Sines

1. Sines pilot boarding place Pilot boards37°54.4′N 008°53.3′W

Size limits

Max LOA 399.99m, beam 61.50m, draught 22.5m and 350,000DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 0.2-3.9m. HAT 4.0m, MHWS 3.3m, MHWN 2.3m, MSL 2.0m, MLWN 1.3m, MLWS 0.6m and LAT 0.0m.

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

Approach

Approaches can be identified easily both, visually and on radar.

Although the approach to the port is straight forward, whether by day or by night, it is recommended, particularly in the case of deep draught vessels, that a distance from the coast of at least 1.5nm is maintained when coming from the N and 2nm when coming from the S.

Caution: ODAS lightbuoys and wave recorder lightbuoys may be encountered, moored in the approaches, their positions are subject to frequent change. These lightbuoys should be given a clearance of a least 0.5nm.

The entrance to the port, between the head of Molhe Oeste and that of Molhe Leste (1nm E) is deep and wide. Leading lights lead to the oil and petrochemical terminals in the W side of the harbour. Vessels bound for the fishing harbour in the NE side of the harbour and the coal terminal in its SE side, proceed as convenient but should note the restricted area and the possibility of encountering vessels anchored in the provisional anchorage area W of the head of East Breakwater.

Entry leading lights: Front light (metal dolphin, 6m in height) at the head of the refined products terminal (finger pier, 37°57.0'N 008°53.0'W). Rear light (concrete column, 20m in height, at the root of the same pier).

From the vicinity of position 37°55.0'N 008°53.0'W the alignment 357.25° of these lights, leads to the harbour entrance passing, W of the designated anchorage areas and E of Molhe Oeste. A lightbuoy (porthand) and a lightbuoy (special) are moored 0.15nm S and 0.1nm NE respectively, off the head of Molhe Oeste. These lightbuoys may be unlit in heavy weather. A lightbuoy (S cardinal), moored 1.25nm ENE of the head of West Breakwater, marks shoal water on the E side of the harbour.

Anchorages

Vessels are advised to contact Sines Port Control to confirm anchorage position. Prohibited Anchorages: Anchoring other than in the designated areas above are prohibited.

Restrictions

Restrictions may be imposed at Oil Terminal on the length of vessels using the oil terminal if Berths 2 and 3 are occupied simultaneously. Vessel's berthing may be restricted to daylight hours (30 minutes before sunrise and 2 hours before sunset).

Restrictions are prevalent in and around the port area as wave recorder (ODAS) lighted buoys are likely to be encountered in the approach vicinity of the port. Submarines are also frequently seen within the waters off the coast of the port.

It is reported that deep-draft vessels are required to keep at least 1.3nm from the coast when approaching the port from the N and 1.7nm when approaching from the S.

Tugs

The port specifies the mandatory use of tugs and mooring boats throughout 24hrs when manoeuvring in the port with only a few exceptions authorised by the port and maritime authorities.

There are 10 x 1,200hp tugs available which belong to Sines Port Administration.

All tugs have fire fighting equipment.

Ordering: Call Sines Port Control.

Mooring

Berthing and unberthing are controlled and supervised by Ship Dispatch Centre (throughout 24 hours), VHF Ch 12 or 16, Tel: +351 269 860605, Fax +351 269 862114.

The following mooring information considered at the terminals:

Terminal de Graneis Liquidos (TGL): Vessels may simultaneously moor at the Terminal de Graneis Liquidos (TGL) Berths 2 and 3. If the sum of the LOA of the two vessels does not exceed 450m then berthing order is irrelevant, in the event that the LOA is between 450-520m then the vessels to Berth 2 will moor first, however if the combined LOA is greater than 520m then only one vessel mat moor at one of the two berths.

Sines Multipurpose Terminal (TMS) : Two vessels for may moor simultaneously al long as the combined LOA does not exceed 580m.

