Point Fortin

1. Guapo Bay pilot boarding place Pilot boards10°13.6′N 061°42.5′W
2. Guapo Bay pilot boarding place Pilot boards10°14.3′N 061°43.8′W

Size limits

LOA 299.90m, beam 49m, draught 11.5m, 98,954DWT

Water density

1020 - 1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

LAT is 0.0m and HAT 1.5m above CD. Mean spring range 1.1m; mean neap range 0.5m. Tidal streams of 1-2kts in NE direction on the ebb and SW direction on the flood.

Approach

Vessels should enter the Gulf of Paria via Boca Grande and proceed along the deep water track. The LNG Terminal is approached from seaward via a buoyed channel (IALA Buoyage system "B") 2,500m long, 675m wide, dredged to a min depth of 13.0m CD. Leading lights mark the centre line of the channel, leading to a turning area, approx 570m square, off the berth.

While transiting the channel vessels are required to have both their anchors ready for letting go.

Anchorages

Minimum depth of water in the anchorage is 18.0m, with good holding ground. The anchorage will also be available, if required, in the event of an emergency departure from the berth. Under normal circumstances, berthing or anchoring instructions will be communicated to the vessel and agent by the terminal.

Restrictions

A submarine cable extends between the head of the jetties and the offshore mooring buoys situated about 0.8 mile NNE.

The Soldado Marine Oil Fields lie up to 10.0nm off the coast between Point Fortin and Icacos Point, the SW end of Trinidad, 4.0nm WSW. There are numerous drilling platforms and associated structures in the area, many of which exhibit lights. Many submarine pipelines connect these structures and converge on a landing place in Irois Bay. The oil field is a Restricted Area, within which navigation is prohibited to all vessels except those connected with oil field operations and small craft. Anchoring, trawling, and all seabed operations are prohibited. The N and W limits of the restricted area are marked by lighted buoys.

Another group of lighted oil platforms and wells are located between 1.0nm and 5.0nm from the W to NE of Soldado Rock outside the Soldado Restricted Area. A submarine pipeline is laid ENE between this group and Riser Platform No. 1

(10°10'N., 61°51'W.).

Tugs

Tugs are available and required for berthing vessels of more than 30,000DWT at outer berths.

Atlantic LNG will carry out all towage operations unless an alternative is given by the Marine Services Manager in writing. Upon the arrival of a vessel, three tugs of at least 50t bollard pull, all with fire fighting capabilities, will assist with the berthing manoeuvres. Tugs of 4 x 50t with 4,400bhp are available.

For berthing two tugs will join the vessel at the pilot station or anchorage, the third will join the vessel at the channel entrance. For departure, approx 2 tugs with approx 50t bollard pull each, will be used. Tug lines are used during normal towing operations.

Mooring

Mooring crew and launch are arranged by the vessel's agent to handle mooring lines during berthing and unberthing operations. Vessel should provide Messenger lines of approx 1in diameter and sufficient length for sending ashore mooring lines. Mooring lines should not be fully tensioned by the vessel while members of the mooring gang are on the dolphin. Mooring lines have a quick disengage hook release in case of an emergency. However, emergency release will only be carried out on the instruction of the Master. Safe tendering of mooring lines is the responsibility of the vessel. However the terminal can intervene on this issue if necessary. Attention should be given to ensure that lines do not become too slack or tight to ensure the load is evenly distributed. Mooring lines are to be in good condition without splices along their working length. Mooring lines used in a common direction shall be of similar breaking strength, elasticity and material. Masters are responsible for ensuring their vessels are securely moored and a strict watch is maintained, using sufficiently proficient personnel to ensure that moorings lines are tended thereby preventing undue movement of the vessel.

Charts and publications

BA 475, 481, 483, 517, 1045, 4216. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

First time or infrequent callers should arrive 24hrs prior to berthing date to attend a pre-berthing meeting.

The 24hr ETA should be accompanied by a completed Pre-Arrival Status Report (vessels should request a form from the Terminal).

Ballast water notification IMO form should be sent by email 24hrs before arrival and verified at the pre-loading meeting.

A crew list ISPS requirement should be sent by email 24hrs before arrival.

The tanker's Loading Plan should be sent by email 24hrs before arrival and verified at the pre-loading meeting.

Communications

LNG Harbour: Radio communications between tug, vessel, jetty and Atlantic Control will be open on Ch 17 or as specified by the terminal. During berthing and unberthing operations, the Master/Pilot shall remain in contact with the berthing supervisor and the tugs on Ch 17.

