Thio

1. Noumea pilot boarding station — Passe de Thio (helicopter) Pilot boards by helicopter21°30.4′S 166°19.9′E

Size limits

Max LOA 170m, beam 30m, draught 10.8m and 40,481DWT.

Water density

1035 max in dry season.

Load line zone

South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.

Tides

Range 1.35m (semi-diurnal).

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

Approach

The recommended track through Passe de Thio, width 0.5nm, leads from position 21°31.5'S., 166°18.4'E to position 21°35.6'S., 166°14.2'E, passing SE of a lightbuoy (E cardinal) marking the edge of the dangers extending SSE from Recif aux Trois Bras.

The alignment 228° of the leading lights (white metal framework tower, 21°37'S., 166°14'E) on the coast at Thio, passes close NW of the extremity of the reef on the S side of the passage. This alignment should therefore be observed as the S limit and so be kept slightly open to N.

The track then leads from the inner passage into Rade de Thio along the recommended track which continues to position 21°37'S., 166°147'E passing NW of a buoy (port hand) marking a 1.8m patch, the outer of 2 coral heads lying within 0.5nm NW of the NW end of Recif Interieur and SE of Ilot Noumboue (sand bank) (21°35'S., 166°15'E), then W of a lightbuoy (isolated danger, 0.5nm W of a buoy, port hand) marking a 7.5m patch.

Then to the anchorage or SLN Berth.

Anchorages

Anchorage is afforded in Rade de Thio in depths from 11-18.0m to the E of Rocher Botamere. This anchorage is not sheltered from the prevailing winds, in strong SE trade winds there can be a heavy chop which renders landings difficult.

Restrictions

The port is located between the NW end of a chain of reefs which extend NW from the N'ly extremity of Pointe Nemmeni and the coast SW.

Tugs

Tugs are not available, a mooring launch is available.

Mooring

Berthing is not permitted at night.

Due to the fact that the berth is open to E'ly winds, vessels are required to moor at the numerous mooring pontoons located throughout the port. These pontoons provide secure mooring options, ensuring that vessels can safely load and unload cargo while minimising the impact of wind and wave action.

Charts and publications

BA 936, 2925, 2928. French 6943, 7073. Admiralty Pilot NP61.

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Initial ETA should be sent 48 hours prior to arrival with further ETA sent 24 hours before arrival. Further messages should be sent if requested. The ETA message, in addition to date and time of arrival, should also include the passage to be used for entering (if applicable), LOA, draughts forward and aft, number of crew and passengers, Master's name, flag, port of arrival and port of destination.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be handed to the agent on berthing or at the anchorage.

Documents

The above forms are for Customs, Immigration and agency.

Health

Pratique accorded by pilot when boarding. Application can be made through the vessel's agent or through the Harbour Master.

The port has no special health regulations but the crew should be healthy and there should be no notifiable disease onboard.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowances: The allowances for officers and crew are 200 cigarettes or 500gm of rolling tobacco and 1 bottle of alcohol. Penalties for non compliance are fines of the value of the local resale price of the goods.

Immigration: There are no specific Immigration procedures and formalities at the port. Agent liaises with the relevant authorities.

Flags

The French flag is to be displayed whilst the vessel is in port. Vessels not complying may be subject to a fine at Customs' discretion.

Notices and regulations

There are no specific regulations but the Master should be advised by the agent.

ISPS

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Dispensary De Thio (3.4km) and Medipole De Koutio Hospital Center Territorial Gaston-Bourret (69.2km).

Crew change

Available through agent.

Transport

Airport: La Tontouta International Airport (44.3km) and Noumea Magenta Airport (75km).

Where it is

Thio is located on the E coast of New Caledonia, due N of the capital Noumea.

The port

The Port of Thio, situated on the eastern coast of New Caledonia, is a significant maritime facility with a rich historical legacy. It is renowned as the site where the first nickel ore was extracted in 1875, marking a pivotal moment not only for New Caledonia but also for the global nickel industry.

Today, the Port of Thio continues to serve as a crucial export hub for nickel ore, sourced from the nearby mine. The port is equipped with a state-of-the-art conveyor system that enables the efficient transportation of nickel ore to vessels, boasting an export capacity of 1,000tph.

The port features a deep-water MBM berth, which can pose challenges during adverse weather conditions. To mitigate these challenges, vessels are required to moor at the numerous mooring pontoons located throughout the port. These pontoons provide secure mooring options, ensuring that vessels can safely load cargo while minimising the impact of wind and wave action.

Where does the pilot board at Thio?

The pilot boards by helicopter at Noumea pilot boarding station — Passe de Thio (helicopter), 21°30.4′S 166°19.9′E.

What time zone is Thio in?

Local time at Thio is UTC+11. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Thio?

The deepest berth listed is at Societe Le Nickel (SLN) Terminal: 10.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Thio?

1035 max in dry season.

Which load line zone is Thio in?

South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Thio?

The UN/LOCODE of Thio is NCTHI.

What crews who called at Thio 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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