Night berthing and unberthing:

TGL: All vessels up 110,000DWT may dock throughout 24hrs, vessels greater than 110,000DWT may only dock during daylight hours.

TMS: All vessels up 110,000DWT may dock throughout 24hrs, vessels greater than 110,000DWT may only dock during daylight hours.

TGN: All vessels up to LOA 250m may dock throughout 24hrs, vessels greater than LOA 250m may only dock during daylight hours.

Note: Daylight start time may be defined as half an hour before sunrise and end time as no later than two hours following sunset.

Charts and publications

BA 3636, 3224, 87. Admiralty Pilot NP67, NP286(1).

Communications

It is recommended that Lisbon Radio (callsign "CUL") is used as this covers all the Portuguese coast. The station works continuously throughout 24 hours. Frequencies monitored are 2182kHz, 2054kHz and channels 413, 802 and 1203.

Sines Port monitors 2182kHz, 2266kHz, 2484kHz, 2466kHz and 2657kHz.

Inmarsat communication is possible.

Port Control (Vessel Dispatch Center) contact info

Call Sign: Control Porto Sines

VHF: Ch 12, 16, 60

Telephone: +351 269 860 605 / +351 269 860 751

Facsimile: +351 269 862 114

Email: [email protected]

LNG Terminal contact info

Telephone: +351 269 870 000

Facsimile: +351 269 870 001

Port Authority contact info

Telephone: +351 269 860 600

Facsimile: +351 269 860 690

Email: [email protected]

Harbour Master contact info

Call Sign: Capimar Sines

VHF: Ch 11, 16

Telephone: +351 269 632 275

Facsimile: +351 269 633 341

Email: [email protected]

VTS contact info

Call Sign: Control Porto Sines / Sines Port Control

VHF: Ch 12, 16, 60

Pilots contact info

Call Sign: Pilotos Sines / Sines Pilots

VHF: Ch 12, 14, 16

Telephone: +351 269 860 751 / +351 269 860 624 / +351 917 570 169 (mobile) / +351 917 811 080 (mobile)

Facsimile: +351 269 635 043

Email: [email protected]

Notice of readiness

Vessels are considered to have entered the port on the date/hour they pass the boundary line - PLF (End of Sea Passage - Port Authority jurisdiction area). The PLF date/hour is electronically controlled. The vessel is informed of the PLF date/hour via VHF and its movements are simultaneously controlled by the Vessel Traffic System (VTS) service.

When berthed the Master tenders NOR to the receiver's representative or to the shipper's representative.

Documents

All the above certificates and records are taken by the agent to the Harbour Master's office to be checked. No vessel will be cleared from the port without all documentation in good order.

Cargo documentation: The oil terminal representative should be given a load plan, cargo information, Declaration of dirty ballast, slops, sludge, bilges and garbage (domestic and industrial).

Customs and immigration

Formalities are the same as for other Portuguese ports. Bond not sealed. Shore passes (ID yellow passes) are issued by customs and immigration and have to be returned before departure.

Flags

The International Code flag for health and pilot are to be exhibited along with the Portuguese flag.

Notices and regulations

Navigation and duration of stay in the port are subjected to the Maritime Safety Rules and Instructions for staying in the Port of Sines. Copies should be obtained from the Port Authority.

The ship dispatch centre (CDN) operates around the clock, every day of the year, with officials assisted by qualified technical support. The centre is responsible for ensuring those operations, safety and port regulations are complied with, including operations taking place on ships alongside.

The centre also has its own application programme, SINWEB (Integrated Ships and Services System), which manages the exchange of information related to all shipping and good operations. SINWEB operates within the existing EDI port community network in association with a VTS Port Radar.

It is prohibited for vessels to proceed at such speeds as could prejudice the safety of any vessel berthed alongside, moored at buoys or of any local traffic. All vessels must maintain a minimum of 50m clearance from any vessels berthed at the various terminals.

