Rabigh

1. Rabigh (Ar-Ras al Abyad) pilot boarding Pilot boards22°45.1′N 038°54.3′E

Size limits

LOA 400m, draught 23.5m, 325,000DWT

Water density

The average sea water density is 1027.5.

Tides

Local currents are affected by the general circulation of currents in the Red Sea. They usually flow in a NW direction along the coast with a speed usually not in excess of 0.5kt.

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

Approach

The Fairway Buoy is located to the W of the harbour entrance. This is approached through a channel approx 1,300m long and 400m wide. The deep water entrance channel to the harbour has a depth of 28.0m and is 240m wide. This channel is marked with channel light beacons and leads to the turning basin which has a depth of 27.0m and diameter of 900m. The turning basin is also marked with light beacons.

The non commercial area of the port extends to the E with a depth of about 12m. The end of the port is marked by a special mark light beacon.

Anchorages

The deep-water anchorage area allocated for tankers is S of the port entrance and approximately 0.4nm SE of the fairway buoy. The deep-water anchorage for ULCC's is located 22°45.00'N 38°57.15'E. Smaller vessels may anchor near or SE of Tanda Rock Beacon, where soundings range from 10-30m.

Restrictions

Berthing and mooring operations are limited by wind speeds over 25kts.

Loading/unloading operations are limited by wind speeds over 40kts.

Limit for unberthing is wind speed of less than 30kts.

Vessels may remain alongside the berth even with winds of 60kts.

Vessels will not be permitted entry to the port unless they arrive at a draught consistent with safe manoeuvring and reasonably trimmed to the satisfaction of the pilot.

Berthing of VLCC's is permitted during daylight only.

Tugs

There are 5 Voith Schneider tugs available for berthing and unberthing operations, each of 4,700hp with a bollard pull of 52t. They are equipped with fire fighting equipment and remote controlled monitors for foam/water or water/jet, ranging up to 70m.

Mooring

For mooring VLCC's it is recommended that as a minimum a 42mm dia 6 x 37 class IWRC preformed heavily drawn galvanised wire line with a minimum breaking load of 115t be used.

Vessels equipped with both wire and synthetic mooring lines must avoid mixing such lines to the same dolphin.

Vessels must be moored to the entire satisfaction of the pilot.

Any known defects of the vessel's mooring system should be reported to the pilot and terminal before arrival.

As soon as tankers are secured, manual brakes should be set on the winches and they should not be left on automatic tension.

An efficient watch must be maintained off the vessel's moorings at all times to ensure that all lines have the required tension and the vessel is kept close alongside.

Vessels must be ready to put out more lines if required by weather changes or at the discretion of the port management and terminal operator.

Charts and publications

BA 158, 64. Saudi 18, 182. Admiralty Pilot NP64, NP286(8).

BA Tide Tables Vol 2; BA List of Lights Vol "E".

Communications

Radio: VHF: All marine services and shipping movements within the port area are monitored and controlled by Rabigh port control which maintains VHF watch on Ch 16 and 66A. Vessels should finally confirm their ETA and other particulars at least 3 hours before arrival.

The following VHF Channels are continuously available for use by Rabigh Port Control: Ch 16, 01, 03, 15, 18A, 19A, 65A, 66A, 78A, 79A.

In the event of an emergency Port Control will designate a channel for use during the period of emergency.

Health: Quarantine: A doctor will board the vessel on arrival at the berth in order to expedite quarantine clearance.

International Certificates of Vaccination against cholera, smallpox and yellow fever must be made available, if required in accordance with international or local health regulations.

Notice of readiness

Master can tender Notice of Readiness on arrival at Pilot Station or at anchorage or depending on charterers instruction.

Documents

Full details regarding procedures and conduct of vessel and crew must be checked with Rules and Regulations of Saudi Arabian Seaports.

Customs and immigration

Customs may board the vessel at the berth or anchorage. All alcoholic beverages must be placed under seal. Cigarettes, cigars and tobacco in excess of normal consumption during the expected duration of stay are to be placed under seal. Spirits are strictly prohibited.

Flags

Saudi flag to be flown on foremast throughout 24 hours whilst within port limits.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministry of Interior / Coast Guard.

Position: Head of Port Security Department.

Address: Coast Guard HQ, Riyadh, 11135, Saudi Arabia.

Tel: +966 4020 222

Fax: +966 1 402 0274

Mob: +966 0505 910400

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

Repairs

No repair facilities. Repairs that may immobilise tankers are not allowed alongside.

Bunkers, water and stores

Water: No fresh water is currently available at berth.

Bunkering: Available at Liquid Cargo Berths Nos 2 and 3 and by lighter.

Medical

There is a medical first aid room in the refinery and a hospital in the town of Rabigh.

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Internationl airport at Jeddah, 155km from Rabigh.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

The commercial port of Rabigh is situated on the E coast of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, about 66nm N of Jeddah Islamic Seaport.

The port

Rabigh is a deep water port protected by an offshore barrier reef running parallel to the coast. It consists of the Oil Cargo Port and 400,000bbl/day Refinery, Pioneer Port, Dry Cargo Port and Dry Cargo Pier.

Where does the pilot board at Rabigh?

The pilot boards at Rabigh (Ar-Ras al Abyad) pilot boarding, 22°45.1′N 038°54.3′E.

What time zone is Rabigh in?

Local time at Rabigh is UTC+3. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Rabigh?

The deepest berth listed is at Rabigh refinery - Liquid cargo port: 23.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Rabigh?

The average sea water density is 1027.5.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Rabigh?

The UN/LOCODE of Rabigh is SARAB.

What crews who called at Rabigh 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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