PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Sokhna
Pilot
updated Aug 2022Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 50m long and available throughout 24 hours, 364 days a year. The pilot will board the vessel at position 29°38.9'N 032°24.5'E, a distance of 3nm from the port.
Key data
updated Oct 2022Size limits
LOA 368.99m, beam 51.2m, draught 14.8m, 207,999DWT.
Water density
1040.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Tidal variation 1.2m. Draught not subject to tidal variation.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Sea Container Terminals (RSCT) | — | 335 m | 1 |
| Dry Bulk and General Cargo Terminal | — | 300 m | 1 |
| DP World Sokhna Terminal (Basin 1) | 14.80 m | 369 m | 2 |
| DP World Sokhna Terminal (Basin 2) | 14.80 m | 368 m | 2 |
| Sonker Bulk Liquids Terminal (Basin 3) | 11.40 m | 295 m | 4 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Oct 2022Approach
Approach and entry: Sokhna Port is approached from a position at the W end of the W bound lane which leads across the Gulf of Suez TSS to the vicinity of Ain Sukhna Terminal.
The harbour is entered from the vicinity of the lightbuoy (E-cardinal) (29°38.9'N 032°24.4'E) moored at the outer end of the dredged and buoyed entry channel (depth of 18m). The entrance channel leads W passing between a pair of outer breakwaters which extend from the shore on the N and S sides of the entrance. The channel has a length of 3,650m and width of 250m. Depths in the channel and the turning basin are 17.0-18.0m.
Port limits
The port limits extend approx 4.5nm E from the harbour entrance and N to include the gas terminal.
Traffic schemes and VTS
There is no VTS scheme in operation at the port. However, there are VTS schemes in use for the Red Sea and Gulf of Suez.
Restrictions
Area outside of the channel is not completely surveyed resulting in the possibility of uncharted shoals.
Tugs
Two tugs are available, 2 x 2,500hp available throughout 24 hours. Towage is compulsory for any vessel in excess of 50m in length.
Charts and publications
BA 2373, 2132, 2133. Admiralty Pilot NP64, NP286(8).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2022ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels should send ETA message by telex to SUMED Alexandria, immediately on leaving previous port, when change in ETA exceeds 6 hours and 72, 48 and 24 hours in advance.
Container vessels to notify their ETA 2 weeks in advance, while passenger vessels, bulk vessels and general cargo vessels to alert their ETA 5 days in advance. Any ETA change over 12 hours must alert the port at 1100 on working days.
Communications
Call sign: Sokhna Port
VHF: VHF Ch 12.
Telephone: +20 62 3710071, Fax: +20-62-3710070, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Maritime Transport Sector.
Position: Head of Department
Address: 4 Petolomy Street, Alexandria, 21514, Egypt.
Fax: +203 484 2096
Email: [email protected]
RSO - Security Consultant Services: Class NK.
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Sep 2022Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Diesel fuel available.
Medical
Ambulance available.
Crew change
Possible.
Transport
Nearest Airport: Cairo International Airport, 120km. The port is also connected to capital, Cairo, through a six lane highway.
Working hours
Working hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
365 working days a year.
About Sokhna
updated Sep 2022Where it is
Sokhna port is located on the W side of the Gulf of Suez, approx 20nm SSW of Suez Canal.
The port
The newly constructed ultra-modern port consists of basins with a total quay length of 14km with direct access from the Gulf of Suez. It has an area of 1,000ha, four port basins with 2 operational berths of quay length 750m each, 1 dedicated for container and agri-bulk and the other is for general cargo/bulk (cement, clinker, steel coils HRC, etc). The port also has a Ro-Ro terminal and all berths are equipped with fenders. The quays are designed to handle super post Panamax vessels (8,000TEU), Capesize bulk carriers and heavy lift project cargo, with water depths of 17.0m in the approach, at the port and in the turning basin, which is 450m in diameter.
Currently there are 8 industries in the port area consisting of sugar plant, biodiesel plant, slaughter house for imported livestock, bunkering terminal, ammonia plant, wool scouring factory, magnesium smelter and a methanol production plant.
Traffic
Approx 6,044,000t of cargo, 534,000TEU, 600 vessels and 224,000 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Sokhna
What are the pilot arrangements at Sokhna?
Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 50m long and available throughout 24 hours, 364 days a year.
What time zone is Sokhna in?
Local time at Sokhna is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 29 Apr 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 28 Oct 2027.
What is the maximum draft at Sokhna?
The deepest berth listed is at DP World Sokhna Terminal (Basin 1): 14.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Sokhna?
1040.
Which load line zone is Sokhna in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Sokhna?
The UN/LOCODE of Sokhna is EGSOK.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Sokhna 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.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.