Zamboanga

Size limits

LOA 179.97m, beam 30m, draught 179.97m, 38,147DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Mean spring range 1.8m; mean neap range 0.3m.

There are generally two HW and two LW in the lunar day, but at equinoctial quartering and when the moon has high declination there may be one HW. In Nov and Dec tidal streams have been observed to set in the reverse direction and sometimes to set in the same direction for 24 hours, generally E going. Close to the pier at Zamboanga the flow is reported to be mainly W. Due to the unpredictability of tidal directions there is an illuminated current indicator on the main wharf.

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

Approach

Approach and entry: The port is approached from the W on an ESE track and keeping to the mid-channel between the coast of Mindanao and Santa Cruz Bank. It is entered 1nm NNE of Little Santa Cruz Island Light.

From the E, the port is approached on a WNW track keeping to the mid-channel between the Mindanao coast and Great Santa Cruz Island. It is entered 1nm S of Hondo River mouth.

Approach from west: From a position NE of Teinga Island (06°53'N 122°03'E) the track leads ESE passing, with positions from Little Santa Cruz Island (06°53'N 122°03'E):

SSW of San Ramos (9.5nm NW), SSW of Caldera Point (6nm NW), NNE of Santa Cruz Bank.

From this position the route leads in mid-channel between Little Santa Cruz Island Lighthouse and Baliwasan Wharf (2nm NNE) which is the pilot boarding position.

Approach from east: From a position NNE of Coco Island (06°44'N 122°16'E), the track leads WNW passing, with positions from Little Malanipa Island (06°53'N 122°18'E):

SSW of Malanipa Island, wooded with a prominent village standing on its SW side. Little Malanipa Island, wooded, lies on a bank extending 0.5nm E from the S extremity of Malanipa Island. Then:

SSW of Great Sand Bank (3nm W), fine sand, extending 4.5nm W from the W side of Malanipa Island, SSW of Tictauan Island (9nm W), NNE of President Shoal (13nm W), then in mid-channel between Great Santa Cruz Island and Hondo River mouth (12.75nm W) which is the pilot boarding position.

Port limits

Zamboanga Port limits are contained within lines drawn N from the E point of Little Santa Cruz Island (06°53'N 122°03'E) to the Mindanao coast and E from the same point to a position of intersection with a line drawn S from the E side of Hondo River mouth (06°54'N 122°05'E).

Anchorages

All vessels arriving and bound for the port of Zamboanga subject to quarantine inspection shall anchor within this area, fly the quarantine flag and await inspection. A vessel subject to quarantine may not be allowed to leave the anchorage until given pratique by the Quarantine Medical Officer.

Tugs

Not available.

Charts and publications

BA 957, 4466, 4470. Admiralty Pilot NP33, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

To be advised by the owner or agent in writing to the Port Authority, with prior application for a berth, if it is intended to berth at the wharf or anchorage within the port or harbour limits. Notice of ETA should be given at least 24 hours prior to arrival.

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: Office for Transportation Security - DOTC

Address: The Columbia Tower, Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Manila, Philippines.

Fax: +63 2 725 4787

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available. 24-hour watering services. The port's water tank has a total full capacity of 1,050 cu.m, provided by Aleson Shipping Lines, Inc and

Z.C. Liberty Trucking.

Bunkering: Caltex, Petron and Shell all provide services.

Medical

Brent Hospital (1km).

Transport

Airport facilities: Daily connections to Manila and the other Philippine Islands.

Nearest airport: Zamboanga City International (2km).

Nearest railway: None.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Zamboanga is situated on the southernmost tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula, in SW Mindanao, one of the larger of the Philippine Islands and is accessed from E or W via the Strait of Basilan.

The port

Ferries link the port of Zamboanga with the Island of Basilan. The port is on a major trade route for vessels heading S. Cargoes handled include copra, rubber and timber to either the piers or to lighters. For transfer to lighters there are no suitable anchorages off the island so vessels must lie within the port limits. The port also has container and passenger facilities. Zamboanga is a Customs Port of Entry.

Traffic

Approx 3,000,000t of cargo, 100,000TEU, 9,000 vessels and 1,000,000 passengers handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Zamboanga?

Compulsory for foreign going vessels and domestic trade vessels over 500GT.

What time zone is Zamboanga in?

Local time at Zamboanga is UTC+8. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Zamboanga?

The deepest berth listed is at Zamboanga: 10.10 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Zamboanga?

1025.

Which load line zone is Zamboanga in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Zamboanga?

Port State Control at Zamboanga: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Zamboanga?

The UN/LOCODE of Zamboanga is PHZAM.

What crews who called at Zamboanga 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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