PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Puerto Ordaz
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory. River pilots board vessel at Mile 27.7 for vessels less than 200m LOA. For vessels of more than 200m LOA pilots board vessels at Mile 0 by helicopter. Docking pilot meets vessel at Mile 178 or 183.
It is reported that all vessels over 170m LOA must embark/disembark a pilot at the Sea Buoy. The helicopter service is only available during day light hours.
Key data
updated Jul 2020Size limits
Max LOA 294.5m, beam 38m, draught 11.2m, 95,746DWT.
Water density
1000.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
The current varies from 3.5kts at the flood stage to 1.5kts at lower levels, but is only half as strong alongside the berths.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVG Ferrominera Terminal | 11.20 m | 295 m | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jul 2020Approach
The port is approached through a buoyed channel. The width of the turning basin within the basin varies from 500-600m at high river. Buoys are moved as necessary to give the largest navigable area afforded by the river level.
On arriving at the seabuoy, Masters must contact "Amacuro pilot" by VHF Ch 16 for river information.
Anchorages
Vessels waiting to berth alongside should anchor either in the area N of San Felix or about 0.6nm N of the W end of the wharf (08°20'N 062°43'W); the latter anchorage is seasonal, suitable only at high river.
Restrictions
Simultaneous navigation in opposite directions between Miles 0-27 is not permitted, outbound vessels have priority. The Port Captain will notify the vessel via "YVM" of the time permitted to transit the channel.
Maximum draught and airdraught permitted varies due to seasonal changes. Dry season Dec-May, rainy season Jun-Nov.
Vessels must have clean ballast water prior to transiting the river.
Tugs
Compulsory, four tugs available. For berthing/unberthing 2 tugs are compulsory at all times.
Mooring
A dock pilot berths and unberths the vessel, which is moored starboard side to the pier, all hatch covers, etc must be stowed on the port side.
Charts and publications
BA 1045, 3320. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).
Reporting before arrival
updated Dec 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels must notify the Port Captain at Puerto Ordaz via "YVM" of their ETA, 48 hours prior to arrival at the sea buoy.
Communications
It is recommended to use Mobile Radio, Curacao Radio, Maritex for passing messages. Inmarsat communication is possible.
VHF: Ch 16, 14, 13 and 06.
Barima Pilot: Ch 16, 79.
Notice of readiness
NOR is tendered in accordance with the terms of the Charter Party. The normal place for tendering NOR is on arrival at the anchorage or all fast at the berth.
Documents
Customs and Harbour Master's clearance are prepared and delivered onboard by the agent prior to vessel's departure.
Cargo documents such as Bills of Lading, Quality and Quantity Certificates, Certificates of Origin, etc are prepared/released by terminal operators. These documents are presented to the Master prior to departure for his signature.
Health
Pratique and Customs clearance can only be granted on arrival either at anchorage or on completion of berthing.
Vessels coming from ports which have cholera will not be allowed to deballast overboard. A sanitary inspection is performed at the pilot station prior to entering port.
Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.
Customs and immigration
Customs allowances: An allowance is made for approx 5 days of cigarettes and alcohol out of bond. The bond is sealed after the vessel's clearance. Additional allowances may be made on request to the Customs authorities. Bonded items are not allowed to be taken ashore. Penalty is confiscation and a possible fine.
Immigration: Issue shore passes that are valid for 72 hours.
Flags
The national ensign of Venezuela should be displayed in port. Vessels not complying will receive orders from the National Guard to stop cargo operations. A written report will be requested prior to cargo operations recommencing.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Instituto Nacional de los Espacios Acuaticos.
Position: Gerente de Puertos.
Address: Av Rio Orinoco, Urb Las Mercedes, EDF Inea Piso 3, Caracas, Venezuela.
Tel: +58 212 909 1540
Fax: +58 212 909 1540
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.inea.gob.ve
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
ISPS Compliance: The US Coast Guard has reported that a vessel arriving at US ports in one of its five subsequent calls from ports in Venezuela 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. To ensure compliance with USCG regulations masters must increase vessel security to equivalent of Marsec Level 2 standards while in Venezuelan ports.
Port services
updated Jul 2020Repairs
Available for minor emergency cases only.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available at the pier (10tph).
Bunkering: All fuels available from Deltaven by "Marine II", arrangements to be made via agent. Bunkering can be carried out concurrently with loading.
Stores: Only small quantities available.
Medical
Uyapar Hospital, 8.5km. There are several hospitals and private clinics in the area.
Crew change
Available by arrangement through agent.
Transport
Nearest airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Manuel Carlos Piar de Ciudad Guayana, 10km.
Airport facilities: Ten daily flights to Caracas.
Working hours
Normally Mon-Sat 0000-2300hrs.
About Puerto Ordaz
updated Jul 2020Where it is
Puerto Ordaz is situated on the left bank of the River Caroni, just S of the confluence with the Orinoco River, at Mile 184.
The port
The harbour is a natural basin at the confluence of the rivers, and the diameter of the turning basin varies depending on the seasons.
The port is used by CVG Ferrominera Orinoco CA for the export of iron ore, iron briquettes and pellets, also general and bulk cargo for other companies in the area. Vessels of approximately 100,000DWT berth regularly.
Questions about Puerto Ordaz
What are the pilot arrangements at Puerto Ordaz?
Compulsory. River pilots board vessel at Mile 27.7 for vessels less than 200m LOA.
What time zone is Puerto Ordaz in?
Local time at Puerto Ordaz is UTC−4. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Puerto Ordaz?
The deepest berth listed is at CVG Ferrominera Terminal: 11.20 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Puerto Ordaz?
1000.
Which load line zone is Puerto Ordaz in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Puerto Ordaz?
The UN/LOCODE of Puerto Ordaz is VEPZO.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Puerto Ordaz 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.
Plan a route to Puerto Ordaz →
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.