PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Valdez
Pilot
updated Mar 2018Compulsory, with a few exceptions. Pilots are available at all times. The normal pilot boat is a trawler with dark blue hull, white deckhouse, and the word "pilot" on both sides of the housing; the reserve boat has a white hull. Mariners are requested to maintain a speed of 6kts, with the pilot ladder 2.4m above the water.
Vessels should contact with the Pilot Vessel on VHF Ch 13 or 16, 1.5 hours prior to arrival abeam Bligh Reef.
Bligh Reef Light (Pilot Embark) located at 60° 50.600'N 146° 57.500'W.
Bligh Reef Light (Pilot Disembark) located at 60° 51.000'N 147° 01.400'W.
Key data
updated Nov 2024Size limits
LOA 287.25m, draught 18.9m, beam 50.0m, 193,049DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
North Pacific Winter Seasonal Zone, Winter Oct 16 to Apr 15, Summer Apr 16 to Oct 15.
Tides
Range 3.65m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valdez Marine Terminal (VMT) | 18.90 m | 287 m | 4 |
| Valdez Container Terminal | — | 78 m | 1 |
| John Thomas Kelsey Municipal Dock | — | 228 m | 1 |
| SERVS Escort Response Base | — | 78 m | 1 |
| Valdez Ferry Terminal | — | 72 m | 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
The port of Valdez and Valdez Marine Terminal are approached through Valdez Arm and entered in deep water direct from Port Valdez.
Port limits
Port limits are 11nm from the entrance to port of Valdez.
Traffic schemes and VTS
Reporting:
All vessels that provide a Sailing Plan are encouraged to call 3 hours prior arrival at Cape Hinchinbrook, tankers in accordance with the Vessel Escort and Response Plan (VERP).
Anchorages
VTS continuously monitors any vessel anchored within these boundaries for safety purposes.
Tugs
Tugs to assist in berthing and unberthing at the port of Valdez are limited in availability, and advance notice is required.
Tug assistance is compulsory at Valdez Marine Terminal, where 3 powerful tugs with equipment for fire fighting and oil spill containment are stationed.
Charts and publications
BA 4981, 4982. Admiralty Pilot NP4, NP286(5).
Reporting before arrival
updated Sep 2015ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels should send ETA at Cape Hinchinbrook 72 and 24 hours in advance and any subsequent amendments of more than 3 hours.
Communications
VHF: Ch 16. Tel: +1 907 835 4564. Fax: +1 907 835 4479. Email: [email protected].
Valdez Marine Terminal Ch 16; 06, 10, 13, 18A, 21, 22A, 80A. Tel: +1 907 834 6620 (Office hours). Tel: +1 907 834 6480 (AOH, Marine Terminal Security). Fax: +1 907 787 6605.
Email: [email protected].
Southwest Alaska Marine Pilots Association (SWAPA):
Valdez Office: Ch 16, 13. Callsign WAB982. Tel: +1 907 835 2134. Fax: +1 907 835 5372.
Valdez Traffic: Ch 13, 16, 22A, 70. Tel: +1 907 835 7205. Fax: +1 907 835 7286.
Documents
Please see country information for details of documentation requirements.
Health
Quarantine is administered locally.
Customs and immigration
Valdez is a Customs Port of entry.
Notices and regulations
Coastguard Vessel Inspection: Please see country information.
The waters within 0.6nm of Ammunition Island (61°07.2'N 146°18.9'W) or any vessel moored or anchored at the island, and within 0.1nm of any vessel approaching or departing Ammunition Island, are a designated Safety Zone.
The waters within 0.1nm of any waterfront facility at the Valdez Marine Complex, or of any vessel moored, anchored, or manoeuvring to approach, moor, unmoor or depart the complex, are a designated Safety Zone.
No unauthorised vessel may approach within the above areas.
Inspections
Port State Control here: US Coast Guard.
Foreign ships are examined by the US Coast Guard. File the Advance Notice of Arrival 96 hours ahead (33 CFR 160).
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: United States Coast Guard, Office of Compliance. Address: 2100 Second St, SW, Washington DC, 20593, USA. Tel: +1 202 267 2978. Fax: +1 202 267 4858. Email: [email protected]. For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www2.imo.org/ISPSCode.
Port services
updated Mar 2022Repairs
Minor repairs for small craft available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Providence Valdez Medical Center, 1.8km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Valdez Airport, 7.9km.
Working hours
The facilities of the Port of Valdez operate 24hrs a day, 365 days per year. Administrative office hours are Monday - Friday, 0830-1200 and 1300-1600 local time. The office is closed from 1200-1300 Monday - Friday and on weekends.
The Port reserves the right to close port facilities at its discretion for its convenience.
About Valdez
updated Mar 2022Where it is
Valdez is situated on the southern coast of Alaska located at the N end of Prince William Sound.
The port
Navigation is all year round. There are facilities for bulk, Ro Ro, passenger, general cargo and containers. The port also has a large, privately run tanker facility, being the southern terminus of the trans Alaska oil pipeline.
The seaway traffic route is divided into two lanes each 1.20km wide. The narrowest strait is 900m wide and only one vessel may transit at any time.
Traffic
Approx 23,000,000t of cargo, 1,700TEU and 300 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Valdez
What are the pilot arrangements at Valdez?
Compulsory, with a few exceptions.
What time zone is Valdez in?
Local time at Valdez is UTC−9. Clocks go to UTC−8 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−9 on 7 Nov 2027.
What is the maximum draft at Valdez?
The deepest berth listed is at Valdez Marine Terminal (VMT): 18.90 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Valdez?
1025.
Which load line zone is Valdez in?
North Pacific Winter Seasonal Zone, Winter Oct 16 to Apr 15, Summer Apr 16 to Oct 15.
Who carries out Port State Control at Valdez?
Port State Control at Valdez: US Coast Guard.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Valdez?
The UN/LOCODE of Valdez is USVDZ.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Valdez 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.