Sullom Voe

1. Sullom Voe North pilot boarding position Pilot boards60°38.3′N 001°14.8′W
2. Sullom Voe boarding — N entrance Pilot boards60°38.2′N 001°17.8′W
3. Sullom Voe South-East pilot boarding position Pilot boards60°28.5′N 000°56.5′W

Size limits

LOA 365m, beam 60m, draught 24.0m and 355,618DWT, which may be exceeded at the discretion of the Harbour Master.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Tides

The maximum tidal range within the harbour area at springs is 2.3m and the minimum at neaps is 0.6m. The main tidal current flows to the S on the flood and to the N on the ebb. Although current rates of up to 7kts may be experienced in areas of Yell Sound, records indicate that the maximum current likely to be experienced within Sullom Voe, on the deep draught route, is unlikely to exceed 1kt.

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

Approach

There are two entrances to Yell Sound, the primary northern route, suitable for oil and gas tankers, lies on the W side of Yell Sound and is marked by leading lights situated on Gluss Isle. The SE approach is considered suitable for vessels of up to 200m in length having a draught of not more than 11.6m.

Both routes merge at the entrance to Sullom Voe; the lead into the Voe is indicated by leading markers located on Fugla Ness. In the case of vessels other than coasters, all manoeuvres S of Lamba Island will be assisted by tugs.

Under Keel Clearance: A minimum under keel clearance of 2.0m is required at all times within the port limits except alongside the loading jetties where the required clearance is 1.0m.

Port limits

Harbour Area: The harbour area is defined in "The Sullom Voe Harbour Revision Order 1980" as:

"The entire area of Yell Sound and Sullom Voe and adjacent inlets within a line commencing at Ell Wick then in a N direction along the line of LW mark on the W side to a point in 60°38.27'N 001°18.27'W on the line of LW mark at the N extremity of the Point of Fethaland, then in an E direction following a straight line to a point in 60°38.23'N 001°11.13'W on the line of LW mark at the N extremity of Fogla Lee on the Island of Yell, then generally in a S and E direction along the line of LW mark on the E side to a point in 60°29.15'N 001°05.80'W on the line of LW mark at the SE extremity of the Ness of Copister, then in a S direction to a point in 60°28.68'N 001°05.97'W on the line of LW mark at the SE extremity of the Island of Orfasay, then in a SW direction following a straight line to a point in 60°27.73'N 001°08.37'W along the line of LW at the southern extremity of Samphrey Island, then in a W direction following a straight line to a point in 60°27.75'N 001°10.82'W at the root of Mossbank Pier and then generally in a N and S direction following the line of LW mark to the point of commencement."

Traffic schemes and VTS

There is an IMO routing scheme around the Shetland Isles. Vessels must not enter the "Areas to be Avoided" or the "Precautionary Areas" unless sailing from or arriving at the port. Sullom Voe VTS is located within the Port Administration Building at Stella Ness. It is manned throughout 24 hours by Marine Officers who are authorised pilots and qualified VTS Operators. A traffic organisation service is provided.

All vessels are required to report to Sullom Voe VTS when passing the following positions:

60°38.19'N 001°14.95'W with Point of Fethaland Lighthouse brg 260° x 1.8nm.

60°35.03'N 001°16.62'W with Muckle Holm Lighthouse brg 105° x 0.35nm.

60°31.30'N 001°18.60'W with Queyfirth Lighthouse brg 285° x 0.5nm.

60°29.47'N 001°17.77'W with Skaw Taing Lighthouse brg 118° x 0.4nm.

60°28.45'N 001°10.95'W with Mossbank Lightbouse brg 175° x 1.25nm.

Radar: A continuous radar watch and the passage of each vessel is monitored and recorded. Full radar coverage exists for Yell Sound and Sullom Voe. Advice is available to vessels on request.

Anchorages

Outfall Marker Buoy - Calback Ness: A yellow spherical navigational buoy with a yellow St Andrew's cross topmark and a radar reflector showing a light Fl(4)Y 12s has been established in position; 66°29.5'N 001° 16.1'W. This buoy marks the seaward end of the ballast water outfall pipe.

Permanent navigation marks: Tanker jetties: Permanent navigation marks have been established on the mooring dolphins at either extremity of the tanker jetty complex as follows:

No 1 Jetty: E end dolphin in position 60°27.4'N 001°17.0'W, two fixed red lights vertically disposed 2m apart, the lower of which is 5.0m above MHWS, visible 3nm.

No 4 Jetty: W end dolphin in position 60°27.9'N 001°18.3'W, two fixed red lights vertically disposed 2m apart, the lower of which is 5.0m above MHWS, visible 3nm.

Restrictions

At no time should two gas carriers underway approach within 0.5nm of each other when manoeuvring in the approaches to the port. No ship or harbour craft shall lie or pass within 30m of any LPG ship which is moored or anchored without permission of the Harbour Master.

Speed: Vessels must not exceed a speed of 5kts S of a line joining Skaw Taing and Trumba.

Submarine oil and gas pipelines: Two submarine oil pipelines from oil fields NE of the shetland Islands are laid in the E approaches to Yell Sound; one is landed on Lunna Ness (4nm SE of Burra Ness). Two submarine pipelines, one gas, the other oil connecting to Foinaven and Clair fields to the W and NE of Shetland Islands.

Tugs

Four tugs are available.

When a tug is called out as a result of the above conditions Sullom Voe VTS will notify the Master of the situation and request that the vessel be brought to a state of immediate readiness. Sullom Voe VTS will also notify the duty Harbour Master.

Tugs may be necessary to assist in keeping vessels alongside when some of the conditions above are absent. The Duty VTS Operator may call out tugs at his discretion if it is felt that the situation warrants such action.

