PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Phnom-Penh
Pilot
updated May 2010- Kaam Samna Kraom pilot station (Cambodia) Pilot10°56.0′N 105°11.0′E
- Tan Chau pilot station (Vietnam) Pilot10°48.0′N 105°15.0′E
Request for pilot must be made to the Pilot Station at least 24 hours prior to arrival. Permission to visit Cambodia must first be obtained from the Cambodian Authorities. Pilotage in the Mekong River is compulsory for ocean going vessels and is available in daylight hours only. A Vietnam pilot is embarked, at the pilot boarding place (10°20.3'N 107°03.2'E) off Mui Vung Tau, who will take the vessel up river to the frontier (10°56'N 105°12'E) between Vietnam and Cambodia, where a pilot from Cambodia will take over for the remainder of the passage to Phnom-Penh. Each country maintains a pilot station near the frontier between them; Vietnam at Tan Chau, and Cambodia at Phum Kaam Samma Kraon.
Vessels in the Vietnamese part of the Mekong River are only permitted to be underway between sunrise and sunset, except in the event of adverse tides. Vessels waiting for the tide may only anchor at My Tho, or as indicated by the pilot.
Key data
updated Jul 2014Size limits
LOA 120m, draught 5.2m, 5,000DWT.
Water density
1000.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
The route from the mouth of the Mekong River to Phnom-Penh has a large fluctuation in water levels throughout the year. Movement of vessels to Phnom-Penh port is effected by the water levels and the current in front of the berths.
The flow in the river reverses with the change of the water volume in the Mekong River. From Oct to May the water flows downstream in the direction of the Mekong River and in the rainy season, the water level in the Mekong River rises, the water in the river flows upstream in the direction of the Tonlesap Lake.
The highest level can be +10.35m and the lowest level +0.49m. The flow of water in the Mekong River is as follows: Max velocity of flow 3.6kts, min velocity of flow 0.3kts.
The flow of the Tonlesap River observed in front of the port as follows: Velocity 1.6kt and the direction of the river was parallel to the river banks at a large arc, the velocity was 2.3-2.5kts at a distance of 130m away from the berth and was farther towards the centre of the river, the velocity in front of the berths is approx 4.9kts.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Gas Provider Terminal | 5.20 m | — | 1 |
| Container Terminal (TS3) | — | 120 m | 1 |
| Container Terminal LM17 | — | — | 5 |
| Passenger & Tourist Terminal (TS1) | — | — | 3 |
| Tonle Bet Terminal (UM2) | — | — | 1 |
| Savimex Terminal | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Oct 2024Approach
Departure: On the return journey from Phnom-Penh it is recommended that a vessel sails in the afternoon, so that as much distance as possible may be made in daylight. Except at neaps, when the 120nm bar may present a problem, a vessel should be able to reach the 78nm bar regardless of the time of HW at Mui Vung Tau. Whether the latter bar is crossed on the same tide, and at what time the vessel will weigh in the morning, will depend on the time of HW at Mui Vung Tau.
Port limits
The area administered by the port of Phnom-Penh is from 2.5km upstream from Chroy Changwar Bridge along the Tonlesap River to down stream 3km from Quatre Bras along the Mekong River and 6km up along the Mekong River from Quatre Bras. The total water front length is approx 27km.
Anchorages
The anchorage area extends in front of Port No 2. The holding ground is good, the bottom is mud and sand.
Restrictions
Maximum LOA of ships should not exceed 100m during dry season due to the configuration of the river banks.
Tugs
Available. 1 x 550hp, 1 x 380hp.
Mooring
There are rubber fenders and mooring bollards provided for the safe and quick mooring of vessels. Mooring cleats are also provided underneath the berth to make it easy for small vessels to moor when the water level is low. Independent bollards are provided upstream and down stream side of the berth on the bank of the river for the mooring of vessels.
