Sharjah

Size limits

LOA 366.03m, beam 60m, draught 25.5m, 316,507DWT.

Water density

1020.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Tidal rise is approx 1.2m and for Sharjah Container Terminal approx 1.7m.

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

Approach

Approach: The Channel Fairway Buoy is located in position 25°22.9'N 055°20.8'E and is approached from the NW. Vessels approaching should await pilot to seaward of the fairway buoy, anchoring if necessary. The approach channel is 2.2nm in length, and between 180-250m in width. The channel is dredged to 12.5m but it should be noted that there are lesser depths in the vicinity of the Channel Fairway Buoy. Within the harbour the depth is maintained at 14.0m within the 600m diameter turning circle.

Sharjah Container Terminal: Approach channel is at 200m at breakwater, dredged to 12.5m. Turning basin width is at 400m. Maximum draught at berth 12.5m.

Anchorages

There is a designated anchorage, separated into three zones; Sharjah A, Sharjah B and Sharjah C, centred approx 5nm NW of the Channel Fairway Buoy with depths exceeding 20m. Prior approval of the Port Authority must be given prior to anchoring. There is a limited number of anchorage space within the harbour.

Restrictions

Berthing is suspended when the wind exceeds 25kts.

An exclusion zone has been declared around a development known as Palm Deira which has been started approx 4nm SW of Sharjah. The construction will extend approx 10nm from the shore when completed. The Port Authority should be consulted for the latest information.

It has been noted that two wrecks lie approx 3.91nm NNW of the port and two further wrecks, with a depth of 8m and 10m, lie approx 1.09nm and 3.91nm WNW of the lighted buoy. The same area is spoil ground as freshwater seabed springs may cause false readings on echo sounders.

Tugs

Available for all vessels entering the harbour. At the discretion of the Port Operator, ships may be obliged to use the services of a tug or tugs. All Tugs are fitted with VHF and adequate fire fighting facilities.

Mooring

The Master should ensure that his vessel is provided with sufficient fenders to adequately protect the vessel and port premises when berthing and unberthing. When berthed at or while alongside any quay the Master of a vessel shall at all times keep the vessel properly and effectively moored to the satisfaction of port management. The moorings must be kept taut and adjusted from time to time at allow for the change in draught and rise and fall of the tide. The moorings must also be so arranged that they can be quickly and easily released. During berthing and unberthing the engine should not be used as could cause damage to the bed or banks of the harbour or to another vessel. Only special equipment installed at the berth, such as bollards or rings may be used for mooring. Mooring men are compulsory for the handling of mooring lines. The knots of the heaving lines shall not be loaded in such a manner as may cause injury to the mooring men or third parties.

Vessel's alongside the quay or at a mooring within Sharjah must maintain a quartermaster or watchman always on duty on deck who shall be stationed in charge of the vessel's shore gangway.

Charts and publications

BA 3405, 3412. Admiralty Pilot NP63, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify control tower, agent and Harbour Master of ETA 72hrs, 48hrs and 24hrs in advance, message to include vessels specifics. Vessels agents must arrange berthing and labour with the port operator prior to arrival and this can be done on VHF Ch 16.

Sharjah Container Terminal (SCT) - ETA to be advised to Terminal, Harbour Master and Control Room well in advance and to be confirmed 72hrs, 48hrs and 24hrs prior to arrival with information the operator may request. Failure to provide the suitable documents may results in withholding the vessel's clearance to berth at, or to sail from, a Terminal until such time as they are made available.

Communications

Vessels should contact Port Control on VHF Ch 16 when within VHF range.

Port Authority:

Telephone: +971 6 528 1666 / +971 6 528 1347

Facsimile: +971 6 528 1425

Telex: +993 68138 SEAGUL EM

Email: [email protected]

Web: http://www.sharjahports.com

VHF: Ch 16, 06, 09, 12, 13, 74

Call Sign: Sharjah Port Control

Sharjah Port Authority/Port Security Officer contact info:

Telephone: +971 6 528 1327

Sharjah Container Terminal contact info:

Telephone: +971 6 506 6011

Email (Terminal Manager): [email protected]

Email (Terminal Superintendent): [email protected]

Email (Vessel Planning): [email protected]

Email (Yard Planning): [email protected]

Email (Documentation Supervisor): [email protected]

Email (Documentation Superintendent): [email protected]

Notice of readiness

NOR can be tendered at anchorage, but will be accepted at arrival berth.

Health

Normal quarantine regulations apply. Radio pratique will be granted on receipt of radio message from Master via his agent, stating that no serious illness has occurred during the preceding thirty days. All crew members must be in possession of valid smallpox and cholera certificates. The Health Officer will only board when the vessel is alongside.

Customs and immigration

All personal effects permitted. Alcohol and pornographic media prohibited, non compliance will be referred to the police.

Customs:

Goods travelling through the port will be subject to applicable Customs regulations.

Immigration:

Crew members providing passport, identification card or seamen's papers are deposited with Immigration Authorities to be permitted for shore leave. All ship's passengers require a valid visa for transit or temporary stay whilst transit visas are not required for crew changes. Seamen's book or passport should be deposited at the main gate when leaving the Port area and can be collected upon return. Shore leave is subject to immigration regulations.

Flags

All vessels to hoist UAE flag while inside UAE territorial waters.

Notices and regulations

All container and Ro-Ro cargo operations have been suspended at Sharjah Creek.

All vessels calling for container and/or Ro-Ro cargo operations should make necessary arrangement to call Sharjah Port instead of Sharjah Creek. However, there is no restriction on general cargo operations for vessels of no more than LOA 80m in the creek.

