of Penang are petroleum products, iron, steel and raw sugar.

Exports comprise mainly of electrical, rubber goods and manufactured products.

Traffic

Approx 30,000,000t of cargo, 1,300,000TEU, 2,400 vessels and 5,600 passengers handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Penang?

The co-ordinates for compulsory pilotage are as follows: To the North: From the N bank the Muda River position 05°34.7'N 100°20.4'E in a direction 278° to a position 05°35.9'N 100°12.4'E and then in a direction 191° to the point of land N of Muka Head on 05°28.6'N 100°10.96'E.

What time zone is Penang in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Penang?

The deepest berth listed is at North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT): 11.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Penang?

1023-1025.

Which load line zone is Penang in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Penang?

Port State Control at Penang: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Penang?

The UN/LOCODE of Penang is MYPEN.

What crews who called at Penang 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 Penang →