Bunkering: May only be carried out during daylight hours. When supplying container vessels, the movement of containers in the last two rows, of the bays adjacent to the LOA of the supplying ship, is not permitted. It is required that a Vikoseal-type system must be available on the supply ship, with a barrier at the bow and a barrier at the stern. The moored ship must have emergency cables installed at the front and aft, on the side opposite to the moored side. Following the bunker supply operation, the supply ship has up to one hour to begin the starting manoeuvre from the arm-in-arm position. Simultaneous bunker operations are permitted, up to two operations, subject to favourable weather (sea and atmospheric) and subject to the exclusive opinion of the Pilot. Intervening vessels are required to have a contingency plan for oil pollution incidents, as well as first intervention material to deal with spills caused during operations. Bunkering by barge at anchorage, Liquid Bulk Terminal and Petrochemical Terminals are not permitted via barge, except in exceptional situations given that additional security and protection measures are in place. Whereas the supply of bunkers to LNG vessels via barge requires that the loading arms are switched off. Bunkering may be accepted via road transport, however, it requires further inspection by the relevant Port Authority.

Dangerous Goods: All vessels carrying dangerous cargo are required to contact the port when within 10nm of the entrance. Any vessels carrying dangerous goods must present a manifest on a specific form to the relevant authorities. The dangerous good must be carried out in accordance to the IMDG and IMSBC code. The movement of class 1 and class 7 goods will always be carried out by direct transit, parking is strictly prohibited. In the event that the container/packaging is damaged to the extent that there is a potential compromise to the correct packaging then the shipowners, representatives, port operating or stevedoring companies will be responsible for notifying the Port Authority. All vessels carrying dangerous good must carry specific signals; during the day (flag B of the "International Code of Signals") and at night (red light). In the event that a vessel is moored at a specialised terminal and is loading/unloading dangerous cargo, then all other vessels must keep a 50 meter distance.

Movement of Bulk Cargo: Vessel must arrange for a qualified entity to come on board to certify that the areas used for the transport/storage of solid bulk are toxic free. Constant watch must be maintained during the period in which operations are taking place. Powdery bulk cargo requires the adoption of increased protection measures for workers, the environment and property. The movement of solid bulk materials that may generate flammable dust requires the existence

of an Explosion Protection Manual which must be approved by the Port Operator. Loading/unloading operations may only begin after the “Ship/Shore Safety List” has been signed by relevant parties.

Obligation of vessels: Whilst in the port area, vessels must have enough crew to carry out the following operations: monitor, reinforce and alter mooring in order to ensure the vessel remains in a safe condition during loading/unloading, round/loosen cables, monitor anchorage and position whilst in anchorage and ensure manoeuvres are carried out and face emergency situations. A permanent lookout must be maintained during cargo operations including bunkering and ballast as well as a lookout on the manifold and cargo deck.

Emergency Start Cables: At all liquid bulk terminals, vessels at the piers are required to have fore and aft, cables passed through the horns on the seaward side, ready to be hauled by tugs in the event of an emergency launch. The hand of the cable for hauling in the tug must remain hanging approx 1.5m above sea level; the one remaining on board must be secured with 6 to 8 turns on a mooring bollard. The cable core must be long enough to allow the tug to manoeuvre safely, approx 30 to 50m from the vessel. The cables used for emergency launching must have a breaking load sufficient in the event that the vessels needs to be towed with just one cable.

Port State Control here: Paris MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Instituto Portuario e dos Transportes Maritimos.

Position: Chairman.

Address: Edificio Vasco da Gama, Rua General Gomes Araujo, P-1399-005, Lisbon, Portugal.