The conditions of use of the Ports of Sharjah are as follows:

a) Pilotage is compulsory for all ships entering or leaving Sharjah Port. The Port does not accept any responsibility for damage occurring during the berthing of any vessel. The master shall be responsible at all times for placing his ship alongside the berth. Assistance will be given by the pilot but such person will not under any circumstances be liable for any damage occurring during the movement.

b) The Master of a vessel shall be held for any damage whatsoever, however caused by their vessel or assisting tugs or servants including Sharjah Ports Authority employees and contractors, to any of the assets, structures, equipment, craft or property of the ports and/or other vessels and crafts within the Port's Jurisdiction. Sharjah Port Authority can detain the vessel until security has been given for the estimated amount of damage caused. Estimated damage will be drawn up by an approved Lloyds Surveyor or other competent person.

c) Sharjah Ports Authority does not accept any responsibility for damage to ship's plates, hull or fitting, caused at any time, during the movement of the vessel, or during period of the vessel's stay alongside the berth.

d) In the event of bad weather, the Master may, if he considers that his ship is likely to suffer damage from remaining alongside, take appropriate action to move his ship off the berth.

e) When tugs are employed, the UK Standard Terms & Conditions of Towage shall apply.

f) When alongside the berth, or on moorings, the master must make sure that:

i. a ladder is provided, which is properly watched and lit during the hours of darkness.

ii. no substances thrown overboard, either into the water or onto the jetty.

iii. Everyone must duly respect the Custom and tradition of Sharjah during shore leave or on board.

g) On demand, original copies of all the Ship's Certificates shall be produced to any Port Official. Vessels older than 15 years old, a valid Certificate of Condition issued by a recognized Surveyor shall be on board. If for any chance the Certificates are found to be invalid, the ship may be removed from the Port area, at vessel's expense and re-entry permitted only after validity been established. Failure to produce any Certificate to the Harbour Master or his Deputy when demanded may result in the Master being liable to a fine of minimum of Dhs.5000 and the removal of the ship from the Port Area.

h) Written permission from the Harbour Master must be given before any repairs take place.

i) Pollution in Sharjah Waters is strictly prohibited. If found to be polluting, the Master of any vessel shall be liable to a fine not more than Dhs.500,000. The Master of the vessel shall also be liable for any other expenses which may be incurred in the removal of such pollution and damages caused by pollution.

Port Safety:

The Port Operator reserves the right to have any vessel removed from the Port area when in the judgement of the Port Operator, this is in the best interest of the Port and/or other vessels in the Port, including when a vessel is not in possession of valid certification.

Dangerous Cargoes:

All dangerous and classed cargoes must require permission to discharge by the Ministry of Interior and/or Ministry of Defence and all related securities by the agent.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministry of Interior, Central Operation Department.

Address: PO Box 398, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Tel: +971 2 441 5288

Fax: +971 2 441 5266

Mob: +971 50 667 8700

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

Repairs

Available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available from barge or berth as well as Port Vessel. Agents must notify the tonnage required a minimum of 24hrs prior to ship's arrival.

Bunkering: Facilities available for supply of fuel oil, gas oil or blends. Marine lubricants delivered to ship's side, 24hrs notice required.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Prime Medical Center - Al Qasimia (2.5km) and Al Kuwait Hospital Dubai (10.75km).

Crew change

Crew changes are permissible. Offshore crew change facilities can be arranged.

Transport

Nearest airport: Dubai International Airport (11km) and Sharjah International Airport (15km).

Nearest highway: The port has access to E11, the longest highway in Emirates. The highway runs from the border Saudi Arabia-UAE border through to the UAE-Oman border.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Sharjah.

Nearest railway: Salah Al Din Metro Station 2 (Metro links throughout UAE).

Working hours

Sharjah working hours can operate 24hrs a day, overtime depending. Shifts are broken down into two shifts from 0600 to 1400hrs and from 1400hrs to 2200hrs. Overtime hours operated from 2200hrs to 0600hrs.

For operations during the first shift, ship's agent must submit to the port operator by 1600hrs and then 1100hrs on the same day for work during the second and third shifts. In the event of work on Saturday or a public holiday, ship's agents requiring work during the first shift must submit requirements by 1600hrs on the Thursday or the day proceeding the public holiday. Cancellation must be done at least 2hrs prior to the stat time of the required work.

Sharjah Container Terminal operates 24hrs a day throughout the year except for holidays. Normal working hours are from Saturday to Thursday (excluding Fridays and Public Holidays) in two shifts from 0600hrs to 1400hrs and from 1400hrs to 2200hrs. (Normal working hours will be reduced during the holy month of Ramadan as per local customs and traditions). Friday working hours are 0800hrs to 1800hrs with any ours exceeding 1800hrs subject to overtime rate.

Where it is

Sharjah port situated on the NW coast of the UAE, approx 10km NE of Dubai, is also known as Port Khalid. The new port replaces Sharjah Creek for the larger deep sea vessels.

The port

Sharjah (Port Khalid) is a man-made port located in the third most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. The port boasts facilities that are able to cater for container, Ro-Ro, car carrying, break bulk, dry bulk, offshore support, project/heavy lift and liquid bulk vessels. Adjacent to the northern breakwater are numerous jackup rigs which may also berth within the port area. Crew vessels are located within the port and are used to transport crew to the Sharjah Offshore Terminal located approx 7.5nm NW of Hamriyah. There are also services available for ship repairs whilst in the port.

Traffic

Approx 4,000,000TEUs handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Sharjah?

Compulsory for all ships, exceeding 150GT, entering and leaving the harbour.

What time zone is Sharjah in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Sharjah?

The deepest berth listed is at Port Khalid: 25.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Sharjah?

1020.

Which load line zone is Sharjah in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Sharjah?

The UN/LOCODE of Sharjah is AESHJ.

What crews who called at Sharjah 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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