Safaga

Size limits

LOA 335.20m, beam 43.0m, draught 14.0m, 82,318DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Spring - 2.1m, Neap - 1.2m.

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

Approach

The depth over the spit through the buoyed channel is reported to be 16.0m.

The directions are as follows: Vessels should follow the approach sector, then steer to turn onto the harbour approaching the leading line (310°) passing not less than 0.5nm E of Morewood Beacon. The SE limit of the approach sector passes 0.3nm NW of Panorama Reef. This approach should be made by sunrise so as to have the sun astern when approaching the harbour in order to have the reefs clearly visible. This also ensures that the vessel is secured before the wind, which is light at dawn and gains strength as the sun rises, makes berthing difficult.

The NE end of Safaga Island makes a good radar target and should be borne in mind.

The approach to the harbour is indicated by 2 leading light beacons, which in line bear 310° as follows:

Front beacon, (26°44.0'N 033°56.0'E), white framework tower, topmark, black diamond), standing near the foreshore 0.5nm SSW of the grain berth.

Rear beacon (white framework tower, topmark, black diamond), 600m NW of the front structure.

The above alignment (310°) leads into the harbour from SE of Geziret Safaga, passing 0.3nm SW of Morewood Beacon, then through a buoyed section, dredged to a depth of 16.0m into Mina Safaga.

In very good visibility an approach from S may be made with Gebel Nuqara, 4.5nm SSW of the port, bearing 305°, this mountain has a height of 834m and forms the S end of the range of which Gebel Shayib el-Banat is the summit.

When 1nm from the coast vessels should steer approx 333° so as to head for Morewood Beacon, passing approx midway between Cannon Reef and Hyndman Reefs. When Morewood Beacon has been identified course may be shaped to enter the port as previously described.

Prohibited area: Navigation is prohibited by the Egyptian authorities for all ships outside the approach channel. This is thought to include the approach from the S.

Anchorages

There is good anchorage anywhere in the port in depths of between 26-37m. Anchor berths are allocated by the Harbour Master.

Sheltered anchorage outside the inner harbour may also be obtained in depths of 18.0-29.0m off the SW side of Geziret Safaga, with the S extremity of that island bearing 115°, distant 0.275nm.

Outer anchorage: Anchorage, within the limits of the port may be obtained in depths of over 10.0m, sand and coral, W of Ras Abu Soma.

The anchorage may be approached from the SE, passing between Geziret Tubya (26°50'N 033°59'E) and Ras Abu Soma; dangerous rocks, marked by a buoy (orange conical), lie on the NW side of this entrance.

Caution: It should be noted that this anchorage can only be approached through the Prohibited Area and permission from the Port Authority if necessary.

A waiting anchorage, approx. 1.3nm in radius, is available in the approach to Bur Safaga. The anchorage is centred on a position 26° 46.000'N 34° 2.700'E and generally contains depths of over 200m.

Restrictions

The port is open to movements by all vessels during daylight, and to passenger and tourist vessels by night, It is advisable not to enter the port at night.

Tugs

Tugs are available.

Mooring

Phosphate Berth Moorings: To secure, drop the starboard anchor by the small marker buoy (red or white flag), lay out mooring lines to 2 mooring buoys laid off the pier and to 2 mooring posts situated N and S of the pier.

It is important, owing to the nature of the coral bottom, not to over run the anchor when letting go and to veer cable carefully when hauling alongside.

Charts and publications

BA 2375, 3043. Admiralty Pilot NP64, NP286(8).

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Maritime Transport Sector.

Position: Head of Department

Address: 4 Petolomy Street, Alexandria, 21514, Egypt.

Fax: +203 484 2096

Email: [email protected]

RSO - Security Consultant Services: Class NK.

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

Repairs

The government has initiated plans for future developments of the port in two phases.

Dry docks

A mechanical synchrolift dock of 940t.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available in limited quantity.

Bunkers: Available.

Stores: Fresh provisions available, when in season.

Medical

Hospitals available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Hurghada Airport (60km).

Nearest railway: The port is connected by rail to the phosphate mines 30km inland.

Where it is

Safaga is situated on the western shore of the Red Sea, midway between Hamrawein and Hurghada.

The port

A main deep water port in the N part of the Red Sea, sheltered by an island and reefs and is an important phosphate export terminal. Vessels usually enter the port in the early morning, when the reefs are easily visible.

The principal export is phosphate ore and the imports are wheat, alumina and cement.

Traffic

Approx 6,500,000t of cargo and 800,000 passengers handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Safaga?

Pilotage is compulsory.

What time zone is Safaga in?

Local time at Safaga is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 29 Apr 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 28 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Safaga?

The deepest berth listed is at El Nasr Mining Co.: 14.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Safaga?

1025.

Which load line zone is Safaga in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Safaga?

The UN/LOCODE of Safaga is EGSGA.

What crews who called at Safaga 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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