Ras Al Khafji

Size limits

SBM No 4: LOA 243m, draught 20.1m, 300,000DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 0.6m.

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

Approach

Ras Al Khafji approach channel, which is entered at No 1 Lightbuoy (28°36'N 049°10'E), 35nm ENE of Ras Al Khafji, is marked in accordance with the IALA Maritime Buoyage System, Region "A".

There is a least depth of 21m (28°33'N 048°46'E) in the fairway, 14.5nm NE of Ras Al Khafji.

Traffic schemes and VTS

It is reported that a new Traffic Separation Scheme is to be implemented.

Anchorages

Tanker Anchorage, 1nm radius, lies with its centre 7.75nm NE of Ras Al Khafji in position 28°29.5'N 048°39'E. There are depths of approx 20m to 24m in the anchorage where the holding ground is reported to be good with a clay and mud bottom. No 9 and No 10 Lightbuoys (special), respectively, mark the W and S limits of the anchorage area.

Vessels using the tanker anchorage should inform Ras Al Khafji Port Radio at time of anchoring.

Anchorage for dry cargo vessels, may be obtained in depths from 11.0m to 15m, good holding ground, clay and mud, approx 2.75nm N of Ras Al Khafji; vessels should anchor within 0.5nm of No 14 Lightbuoy (special), moored in the vicinity, which marks the anchorage area.

Anchoring and fishing are prohibited in the vicinity of the submarine pipelines which are laid from Ras Al Khafji, via the platforms to each loading berth.

Tugs

There are 3 tugs of 2,200hp available.

Charts and publications

BA 3774. Admiralty Pilot NP63, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Arrival messages should be signalled at least 3 days prior to arrival, confirming or amending information 24 hours in advance to "Arabiaoilkuwait" via Kuwait Coast Radio Station and again on making contact direct to "Ras Al Khafji Port" Radio Station.

Communications

VHF: Ch 16.

Telephone: 966-13-7660555 (extension 5202), Facsimile: 966-13-7662776, E-mail: [email protected]

Health

Pratique should be requested by radio.

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Fuel and diesel oil available.

Medical

Medical facilities can only be provided in an emergency.

Transport

Nearest airport: Kuwait International Airport (110km).

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Ras Al Khafji is an offshore terminal approx 15km off the NE coast of Saudi Arabia in the area of the Divided Zone of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The port

It consists of four tanker loading berths and an anchorage area where general cargo vessels work cargo into barges. Vessels must ensure that they anchor within the prescribed limits, as numerous wellheads and pipelines exist on the seabed in the vicinity.

Cargoes handled: Crude, naphtha and fuel oil.

What are the pilot arrangements at Ras Al Khafji?

Compulsory. The pilot boards in the anchorage area.

What time zone is Ras Al Khafji in?

Local time at Ras Al Khafji is UTC+3. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Ras Al Khafji?

The deepest berth listed is at Ras Al Khafji Industrial Area: 19.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Ras Al Khafji?

1025.

Which load line zone is Ras Al Khafji in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Ras Al Khafji?

The UN/LOCODE of Ras Al Khafji is SARAR.

What crews who called at Ras Al Khafji 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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