PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Tanah Merah
Pilot
updated Jan 2019Pilotage is compulsory and is available during daylight hours only. A request should be made to the Harbour Master, via the agent, at least 24 hours prior to arrival at the Fairway Lightbuoy. Pilot boards 2nm S of the Fairway Lightbuoy (01°42'S 116°38'E).
Key data
updated Feb 2026Size limits
Harbour: LOA 133m, beam 26m, draught 11m, 13,135DWT.
Offshore: Draught 29m.
Water density
1020 - 1025.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Mean spring range approx 2.6m, mean neap range approx 1.5m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adang Bay STS Anchorage | 29.00 m | — | 1 |
| Tanah Merah Coal Terminal (TMCT) | 11.00 m | 133 m | 3 |
| Kideco Tanah Grogot Terminal | — | 78 m | 3 |
| PT Kideco Jaya Agung Terminal | — | 87 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 Jan 2023Approach
From the sea lightbuoy (01°41'S 116°37.7'E) the approach channel is well marked by lightbuoys. The channel is up to 120m wide with a least depth of 8.0m.
Anchorages
There are no length or beam restrictions at the anchorages.
Restrictions
The turning basin depth is 8.5m and the channel restriction is 8.0m which limits the size of vessel that can use the berth even with the available depth of water alongside.
Tugs
Two tugs are allocated to assist with berthing and sailing of vessels.
Charts and publications
BA 2893.Admiralty Pilot NP34, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated Jan 2019ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessel's ETA should be sent to the agent, 24 hours prior to arrival.
Communications
Coast radio station: Balik Papan Radio, callsign: PKN.
VHF: Port and pilot: Ch 16.
Inspections
Port State Control here: Tokyo 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: Directorate of Marine Safety and Seafarers, Directorate General of Sea Communications.
Position: Director
Address: Karya Building, 12th Floor, JI Merdeka Barat 8, Jakarta Pusat 10110, Indonesia.
Tel: +62 21 350 5705.
Fax: +62 21 350 5705.
Mob: +62 811 960640.
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org.
ISPS compliance: The US Coast Guard has determined (12/2012) that the Republic of Indonesia is now maintaining effective anti-terrorism measures in their ports. The Republic of Indonesia is removed from the list of the Countries Affected in paragraph B of the Port Security Advisory. Therefore, actions required in paragraphs C and D of this Port Security Advisory are no longer required for vessels that arrive in the United States after visiting ports in the Republic of Indonesia.
In a further effort to combat piracy, the Indonesian Government are allocating Piracy Anchor Safe Zones within some of their ports. These will be patrolled by the Indonesian Marine Police. Individual Port Authorities should be contacted about the latest information concerning these.
Port services
updated Dec 2022Bunkers, water and stores
No bunkers or fresh water available. Provisions are available through local agents.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Siloam Hospitals Balikpapan (102km).
Transport
Nearest airport: Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport (105km).
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours, 7 days a week. (Effective working hours 20).
About Tanah Merah
updated Jan 2023Where it is
Tanah Merah is located at the western end of Adang Bay. Adang Bay is on the E coast of Kalimantan, facing the Macassar Strait.
The port
The private port for Tanah Merah Coal Terminal (TMCT), operated by PT KIDECO Jaya Agung. The coal being transported the 37km to the port in 80t barges. Due to draught limitation at the berth, topping off can take place at anchor in Adang Bay lightering area where the coal is loaded on awaiting vessels either using floating cranes and floating loading facilities, or by using a vessel's own loading gear.
Traffic
Approximate 34,000,000t of coal are handled annually.
Questions about Tanah Merah
What are the pilot arrangements at Tanah Merah?
Pilotage is compulsory and is available during daylight hours only.
What time zone is Tanah Merah in?
Local time at Tanah Merah is UTC+8. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Tanah Merah?
The deepest berth listed is at Adang Bay STS Anchorage: 29.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Tanah Merah?
1020 - 1025.
Which load line zone is Tanah Merah in?
Tropical.
Who carries out Port State Control at Tanah Merah?
Port State Control at Tanah Merah: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Tanah Merah?
The UN/LOCODE of Tanah Merah is IDTMH.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Tanah Merah 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.