Richards Bay

Size limits

Max LOA 300m, beam 50, draught 18.5m and 209,240DWT.

Water density

1000-1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

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

Approach

Richards Bay approach: Between the mouth of Umhlatuzi Lagoon (28°51.0'S., 032°03.0'E) and the entrance to Richards Bay harbour 3nm NE. Umhlatuzi Bluff, 1nm NE of the harbour entrance, is a steep hill 55m high which appears well defined from E.

Fairway: An approach channel, 300m wide and a depth of 24m, leads from a position 2nm ESE of the harbour entrance to within the heads of the breakwaters. Care must be taken to allow for cross currents which may be experienced in the approach channel.

Leading lights, in line bearing 290.25°, lead in mid channel through the approach channel and harbour entrance.

An inner breakwater, exhibiting a light, extends approx 70m S and SSE from the N entrance point.

Within the harbour entrance, which is marked by lightbuoys and dredged to 19.5m LWOST over a width of 300m, the harbour opens into a basin dredged to 19.0m and containing a turning area with a diameter of 800m. Berth depths are dredged to 19.0m LWOST.

Port limits

Extend 6nm SE of South Breakwater.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Note: The VTS will provide the vessel with up to date information on berthing arrangements, pilots, helicopter services and relevant traffic movements in the area.

Marine traffic hours: Throughout 24 hours except for vessels that do not meet the ballast draught requirements which will only be handled at the pilot's discretion.

Anchorages

Suggested anchorage is 3-5nm SE of the South Breakwater, sandy bottom. Caution should be exercised in high SW and NE winds. The anchorage area immediately to the N of the entrance channel is prohibited due to the location of an offshore pipeline.

Caution: Note should also be taken that vessels have lost anchors in the outer anchorage in the past.

Anchorage for vessels with hazardous cargo may be obtained 3.0 to 7.0nm S of the S breakwater, sandy bottom.

Inner anchorage: Use of the inner anchorage facility is for emergency use only, max LOA 180m.

Restrictions

Any vessel unable to comply with ballast requirements should contact port control in advance of arrival.

Tugs

Compulsory. There are 5 Voith Schneider tugs available. All tugs have VHF and fire fighting/salvage equipment.

Mooring

Berthing Policy: Clean cargo berths: Vessels are berthed on a "First Planned First Berthed" basis, as such, earliest possible nomination of vessels should be made through agent's office.

Coal berths: Vessels are berthed in the order of their arrival. 5 capesize may moor simultaneously between Berths 301-306.

Charts and publications

BA 4700, 4172, 4173, 4174, 4179, 4180. INT 7571; SAN 1033, 1032. Admiralty Pilot NP3, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA to be sent to the port control 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival advising ETA, draught, freeboard and reason for calling at the port. ETA should be confirmed by VHF when about 20nm off the harbour entrance.

If the ETA falls on a Sat, Sun or Mon, notice must be given before 1200hrs on the previous Friday.

Standard messages

VTS messages required as shown in Navigation section.

Notice of readiness

May be tendered any time day/night including Sundays and holidays. NOR tendered on arrival/entering 6nm port limit.

Documents

Cargo documentation: Bulk cargo vessels to be ready for sailing one hour after completion of cargo/draught survey. Cargo documents to be placed onboard prior to the pilot boarding the vessel. Documents to include Bill of Lading, Manifest, Mates Receipts, NOR, Stowage plans and Authority letter.

Health

Radio pratique should be applied for via Durban Radio 24 to 48 hours prior to vessel's arrival advising ETA, last port, date sailed, number of crew, full inoculation and vaccination status, state of crew health and request for radio pratique.

Customs and immigration

Crew are not permitted to leave the boundaries of Richards Bay.

Customs: Penalties are imposed for non compliance with prescribed regulations, ie, drugs, non declaration of sealable and dutiable items. No other restrictions on crew or passengers.

Flags

The South African national flag and a flag representing the country of vessel registration are to be flown. The normal signalling flags such as "Q" flag, "H" flag, etc, are be flown as appropriate.

Notices and regulations

“Regulations for the Harbours of the Republic of South Africa” are in force within the port. As a result, passing vessels are required to keep clear of the port limits. 4nm from the breakwaters, larger vessels with deep draughts sailing from the port will be restricted in their ability to manoeuvre.

Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.

Inspection of ships in South Africa

The Director, Shipping Competence, Department of Transport

Private Bag X193, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.

Tel: +27 12 290 2904.

Fax: +27 12 290 2914.

ISPS

ISPS Compliance: SA Port Authority (TRANSNET)reports that South Africa's 7 commercial ports are fully compliant with the ISPS Code.

