Zahrani Terminal

Size limits

LOA 244.6m, draught 13.0m, 109,672DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Negligible. The tidal heights are less than 0.6m, and there are normally no tidal streams at the berthing area. However, occasional strong S sets may be experienced.

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

Approach

The approaches have a minimum depth of 18.0-19.0m, max arrival/departure draught 16.7m even keel.

Caution: As the coast between Sidon and Tyre, 20nm SSW, is bordered in places by rocks and shoal water extending as far as 1nm offshore, it should not be approached closer than 1.5nm, not within depths of less than 30m.

Traffic schemes and VTS

None.

Anchorages

Waiting vessels should anchor 1.5-2nm WNW of the small boat harbour in depths of 29.0-37.0m, where the holding ground is good, or as instructed by the terminal. Sandy bottom. Vessels should not anchor N of Terminal Sea Buoy, as depth is excessive for safe anchoring.

Restrictions

Winter DWT restriction at CBM from Nov-Apr.

Vessels should not arrive with more than 50,000t of cargo onboard.

Berthing takes place during daylight hours only, between 0600-1500hrs. Unberthing takes place anytime.

Tugs

Towage is compulsory. Five tugs ranging from 500hp are available, using ship's lines. Fire fighting tugs are available (private).

Charts and publications

BA 1561, 2633, 2634. Admiralty Pilot NP49, NP286(3).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Should be sent to agent 72, 24 and 12 hours in advance. The 12 hour message should include a statement regarding ship's readiness to unload on arrival, and time required for deballasting after ship is moored. Further communication with the terminal should be established by VHF when vessel is 4 hours away, for exchange of weather data and mooring schedule.

Communications

Beirut - O D R. The pilot boat and terminal office maintain permanent listening watch on VHF. Transmits CW on 8702kHz and 13101kHz simultaneously half-past each hour beginning at 0630 until 2130hrs GMT.

Inmarsat communication is possible and is recommended.

VHF: Pilots and Terminal: Ch 16; 14.

Pilot: Tel: +961 3 205617.

Standard messages

Approaching vessels must remain in contact with Lebanese Patrol Brigade "Oscar Charlie" on VHF Ch 16/11 when at 20, 12, 6 and 1nm from port as well as on arrival at anchorage or berth. Same procedure applies on sailing.

Vessels not adhering to Patrol Brigade instructions are heavily penalised.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered upon vessel's arrival at anchorage. However, for tankers and as per local practice (dispute remains subject to Charter Party terms) NOR is accepted at the time of hose connection.

Health

Free pratique can only be granted after vessel's arrival/berthing.

Special forms will be delivered by health authorities representative attending on the vessel's arrival.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Customs are stationed at Zahrani port of entry.

Customs: For officers and crew an allowance of 40 cigarettes per day of vessel's estimated stay in port is granted. Wine and/or spirits 1 bottle per crew member. Master allowed 3 or 4 bottles. Penalties for non compliance are very heavy since customs authorities are very strict.

Penalties for non compliance are very heavy since customs authorities are very strict.

Immigration: Officials board vessel immediately upon arrival. A transit visa, valid for 24 hours, between the port and airport is granted for leaving crew on condition that seamen have reserved tickets. For joining crew, owner should advise agent 72 hours prior vessel's arrival in order to arrange entry visa valid 24 hours at the airport.

Notices and regulations

As the berths are in an open roadstead, vessels must have engines and gear ready for immediate use with full power. Under no circumstances may engines be shut down for repair.

The oil company's booklet on port information and rules is available from vessels' agent.

Vessels must have a pilot ladder safely and securely rigged and all vessels over 45,000DWT should have an accommodation ladder rigged in combination with pilot ladder for safe boarding of mooring master and government officials. Pilot ladder should be abaft and close to accommodation ladder so that mooring master, after climbing a few steps can use accommodation ladder for remaining climb. Since hoses handled on port side at Sidon, it is advisable to rig ladders on starboard side. If at night, adequate lighting must be rigged over side for mooring master to approach side of vessel and climb ladder safely. Vessels having special rigs, such as hoisting equipment on short sections of pilot ladder are not required to rig pilot/accommodation ladders per the above.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministry of Transport, Directorate General of Land and Maritime Transport.

Position: Director General of land & Maritime Transport.

Address: George Picot St, Starco Bldg, 3rd floor, Beirut, Lebanon.

Tel: +961 1 372436.

Fax: +961 1 372435.

Mobile: +961 3312385.

E-mail: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Minor repairs only.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Not available.

Bunkering: Not available.

Stores: Available with prior notice.

Medical

Al Raei Hospital in Saida, 4km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Beirut-Rafic Harii International Airport in Beirut, 46km.

Where it is

Zahrani Oil Terminal (also known as Sidon Oil Terminal) is situated approx 8km S of Sidon and 55km S of Beirut.

The port

The port mainly handles clean products, dirty products and LPG.

Note: The uncertain security situation at present has severely affected the traffic through this terminus.

What are the pilot arrangements at Zahrani Terminal?

Compulsory. A mooring master boards approx 2nm seaward of the waiting anchorage.

What time zone is Zahrani Terminal in?

Local time at Zahrani Terminal is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 27 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 30 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Zahrani Terminal?

The deepest berth listed is at Zahrani Power Plant - EDL: 13.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Zahrani Terminal?

1025.

Which load line zone is Zahrani Terminal in?

Summer.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Zahrani Terminal?

The UN/LOCODE of Zahrani Terminal is LBZHR.

What crews who called at Zahrani 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.

Read and add tips for Zahrani Terminal →