Zirku Island

Size limits

Offshore: LOA 339.76m , draught 21.0m, and 322,861DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Rise of tide can be up to 2.0m but the usual variation is 1.0m. The highest average spring tide is 1.4m and lowest average neap tide is 1.0m. Tidal currents are semi diurnal.

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

Approach

Departure route: A deep water channel for laden tankers leaving the terminal with a maximum draught of 21.0m leads N for about 12nm; it is marked by Nos 1 to 6 Lightbuoys (IALA System A); maximum speed in the channel 8kts.

Deep draught vessels approaching the port via the above channel should advise the port of their intentions, prior to entering the channel.

Traffic schemes and VTS

A Traffic Separation Scheme is in operation in accordance with International Traffic Regulations.

Anchorages

In case of a berth not being available, the approaching tanker will be instructed to proceed to an anchorage area and anchor at an agreed location. The tanker will wait at this location until further instructions are received.

Tanker E Anchorage, approx 4.3nm NE of Zirku Island, is for tankers waiting for a berth. Tanker N Anchorage, approx 3.0nm E of the terminal, is for vessels waiting for a berth and by those vessels whose sailing is delayed. The holding ground is poor; a thin layer of sand over rock, with some coral patches.

Vessels anchoring to await berthing instructions in Petroleum Port limit must advise "ZIRKU Port Control" via VHF radio of, anchoring time and anchoring position (bearing and distance from anchorage buoy No.2).

All Vessels at anchor must keep a listening watch on VHF channels 16 and 64. When a vessel intends to leave the anchorage, it must obtain prior approval from ZIRKU Port Control via VHF Radio of intended time to heave up anchor, reason for departing and time departed anchorage (anchor clear).

Prohibited Anchorage: Within port limits outside the designated anchorage areas.

An anchorage buoy is located at 24° 51.300'N 53° 6.900'E.

Restrictions

Vessels with draught in excess of 16.0m are berthed during daylight only.

Vessels speed must not exceed 8kts within port limits and departure route.

Tankers of 20 years and over must undergo a daylight safety inspection before acceptance for berthing at the terminal.

Restricted Area No. 2 - A circular area of radius 1nm centred on the repeater platform in position 25° 1.700'N 52° 55.700'E.

Restricted Area No. 3 - A circular area of radius 0.5nm centred on the ZIRKU flare platform (ZFP) in position 24° 51.545'N 53° 2.573'E.

Tugs

There are 1 x 6,660bhp and 1 x 4,260bhp tugs available.

Mooring

SPM's: The tanker must have the port side derrick/crane rigged for lifting the shore equipment aboard. The minimum derrick SWL shall be 15t. The bow chain stopper type brackets (as per OCIMF recommendations) will be prepared for mooring. Once the vessel is securely moored, the duty tug will secure it's towline through the tankers stern fairlead with best lead. It will remain on permanent VHF Ch 15 watch in addition to tanker loading channel.

Charts and publications

BA 3413, 2443, 2444, 3178, 3179, 2889, 2837. Admiralty Pilot NP63, NP286(8).

Communications

VHF: Zirku Marine: Ch 16, 15, and 64 throughout 24 hours. Port callsign "Zirku Island", Terminal callsign "Zirku Marine".

Tel: +971 2 605 6410, Fax: +971 2 605 5244, Telex: 22948 zdcauh em, Email: [email protected].

Contact to be established with Zirku Marine on VHF, 3 hours prior to arrival.

Standard messages

Vessels arriving for the first time are sent a standard message, requesting information by Zirku Island Terminal.

Notice of readiness

Tendered on arrival.

Health

Valid Ship Sanitation Control/Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate required.

Vessels arriving at ZIRKU terminal must carry the usual Bill of Health for Ports visited on the voyage. Masters of vessels are required to inform the Port Authority in their pre arrival information if there is any sick person onboard or if there has been any sickness onboard within the week prior to arrival. Pratique is granted normally through the pilot.

Flags

Usual flags and UAE national flag must be displayed.

Notices and regulations

OCIMF recommendations, inert gas system and air conditioning must be functional.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministry of Interior, Central Operation Department.

Address: PO Box 398, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Tel: +971 2 441 5288

Fax: +971 2 441 5266

Mob: +971 50 667 8700

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

Repairs

There are no repair facilities available and repairs are not permitted whilst moored to SPM's.

Dry docks

Not available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Bunkers: Not available.

Fresh Water: Not available.

Medical

A hospital on the island may be used in emergencies (for vessel crews only).

Crew change

No shore leave is permitted for visiting tankers crews, due to strict security requirements.

Transport

Nearest airport: Zirku Airport (for oil company use only).

Airport facilities: Connection to Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Zirku Island, is located in the Persian Gulf approx. 76nm NW of Abu Dhabi.

The port

There are two tanker berths (SPM's) situated 8nm NNW of Zirku Island. Only crude oil is exported from the terminal. Small general cargo, breakbulk and Ro-Ro facilities can be found to the SE of Zirku Island and a pier handling landing crafts and crew/supply vessels can be found to the N.

Traffic

Approx 300 tankers are handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Zirku Island?

Compulsory, within port limits.

What time zone is Zirku Island in?

Local time at Zirku Island is UTC+4. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Zirku Island?

The deepest berth listed is at Zirku Island Terminal: 21.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Zirku Island?

1025.

Which load line zone is Zirku Island in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Zirku Island?

The UN/LOCODE of Zirku Island is AEZUR.

What crews who called at Zirku Island 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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