Veracruz

1. Puerto Veracruz boarding position 1 Pilot boards19°12.0′N 096°01.0′W
2. Puerto Veracruz boarding position 2 Pilot boards19°15.5′N 096°08.1′W
3. Veracruz – Boya de mar / boya de recalada (centro del límite de pilotaje) Pilot boards19°11.4′N 096°03.5′W

Size limits

LOA 336.67m, beam 48.2m, draught 12.8m, 134,931DWT.

Water density

1020-1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 0.6m. Normally the current outside breakwater is from the S at 0.5kt.

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

Approach

In normal weather conditions, there are no depth restrictions on entry or departure but time of tide must be considered if draught of vessel exceeds 8.8m. After or during a strong Northerly wind, a vessel with a draught of 7.3m or more must wait for the tide.

The Navigation Channel to the Main Port has depths of 16m. (Berths at the New Port currently have depths of 15m).

Approach to main Port: There are reefs extending 2.4nm off the coast which can be seen by breaking seas during daylight and are all well lit by light beacons at night.

There are two approach channels in a separation scheme through the reefs from the SE and the N. The port is protected by breakwaters to the SE, NE, NW and W as well as by an inner wall. The port entrance is surrounded by reefs, islands and deep water. The entrance channel is between the SE and NE breakwaters with a depth of 16.0m.

A sea buoy is located in position 19°11.4'N 96°03.5'W, (Light characteristic Fl(1).W.10s, visible 4nm). The turning basin is 500m in diameter with a depth of 16.0m.

New Port: This project will take approximately four years to complete. Approach information may be subject to change or additions during this time.

Port limits

Light beacons on those reefs which are within 4nm of the harbour breakwaters mark the limits of the port.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Note: Some Traffic Scheme information may be subject to change when the New Port at Veracruz is completed.

Anchorages

This anchorage is not safe when N'ly winds blow more than 40kts.

Quarantine anchorage: Available in the lee of Isla Sacrificios (19°10.5'N 096°05.5'W).

Restrictions

New Restrictions will come into force, when areas of the New Port are completed. Vessels should consult the Port Authority for any changes or additions.

Vessels with draughts of 14.3m have used the port.

An area to be avoided has been established in order to protect the National Maritime Park from the risk of pollution. All vessels of more than 500GT and vessels of less than 500GT transporting oil, chemical, toxic or nuclear waste should avoid this area.

Entry to the port at night is permissible with advance warning.

Tugs

All vessels over 2,500GT require a tug for manoeuvres within the harbour.

1 x 3,200hp and 1 x 4,660hp tugs available. Vessels over 2,500GT require two or more tugs, depending on size and berth.

Saam Mexico operates a fleet of 24 tugs of more than 1,100t bollard pull in the Veracruz area.

Mooring

All vessel movements inside the harbour require permission from the Port Captain.

Charts and publications

BA 375, 376, 1307, 4400. Admiralty Pilot NP69A, NP286(7).

US Chart 411 (Gulf of Mexico).

US Sailing Directions No 148 (Caribbean Sea Volume II).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notice of ETA required 24 hours prior to arrival, stating the following;

Communications

The following coastal radio stations are also recommended:

West coast Mexico: International station and Mobile Radio (USA).

East coast Mexico: Mobile, Alabama Radio.

Radio Veracruz (callsign "XEFU"). The stations work throughout 24 hours.

Inmarsat communication is available.

Notice of readiness

Tendered in accordance with the Charter Party.

Documents

Documents are received by the Harbour Master, Health Inspector, Immigration Authorities, Customs Authorities, Agricultural Inspector. There are no special forms for completion.

Health

Quarantine: Personnel are not permitted to land from vessels or boats until cleared by the Port Health Officer.

Customs and immigration

Veracruz is an official Port of Entry.

Officers and crew are required to declare all personal possessions, which must be kept onboard. Penalties for non compliance will result in confiscation of the goods and fines.

Immigration: Formalities depend on the nationality of the crew. Nationalities that are not restricted in Mexico can proceed ashore provided they have a shore pass which can be issued by the port agent upon request of the Master. Joining and off signing crew members have to be declared 24 hours prior to the time and date of arrival/departure.

Notices and regulations

Vessels must give advance notice if wishing to enter at night. All vessel movements within the port must be authorized by the Port Captain.

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: Director General for Merchant Navy/Office of National Protection of Maritime Ports.

Position: Director General for Merchant Navy

Address: Avenida Nuevo Leon 210, 3rd Floor, Colonia Hipodromo Condesa, 06100 Piso Deleg. Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, D.F.

Tel: +52 55 5265 3216.

Fax: +52 55 5265 3215.

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: http://www.sct.gob.mx/e-mar

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

Repairs

Repair and maintenance of ships, machinery, equipment, engines, jack-up and semi-submersible platforms are available. Conversion, upgrading and life extension of ships and offshore units present.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available.

Stores: Provisions available.

Medical

Hospitals available nearby.

Transport

Nearest airport: Heriberto Jara, 10km.

Nearest highway; to the N 13km, to the S 20km.

There are two private cargo railroads within the port.

Working hours

Mon to Sat, 0800-1200hrs and 1400-1800hrs. Plus overtime, on application.

Where it is

Veracruz is situated on the Gulf coast of Mexico in the Bay of Campeche.

The port

The Main Port of Veracruz is equipped to handle containers, agribulks, mineral bulks, general cargo, liquid bulks and automobiles. All berths are public and are assigned depending on type of cargo and operation. More than one operator may use a berth. The port is a national leader in the handling of agribulks and automobiles and is the principal container port in the Gulf of Mexico. There is over 4,500m of berthing space. An additional area (the New Port) is being built to the North West. The harbour is linked by train and road to the most important areas in the country in terms of commercial and industrial activity, including the States of Puebla, Tlaxcala, Mexico and the metropolitan area of Mexico City.

Traffic

Approx 25,000,000t of cargo, 1,300,000TEU and 2,000 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Veracruz?

The pilot boards at Puerto Veracruz boarding position 1, 19°12.0′N 096°01.0′W. Veracruz has 3 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Veracruz in?

Local time at Veracruz is UTC−6. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Veracruz?

The deepest berth listed is at Hutchison Ports ICAVE (Main Port): 12.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Veracruz?

1020-1025.

Which load line zone is Veracruz in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Veracruz?

Port State Control at Veracruz: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Veracruz?

The UN/LOCODE of Veracruz is MXVER.

What crews who called at Veracruz 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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