PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Vadinar Terminal
Pilot
updated Jul 2010Pilotage is compulsory. Send ETA to harbour master, Kandla port and local agents (Jamnagar) 72, 48, 24 and 12 hours in advance. Pilot boards in the anchorage area, NW of the SBM in position 22°33.0'N 069°38.0'E for vessels calling at the SPM and terminal. For vessels moored at SPM, pilot remains onboard during the entire period that tanker is moored at SPM.
Key data
updated Jul 2026Size limits
Harbour : LOA 245m, Beam Unrestricted, draught 14.9m, 115,098DWT.
Offshore: LOA 339.36m, draught 2250m, 321,300DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Arabian Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Sep 1 to May 31, Summer Jun 1 to Aug 31.
Tides
Range up to 6.0m and tidal streams attain a rate of up to 3kts in the pathfinder creek.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offshore Oil Terminal | 22.50 m | 340 m | 2 |
| BORL Crude Oil Terminal | 21.40 m | 336 m | 1 |
| Nayara Terminal | 17.10 m | 333 m | 3 |
| LPO Vadinar | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Apr 2020Approach
Approach should be made through the deep water route. Vessels calling at the terminal may use either deep water route/outside DW route/as directed by the VTIS.
Port limits
The SPM and the terminal is situated within Kandla port limits.
Anchorages
Vessels calling VOTL to anchor within 1nm radius of the pilot station. Anchorage is prohibited within 3nm of the terminal.
Vessels awaiting a berth may also anchor N of Sikka Creek, in the vicinity of 22°31.4'N 069°46.0'E, in depths of 17.0-20.0m.
These anchorages are exposed to the SW monsoon and reports indicate that the anchorage off Sikka Creek may be crowded.
STS Anchorage: The STS area at Sikka is no longer operational. STS operations are now carried out at Vadinar when required.
Restrictions
SBM: Vessels normally berth during slack water or on an ebbing stream, approaching the SBM from W; due to insufficient sea room berthing is not attempted from E. Berthing is only daylight, unberthing is carried out at night.
Terminal: Day berthing/unberthing LOA 240m, 100,000DWT. Night berthing/unberthing LOA 180m, 80,000DWT.
Berthing as per tide, pilotage time is approx 2-4 hours.
Tugs
Two tugs of 45t bollard pull are normally available, with fire-fighting and anti-pollution equipment.
Charts and publications
IN 2060, 2083. Admiralty Pilot NP38, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated Jan 2024ETA and pre-arrival notices
This form is to be submitted to the port authorities at least 24 hours prior to the arrival of the vessel.
Communications
Messages should be sent via telex: 0105 208 KPT IN, Fax: +91 02836 232040/235982 and VOTL Email: [email protected].
VHF: Vadinar Port Control: Ch 16, 12 for cargo operations.
All vessels should maintain a listening watch on Ch 12 during cargo operations.
Notice of readiness
To be tendered as per terms and conditions of Charter Party. Generally, NOR tendered by master on vessel's arrival advising that vessel is ready to work cargo.
Health
Local port health officer grants pratique after boarding vessel.
Customs and immigration
Customs allowances: One bottle of liquor and one carton of cigarettes is allowed for each crew member per week.
Immigration: Immigration officials will check passports/CDC (Seaman's Books) and issue shore permits. Nationals from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China (mainland) will not be issued with landing permits.
Flags
Indian National flag and Interco Bravo flag.
Inspections
Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Director-General of Shipping.
Position: Nautical Adviser to the Government of India.
Address: Jahaz Bhavan, Walchand Hirachand Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai 400 001, India.
Tel: +91 22 2261 0606
Fax: +91 22 2269 4352
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.dgshipping.com
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org.
About Vadinar Terminal
updated Apr 2025Where it is
Vadinar Terminal is located 45nm SW of Kandla, on the S bank of the Gulf of Kutch.
The port
Vadinar port handles crude and product tanker and it is consist of three main operator which are the Indian Oil Corporation, Nayara Energy and Bharat Oman Refinery Ltd. There is also one STS point where crude operations are undertaken during the Monsoon season.
Traffic
Approx 60,000,000t of cargo and 600 vessels are handled annually.
Questions about Vadinar Terminal
What are the pilot arrangements at Vadinar Terminal?
Pilotage is compulsory.
What time zone is Vadinar Terminal in?
Local time at Vadinar Terminal is UTC+5:30. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Vadinar Terminal?
The deepest berth listed is at Offshore Oil Terminal: 22.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Vadinar Terminal?
1025.
Which load line zone is Vadinar Terminal in?
Arabian Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Sep 1 to May 31, Summer Jun 1 to Aug 31.
Who carries out Port State Control at Vadinar Terminal?
Port State Control at Vadinar Terminal: Indian Ocean MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Vadinar Terminal?
The UN/LOCODE of Vadinar Terminal is INVAD.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Vadinar Terminal 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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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.