Chittagong Sea Port Information

Chittagong ( renamed as Chattogram) is the prime port of Bangladesh.
Most of ship calling at this port.

PILOTAGE AT KUTUBDIA and CHITTAGONG ANCHORAGE : PILOTAGE AREA

Voluntary Pilotage : Kutubdia and Chittagong port outer anchorage are the voluntary pilotage area. 

Compulsory Pilotage: Chittagong Port Authority recently served a circular for all shipowners whether calling at Port to discharge cargo or bunkering or for any survey operation. Chittagong Port Authority recently served a notice mentioning the requirements of Pilotage at Kutubdia and Anchorage areas :
Pilotage/ Navigation Assistance Service is compulsory for incoming ships with draft more than 10 meters, highly recommended for a vessel of draft 9.5 to 10 meters and recommended for any other vessels bound for Chittagong outer anchorage “A”, “B”, & “C” from Kutubdia. Ship’s masters having previous experience to call Chittagong port as Master may be allowed to obtain the exemption.

Agent of any vessel having draft more than 9.5 meters and bound for “A” anchorage will notify CPA at least three (03) days prior to proceed Chittagong outer anchorage. After receiving notification from agent, the anchorage position at “A” anchorage will be demarked. Such vessels need to take all measures including Pilot/Navigational Facilitator to stay on board until draft reduce to 9.5 meters/dragging tendency eliminated and while shifting from one to another anchorage. The agents have to report Chittagong Port about draft, last 24 hrs. cargo discharge etc. as the manner of berthing meeting/update such information in CPA Digital Berthing System.

PORT NOTIFICATION FOR PILOTAGE (Click to Download)

KUTUBDIA : Click to Display of Tidal data Online : Auto Tide Gauge Station

FACTS ABOUT CHITTAGONG PORT ANCHORAGE

Chittagong Port A/B/C anchorage area is almost the same for the last 22 years. Draft at “A” anchorage is 10m to 12m, at  “B” anchorage it is 9m to 10m and for “C” is less than 9m.

A anchorage is highly congested, very difficult to select a position maintaining at least 5 cables clearance from other vessels. Some v/l has no AIS or they kept off or blackout for few hours.

During transit from Kutubdia (Deep Sea) to Chittagong A/B/C anchorage, every V/L has to pass Shallow water Patch which is 8.5m only, and has to follow local Tide, need to know when current is at its highest speed. Master of the vessel has to select a good Anchor Position Considering Draft of his vessel to avoid excessive Current Pressure due to land slop & local anomaly.

Chittagong A/B/C anchorage has more than 10 wrecks, most of the area has soft mud, very poor anchor holding ground. The possibility of Anchor dragging  90%, Especially when Current, wind, Sea & Swell are in the same direction. Required at least 5 cables clearance from other vessel.

Highly recommendable, the bridge must be Manned at all time, VHF Ch-12 & 16, and Radar must be ON & M/E stand by at all times.  When Passing within A,B,C Anchorage area, turn or pass ahead of any vessel should be avoided, Remember very strong Current in times, wind, Sea & Swell and Anchor chain of other vessel. Poor steering in places due to less UKC.

Owner/Charterer can appoint local Pilot to shift the vessel from Kutubdia to Chittagong anchorage. As local PILOT has sufficient knowledge on above, they can select a better position than a foreign Master who comes rare or new for this port. Some of the well-known companies often ask for Pilot to stay on board for 2/3 days till reduce draft or till the Master is well familiar and feeling safe.

OUTER ANCHORAGE NOTIFICATION

Chittagong Port Recent Notice: To ensure the safety of vessels at Chittagong outer anchorage, the following to be complied with (w.e.f 01.12.2019):

1. Anchorage berth position of Chittagong outer anchorage “A” (Alpha) is as per the list given below:

Position A21, A23, A27, A28, A29 will not be allowed for anchor. Total allowable anchor position are (31-5-26) 26. CPA may reduce the number of anchor berth for safety reason. The maximum anticipated draft will be circulated 06 (Six) monthly for anchorage “A”.

2. Ship will be allowed to stay at “A” anchorage for maximum 5(Five) days from 30th September to 31st March and 7(Seven) days from 1st April to 29th September.
3. Pilotage/ Navigational Assistance Service is compulsory for incoming ships with draft more than 10 meters, highly recommended for a vessel of draft 9.5 to 10 meters and recommended for any other vessels bound for Chittagong outer anchorage “A”, “B” & “C” from Kutubdia. However ship’s masters having previous experience to call Chittagong Port as Master, may be allowed to obtain exemption.
4. Agent of any vessel having draft more than 9.5 meters and bound for “A” anchorage will notify CPA at least three(03) days prior to proceed Chittagong outer anchorage. After receiving notification from agent, the anchorage position at “A” anchorage will be demarked. Such vessels need to take all measures including Pilot/ Navigational Facilitator to stay on board until draft reduce to 9.5 meters/dragging tendency eliminated and while shifting from one to another anchorage. The agents have to report CPA about draft, last 24 hrs. cargo discharge etc. as the manner of berthing meeting/ update such information in CPA Digital Berthing System.

PORT NOTIFICATION FOR OUTER ANCHORAGE (DOWNLOAD)

For safe navigation / to comply with port regulation, can you please arrange pilot for shifting vessel from Kububdia anchorage to “A” anchorage of Chiattagong which is compulsory pilotage? Contact us at any time by 24 hrs email : bd@jarinfo.com

PRE-ARRIVAL QUESTIONNAIRE FOR AGENTS :

Please note if your Vessel is Scheduled for Discharging at Chittagong Anchorage. In View of Kindly note the below information for your kind reference . For smooth operation, would appreciate you advising on the following standard questionnaire answer for Chittagong :

AA ) Any size restrictions in port, including max permissible draft / depths in port approaches and at berth, LOA, beam or air draft, tide timings during port stay. Usual waiting area for vessel’s awaiting pilot / berthing.

