PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Varanus Island Terminal
Pilot
updated Aug 2011Compulsory for all tankers. Varanus pilot can be called on Ch 74. The pilot boards by the Terminal mooring boat in position 20°40'S 115°40'E, the designated anchorage and pilot boarding position. All vessels should ensure that a good lee is provided and that the starboard derrick or deck crane is ready to hoist the terminal equipment container from the launch. Pilot ladder should be rigged in accordance with all SOLAS Regulations. Berthing by day or night will be at the pilot's discretion and is largely dependent on the prevailing weather conditions.
Departure: On completion of loading, a vessel's departure should be as prompt as practicable early departure procedure is available, although documentation will normally be prepared onboard with minimal, if any, delay. Once clear of the berth and the pilot has disembarked, the Master should follow the recommended courses as laid down, whilst keeping clear of any drilling or sub-sea activity.
Key data
updated Jul 2020Size limits
LOA 300m, draught 17.0m, beam 46m, 140,000DWT.
Load line zone
South Indian Ocean Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical May 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Apr 30.
Tides
Tide Times & Height: High and low water are similar to Barrow Island Tanker Moorings as published in the Australian National Tide Tables. Tidal times, direction, height and rate may vary with prevailing weather condition.
Tidal streams at the terminal set 173° on the rising tide and 353° on the falling tide and may attain a rate of 2kts at springs. Tidal flow at the tanker terminal sets approx 160° at flood and 340° at ebb and may attain a speed of 2kts at spring tides. Berthing and departure take place during ebb tides.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varanus Island Gas Hub | 17.00 m | 300 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 Jul 2020Approach
The Terminal should be approached from E with the Terminal bearing between 240° and 300°.
The least depth is 20.4m in the 60° approach sector 4.5nm ENE of the Terminal. Within the conical approach and departure area, (060°/240° and 120°/300°), depths in excess of 20.4m are found.
Port limits
The port limits are the circumference of a circle approx 3nm radius, centred on the terminal.
Anchorages
A cautionary area with a radius 2.8nm centred on 19°41'S 116°43'E has been established.
Anchorage can be obtained in position 20°40.00'S 115°40.50'E, 4.25nm SE of the terminal, in a depths of 24.0m, variable holding ground.
DANGER: Gas and oil seabed pipelines run through the previous anchorage from the new Gypsy buoyed wellhead at 20°38.2'S 115°43.6'E, in a W'ly position to join the 'Harriet A' production platform at 20°36.1'S 115°36.8'E. If in any doubt about anchorage, please call the Terminal on VHF Ch 74. Due to the variable holding qualities of the area, it is recommended that Masters exercise the utmost caution when anchoring and whilst at anchor. The use of at least nine shackles of cable to minimise the possibility of dragging is also recommended. Masters are advised to drift well clear of the Terminal and its facilities in high winds. Tankers must be equipped with a minimum 12 shackles of chain on each anchor for Terminal acceptance.
Restrictions
Berthing only permitted at night with adequate bridge wing searchlights.
Entry to the port of Varanus Island is restricted unless permission has been granted by the Terminal Superintendent.
Tugs
A tug of minimum 38t bollard pull is provided to assist the berthing and departure operation and will stand by the mooring during loading. Normal tug operations are 'push' only and do not require the use of tow lines. The tug can pass or receive tow lines in an emergency.
Mooring
The moorings consist of an 8 leg Multi Point Mooring (MPM), with 4 buoyed legs and 4 swamped legs. Both anchors are used in a running moor, port anchor first.
Mooring is conducted with a tug and line boat assistance.
Charts and publications
AUS 742, 65. Admiralty Pilot NP17, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2016Communications
VHF: Pilots & Terminal: Ch 16, 09 and 74. Tel: +61 8 6218 7601. Fax: +61 8 6218 7617. Email: [email protected].
A 24 hour dual listening watch is maintained on VHF by Radio Room from 0600-1800hrs and Terminal Operator from 1800-0600hrs.
Vessels should call Quadrant Terminal when within 100nm of the Lowendal Islands to confirm the vessel's ETA at the pilot boarding station. Terminal support craft and operational vessels also monitor Ch 16 and 74.
Inspections
Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean 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: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
Contact person: The Secretary.
Address: GPO Box 594, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia.
Tel: +61 2 6274 7114.
Fax: +61 2 6274 7994.
Mob: +61 0417 273 185.
24 hour contact: Office of Transport Security Operations Centre.
Tel: +61 2 6274 8187.
Fax: +61 2 6274 6089.
Email: [email protected]
ISPS Compliance: ISPS compliance is 100% for Australian ports, Australian port facilities and Australian flagged ships.
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
There are no repair facilities available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Not available.
Bunker: Not available.
Stores: Not available
Medical
There are no medical facilities except in emergencies.
Crew change
No crew change or shore leave is possible. The terminal can not accommodate crew.
Working hours
The terminal operates throughout 24 hours.
About Varanus Island Terminal
updated Jul 2020Where it is
Varanus Terminal is located on Varanus Island, which is the largest of the Lowendal group of islands of Western Australia. Varanus Island is 75km offshore NW Australia.
The port
An offshore pipeline 4,200m length by 30in pipeline leads from the shore to the Tanker Terminal. At the submarine pipeline end manifold (PLEM), there is a 16in take off prior to connection to the submarine hose.
Questions about Varanus Island Terminal
What are the pilot arrangements at Varanus Island Terminal?
Compulsory for all tankers.
What time zone is Varanus Island Terminal in?
Local time at Varanus Island Terminal is UTC+8. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Varanus Island Terminal?
The deepest berth listed is at Varanus Island Gas Hub: 17.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
Which load line zone is Varanus Island Terminal in?
South Indian Ocean Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical May 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Apr 30.
Who carries out Port State Control at Varanus Island Terminal?
Port State Control at Varanus Island Terminal: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Varanus Island Terminal?
The UN/LOCODE of Varanus Island Terminal is AUVAR.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Varanus Island 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.