PORT DESCRIPTION

Location: Qasr Ahmed (Misurata Port) is situated approx 250km E of Tripoli.

General overview: Qasr Ahmed is a commercial port serving the town of Misurata and the industrial area close S which includes a steelworks and a power station. It has facilities for handling dry bulk, petroleum, Ro-Ro, container and general cargoes. The main cargoes handled include iron ore, grain, construction materials, livestock, machinery and petroleum products. All berths are well fendered with adequate mooring facilities.

Traffic figures: Approximately 290 vessels visit the port annually.

Load Line zone: Summer.

Max size: Tankers up to 30,000dwt, draught 11m can be accommodated.

PRE ARRIVAL INFORMATION

ETA's: Vessels should send ETA 12 hours prior to arrival.

Communications: VHF: "Tarabulus Radio" callsign "5AT" on Ch 16.

NAVIGATION

Sea buoys, fairways and channels: The main harbour is formed by two breakwaters enclosing the harbour area. The N breakwater extends 0.7nm E from ras al Barq and the broad E breakwater extends 1nm N from the shore. The entrance is approx 180m wide. From a position about 1nm E of the entrance the alignment of the leading lights 270°: Front light; white triangle point up, red band (32°22.3'N 015°12.7'E), Rear light; white triangle point down, red band, (500m from front light) leads into the harbour through the centre of the channel.

Approach and entry: The port is approached through the Approach Reporting Point (32°34 N 015°16 E) and entered through dredged channels of 13m, on the alignment of leading lights. For details of Approach Reporting Points see General Marine Information.

Pilot: Compulsory, the pilot boarding position is approximately 1nm off the harbour entrance. Pilots are available from 0800-2000hrs, except on Friday. The pilot boat is grey with white upperworks.

Anchorages: The anchorage area for vessels awaiting a berth is within 1.5nm of 32°23'N 015°18'E, approx 5nm ENE of Ras al Barq Light in charted depths of 25-37m. The holding ground is poor and it is therefore advisable to leave the anchorage at the first sign of the approach of bad weather.

Prohibited anchorage: Anchorage is prohibited within 2nm of the harbour. Tidal range and flow: Range 0.5m.

Dock density: 1026.

Weather: Prevailing winds: N'ly.

Principal navigation aids: Landmarks: (Positioned from Ras al Barg Light): Ras al Barg Light (white metal framework tower on square tower, black stripes, 8m in height) (32°22.2 N 015°12.7 E)). Three chimneys (red lights) (2.5nm SSE. Charts: BA 3402. Admiralty Pilot NP49, NP286(3). Tugs: There are 5 tugs up to 2,400hp available.

BERTHS AND CARGO

Names/Nos: General cargo/Bulk berths: In the south part of the harbour is about 3000m of berth space, in two basins, with a least depth of 11m alongside.

Ro-Ro berths: There are 2 berths in the S port area used for Ro-Ro traffic. The berths are 200m in length, with a depth alongside of 11.0m.

Tanker berth: A 'T' shaped pier, in the NW corner of the harbour with a depth of 12m alongside, used for discharging oil products.

Steelworks harbour: There is a bulk berth on the inside of the N breakwater with a length of 350m and a reported depth of 15m.

Facilities: 1 x 300tph conveyor system. 9 x 120tph conveyors. 4 lattice boom cranes, 2 telescopic boom cranes and 5 container handling fork lifts. 1 floating crane.

Storage: There is 24,400m2 of covered storage and 444,500m2 of open storage area available. The grain berth is provided with a silo of capacity 40,000t.

GENERAL

Repairs: Minor repairs may be undertaken.

Bunkers/water/stores: Fresh water: Available via 2 water barges.

Medical facilities: Medical facilities are available.

Transport: Nearest airport: Tripoli International Airport (250km).

Public holidays: Mar 8, May 25, Jun 11, Jul 23, Sep 1 and Oct 7.

Variable dates: El Mouled el Nabawi, Aid el Fitr, Aid el Adha & Higri New Year. Fri is a weekly port holiday. Working hours: Normally 0800-1200hrs and 1300-1700hrs. Overtime 2000-2400hrs and 0100-0700hrs.