Trincomalee

Size limits

Draught 12.5m, LOA 250m, beam 32.0m, 82,787DWT.

Water density

1012, 1023.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 0.6m (springs); 0.2m (neaps).

During Nov and Dec, the months with the greatest average rainfall, the current normally sets out of Trincomalee Harbour; between 0.5 and 1kt, in the centre of the channel and with the greater rates near the shore. S of Elephant Point, the current sets SE at about 1kt.

At a depth of 18.0m, and probably less, the water flows inward at about half the rate of the outgoing surface flow.

Little is known of currents inside Trincomalee Harbour during the SW monsoon. However, during the NE monsoon, there is a heavy swell on the outer beaches.

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

Approach

Trincomalee Harbour is approached through Trincomalee Bay and entered through a channel, 500m wide between Clappenburg Point and Elephant Point. The entrance channel is deep, with least depth of 22.0m, WSW of Elephant Point and depth of more than 30.0m, 1.5nm within the harbour. The remainder of the navigable waters within the harbour varies between 11.0 and 30.0m.

The entrance channel has a width of 1,554m, least depth 22.0m.

Port limits

The harbour limit is a line joining Clappenburg (8°31.9'N 081°12.7'E) and Elephant Points, 0.8nm ENE.

Anchorages

Outer anchorages: Anchorage in the approaches to the harbour is only permitted to vessels awaiting a pilot but vessels may find sheltered and convenient anchorage in Dutch Bay or NW of Round Island.

Inner anchorage: Anchorage may be obtained in Orlando Cove in depths of 27.0m with the NE point of Great Sober Island bearing 316°. This is the most sheltered anchorage in the harbour during the SW monsoon and is convenient to the town.

In addition good anchorage can be obtained, during fair weather, in almost any part of Trincomalee harbour.

Contact local agent for further information on anchorages as the position changes from time to time, due to the security situation in the area.

Submarine cables: A submarine cable crosses the E side of the harbour in a NW direction from the Naval Yard, turning NE close W of Powder Spit Buoy (starboard hand) then turning WNW 0.50nm SW of Mid Powder Buoy (special), and is landed ashore at the SW entrance to Welcombe Hotel Cove.

Restrictions

Vessels may enter during daylight only.

Prohibited areas: There are a number of areas, some onshore, within the port into which entry is prohibited; some of these areas are described below but others may exist. Full details can be obtained from the local authority.

Tugs

There are 2 tugs available.

Charts and publications

BA 815, 816. Admiralty Pilot NP38, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify the agent of ETA 5 days, 3 days and 24 hours prior to arrival. Message to include ETA, draught, last port of call and nationality, details of any dangerous/hazardous cargo, arms/ammunition onboard and that crew (passengers if any) are healthy.

Communications

VHF: Pilot station & Sri Lanka Navy: Ch 16, 08, 11. Tel: +94(0)26 2222472.

Port: Tel: +94(0)26 2222460, Fax: +94(0)26 2233601.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered on arrival at Galle roads.

Master should tender NOR during normal working hours.

Documents

Special forms will be delivered by authorities concerned, or can be arranged by agents, on arrival.

Health

Pratique can be applied for a minimum of 48 hours prior to arrival via radio. However, it is automatically granted to a vessel arriving from another Sri Lankan port. The following signals are to be shown by all vessels arriving off the port.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates have to be authenticated at Colombo.

The port does not have any special health regulations.

Customs and immigration

Each person is allowed 1 carton of cigarettes and 2 bottles of spirits. Others should be bonded. Penalties vary according to the magnitude of non compliance.

Immigration Officers will board vessel on arrival and random inspections of passports may be carried out. No passport will be stamped, unless in the case of disembarkation/repatriation of crew/passengers.

There are no restrictions on crew and/or passengers. However photography within the port premises is not permitted.

Flags

Sri Lanka national flag is required to be displayed whilst in the port. There are no penalties for not complying.

Notices and regulations

All anchorages and landings in the approaches to Trincomalee, and those within the harbour, are subject to security clearance from the Sri Lanka Navy and prior notification to the Pilotage Station before use.

Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Sri Lankan Navy.

Position: Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy.

Address: Naval Headquarters, Flagstaff Street, Colombo 01.

Tel: +94 11 246 6236

Fax: +94 11 254 2530

Mob: +94 777 557234

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.navy.lk

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

Repairs

Minor repairs can be undertaken. There is a slipway, for the use of naval craft only, in the Naval Yard situated close NE of Surgery Pier. Another slipway, capable of accommodating vessels up to 100t, is situated NE of Mud Cove Pier.

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Colombo, 250km (BIA International).

Trincomalee Domestic, 10km. Presently closed to all civilian aircraft for security reasons.

Nearest railway: Trincomalee, 5km (passenger and freight).

Working hours

Shift 1: Normal hours 0730-1630hrs, overtime 1630-2030hrs.

Shift 2: Normal hours 1630-0030hrs, overtime 0030-0430hrs and 0430-0830hrs.

Where it is

Trincomalee is situated on the NE coast of Sri Lanka.

The port

Trincomalee is a large natural harbour. It is the only entirely sheltered harbour in the South Asian sub continent and increasing in commercial activity. Whilst it has a limited number of berths, vessels of any size can still be accommodated in the anchorage. Cruise vessels are expected to increase in numbers with the recent removal of war risk insurance premiums.

The principal imports are wheat, cement, clinker and petroleum products.

The Principal exports are mineral sand, wheat bran pellets in bulk.

Traffic

Approx 3,000,000t of cargo and 160 vessel handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Trincomalee?

Pilotage, which is carried out by the deputy harbour master, is compulsory for vessels over 200t.

What time zone is Trincomalee in?

Local time at Trincomalee is UTC+5:30. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Trincomalee?

The deepest berth listed is at Ashroff Terminal: 12.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Trincomalee?

1012, 1023.

Which load line zone is Trincomalee in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Trincomalee?

Port State Control at Trincomalee: Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Trincomalee?

The UN/LOCODE of Trincomalee is LKTRR.

What crews who called at Trincomalee 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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