Salalah

1. Mina Raysut (Port Salalah) pilot boarding place Pilot boards16°56.8′N 054°05.0′E

Size limits

Max LOA 399.99m, beam 61.51m, draught 17.5m and 272,373DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range averages 1.0 - 2.0m; MHWN 0.3m. During the monsoon season (Jun-Aug) waves rise to 4.0m at max.

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

Approach

Salalah is entered from NE between East Breakwater and the Container Terminal. Vessels approaching from the fairway pass between a pair of lightbuoys (port and starboard) and then between the head of East Breakwater and a lightbuoy 0.2nm NW. The approach channel has a depth of 18.5-20.0m with depth alongside Berth Nos 5 and 6 of 18.0m. The inner part of the harbour basin is dredged to a depth of 16.0m. It is worth noting that deep water may be found, close inshore to the W, however, depths of less than 10.0m may be found 1.3nm off the coast at the E side.

The turning basin has a diameter of 800m.

Channel Leading Lights: The leading line, bearing, 267°, on the centre of the overlap of the white sector of the N Channel Lead Light (16°56.9'N., 054°00.6'E), exhibited from the E end of the Container Terminal and the white sector of the S Channel Lead Light (close SSE). This line of bearing leads through the entrance channel.

Caution: It is reported that a current sets across the harbour entrance from S to N which should be carefully monitored during the monsoon period.

Port limits

Port of Salalah limits extend from the highest point of the high tide where the point intersects the coast at 054° 04.00' E; the limits then extend S intersecting the line 16° 58' N and then extend E to the point intersecting 054° 05.40’ E; the limits further extend S of the point intersecting 16° 54.00’ N and extend W 053° 58.00’ E; the limits continue to extend N to the point intersecting the coastline and follow the coast to the original start point. The Port Authority operates and is under the administrative control off all the following: wharves, quays, piers, landing places, docks, storage areas, roads and buildings.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Vessels leaving the port shall have the right of way over vessels entering.

Anchorages

Vessels should anchor within the area enclosed by the following positions:

Area "A" for inbound vessels requiring berth space alongside the port.

Area "B" for vessels requiring offshore services.

Area "C" for bunker/bunkering vessels, hazardous cargo vessels and ship to ship operations.

Area "D" for inbound large vessels waiting to be berthed.

Depths within these anchorage areas vary between approx 23.0m and 42m; the anchorage is reported to have good holding except during the SW monsoon.

Generally good anchorage may be obtained, approx 0.8nm off the coast, between Mina Raysut (16°56.0'N., 054°01.0'E) and Ra's Marbat (39nm E) in depths of less than 10.0m and 13.0m. There is usually surf breaking along this beach even in calm weather.

A Contingency Anchorage may be used in case of an emergency and the North Anchorage may be used for vessels with an LOA under 150m and a draught of 9.0m or less.

Prohibited anchorage: Within two square miles in front of the Royal Palace towards the sea is prohibited either for entry or for anchorage. The area is bounded by the meridians of 054°04.0'E and 054°08.0'E and the parallel of 16°58.0'N and the foreshore.

Restrictions

The maximum speed for vessels within the harbour is 5kts.

Caution must be taken as there are two wrecks, close to the shoreline, which lie 2.6nm and 6.9nm W of the port.

It is worth noting that the direct communication must be in clear English or Arabic between the vessel and the port via VHF. In the event that this is not possible, the vessel must remain in anchorage until suitable voice communications are made and rearranged.

Wave recorder buoys are moored within 1.3nm SE of the E breakwater head. Further buoys are located within the vicinity of the port and the approaches, in the event of construction work to the port they may be moved or changed. As a result, vessels are required to consult with the local authorities for the latest info anf navigate with caution.

Numerous fishing buoys may be located throughout the approach to the port and as a result caution must be taken and will have to manoeuvre around them. There are also numerous dhows and small recreational vessels that may be anchored N of the approach as well as the approach channel to the port.

A prohibited area lies NE of Mina Raysut, on the N side of Bandar Raysut. Vessels are prohibited to enter the zone.

Depths vary throughout the harbour basin including ones as little as 8.0m which extend to approx 275 yards NW from the oil pier to the Lighted Buoy No. 2.

Tugs

There are 4 x 55t bollard pull tugs available.

Two tugs are compulsory for berthing/unberthing vessels of LOA 70.0m and above carrying hazardous cargo in bulk.

Mooring

All vessels calling at Salalah should comply with the minimum mooring arrangements as follows:

3 head lines, 2 breast lines, 2 springs, forward and aft.

No vessel shall test their engines when moored alongside at the port premises without first obtaining the permission in writing of the Harbour Master.

All vessels moored shall be safely ballasted at all times.

Charts and publications

BA 2895, 2896. Oman 250, 1200, 1201. Admiralty Pilot NP64, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Documents relating to cargo must be sent to the port authorities at least 24hrs prior to the arrival

For discharging or loading cargo the vessel should contact the Port Operator at least 72hrs in advance with full particulars of the nature and quantity of the cargo to be discharged or loaded and of other matters of importance relating to cargo and passengers or crew.

