Puerto Limon

1. Puerto Limon pilot boarding place Pilot boards09°59.2′N 083°00.6′W

Size limits

Max LOA 300m, beam 48.18m, draught 11.8m, 109,778DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Mean Max range approx 0.3m. Mean min range approx 0.1m. The highest water levels occur during the months of May, June and first half of July. During heavy rains there is a strong out going current from the river mouth.

Puerto Moin: A coastal current sets SE along the coast and can attain a rate of up to 3kts near the head of Moin Bay. In Dec and Jan, swell is bad during strong N winds and can cause vessels to surge when alongside the berths.

Puerto Limon: The current sets SSE, at approx 0.75kt, in the approaches to the port between isla Uvita and the mainland. There is a strong outgoing current from the river mouth in the NW part of the port, especially after heavy rains.

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

Approach

The recommended approach is from the SE, keeping clear of charted wrecks. The approaches in the roads to Puerto Limon has 22.5m depth and the harbour entrance is dredged to 14.0m over a width of 250m and reduces down to 11.5m in approaches to berths.

From a position in the vicinity of 10°02'N 082°58'W NE of, the route leads SW for 5nm to the pilot boarding place; then NW for the berths, passing SE of Isla Uvita.

Puerto Moin is approached from the NNW and entered through a 1nm long marked entrance channel, with a depth of 14.0m, width 200m, which leads from the open sea to the harbour. Lightbuoys and leading lights in line bearing 151° lead along the channel into the harbour, where cargo vessels berth port starboard side to, heading S and the tankers berth starboard side along side bow to sea.

Port limits

Roads and Puerto Limon jurisdiction reach out 2nm from the breakwater. Puerto Moin roads and jurisdiction reach 2nm from Pajaros Island.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Not applicable.

Anchorages

Puerto Limon - Anchorage is available 09°59.1'N 083°00.2'W to 09°58.5'N 83°00.4'W to 09°58.5'N 83°01.2'W, marked by lightbuoys, centred approx 0.8nm ESE of the port. Good holding ground on sand and mud bottom.

Caution: Approach signs to be observed, due to submarine cables close to anchorage area.

Puerto Moin has an unprotected anchorage with good holding ground of mud bottom, NE of the harbour, 3.0-4.0nm off shore in depths of approximately 35m, 1nm off the entrance channel. Anchorage is centred on a position located approximately 10° 02.052'N 83° 04.633'W.

Restrictions

Puerto Moin: A series of lobster pots will be found in the approaches during the Dec and Jan season; vessels must proceed with caution.

Tugs

Puerto Limon - 2 x 850hp tugs, compulsory for berthing and unberthing.

Charts and publications

BA 1798. Admiralty Pilot NP69A, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Puerto Limon & Puerto Moin - Agents must be informed of vessel's ETA 72, 48 and 24hrs before arrival, indicating amount of cargo to be discharged in tonnes. This information is required by the port authority. Failure to provide this information will result in delay. Ships whose port of departure is less than 48hrs from the port to stream, shall notify port authority of departure from that port. ETA message should include the following:

- ETA

- LOA and Draught

- Number of passengers disembarking (if applicable)

- Amount of cargo to be loaded/unloaded (metric tonnes)

- Number of gangs required to work on board.

Health

Pratique normally granted on arrival. Officials are available between 0600-1800hrs. There is a Quarantine Station on Isla Uvita 0.5nm ENE of the port.

Customs and immigration

Customs Authorities now stipulate the following:

1) All cargo on board vessel bound for Costa Rica must be displayed.

2) BL Manifest Documents and bills of lading must be registered in the Systems Logs (TICA) 24hrs before arrival of vessel.

3) Cargoes that enter and have not manifested will be confiscated by the port terminals.

4) Violations of these rules will have the following consequences:

- Any ship that is not registered in the customs system (TICA) will not be able to dock.

- Any lack of load, evidence of quantities or weight, will be fined.

Notices and regulations

Dangerous Cargo Regulations: All based according to IMO regulations. All vessels arriving must inform JAPDEVA, via agency at least 24 hour prior to arrival.

Entry to the port may be made between 0600-1800hrs. Vessels intending to berth alongside Puerto Moin should arrive before 1500hrs local time. Permission to enter at other times must be obtained in advance.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes.

Address: Apdo 101176, 1000 San Jose, Costa Rica.

Tel: +506 336510.

Fax: +506 330605.

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

Repairs

Facilities for minor repairs of mechanical, welding, electronics and electrical equipment available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Not available.

Bunkering: Available.

Stores: Available by truck, which can proceed alongside berth. Local riggers can be employed.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Dr. Tony Facio Castro Hospital, 2.4km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Limon International Airport, 4.2km.

Nearest railway: Estación de Trenes INCOFER, 1.9km.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Puerto Limon is on the NE Atlantic coast of Costa Rica, due E of the capital San Jose. Puerto Limon is situated close S of a bold headland and Puerto Moin is located 6km to the NW.

The port

The port consists of two main operating areas: Puerto Limon (Terminal Hernan Garron Salazar) and Puerto Moin (Terminal Gaston Kogan Kogan).

Puerto Limon is the principal port of Costa Rica with a Free Trade Zone and is well served by local facilities. Cruise ships, containerised, bulk and general cargoes can be handled. The port has Ro-Ro facilities but still relies heavily on slings and pallets for cargo load/discharge.

Puerto Moin has a refinery with a tanker facility. Ro-Ro facilities are available as well as the capability to handle bananas and general cargoes.

Imports: Cardboard, iron, textiles, chemical products, petroleum and derivatives.

Exports: Bananas, fruit, vegetables, coffee, plants, textiles.

Traffic

Approx. 3,800,000t of cargo, 1,200,000TEUs, 2,000 vessels and 210,000 passengers handled per year.

Where does the pilot board at Puerto Limon?

The pilot boards at Puerto Limon pilot boarding place, 09°59.2′N 083°00.6′W.

What time zone is Puerto Limon in?

Local time at Puerto Limon is UTC−6. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Puerto Limon?

The deepest berth listed is at Puerto Moin (Terminal Gaston Kogan Kogan): 11.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Puerto Limon?

1025.

Which load line zone is Puerto Limon in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Puerto Limon?

The UN/LOCODE of Puerto Limon is CRLIO.

What crews who called at Puerto Limon 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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