Answer : N/A .
Pilot boarding position. (Lat/ Long): N/A . Reverting by email.
Location of the berth (Lat/ Long):
Answer : Some cargoes discharge at Kutubdia/Matarbari Project Side & balance Cargo discharge at Alpha Anchorage to cover vessel draft.
Bunkering will take place at anchorage or alongside berth, if required.:
Answer : Supplier Always supply Bunker at Anchorage area for bulk ships during cargo operation.
Question : Estimated stay at anchorage: About 5 or 6 days.

Estimated Time of Berthing, ETCD (Approximate Total Port Stay): Will inform by email as per cargo quantity.
Loading procedure (Shore gear/ Ship gear) / No of gangs/Usual rate/ Any restrictions with loading: Loading procedure (Ship gear/ship grab) .
Expected port stay, berth no, length of berth, depth at berth, which side alongside, air draft restrictions etc.:

Answer : Not required vessel along side for bulk, cargo discharge schedule anchorage area. .
No of tugs to be used and whether with ship or tugs line: N/A . Expected weather, duration of port stay: Present weather is very nice. . Depth at berth/ Sailing draft restrictions: In ballast vessel sailing time draft no restriction. .

Question : Availability of pilots (Night time berthing/ un-berthing is possible?): N/A .
Air draught restrictions (if any) (at berth or during pilotage) .
Density of dock-water at berth: Density not required for berthing. .

The local tide table: copy enclosed month at our website

Documentation required for inward clearance of vessel.:
Answer : Our representative will submit inward clearance when vessel will be arrived, boarding formality/attending time in due course. .

Port papers vessel is supposed to keep ready prior arrival: copy enclosed .
Port regulations with respect to ballast exchange, Quarantine / health regulations or any other special regulations.:
Answer : Our representative will submit to the Master Health Quarantine paper on arrival .
Any special port regulations wrt Bonded Items/ Personal Medicines/Pornography etc: N/A .

How much liquor/ cigarettes etc ship-staff is allowed to keep in their cabin for their personal consumption during stay at Port.:
Answer : There is no restriction but must be declaration as per normal procedure.

How much liquor/ cigarettes the ship-staff is allowed to take along-with them, if signing off.:
Answer :There is no restriction but must be declaration as per normal procedure. .
Any signals to be displayed while at anchorage or alongside berth:
Answer : Present weather is very nice so there is no weather signals.

If yellow flag to be hoisted on arrival?
Any lights to be displayed during night time?:
Answer : Only Bangladesh Flag & Vessel owner country Flag it is normal procedure.
Method of determining cargo quantity.: By the Load draft survey (Customs surveyor & Consignee Surveyor with chief officer).
Any dangers while approaching to port/ Anchorage, particularly wrt FISH FARMS/ FISHINIG NETS: Answer : When you will come to the anchorage area please be aware about the topics. Please confirm that approach from sea towards anchorage/ pilot boarding ground is free from any fish farms/ fish nets/ mariculture zones.
Please provide co-ordinates of all the fish farms/ mariculture zones in the vicinity, if any. : N/A .
Procedure to obtain permission for lowering and maneuvering of life boat/ rescue boat (For drill purpose). No customs restrictions.
If any Master/officer will attend the shore side Immigration shore pass must be required.
Procedure for obtaining permission for immobilization of M/E’s.: Permission for immobilization only Jetty area not Anchoring area.
If vessel is allowed to carry out routine hot work on deck during her stay at anchorage/ alongside berth.: Anchorage area not possible.
Garbage disposal facility (Compulsory or non-compulsory) and rate in USD per cum.:
Answer : Our Representative & Vendor party when contact with they will guide you.
Sludge disposal facility (Compulsory or non-compulsory) and rate in USD per cum.:
Answer : Our Representative & Vendor party when contact with they will guide you. .
Cost in USD of Fresh Water, Min quantity to be ordered. FW available by barge or shore pipeline:
Answer : Per MT cost of Fresh water USD including VAT supply by the water barge, we will send by email.
Possibility of receiving CTM and charges:

Requirement/Regulations for Sign-On/Sign Off at Chittagong.: There is no restriction at Chattogram port if possible give owner E-mail ID for sign/sign off formalities.

1. Procedure for Permission for painting of draft marks: Always our authorized vendor party/Ship Chandler have done every things by the getting permission from customs authority.
   Local time zone: 6 GMT (DHAKA) .
   Availability of Sim card and price plan: Yes, about USD.
   Any other information/ requirement which is important in your view: N/A

BB) Kindly provide the following information so as to inform our owners re COVID precautions v/l will observe during port call:

1. Number of shore personnel expected to board the vessel : On arrival time / sailing time Authorities personnel 08 persons & Stevedores personnel about 44 persons.
2. Will they be vaccinated and/or provide RTPCR negative results?: N/A
3. Precautions observed by Port for stevedores re COVID?: N/A
4. Number of cases reported for COVID in port area in last 14 days?: N/A
5. Precautions observed by stevedores while coming on board? On arrival

CC) Vessel’s SSO: Chief Officer Present Security Level : One In view of ISPS regulations/requirements, please advise following: . Is the port facility complying with ISPS Code, if yes, then what is the Security level being maintained by port. . If any special Security measures in place by port and/ or required by vessel. . PFSO details.

Note for CC) Anchorage area is not require for above questions only arrival time Chittagong port control BHF Channel 12/16 which type of information to want Master will provides those.