Ras Laffan

Size limits

Harbour: Draught 12.5m, LOA 345m, Beam 60m, 321,300 DWT.

Offshore: LOA 335, 320,000DWT

Water density

1028.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

The port is not tidal.

In general the tidal current sets in a direction parallel to the coastline at speeds of up to 2kts S going and 1.6kts N going. Considerable increases in currents occur during extended periods of strong and constant direction winds.

Caution: Due to dredging activities the current patterns are proving to be unreliable.

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

Approach

The harbour is approached through two entrance channels, each 400m wide and dredged to 15.0m. From the vicinity of the Fairway Buoy (25°54.9'N 051°42'E) (Fl 10s Racon (G)) the alignment (278°) of leading lights leads through the centre of the N dredged channel.

Min UKC is 1.0m at all times, max draught permitted 12.5m.

Masters are required to report any navigational hazards to MENAS: Tel: +973 1782 8541, Fax: +973 1772 7765, Email: [email protected].

Port limits

The Port limits also include the dedicated anchorage areas.

Traffic schemes and VTS

No traffic scheme exists off the port, although the dredged channel is subject to one way navigation and traffic is controlled by Port Control.

Anchorages

In addition to the designated anchorage supply vessels and other small craft may anchor in the shelter of Southern Breakwater but may not approach closer than 500m to the breakwater.

Restrictions

The dredged channel is subject to one way navigation, with all movements within the channel and the Deep Water Basin being prohibited during the entry or departure of vessels bound to, or from, any of the berths in the Deep Water Basin. The movements of such vessels will be advised by Ras Laffan Port Control on VHF Ch 12 approx 30 minutes before the intended time of entering/departing the dredged channel.

Draught and trim: The approach to the port is through a buoyed channel dredged to 15.0m CD. The Deepwater Harbour is dredged to a depth of 13.5m CD.

Arrival: Vessels shall have their propeller(s) submerged and have a reasonable stern trim not exceeding 3.0m.

The following table shows the maximum permissible draught alongside and the height of the various berths.

Explosives: Vessels carrying explosives are not allowed to enter the port, without the prior written permission from the port management, who shall, if entry is granted, specify the required precautions and procedures as imposed by the governing authorities. Vessels carrying explosives in transit will not be permitted to enter the port.

Tugs

There are 2 x 55t, 2 x 60t, 4 x 80t tugs and 6 mooring launches available.

Towage services: All towage operations within the port limits shall be performed by tugs provided by the port management. Tugs lines are used during normal towing operations. The number of tugs required for each operation shall be decided by the port management at their sole discretion.

LNG Vessels: LOA 250m or more - 4 tugs berthing, 3 tugs unberthing.

LOA <250m - Min 3 tugs berthing and unberthing.

Other vessels: DWT >175,000t - 4 tugs berthing and unberthing.

DWT <175,000t - Min 3 tugs berthing and unberthing.

DWT <60,000t - Min 2 tugs berthing and unberthing.

Vessels equipped with a thruster may be subject to a reduction in the tug requirements. Towing operations are conducted subject to the terms stated in the "Conditions of Use".

Tug stand-by: Any request for the services of a stand-by tug or additional tugs should be directed through "Port Control" on VHF Ch 16 or 12. The scale of charges for tug services is published within the port tariff.

Mooring

In addition to the foregoing due consideration must be given to the operating envelope of the loading arms at the berth as specified in the relevant Terminal Regulations & Information. The port management reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to change the above berth limitations.

Berth scheduling: Scheduling shall be arranged in consultation with the end-users taking into consideration their agreed schedules and any other factor at the sole discretion of the port management.

Charts and publications

BA 3781, 8116. Admiralty Pilot NP63, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Items marked "x" to be completed as indicated.

For vessels operating within Qatari waters, pre-arrival notices are required to be sent to Ra's Laffan Port Control by radio, or via agent at least 24 hours in advance. Such notices are to be confirmed 4 hours prior to arrival.

Vessels should contact port control on VHF Ch 12 or 16 within 6 hours of arrival.

All vessels should, through their agent, provide notice of their ETD or shifting time at the latest when loading/discharge is 50% completed and shall regularly update such notice as and when it becomes apparent that the estimate has changed by more than 45 minutes.

Communications

All communications shall be in English.

VHF: Port Control: Ch 16, 12, Tel: +974 4473 3200, Fax: +974 4429 3686. Email: [email protected].

Pilot: Email: [email protected].

The Port Control room is stationed at the top of the Port Control tower and is on standby 24 hours a day for communications. Masters are encouraged to contact "Port Control" should they have any concerns or be in doubt as to the operational requirement of the port.