Communications

Port Authority contact info

Telephone: + 968 23220000

Facsimile: +968 23219520

Email: [email protected]

Port Control contact info

Call sign: Port Salalah Control

VHF: Ch 6, 10, 12, 16

Telephone: +968 23219052; +968 23219500 (ext. 423/424)

Facsimile: +968 23219253

Email: [email protected]

Notice of readiness

Upon arrival to be submitted to Harbour Master through agents. For the Container Terminal: the port will issue the vessel with a NOR at least 2hrs prior to the estimated completion of cargo operations. The port will then arrange to book Pilot, Tugs and unmooring gang(s).

Health

The use of rat guards on all mooring ropes and wires is compulsory whilst vessels are alongside. Vessels without their own rat guards will be required to hire from the port.

No persons other than Official Authorities may board a vessel until the vessel has been given pratique.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates can be issued.

Until pratique has been granted or when at anchor, communication between vessel and shore shall be by VHF Ch 16 or cellular phone. Subsequent contact shall be on Ch 12 or cellular phone or any other channel appointed by Port Control.

Flags

Every merchant vessel in port shall fly its national flag and the national flag of State of Oman between sunrise and sunset.

When under pilotage, flag "H". Carrying dangerous cargo or during bunkering during daylight hours, flag "B" and during night hours a red light. Display the quarantine, flag "Q" until pratique granted.

Notices and regulations

Loading and discharging of cargo in the anchorage: Vessels may be permitted by the Harbour Master to discharge or load cargo in the anchorage if a berth is not available at the port or, if in the opinion of the Port Operator, the vessel's cargo is more suitable for handling to or from barges or lighters. Loading and discharge of cargo in the port is the responsibility of the vessel. Dangerous, offensive or harmful cargoes may be handled or brought into the port limits without prior and specific written approval. Certain dangerous cargoes (IMDG) will only be allowed into the port on direct delivery basis.

Vessel's should ensure that sufficient lighting is available for safe working conditions.

The following guidelines will be applicable to all ship to ship (STS), operations in the port.

Container Terminal: Vessel schedules and daily berth planning for the Container Terminal will include: initial vessel call information, detailed vessel call information for initial and pro-forma calls, availability of the quay and vessel connections. Based on the prior information the Port of Salalah Planning Department will corroborate and announce the daily Game Plan. The berthing window is negotiated with the Line and the port and will be related to the approx amount of container lifts and required time/day of the week for the vessel operation. Vessels arriving within the pro-forma have priority over vessel out of pro-forma. In exceptional circumstances, the Container Terminal may accept direct deliveries (under hook for direct loading/discharging), the port must be advised 24hrs prior to arrival.

Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Directorate of Ports and Maritime Affairs.

Position: Director of Maritime Affairs.

Address: PO Box 684, Muscat, 113, Oman.

Tel: +968 693530

Fax: +968 694224

Mob: +968 942 8103

Email: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Repairs available including structural (welding, fabrication), mechanical, electrical (electronic) and gear box certification. Vessels wishing to repair at the Container Terminal must communicate with the port 48hrs in advance

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available alongside. Supply points are located in each berth and agents should be requested to make arrangements for supply prior to vessels arrival if required.

Bunkering: Facilities are available at anchorage and in the port provided by Ostool Bunkering and Fujairah Engineering Co. LLC (FECO) via truck, pipeline and barge (Sea Dweller). Vessels wishing to bunker at the Container Terminal must communicate with the port 48hrs in advance.

Stores: Available, but in limited quantity.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Sultan Qaboos Hospital, Salalah, Dhofar (9.1km), Badr Al Sama Hospital Salalah (11.7km) and MaxCare Hospital, Salalah (13.3km).

Crew change

Possible, arrange through agents.

Transport

Nearest airport: Salalah International Airport (15km).

Nearest highway: The port has access to highway 47 and connects Oman to Yemen.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Salalah.

Working hours

The port operates day and night throughout 24 hours, 365 days a year. (Fridays and public holidays on overtime). General cargo terminal, working hours 0700-1200hrs and 1300-1600hrs. Overtime work starts from 1600 hours and continues till 0700 hours the following day with one hour break.

Container Terminal working hours: Work is carried out throughout 24hrs, 365 days a year. There are no public holidays except declared public holidays. The office administration 0800-1630hrs (Thur & Fri weekly holidays, in addition to declared public holidays). Gate operations 0800-1600hrs (Fri weekly holidays in addition to declared public holidays).

Where it is

The Port of Salalah is located on the S coast of Oman, approx 20km SW of the city.

The port

The Port of Salalah has been operational since 1998 and is the largest port in Oman; it is strategically located at the crossroads of trade between Asia and Europe. The deep water port is well sheltered and offers facilities for handling containers, cruise, Ro-Ro, general, dry and oil cargoes. In 2021, the port was recognised as the sixth most efficient container port in the world.

Commodities handled include; gypsum, limestone, clinker, cement, livestock, LPG, ammonia and methanol.

Traffic

Approx 20,500,000t of cargo, 3,800,000TEUs, 3,000 vessels, and 30,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Salalah?

The pilot boards at Mina Raysut (Port Salalah) pilot boarding place, 16°56.8′N 054°05.0′E.

What time zone is Salalah in?

Local time at Salalah is UTC+4. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Salalah?

The deepest berth listed is at Container Terminal: 17.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Salalah?

1025.

Which load line zone is Salalah in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Salalah?

Port State Control at Salalah: Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Salalah?

The UN/LOCODE of Salalah is OMSLL.

What crews who called at Salalah 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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