Chart 3012,

VISAKHAPATNAM HARBOUR 

General Information

1.	Visakhapatnam(17º 41' ’N, 83º 17'E), (also known locally as Vizag) is a coastal, port city, situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh, located on the eastern shore of India, nestled among the hills of the Eastern Ghats and facing the Bay of Bengal to the east. It is the administrative headquarters of Visakhapatnam district and is also home of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. It is the largest city in the state of Andhra Pradesh.It is primarily an industrial city apart from being a port city.
2.	The port lies at the mouth of Meghadri River and has many natural advantages. It is the most sheltered harbour; during cyclone vessels have remained in the landlocked harbour safely.
3.	The outer harbour of the Port can accommodate vessels upto 2,00,000 DWT and draught upto 18.1 meters. The inner harbour berths are PANAMAX compatible and can handle vessels upto 14.5 meters draught. 
4.	The principal exports are iron and manganese ores, sugar, aluminum food grains and marine products. Chief imports are fertilizers, rock phosphate, sulfur, rude oil and petroleum products, coal, cement, zinc, concentrate and machinery.
		
Arrival Information 

1	Pratique may be requested by radio not more than 12 nor less than 4 hours before arrival. Requests for pilots should be signaled at least 48 hours before arrival. 

Landmarks
	1.	A Minaret is on the E side of Dargah hill about 2 cables E of the chapel. 
	2.	Dufferin Signal Station building, 66m high and conspicuous, 1¾ miles NNE of Dolphin’s Nose Lighthouse, surmounting Sand hill.
	3.	Collectorate Flagstaff, 72m high, 1.2miles NE of the Signal Station Building.	Circuit House Flagstaff, 93m, high, 6½ cables NNE of Collectorate Flagstaff.
	4.	Andhra University Clock Tower, 66m high, about 3 ½ miles NE of Dolphin’s Nose Lighthouse.
	5.	A Conspicuous tower, 67 m high standing in approximate position 17º43'.1N, 83º19'.2E.

1.	Anchorage. Anchorage is prohibited within an area of the port approaches bounded by the following co-ordinates: 
	17º41'.56 N, 83º18'.38 E
	17º41'.56 N, 83º21'.39 E
	17º40'.23 N, 83º21'.39 E
	17º40'.23 N, 83º17'.38 E
2.	Circular anchorage for petroleum tankers, radius 5 cables are centered on the following positions:
	17º36'.06N, 83º23'.49E (petroleum anchorage No.1)
	17º35'.26N, 83º25'.09E (petroleum anchorage No.2)
	17º37'.06N, 83º19'.29E (for SPM)
3.	A circular gas and explosive anchorage radius 2.5 cables is centred on:17º35'.06N, 83º23'.89E
4.	The circular areas for transshipment, radius 1 mile, have been established in the NE approaches to the port centred on the position:17º42'.06N, 83º22'.89E
5.	Other vessels should anchor in the roadstead clear of the specific areas previously described.  During NE monsoon, vessels at anchor lie to the current, bow NE, regardless of wind 	and swell.
6.	Naval Tanker Anchorage is bounded by the following co-ordinates with minimum depth of 25 m: 
	17º44'.22 N, 83º22'.66 E
	17º43'.27 N, 83º23'.16 E
	17º44'.22 N, 83º24'.88 E
	17º45'.11 N, 83º24'.38 E
7.	Deep water Naval Anchorage is bounded by the following co-ordinates with minimum depth of 17 m: 
	17º43'.03 N, 83º20'.68 E
	17º42'.28 N, 83º21'.12 E
	17º42'.60 N, 83º21'.70 E
	17º44'.00 N, 83º22'.19 E
	17º44'.19 N, 83º21'.41 E
	17º43'.20 N, 83º20'.95 E

8.	Shallow water Naval Anchorage is bounded by the following co-ordinates with minimum depth of 12 m: 
	17º42'.69N, 83º20'.02E
	17º43'.04N, 83º20'.68E
	17º42'.68N, 83º20'.88 E
	17º42'.32N, 83º20'.25E

9.	ExaminationAnchorage is bounded by the following co-ordinates with minimum depth of 14 m: 
	17º42'.36 N, 83º19'.59 E
	17º42'.36 N, 83º20'.89 E
	17º41'.58 N, 83º20'.54 E
	17º41'.58N, 83º19'.99E

10.	No 1 Signal Station  with a flagstaff having an elevation of 26m, stands near the middle of East Breakwater, 1 mile E of Ross Hills. Dufferin signal station (No 2 Signal Station i.e. 	Port Control) stands at an elevation of 88 m on the W side of Ross hill close E of a flagstaff.Both the signal station and flagstaff are conspicuous.

