Sidon

Size limits

Draught 5.5m, 10,000DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 0.4m. During the winter season especially in the months of Dec, Jan and Mar port operations may be interrupted by heavy W'ly wind and high swell.

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

Approach

NW approach: From seaward the track leads initially to a position 0.4nm N of Az Zirah (33°34.4'N 35°22.1'E), then SE, passing SW of Firefly Rock, with at least depth of 7.3m over it, then NE of the rocky spit extending N from Az Zirah, into the anchorage. The track then leads S between Az Zirah and the mainland to the harbour.

W approach: This is an alternative approach, depending on draught and size of vessel, which leads from seaward E, passing N of a dangerous wreck, then between the islet lying off the S side of Az Zirah and then to the berths on the outside of the outer breakwater.

Traffic schemes and VTS

The port is controlled by harbour master and the Control Centre, callsign "Oscar Sierra".

Anchorages

Vessels awaiting a berth may anchor, in depths of 11m, 1km W of the breakwater.

Tugs

Not available, however in emergencies tugs can be used to assist vessels to and from the berth within the port vicinity.

Charts and publications

BA 1561. Admiralty Pilot NP49, NP286(3).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should send an ETA 7 days, then 72 hours, 48 hours, and 24 hours in advance. Vessels should then contact the port on VHF 4 hours before arrival.

Communications

Inmarsat communication is possible and is recommended.

VHF: Pilots & Port: Ch 16.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered upon vessel's arrival at anchorage. However, for tankers and as per local practice (dispute remains subject to Charter Party terms) NOR is accepted at the time of hose connection.

Documents

Special forms for immigration/quarantine and harbour master will be delivered by the agent upon the vessel's arrival.

Health

Free pratique can only be granted after vessel's arrival/berthing.

Special forms will be delivered by health authority's representative on the vessel's arrival.

Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates cannot be renewed.

Customs and immigration

For officers and crew, a customs allowance of 40 cigarettes per day of vessel's estimated stay in port is granted. Penalties for non compliance are very heavy since Customs authorities are very strict.

Immigration: Board vessel immediately upon arrival and shore passes are thereafter issued to all members of the crew. There are no restrictions on crew/passengers as long as they will be sailing with the vessel. Visas are not granted for arriving crew/passengers for the vessel's stay in Lebanon. A transit visa, valid for 24 hours, between the port and airport is granted for joining/leaving crew.

Notices and regulations

Vessels calling at Lebanese ports must have never called at any Israeli port and/or been owned by Israeli interests.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministry of Transport, Directorate General of Land and Maritime Transport.

Position: Director General of land & Maritime Transport.

Address: George Picot St, Starco Bldg, 3rd floor, Beirut, Lebanon.

Tel: +961 1 372436.

Fax: +961 1 372435.

Mobile: +961 3312385.

E-mail: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Minor repair facilities are available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available through pipeline installed on the jetty.

Bunkering: Bunkers are supplied via road tanker trucks.

Medical

Hammoud Hospital University Medical Center, 2km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, 31km.

Working hours

Normally 0700-1500hrs, overtime will be charged.

Where it is

Sidon (Saida) is situated S of Beirut.

The port

The port consists of 2 berths, handling dirty products, general and bulk cargo, livestock and containers.

What are the pilot arrangements at Sidon?

Pilotage is compulsory.

What time zone is Sidon in?

Local time at Sidon is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 27 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 30 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Sidon?

The deepest berth listed is at Sidon Terminal: 5.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Sidon?

1025.

Which load line zone is Sidon in?

Summer.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Sidon?

The UN/LOCODE of Sidon is LBSAY.

What crews who called at Sidon 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.

Read and add tips for Sidon →