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

Head Office

Tel : (011) 351-9192

Fax: (011) 351-9196

Cell: 083 284 8210

ludwigb@Transnet National Port Authority.co.za

Richardsbay

Tel.: (035) 905-3146

Fax: (035) 905-3133

Cell: 083 417 2162

yogank@Transnet National Port Authority.co.za

Durban

Tel.: (031) 361-3771

Fax: (031) 361-3759

Cell: 083 286 2094

HennieST@Transnet National Port Authority.co.za

East London

Tel.: (043) 700-2421

Fax: (043) 700-2070

Cell: 083 417 3920

grahamk@Transnet National Port Authority.co.za

Port Elizabeth

Tel.: (041) 507-1773

Fax: (086) 500-7478

Cell: 083 301 2659

[email protected]

Mossel Bay

Tel.: (044) 604-6273

Fax: (044) 604-6232

Cell: 072 708 4378

deringj@Transnet National Port Authority.co.za

Cape Town

Tel.: (021) 449-4270

Fax: (021) 449-2274

Cell: 083 376 8826

thembanig@Transnet National Port Authority.co.za

Saldanha

Tel.: (022) 701-4344/5

Fax: (022) 714-3017

Cell: 083 285 3505

Sonwabog@Transnet National Port Authority.co.za

Repairs

Hull and propeller inspections and cleaning carried out at any berth by fully equipped diving service, provided the same is cleared with port control and the vessel. Repair work can be arranged at Small Craft Harbour, depending on arrival draught (max 7.5m).

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available via barge or from the chemical and coal berths (209, 301 and 302). Bunkers are also be provided by bunker barge, SMIT BONGANI operated by AMSOL

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Netcare The Bay Hospital (4.4km) and Melomed Richards Bay Private Hospital (10.7km).

Crew change

South African Agents to keep ASATA (JHB) informed of any crew changes. They will meet and assist any crew on the respective flights. All crew arriving in South Africa (in transit) will be issued a TRP (Temporary Residence Permit) which will allow them to travel to they meet their vessel. There is no need for a visa for any crew arriving in South Africa. The same procedure will take place when signing off.

Transport

Nearest airport: Richards Bay Airport (7.6km) and King Shaka International Airport (128km).

Nearest railway: The port has a dedicated railway line to handle the coal exports. Approx 196 wagon trains deliver coal to Richards Bay Coal Terminal on a weekly basis, whilst approx 32 wagon trains deliver coal to the Multi-Purpose Terminal on a weekly basis. Each wagon carrying 83t of coal to the RBCT Terminal and 55t each to the Multi-Purpose Terminal.

Nearest highway: The port has direct access to R34.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours, 7 days a week for 365 days a year.

Where it is

The port of Richards Bay is located on the E seaboard of South Africa approx 130nm N of Durban, (160km NE of Durban).

The port

Opened in 1976, the Port of Richards Bay is a vital maritime hub located on the eastern coast of South Africa. Operated by Transnet National Ports Authority, this port plays a crucial role in the country's economy, facilitating the import and export of a diverse range of goods.

The port is strategically divided into three distinct precincts: South Dunes, Bayview, and Newark, each serving specific functions to optimise cargo handling and operational efficiency.

South Dunes Precinct: This area is primarily dedicated to coal handling, making it a key player in South Africa's coal export industry. In addition to coal, the South Dunes precinct is equipped with liquid cargo berths, allowing for the efficient transfer of various liquid commodities.

Bayview Precinct: The Bayview precinct is a multi-functional area that caters to a wide array of cargo types. It houses the Dry Bulk and Multi-Purpose Terminal, which handles containers, forest products, and a variety of minerals and chemicals, including andalusite, chrome, magnetite, ferro fines, rock phosphate, rutile, slag, vermiculite, zircon, coal, anthracite, manganese, coke, and sulphur. This diversity in cargo handling capabilities makes Bayview a critical component of the port's operations.

Newark Precinct: Supporting the operational backbone of the port, the Newark precinct is dedicated to repairs and port supply vessels, including dredgers, tugs, and pilot boats. This precinct ensures that the port remains navigable and operational, providing essential services to facilitate maritime activities.

In addition to its primary cargo operations, the Port of Richards Bay is also equipped to handle cruise vessels, enhancing its role as a gateway for tourism and leisure travel in the region.

Traffic

Approx 87,000,000t of cargo, 338TEUs, 1,400 vessels and 47,000,000t of coal handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Richards Bay?

Pilotage is compulsory and available 24 hours.

What time zone is Richards Bay in?

Local time at Richards Bay is UTC+2. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Richards Bay?

The deepest berth listed is at Richards Bay Coal Terminal: 18.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Richards Bay?

1000-1025.

Which load line zone is Richards Bay in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Richards Bay?

Port State Control at Richards Bay: Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Richards Bay?

The UN/LOCODE of Richards Bay is ZARCB.

What crews who called at Richards Bay 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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