PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Sabine Pass
Pilot
updated Aug 2012Pilotage is compulsory and is supplied by the Sabine Pilots Association, who cover the areas of Port Arthur, Port Neches, Beaumont and Orange. The Pilot Station maintains a 24 hour continuous watch on VHF Ch 12, and on 2738kHz R/T. Vessels should send requests for pilots at least 4 hours in advance. LPG vessels, whether loaded or in ballast, should also forward their ETA or ETD at least 4 hours in advance to the Captain of the Port (COTP), Port Arthur, Tel: +1 409 724 4330.
Key data
updated Nov 2022Size limits
LOA 345m, beam 55m, draught 12.2m, 151,915DWT.
Load line zone
Summer.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Pass LNG Terminal | 12.20 m | 345 m | 2 |
| Sabine Pass LNG Terminal | 12.19 m | 345 m | 3 |
| Seafood Enterprise Terminal | — | — | 3 |
| Chevron-Sabine Pass | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Nov 2022Approach
From a position in the approaches to Galveston Bay, in the vicinity of 29°09'N 094°26'W, the route leads NE for 32nm, then ENE for 13nm, within a safety fairway, clear of charted obstructions to a position in the vicinity of 29°32'N 093°43'W, off Sabine Pass. The pass forms the interstate boundary between the States of Texas and Louisiana, is 3.7nm long and dredged to a depth of 12.19m, with no tidal restrictions.
Sabine Bank Channel is that part of the route which lies N of Sabine Bank Lightbuoy, maintained to a depth of 12.19m and not subject to tidal limitations.
Traffic schemes and VTS
When vessels check in to the VTS area, Port Arthur Traffic will provide traffic and waterway information for the vessels current position and intended route. Vessels should listen to the next Broadcast Advisory for details. Vessels may, and are encouraged to, request a Traffic Advisory at any time during their transit through the VTS area. Only vessel traffic information will be provided.
EMERGENCIES: In the event of a waterway emergency or VTS sensor failure, the VTS will broadcast instructions to all participating vessels.
Tugs
Four dedicated tugs are stationed at the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal to ensure safe and timely escorts by crews specifically trained to berth LNG vessels. These tugs can be found moored at 29° 44.673'N 93° 52.126'W. Mooring for tugs is also available at the Golden Pass LNG Terminal at 29° 45.943'N 93° 55.606'W.
Charts and publications
BA 3192, 3850, 3854. Admiralty Pilot NP69A, NP286(5).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels arriving in first US port: Please see country information.
Documents
Please see country information for details of documentation requirements.
Health
No action initiated unless there is illness onboard.
Ship Sanitation Control Certificates: Please see country information.
Customs and immigration
For crew not to be detained onboard each crew member must have a visa in their passport or Seaman's Book.
Inspections
Port State Control here: US Coast Guard.
Foreign ships are examined by the US Coast Guard. File the Advance Notice of Arrival 96 hours ahead (33 CFR 160).
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: United States Coast Guard, Office of Compliance. Address: 2100 Second St, SW, Washington DC, 20593, USA. Tel: +1 202 267 2978. Fax: +1 202 267 4858. Email: [email protected]. For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www2.imo.org/ISPSCode.
Port services
updated Nov 2022Bunkers, water and stores
Bunkering: Available.
About Sabine Pass
updated Dec 2022Where it is
Sabine Pass is located along the Gulf Coast. It is the natural outlet of the Sabine Lake into the Gulf of Mexico. The port consists of two LNG terminals:
Golden Pass LNG Terminal - located approx. 8.6nm S of Port Arthur (see separate entry) in Jefferson County, Texas on the Sabine-Neches Waterway.
Sabine Pass LNG Terminal - located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, adjacent to the existing regasification facilities, less than 3.4nm from the Gulf Coast.
The port
Sabine Pass is comprised of two LNG Terminal's (Sabine Pass LNG and Golden Pass LNG) and is one of the few deepwater ports along the Gulf of Mexico suitable for handling LNG.
Traffic
Sabine Pass LNG Terminal handled 57 vessels.
Questions about Sabine Pass
What are the pilot arrangements at Sabine Pass?
Pilotage is compulsory and is supplied by the Sabine Pilots Association, who cover the areas of Port Arthur, Port Neches, Beaumont and Orange.
What time zone is Sabine Pass in?
Local time at Sabine Pass is UTC−6. Clocks go to UTC−5 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−6 on 7 Nov 2027.
What is the maximum draft at Sabine Pass?
The deepest berth listed is at Golden Pass LNG Terminal: 12.20 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
Which load line zone is Sabine Pass in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Sabine Pass?
Port State Control at Sabine Pass: US Coast Guard.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Sabine Pass?
The UN/LOCODE of Sabine Pass is USNSS.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Sabine Pass 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.
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.