Charts and publications
BA 3985. While Admiralty charts cover the river entrance, there are no Admiralty charts showing details of the Mekong River. Admiralty Pilot NP30, NP286(6).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessel's ETA should be sent to the pilot station 72 hours before arrival at the Cambodian-Vietnamese border.
Communications
Radio: HF radio telephone, frequency 8513kHz can be used to contact Phnom Penh Pilot Station daily from 0900-1000hrs and 1500-1600hrs.
VHF: Pilots, Harbour Master, KAMSAB Phnom-Penh: Ch 14 and 16.
Notice of readiness
The Master must deliver the NOR for loading and unloading to the shippers/consignees through the shipping agent after the customs formalities are completed and free pratique has been granted.
Health
International Health regulations should be adhered to. Ship's crew must have an International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever and cholera.
Customs and immigration
There are no restrictions for spirits, cigarettes and beer for crew's use, but these are strictly prohibited for commercial purposes. Crew are required to declare to customs all their belongings upon arrival.
Immigration formalities take place at the port or at the anchorage after clearance by the Port Health Authority. The police collect all crew's passports and issue shore passes for going ashore.
Flags
The Cambodian flag must be displayed at vessel's masthead from sunrise to sunset. Interco flag 'Q' must be displayed until free pratique is granted.
Notices and regulations
The vessel will be informed of the ports individual regulations upon arrival at the anchorage.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Ministry of Public Works and Transport, General Department of Transport, Merchant Marine Department.
Address: Russian Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Tel: +855 23 214907.
Fax: +855 23 883874.
Email: [email protected].
Recognised Security Organisations:
RSO - Security Consultant Services: ABS, BV, CCS, Class NK, DNV, GL, KR, LR, RINA, RMRS, GMB, INCLAMAR, INSB, IRS.
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
ISPS Compliance: The US Coast Guard has reported that vessels arriving at US ports from ports in Cambodia, with the exception of Phnom Penh Autonomous Port and Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, will be subject to increased attention and are more likely to be boarded and inspected due to their country's failure to maintain effective anti terrorism measures.
Port services
updated Feb 2019Repairs
There is 1 military dock available for small vessels only.
Dry docks
Available for small vessels only.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available from pier and wharves.
Bunkering: Available from barges.
Medical
Phnom Penh General Hospital, 17.7km and Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, 6.2km.
Crew change
Available through KAMSAB.
Transport
Nearest airport: Phnom-Penh International Airport, 10.5km.
Railway: Cambodia Railway Station, 2.3km.
Working hours
Normally 0700-1130hrs and 1400-1800hrs, overtime 1900-2300hrs. Working on public holidays, weekends and at night can be arranged at customers request,
About Phnom-Penh
updated Oct 2024Where it is
Phnom-Penh is situated on the W bank of the Tonle Sap River.
The port
Phnom-Penh is the capital of Cambodia and is linked to the rest of the country by a widespread road network. It has a direct rail link with Bangkok to the NW and Sihanoukville to the WSW. The port is accessible to vessels from the South China Sea through Vietnam.
The port handles general cargo, rice, passengers, liquid and containers. Petroleum products are discharged at Russey Keo, located on the right bank of the Tonle Sap River, 4km upstream from Phnom Penh.
Traffic
Approx 4,150,000t of cargo, 400,000TEU, 4,500 vessels and 25,000 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Phnom-Penh
Where does the pilot board at Phnom-Penh?
The pilot boards at Kaam Samna Kraom pilot station (Cambodia), 10°56.0′N 105°11.0′E. Phnom-Penh has 2 pilot boarding places.
What time zone is Phnom-Penh in?
Local time at Phnom-Penh is UTC+7. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Phnom-Penh?
The deepest berth listed is at Total Gas Provider Terminal: 5.20 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Phnom-Penh?
1000.
Which load line zone is Phnom-Penh in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Phnom-Penh?
The UN/LOCODE of Phnom-Penh is KHPNH.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Phnom-Penh 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.