Coastguard LNG Requirements: LNG vessels must communicate with T & T Coastguard every 30 min during Gulf of Paria transit.

Documents

The Documentation Department require the following documents on arrival, they will be delivered by loading arrangement/loading supervisor.

Health

The Port Health Officer will board vessels at the anchorage by day or at night, but only if they are from an infected port or if requested by the Master or Atlantic LNG. All vessels entering Point Fortin from international waters must display the following quarantine signals.

From sunrise to sunset: International code of Signals Flag 'Q'.

From sunset to sunrise: Red over white lights.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowances for officers and crew are limited to personnel effects and gifts. Penalties for non compliance with regulations are fines and seizure of items.

Immigration procedures include boarding of vessels, granting pratique, crew change, crew passes and vessel clearance.

Vessels from countries without diplomatic ties, will be restricted from entering the port, unless they have prior approval from the Immigration Authorities. Information regarding the nationality of the vessel, port of registration, expected arrival date and purpose of visit must be sent in advance to the vessel's agent. There are restrictions on shore leave for crew members from '2nd schedule countries' (who require visas). Visas should be applied for prior to arrival. A copy of the Crew List should be sent in advance. All vessel personnel must obtain Custom clearance on leaving and returning to the vessel.

Flags

The Trinidad and Tobago flag and the vessel's port of registry flag must be flown from sunrise to sunset. Fines will be imposed for non compliance with these regulations.

Notices and regulations

When transiting the channel vessels are required to have both their anchors ready for letting go.

All vessels entering the harbour limits must be equipped with communication equipment which comply with applicable regulations and permit the vessel to communicate with land stations and Atlantic's LNG Control Room. Vessel arriving at the terminal must check their navigational system before berthing and unberthing. Vessels must also check their cargo transfer equipment prior to loading and report any deficiencies to Atlantic Control Room. Blowing of boiler tubes in the port is prohibited.

The venting of vapour into the atmosphere is normally prohibited while the vessel is alongside. A vapour return line is available at the terminal for disposal of surplus/boil off gas. If a vessel arrives directly from dry dock, the inert gas can be purged out at the facility. The procedure for this operation has to be agreed between the vessel's Master and the terminal.

Any incident involving a vessel, tug. jetty or their personnel, which could affect the safety of cargo operations, must be reported to the Senior Loading Technician.

Drugs and Alcohol: The use, sale, possession, distribution and promotion of prohibited substances while on the company's premises is strictly prohibited.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Marine Ship safety and Port Facility Security Unit.

Position: Designated Authority Commander.

Address: Ansa Building, 2nd Floor, Corner Queen & Henry Streets, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Tel: +1 868 623 0002

Fax: +1 868 623 0860

Mob: +1 868 680 0117

Email: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Repairs can be carried out at Chagaramas, in the N of the Gulf of Paria.

Point Fortin Regulations: Any repairs which would render the vessel incapable of manoeuvring under its own power are prohibited while vessel is alongside. In case of breakdown, which has a direct impact on the vessel's readiness to manoeuvre, the Port Management may agree to emergency repairs being carried on condition that adequate safety measures are taken, including the presence of sufficient tugs. Repair work to LNG vessel requiring the use of a naked flame or such work, which may cause a spark, is not permitted alongside the terminal, unless written approval has been given by the Plant Manager. A hot work permit system must be established. Hot work repairs on tug boats while at the terminal must be covered under the existing terminal hot work permit system. This is to ensure that all safety precautions are followed.

Bunkers, water and stores

Stores: Can be ordered from Port of Spain, only hand carried stores from the jetty, can be taken before or after cargo operations.

Medical

Point Fortin Area Hospital.

Transport

Nearest airport: Piarco Airport, 96km.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Point Fortin, located on the W coast of Trinidad, in the Gulf of Paria is the southern most port on the island.

The port

Atlantic LNG Company, Trinidad, own and operate one terminal where LNG is handled. The other terminal, once owned and operated by Petrotrin, closed in November 2018.

Where does the pilot board at Point Fortin?

The pilot boards at Guapo Bay pilot boarding place, 10°13.6′N 061°42.5′W. Point Fortin has 2 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Point Fortin in?

Local time at Point Fortin is UTC−4. No summer time.

What is the water density at Point Fortin?

1020 - 1025.

Which load line zone is Point Fortin in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Point Fortin?

The UN/LOCODE of Point Fortin is TTPTF.

What crews who called at Point Fortin 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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