Notice of readiness

For Rasgas vessel's NOR is as per each individual contract. For Qatargas vessels, a standard format for the chartered LNG ship is used. For their condensate and sulphur vessels, NOR is as per charterer or shipowner requirements.

Health

Facilities for renewal of Ship Sanitation Control Certificates or Exemption Certificates are available through the agent.

A questionnaire specific to the H1N1 virus is currently sent to vessels on approaching the port.

Customs and immigration

Immigration and transit facilities for arriving and departing vessel's personnel are available and can be handled efficiently through Ras Laffan Port or Doha International Airport. A min of 72 hours prior notice to the agent is normally required with full details of names, passport and Seaman's Book for crew transits. A Seaman's Book is mandatory in order to join a vessel.

Customs: On standby and called as required.

Immigration: An Immigration Officer is available 24 hours per day.

Flags

When within port limits, from sunrise to sunset, all vessels shall fly their national flag and the national flag of Qatar. In addition, vessels shall at all times, comply with the International Code of Signals and display flags, shapes and lights as required by the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea.

Notices and regulations

The port will not be held responsible for any delays resulting from the non-availability of a berth.

Alcoholic drinks and drugs: Qatar is a Muslim country with very strict laws governing import and consumption of alcohol.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Customs and Ports General Authority.

Position: Director, Maritime Affairs and Transport.

Address: PO Box 313, Customs and Ports General Authority Bldg, Corniche Road, Doha, Qatar.

Tel: +974 441 4626.

Fax: +974 441 4864.

Mob: +974 589 1095.

Email: [email protected]

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

Repairs

The Nakilat-Keppel Offshore Marine facility (N-KOM) can repair and service all types of vessels, including LNG carriers.

Bunkers, water and stores

Bunkers and fresh water facilities are gradually coming on line at some berths, available to supply vessels. The ship-to-ship transfer of cargo, bunkers, water, stores, provisions or any other materials and equipment, in the port or within port limits, is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the port management.

Stores, provisions and spare parts: Stores and provisions, other than hand carried provisions and laundry, are not allowed to be taken during the loading of LNG or condensate cargoes.

Barges or craft carrying stores or spare parts are not allowed alongside any LNG or liquid tanker when the loading arms are connected. Delivery of stores and/or spare parts by barge or boat should be arranged for the period before or after loading. Arrangements shall be made through the agent.

Medical

Ras Laffan Medical Centre. Hospitals in Al Khor (35kms) and Doha (85km). Dental and optical treatment available at Doha.

Crew change

A minimum of 72 hours notice is required to the ships Agent. See Customs and Immigration.

Transport

International airport in Doha (85km).

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours, 365 days a year.

Office Hours: Sunday to Thursday inclusive 0730 to 1530 hrs (excluding Public Holidays). This is for commercial activities and arrangement of required services.

Port Services Hours: Material handling at Service Berths, for Supply Vessels:

0700 to 1700hrs Normal hours and beyond that by request subject to overtime charges.

Cargo handling at Dry Cargo and RoRo Berths:

0700 to 1900hrs Saturday to Thursday. Fridays, Public Holidays and Ramadan subject to overtime charges.

Port Operations Hours: Port Control is operated on a 24 hour basis from the Control Tower and Pilotage and Towage Services: Operated on 24 hour basis. Any of the above services that require overtime should be conveyed to the Port Management within Normal Port working time and overtime rates shall apply unless otherwise agreed.

During the Holy month of Ramadan working hours may be subject to change.

Where it is

Ras Laffan is located on the NE coast of Qatar.

The port

Ras Laffan is a purpose built export facility for LNG, LPG, condensates, petroleum products and sulphur. It is currently the largest LNG exporting port in the world, capable of accepting the Q-Flex and Q-Max sized vessels.

The port is bounded by two 10km breakwaters and a 1km long offshore breakwater separating the two entrance channels, each 400m wide and dredged to a depth of 15.0m.

There are currently 6 berths for LNG carriers; 6 berths for loading liquid condensates/LPG/GTL; 1 berth for sulphur; 2 Ro-Ro berths and 4 berths for dry cargo. There are also berths for offshore and service vessels.

What are the pilot arrangements at Ras Laffan?

Vessel actions: Communication with the pilot boat must be maintained at all times during the approach to and embarkation and disembarkation of the pilot.

What time zone is Ras Laffan in?

Local time at Ras Laffan is UTC+3. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Ras Laffan?

The deepest berth listed is at Ras Laffan Industrial City Terminal: 22.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Ras Laffan?

1028.

Which load line zone is Ras Laffan in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Ras Laffan?

The UN/LOCODE of Ras Laffan is QARLF.

What crews who called at Ras Laffan 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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