PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Zanzibar City
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory for all foreign vessels of more than 200GT. Pilots meet vessels from the S off Mtwana (06°14'S 039°10'E) and those from the N off Seagull Shoal (06°05'S 039°11'E). The orange pilot boat is fitted with VHF.
Key data
updated Oct 2019Size limits
Harbour: Draught 11.0m, LOA 190m, 20,000 DWT.
Off Shore: Draught 5.50m, LOA 100m.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Range 3.0m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malindi Terminal | 11.00 m | 190 m | 2 |
| Mtoni Oil Terminal | 5.50 m | 100 m | 1 |
| Ferry Terminal | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Dec 2019Approach
Approach is either from the N or S through Zanzibar Channel. Entry through the chain of reefs fronting the harbour is possible through five different channels, although only Southern Pass (6°16'S 039°09'E) from S and English Pass (6°07'S 039°12'E) from N are marked and recommended.
Anchorages
Zanzibar Harbour affords good anchorage in all weathers to vessels up to 335m length and 9.7m draught. Good anchorage may be obtained in depths from 13.0-22.0m in any position N or S of Ras Shangani, except within the prohibited anchorage or in the fairway. Large vessels should take up berths in the outer part of the anchorage, and small craft closer inshore.
Quarantine anchorage: Is in French Pass either NE or SE of Chango depending on the monsoon, small craft awaiting pratique should anchor 0.15nm NNW of the entrance to Dhow Harbour.
Prohibited anchorage: Anchoring is prohibited in an area W of Ras Shangani due to the presence of submarine cables.
Tugs
4 berthing tugs available.
Charts and publications
BA 3211, 665. Admiralty Pilot NP3, NP286(8).
Inspections
Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.
ISPS
Designated Authority: Ministry of Communications and Transport, Shipping Department.
Contact: Registrar of Ships.
Address: PO Box 9144, Tancot House, 5th Floor, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Tel: +255 22 212 2268
Fax: +255 22 212 2268
Mob: +255 748 540404
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.moct.go.tz
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Oct 2019Repairs
Minor repairs can be undertaken.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water and bunkering: Available by barge upon request.
Medical
Zanzibar (1km).
Transport
Nearest airport: Zanzibar (10km), flights to Dar-Es-Salaam, also Nairobi.
Working hours
Normally 0700-1500hrs. Overtime may be provided up to 2200hrs Mon-Sat, with 1 hour extension to 2300hrs for finishing vessels only. All Sundays and bank holidays are overtime.
About Zanzibar City
updated Dec 2019Where it is
The port is located on the western side of the island of Zanzibar approx 60km N of Dar Es Salaam and 35NM off the coast of Tanzania mainland.
The port
This is the main port in Zanzibar Island for import and export businesses and also the busiest passenger terminal in East African region. The port has one berth for large vessel and the main business in this port is container traffic.
Traffic
Approx 400,000t of cargo, 77,000 TEU and 1,700,000 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Zanzibar City
What are the pilot arrangements at Zanzibar City?
Compulsory for all foreign vessels of more than 200GT.
What time zone is Zanzibar City in?
Local time at Zanzibar City is UTC+3. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Zanzibar City?
The deepest berth listed is at Malindi Terminal: 11.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Zanzibar City?
1025.
Which load line zone is Zanzibar City in?
Tropical.
Who carries out Port State Control at Zanzibar City?
Port State Control at Zanzibar City: Indian Ocean MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Zanzibar City?
The UN/LOCODE of Zanzibar City is TZZNZ.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Zanzibar City 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.