PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Qalhat LNG Terminal
Pilot
updated Jul 2018Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels berthing at Qalhat LNG Terminal. When approaching the terminal all vessels are required to remain outside a radius of 2.5nm from the LNG Jetty unless otherwise instructed by the Port Authority. On no account must vessels enter the Offshore Security Zone without a pilot onboard and tugs(s) secured alongside.
Unless otherwise advised by Qalhat Control, the pilot will board all vessels from one of the terminal's tugs 3.5-4nm NE of the LNG Jetty head, in position 22°43.0'N 059°27.5'E. The Duty Pilot will be on 20 minutes notice for call out whenever there is a vessel alongside the LNG or MOF Jetties.
Security Perimeter Zone:
Vessels must not enter the Security Perimeter Zone without a pilot onboard and tugs secured alongside.
Pilotage for the OMIFCO Wharf is compulsory and is available 24 hours. The pilot boarding position for the OMIFCO Wharf is about 1nm E of the head of the wharf. Berthing and unberthing can be done 24 hours.
Key data
updated Jul 2024Size limits
LOA 315m, beam 50m, draught 12.1m, 122,006DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Mean tidal range is 1.9m and extreme range (LAT to HAT) of 3.4m.
There are no tidal restrictions on berthing and unberthing at Qalhat.
Currents in the vicinity of Qalhat are influenced by the monsoons but are generally weak in nature, typically less than 0.5kt. Generally, currents run parallel to the coastline but can have a wind generated component following prolonged periods of wind from the same direction.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qalhat LNG Terminal | 12.10 m | 315 m | 2 |
| OMIFCO Terminal | — | 229 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 2024Approach
Caution: The waters adjacent to and in the approaches to Qalhat are widely frequented by local fishermen, drift nets in excess of 1,000m being used. This activity is mainly during the hours of darkness, with both boats and nets being poorly lit.
Because of this fishing activity, the approach to and departure from the port should be carried out with extreme caution, preferably maintaining a SW/NE course line until well clear of the coast.
Anchorages
Vessels waiting to berth at Qalhat, may anchor 4nm ESE of the LNG Jetty head, bottom of mud, sand and shingle. Permission is required from Oman LNG before anchoring.
Restrictions
Under Keel Clearance (UKC): UKC of 2.0m is required at all times.
Tugs
Condensate Tankers: For vessels under 10,000DWT, a minimum of 1 tug is required. Vessels over 10,000DWT are required to have 2 tugs.
When a vessel is berthed alongside, one tug will act as the duty standby tug and remain in a state of immediate readiness offshore to provide assistance, if and when required. This tug will maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 16, 06 and the terminal's UHF channel.
Mooring
For all mooring lines to jetty head hooks, heaving lines may be landed directly onto the jetty head. Mooring lines to dolphins MD1 and MD2 must be passed ashore using the shore messenger.
When unmooring under normal circumstances mooring lines will be released and recovered by the vessel in the following order; head and stern lines, breast lines and finally back springs.
Emergency towing wires: On completion of mooring emergency towing wires of the required strength and length capable of permitting the vessel to be safely towed clear of the berth in an emergency, must be rigged on the offshore bow and quarter.
Wires should be properly secured at the inboard end by turning up on a set of bitts (figure of eight) with sufficient slack flaked down on the ship's deck and the outboard eye of the wire maintained at a height of 3m above the waterline. The fire wire should be secured at the fairlead with a light lashing.
Vessel moving out of position whilst alongside: Where a ship has moved out of position a sufficient distance to either, a) activate the ESD system, or b) warrant corrective action in the opinion of the Loading Supervisor; loading will be stopped, loading arm(s) drained, purged and disconnected prior to repositioning the ship.
Whenever repositioning of a ship is required pilot and tugs must be in attendance, the ship's engine in readiness, and the shore mooring gang on station.
Charts and publications
BA 2851, 3518. OM 1212, OM 301. Admiralty Pilot NP63, NP286(8).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2018Communications
Qalhat LNG Terminal
Call sign: Qalhat Control
VHF: VHF ch 6, 14 and 16
Telephone: 968-25547858 (24 hours); 968-25547705
Facsimile: 968-25547764
E-mail: [email protected]
OMIFCO Wharf
Call sign: Omifco Port
VHF: VHF ch 16 and 71
Telephone: 968-25532091
Facsimile: 968-25562847; 968-25562848
Notices and regulations
Conditions of Use: Masters of all ship's using the port of Qalhat will be required to sign a copy of the Conditions of Use (COU) in acknowledgement of the ship's responsibilities and liabilities whist using the port.
Mooring integrity and safety checks: Prior to connecting the loading arms and/or commencement of the "Pre Loading Meeting", the Loading Supervisor or Marine Superintendent or his authorised deputy shall, together with a Responsible Ship's Officer, check and confirm that all moorings are tight, brakes properly hardened up and winches are out of gear. On completion of confirming mooring integrity, connection of loading arms may proceed.
In the process of conducting the mooring integrity check other safety checks as per the Ship/Shore Checklist, should be completed.
Sources of ignition: The carrying of equipment (unless approved equipment) and/or use of matches, lighters or other possible sources of ignition, which includes battery operated equipment, e.g. mobile phones and cameras, is prohibited.
Inspections
Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Directorate of Ports and Maritime Affairs.
Position: Director of Maritime Affairs.
Address: PO Box 684, Muscat, 113, Oman.
Tel: +968 693530
Fax: +968 694224
Mob: +968 942 8103
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Jul 2018Bunkers, water and stores
Bunkering: No bunkering facilities available. The internal transfer of bunkers onboard the vessel whilst in the port and alongside the terminal's jetties is strictly prohibited.
Fresh water: Not available.
Stores: No facilities available.
Medical
Clinic available at the terminal. Nearest hospital is Sur Private Hospital in Sur, 24km.
Crew change
Crew changes and/or repatriation of individuals is not permitted except on medical or compassionate grounds.
Transport
Nearest airport: Muscat International Airport in Muscat, 200km.
About Qalhat LNG Terminal
updated Aug 2018Where it is
Qalhat LNG Terminal is located on Oman's NE coast approx 75nm SE of Muscat and 12nm from Ras Al Hadd.
The port
The terminal, which is in a semi sheltered location with an open aspect to the sea, has 2 "T" jetties for the export of LNG and NGL (condensate) and 1 pier that handles fertiliser.
Questions about Qalhat LNG Terminal
What are the pilot arrangements at Qalhat LNG Terminal?
Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels berthing at Qalhat LNG Terminal.
What time zone is Qalhat LNG Terminal in?
Local time at Qalhat LNG Terminal is UTC+4. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Qalhat LNG Terminal?
The deepest berth listed is at Qalhat LNG Terminal: 12.10 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Qalhat LNG Terminal?
1025.
Which load line zone is Qalhat LNG Terminal in?
Tropical.
Who carries out Port State Control at Qalhat LNG Terminal?
Port State Control at Qalhat LNG Terminal: Indian Ocean MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Qalhat LNG Terminal?
The UN/LOCODE of Qalhat LNG Terminal is OMQAL.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Qalhat LNG Terminal 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.