Shuwaikh

Size limits

LOA 249.9m, beam 38m, draught 9.7m, 87,375DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 2.6m (spring), 1.2m (neap). N winds tend to reduce the height of the tides and S winds tend to increase the height.

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

Approach

The outer and inner entrance channels and basin approach, form the inner approaches to the port.

The fairway is approx 150m in width, in the channels, increasing to 380m width through the basin approach and is dredged to a depth of 8.5m LW. It is marked by light beacons (green), lightbuoys and leading lights.

Max permissible draught in channel is presently 9.6m at high tide. The channel is presently being dredged and it is hoped a deeper draught will be obtained.

Port limits

The port limits comprise all waters in the area confined by a line drawn in the direction 000° from Ras Ajuza (29°23.3'N 048°00.2'E) to the parallel of 29°30.0'N in a direction 230° to Ras Ashairij (29°23.2'N 047°51.0'E).

Traffic schemes and VTS

A Vessel Traffic Service Scheme is in operation for the coordination of shipping bound to, or from, Mina ash Shuaiba; N bound reporting point 29°02.9'N 048°13.6'E and S bound 29°10.4'N 048°13.3'E.

Anchorages

Vessels waiting at the inner anchorage for berthing are required to keep clear of the entrance to the channel.

Restrictions

Shuwaikh is a tidal port and entry of deep draught vessels is therefore restricted to the period of HW which occurs twice daily. The channel, which starts from what is known as the waiting area or inner anchorage, gives access to and from the port and is dredged and maintained at a depth of approx 9.75m at HW, therefore vessels drawing 9.5m can safely transit the channel at HW. Vessels with draught of over 9.5m are required to lighten at anchorage to the required permissible channel draught.

Tugs

It is compulsory to use port tugs for berthing and unberthing of vessels over 46m in length. Vessels over 63m have to seek the service of two or more tugs. In such cases, the port controller or the pilot concerned decides the number of tugs required for the vessel.

Charts and publications

BA 1214, 2847, 2884. Admiralty Pilot NP63, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 16 when approaching Ra's al Ard from seaward. Vessels at anchor awaiting berthing instructions should listen out between 0400-0600hrs, 0800-1100hrs, 1600-1800hrs.

Communications

Radio: For long range communication Bahrain Radio is used. The station works throughout 24 hours.

Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Vessels equipped with VHF should communicate with Kuwait Harbour Control when within range.

Kuwait Harbour Control: Ch 12 and 13. Ch 12 and 16 work throughout 24 hours.

Shuwaikh Port Control: Ch 16, 11.

Standard messages

unquote

Notice of readiness

NOR to be tendered on arrival in accordance with the Charter Party.

Health

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates issued.

Customs and immigration

The vessels agent arranges the necessary formalities concerning customs and immigration.

There is a customs inspection area with the capacity to handle 30 containers at one time.

Flags

The Kuwait national flag and the pilot flag must be exhibited. Fines for non compliance are KD100-500.

Notices and regulations

Berthing: Berths are allotted on first come first served basis. However, livestock, Ro-Ro and container vessels are given priority over general cargo vessels.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministry of Interior, Port Security Department.

Position: Head of Port Security Department.

Tel: +965 484 3599.

Fax: +965 483 6334.

Mob: +965 902 6496

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

Repairs

Available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available by barge at Berths No 1 to 7 and by direct pipeline at Berths No 8 to 21. In addition to direct pipeline connection, water is also available by barge. Water to vessels at the dolphin berths is supplied by barge only. Water can also be supplied by road tankers.

Bunkering: Fuel oil and gas oil can be supplied at all berths by KPC bunker barge. KPC presently has 2 bunker barges of 1,650t and 2,400t capacity. Pumping rate is approx 400tph. Nomination should be made through KPC at least 72 hours in advance. As Shuwaikh port is not considered a bunkering port, no special berthing facilities are given to vessels requiring bunkers only. Marine diesel oil is not available at Shuwaikh port.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Al-Sabah Hospital, Kuwait (2.0km).

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Kuwait International (15km).

Airport facilities: Passenger and freight service.

Working hours

Stevedoring and port working hours: Carried out in 2 shifts as follows:

During Summer: Sat-Wed, 0630-1330hrs and 1500-2200hrs. Thu, 0630-1330hrs and 1500-2100hrs.

During Winter: Sat-Wed, 0700-1430hrs and 1430-2130hrs. Thu, 0700-1230hrs and 1230-1830hrs.

Above timings do not apply to container vessels, car carriers, livestock and bulk grain which work throughout 24 hours carried out in 3 shifts. Normally overtime is granted to vessels which are expected to complete discharge within 2 hours of normal port working time.

Where it is

Shuwaikh port lies on the S shore of Kuwait Bay.

The port

Shuwaikh port is approached by a channel running between Failakha Island and the mainland. It is the commercial port of Kuwait, with 21 berths, handling the bulk of merchant shipping trade and all types of vessels including liner, tramp, container, bulk carrier, vehicle carrier, barges, fishing trawlers and small passenger vessels.

Traffic

Approx 13,000,000t of cargo, 613,000TEU and 1,400 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Shuwaikh?

Compulsory for all vessels over 400NT proceeding to Mina Ash Shuwaikh; the pilot boards in position 29°25.6'N 047°59.7'E, about 1nm NE of Shuwaikh Channel entrance.

What time zone is Shuwaikh in?

Local time at Shuwaikh is UTC+3. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Shuwaikh?

The deepest berth listed is at Port of Shuwaikh: 9.70 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Shuwaikh?

1025.

Which load line zone is Shuwaikh in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Shuwaikh?

The UN/LOCODE of Shuwaikh is KWSWK.

What crews who called at Shuwaikh 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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