Tel: +351 21 391 4712

Mob: +351 91 971 3089

Website: http://www.imarport.pt

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

Repairs

Minor repairs are possible, hull painting and anti-fouling is prohibited. Prior authorisation must be approved following documentation of the works to be carried out. Divers available and the require prior authorisation. No diving work is authorised at the TGL, TPQ and TGN Terminals, however, underwater inspections are permitted as long as loading/unloading operations are halted. It is worth noting that any diving work that involves significant environmental impact is not permitted throughout the port.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at all terminals.

Bunkering: Available at the Multipurpose, Container, Petrochemical, LNG and Liquid Bulk Terminals via barge. DO available at the Fishing Harbour.

Stores: Store available alongside or by launch (national or international ship chandlers).

Note: All vessels requiring fresh water, bunkers and stores must submit a request through the established means.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Hospital Particular do Alentejo - Sines (1.8km).

Crew change

Available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Beja Airport (82.5km) and Humberto Delgado Airport (95.8km). A heliport is located within the APS' jurisdiction area (37°57.19'N., 008°52.45'W) and is equipped with FATO (Final Approach and Touch) and parking. The FATO features a circular platform 18.7m radius, 28m diameter and a safety zone 4.7m wide. The platform provides daytime signals including six white stripes and a H 7.5m high and 4m wide orienated 065° as well as nighttime signals consisting of seventeen lamps, nineteen white light projectors located on the outer limit of the safety zone. The heliport is used under the following conditions: medical emergency by helicopter (EMH), operations supporting firefighting and civil protection and Civil air traffic, excluding air transport.

Nearest railway: The port (TMS Terminal) is connected to the National Railway Network at the Freight Railway Terminal via the Sines line to the station Ermidas-Sado. The line is equipped with forklifts, reach stackers and a charging station. The port is scheduled to linked to a new rail project which will doubles Sines' rail capacity. The South Corridor will connect the Port of Sines, Lisbon and Setubal with Spain and reduce the time taken to the border by three and a half hours.

Nearest highway: The port has direct access to A26 which runs into A2. The A2 highway runs 240km from Lisbon in the N to Albufeira in the S.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Sines.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Cargo handling at TMS Mon-Fri 0800-0100hrs, periods in between are meal breaks. Work on weekends and public holidays may be carried out on an extraordinary basis.

Container handling by PSA Sines is spilt into three separate shifts, Mon-Fri 0000-0800hrs, 0800-1600hrs, 1600-2359hrs. Work on weekends and public holidays may be carried out on an extraordinary basis.

Where it is

Sines is situated on the W coast of Portugal, approx 58nm S of Lisbon.

The port

Sines is strategically positioned as the principal port in the Ibero-atlantic front and one of the major European ports serving an extensive industrial complex. The deep water port is the country's leading port in volumes of cargo handled and offers specialised terminals able to handle a vast array of cargoes including: oil, petrochemical, LNG, multipurpose, general and container. The bay, sheltered from the N by Cape Sines, offers safe anchorage and all terminals are protected by breakwaters including the fishing harbour, marina and service port. The port has been operational since 1978 and is the leading supplier (crude and LNG) and container port in Portugal, providing state-of-the-art equipment, bunkering and waste management.

In recent years, the port has transitioned away from coal imports due to the closure of the coal powered power station in 2021. The former power station is to be redeveloped into a 100MW "green hydrogen hub".

Imports: Crude oil, coal, LNG and naphtha.

Exports: Oil refined products and petrochemical products.

Traffic

Approx 43,000,000t of cargo, 12,000t of coal, 15,000t of grain, 1,600,000TEU and 1,800 vessels are handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Sines?

The pilot boards at Sines pilot boarding place, 37°54.4′N 008°53.3′W.

What time zone is Sines in?

Local time at Sines is UTC+0. Clocks go to UTC+1 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+0 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Sines?

The deepest berth listed is at Terminal de Graneis Liquidos (TGL): 22.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Sines?

1025.

Which load line zone is Sines in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Sines?

Port State Control at Sines: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Sines?

The UN/LOCODE of Sines is PTSIE.

What crews who called at Sines 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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