Van Phong Bay

1. Vung Van Phong pilot boarding place Pilot boards12°30.0′N 109°23.0′E

Size limits

Anchorage: Min depth 20.9m inside the bay, deeper draught vessels can be accommodated at a nominated anchorage, weather and sea conditions allowing, outside the bay. 350,000DWT.

Harbour: LOA 183m, beam 32m, draught 10.8m, 50,000DWT.

Water density

Sea water, 1020.

Load line zone

China Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Jan 21 to Apr 30, Summer May 1 to Jan 20.

Tides

Range is less than 1.0m and flow is generally circular around the bay at minimal rates.

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

Approach

No marked channels. However, specific channels have been surveyed between the pilot station and the nominated anchorages.

Port limits

W of a line drawn between Hon Hoa islet to the S and Mui Ganh Point to the N.

Traffic schemes and VTS

The bay is near to International navigation routes.

Anchorages

Three anchorages are nominated within the bay (A and C) for STS operations with safe depths of 20.9-22.7m.

Restrictions

All vessels using the STS facility must have current Anti Pollution Insurance cover from their P&I Club. Vessels without this will not be permitted into the facility.

Tugs

Tugs are available and arranged by STS Port Operator from Nha Trang or Hyundai-Vinashin Shipyard (HVS).

Mooring

No mooring buoys facilities for STS operation in Van Phong Bay but using vessel's anchors.

Charts and publications

BA 3883. Vietnam 1A-200-19, 1A-100-17. Note that the Vietnamese chart system indicates positions approx 0.55nm W of positions indicated on BA chart. Admiralty Pilot NP30, NP286(6).

Communications

Nha Trang Radio: Callsign "XVN3". Due to the security aspects of the area, vessels may be required to close down their radio station during a stay in Van Phong Bay.

VHF: Port and Pilots: Ch 16.

Standard messages

The Vietnamese authorities have no restriction upon flag/nationality of vessels using the STS service provided they are fully "classed" at the time of call.

Notice of readiness

To be presented to the attending Mooring Master who will sign for acceptance dependent upon time of berthing for STS operations.

Documents

Any of the above certificates which are removed by agents will be subject to issuance of a receipt and will be returned prior to departure.

Health

All vessel's officers and crew must be in possession of a valid health book showing vaccination details.

Customs and immigration

Ship staff are advised that the use of private cameras in the area is strictly forbidden. It is recommended that cameras are placed in the bonded store prior to arrival to avoid misunderstandings arising.

Flags

Vietnamese flag to be flown during the hours of daylight.

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: Vietnam Maritime Administration.

Position: Director of Marine Safety Department.

Address: 8 Pham Hung Road, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Tel: +84 4 768 3194.

Fax: +84 4 768 3058.

Mob: +84 90 329 5340.

Email: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Available. Contact agent.

Dry docks

Hyundai Vinashin Shipyard, S of the Bay.

Bunkers, water and stores

Should bunkering and storing be required, limited supplies may be available and supplied by boat from Hon Khoi Port and Nha Trang Port.

Medical

Extremely limited facilities locally. More comprehensive facilities available in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi which can be accessed by air from Nha Trang.

Crew change

Possible, can be arranged by agent, subject to visa requirements.

Transport

Nearest airport and facilities At Nha Trang. Daily flights to/from Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport), Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport) and Da Nang City from where international connections can be made.

Nha Trang Airport serves Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi City and Da Nang City. International services available at Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) and Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) and Da Nang City.

Working hours

Offices: Normally 0700-1600hrs.

Where it is

Van Phong Bay is situated on the E coast of Vietnam, just N of the port of Nha Trang.

The port

The port is used for offshore ship-to-ship (STS) transfer and provides sheltered, deep water anchorage, year round.

The bay is almost equidistant from China (mainland) (657nm) and Singapore (796nm) and requires minimal diversion for ships trading between these 2 ports. It is also centrally located for the main ports in the area (Manila, 637nm; Bangkok, 831nm; Kaoshiung, 851nm).

Where does the pilot board at Van Phong Bay?

The pilot boards at Vung Van Phong pilot boarding place, 12°30.0′N 109°23.0′E.

What time zone is Van Phong Bay in?

Local time at Van Phong Bay is UTC+7. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Van Phong Bay?

The deepest berth listed is at Van Phong Bonded Petroleum Terminal: 10.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Van Phong Bay?

Sea water, 1020.

Which load line zone is Van Phong Bay in?

China Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Jan 21 to Apr 30, Summer May 1 to Jan 20.

Who carries out Port State Control at Van Phong Bay?

Port State Control at Van Phong Bay: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Van Phong Bay?

The UN/LOCODE of Van Phong Bay is VNVPH.

What crews who called at Van Phong Bay 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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