A pilot will board any vessel requiring tug assistance at the earliest opportunity and remain in attendance throughout the whole period a tug is required.

Mooring

Windage should be calculated as LOA x mean freeboard.

Charts and publications

BA 3281,3297. Admiralty Pilot NP52, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

On arrival the ship's officer and the Loading Master should discuss action to be taken in an emergency situation. The Master of the vessel should study and comply with the "Jetty Safety Regulations", a copy of which will be supplied.

ON DEPARTURE:

Prior to sailing from Sullom Voe all vessels are requested by the Harbour Authority to indicate whether eastbound or westbound from pilot station.

Communications

The callsign for Sullom Voe Pilots is "Sullom Voe Harbour Radio".

It is emphasised that Masters should contact their agents as soon as possible prior to arrival at the pilot boarding area, so that loading information may be obtained before commencing the inward passage through Yell Sound.

Notice of readiness

Immigration: The Immigration Act requires any national from a non EEA country arriving at a UK port must present themselves to an Immigration Officer. On arrival in Shetland all non EEA nationals must contact the local Immigration Officer on mobile no: +44 7721 466199.

Health

Note: Some specialist services including inoculation and vaccination are available.

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates: The Sullom Voe Terminal is an "approved" port and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates will be issued by the Director of the Environment of the Shetland Islands Council.

Landing in UK of live animals, live birds and meat:

Attention of Masters is drawn to "Notice to Masters of Vessels and Commanders of Aircraft" (IM24 (Rev 79).

Customs and immigration

Immigration: The Immigration Act requires any national from a non EEA country arriving at a UK port must present themselves to an Immigration Officer. On arrival in Shetland all non EEA nationals must contact the local Immigration Officer on mobile Tel: +44 7721 466199.

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: Transport and Security Directorate (TRANSEC) of the Department for Transport.

Position: Head of Maritime Security Operations.

Address: TRANSEC Department for Transport, 5th Floor, Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6DT, United Kingdom

Tel: +44 207 944 2844 (24 hrs)

Fax: +44 207 944 2175

Email: [email protected]

Recognised Security Organisations:

RSO - ISSC Issue: Transec for passenger vessels. MCA for other vessels

RSO - Security Consultant Services: Transec for passenger vessels. MCA for other vessels.

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) is proposing, in line with EU regulations associated with the ISPS Code, to extend maritime security requirements to ships operating in domestic service and to port facilities serving them. The requirements would be based on those applicable to sea going vessels and generally would apply to domestic ships operating in 'sea areas', and which carry over 12 passengers or are over 500GT. Sea going ships which are certified to carry more than 250 passengers and tankers, especially those carrying oil and gas products, are considered as having the potential to be a target for attack.

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

Repairs

Minor repairs available.

Dry docks

Not available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh Water: Potable water can be supplied to tankers at Sullom Voe in an emergency. A small charge is levied for the use of the facility. Vessels requiring fresh water should inform their agents prior to arrival.

Bunkering Facilities: There are no bunkering facilities available for tankers calling at Sullom Voe. Bunkering from coastal tankers is permitted with prior approval of the Harbour Master.

There is marine diesel oil and gas oil available by road tanker.

Provisioning: Provided by ship's agents on request.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Gilbert Bain Hospital, 46.1km.

Crew change

Arrange through agent. A complete change of Officers is discouraged. No large scale crew change will be permitted in Shetland waters.

Transport

Nearest airport: Scatsta Airport, 4.3km.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours, no overtime charged.

Where it is

Sullom Voe is located in the Shetland Islands which lie approx 120nm NNE of the N tip of mainland Britain.

The port

Sullom Voe is a deep water harbour, owned and operated by the Shetland Islands Council as Harbour Authority. The Sullom Voe Oil and Gas complex is located within the port limits on Calback Ness in position 60°27.5'N 001°17'W and is operated by BP Exploration.

The port administration building, from which all marine operations are monitored and controlled, is located on Sella Ness in position 60°26.8'N 001°16.5'W.

Services offered by the Harbour Authority and financed through conservancy charges, include port radar, navigational advice to shipmasters, intensity controlled navigational lighting to assist entry in poor visibility, meteorological advice and shore access gangways at all oil and gas jetties. Services offered and financed through separate charging structures include pilotage and mooring boat services. Boat hire can be arranged for vessels anchored or standing off. Helicopter hire is also available. The towage service is operated by a separate towage company and financed directly through towage charges.

The harbour is presently designed to accept routinely all tankers up to around LOA 365m with a draught of up to 24.0m and LPG carriers up to about LOA 286m with a draught up to 16.8m. In addition to liquid bulk and LPG cargoes, the port is designed to handle general, dry bulk, Ro-Ro, containerised cargo and quarried rock. Ship-to-ship transfers of oil are now carried out at Jetty No 4 which can take ULCC's of 2m barrels and above.

In addition to liquid bulk and LPG cargo the port can handle quarried rock and general, dry bulk, Ro-Ro and containerised cargo in relatively small vessels working at shallow draught jetties.

Traffic

Approx 4,000,000t of cargo and 80 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Sullom Voe?

The pilot boards at Sullom Voe North pilot boarding position, 60°38.3′N 001°14.8′W. Sullom Voe has 3 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Sullom Voe in?

Local time at Sullom Voe 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 Sullom Voe?

The deepest berth listed is at EnQuest Terminal: 24.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Sullom Voe?

1025.

Which load line zone is Sullom Voe in?

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Who carries out Port State Control at Sullom Voe?

Port State Control at Sullom Voe: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Sullom Voe?

The UN/LOCODE of Sullom Voe is GBSUL.

What crews who called at Sullom Voe 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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