PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Port Alucroix
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory for all vessels over 100GT or over. Tugs and pilots are available between 0600-1600hrs.
The pilot station is approx 2nm S-SE of the sea buoy (17°40.35'N 064°45.13'W).
HOVIC pilot will board the vessel, approx 2 and 1.5nm S of St Croix Alumina's sea buoys.
Key data
updated Dec 2022Size limits
Harbour: LOA 333.96m, beam 60m, draught 16.76m, 322,861DWT.
Offshore: LOA 330m, BCM 60m, 320,000DWT
Load line zone
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
Tides
Range 0.33m.
The current outside the channel runs in a W'ly direction. The wind direction blows between NE and SE, and is normally light in the morning, and increases during the day to about 10kts.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Point Terminal | 16.76 m | 334 m | 12 |
| Container Terminal | 9.10 m | 166 m | 1 |
| Krause Lagoon Terminal | 6.40 m | 172 m | 1 |
| St Croix Aluminium | — | — | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Dec 2015Approach
Directions for entering harbour: Krause Lagoon Channel (17°41.0'N 064°45.4'W), width 91m, depth 10.3m, leads through Long Reef then continues as a canal with dyked sides to a turning basin. This is dredged channel, privately maintained and marked on both sides by light beacons and lightbuoys (port hand and starboard hand).
From the channel entrance, the alignment (329.5°) of leading lights (red rectangular daymarks with a white stripe, on each of 2 towers, elevation 34m and 40m) situated at the head of the turning basin, leads through the middle of the channel into the turning basin.
Anchorages
There is no anchorage off the entrance to Krause lagoon. Vessels having to wait on arrival, for docking instructions or inclement weather should proceed to sea approx 15nm towards the S and W of the island, maintaining contact with HOVIC Marine on VHF Ch 11 for instructions.
Vessels are requested not to anchor near Port Alucroix or Limetree Bay and to remain outside the 182m curve while awaiting berth.
Restrictions
There is no night navigation at Port Alucroix.
The discharging operation at this port experiences airdraught problems with large vessels (airdraught of 12.8m).
In order for us to overcome this problem it is imperative that vessels maintain a minimum draught of 7.6m during discharging
Tugs
Compulsory, provided by Hess Oil Marine Department (HOVIC Marine) during daylight hours only. Contact to be made 3-4 hours prior to arrival on VHF Ch 16, 11.
Mooring
On arrival at the pilot station vessels are to notify HOVIC Marine of their arrival, and to supply any additional information they (HOVIC) require, who in turn will inform the vessel on docking instructions.
Charts and publications
BA 485. Admiralty Pilot NP71, NP286(7).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010Communications
VHF: Ch 16.
Inspections
Port State Control here: US Coast Guard.
Foreign ships are examined by the US Coast Guard. File the Advance Notice of Arrival 96 hours ahead (33 CFR 160).
Port services
updated Dec 2022Repairs
Not available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available.
Medical
There is a general hospital nearby with emergency services. Other medical services such as dental, vaccinations and inoculations are to be arranged by the agency, and 48 hours advance notice is required.
Transport
Nearest airport: Approx 5km from the port.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Port Alucroix
updated Dec 2022Where it is
Port Alucroix is situated at the head of Krause Lagoon, on S coast of St Croix, US Virgin Islands.
The port
The port handles liquid cargo, bauxite, alumina, breakbulk cargo and containers.
Questions about Port Alucroix
What are the pilot arrangements at Port Alucroix?
Compulsory for all vessels over 100GT or over.
What time zone is Port Alucroix in?
Local time at Port Alucroix is UTC−4. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Port Alucroix?
The deepest berth listed is at Ocean Point Terminal: 16.76 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
Which load line zone is Port Alucroix in?
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
Who carries out Port State Control at Port Alucroix?
Port State Control at Port Alucroix: US Coast Guard.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Port Alucroix?
The UN/LOCODE of Port Alucroix is VIPAX.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Port Alucroix 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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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.