	SPM buoy (yellow circular) is installed in position 17º39'.14N, 83º18'.92E. A white light Mo(U)10s, with radar reflector is installed on the SPM buoy. Anchoring is prohibited within 		1.5nm radius from the position.

Signals
	1.	Only one vessel may enter or leave the harbour at a time.  A vessel entering displays numeral pendant 4 of the International Code of Signals or displaying 3 white lights in a 	vertical line during night time. These signals should be displayed only on instructions from the Pilot who will commence movement only after confirming channel clearance from Port 		Control-2. Automatic Identification System (AIS) has been installed at Port Control-2 Signal Station. No vessel should approach closer than pilot boarding ground without assistance 		of a pilot.

Entrance Channel	

	1.	The entrance channel to the outer harbour is 200 m wide and dredged to a depth of 22m. The dredging depth at approaches to outer turning circle and at outer turning circle is 	21 m.  The maintained depth at inner channel and inner turning basin is 16.1 m. The entrance channel to the inner harbour is maintaining depth of 10.7 m to 16.1 m. Eight pairs of 		leading light-beacons, consisting of pylons, lead through the inner harbour channel; the first pair stand within the S entrance point and in line bear 270.7º; the second pair, 		painted red and white, stand on the N entrance point and in line bear 278.6º; the third pair, also painted red and white stand on the S side of the channel and in line bear 262.5º 		another pair of light bearing 262.5º  for southern limit of the inner channel; the fourth pair painted red and white inline bear 278½º. The fifth pair is Oil refinery leading lights 		with alignment of 322.1º; The sixth pair stand 6 cables W of the S entrance point and in line astern bearing 165½º, leading to the inner turning basin to pass between the red and 		green lights of breakwaters. The seventh pair stands on the NS side of the channel and in line astern bearing 149½º. The eight pair stands on the S side of the channel and in line 		bearing 098.5º

Directions

	1.	When approaching port, vessels should always remain in deep water and avoid crossing bow of an anchored vessel at close distance as at times strong currents are experienced. 		In any case, vessels should not enter approach channel and approach closer than pilot boarding ground without assistance of pilot to pass between red and green lights of break 		waters.
	2.	Dolphin’s Nose,although a remarkable headland when approached from along the coast NE or SW, is not readily made out from the high land beyond it when viewed from a distance 		seaward.

1.	Inner Harbour turning basin is about 2 cables in diameter and dredged to 16.1 m lies at the W end of the entrance channel to the inner harbour with three arms extending from it. 	Western and North-Western arm dredged to 10.7m and Northern arm dredged to 16.1 m. The berth detail is shown below:- 

	Quay Berths		Berth length (m)	Depth alongside (m)
	East Quay-1		280			16.1
	East Quay-2 to 4	515			16.1
	East Quay-5		126.75			12.1
	East Quay-6		182.90			12.1
	East Quay-7		255.00			16.1
	East Quay-8		255.00			16.1
	East Quay-9		255.00			16.1
	East Quay-10		182.00			12.0
	West Quay-1		212.00			14.1
	West Quay-2		226.70			14.1
	West Quay-3		201.20			14.1
	West Quay-4		243.00			12.1
	West Quay-5		241.70			12.1
	West Quay-6		255.00			15.5
	RE W Quay -1		162.70			12.0
	West Quay-7		280.00			16.1
	West Quay-8		280.00			16.1
	Fertilizer Berth	173.13			10.7
	Oil Refinery Berth-1	183.00			10.7
	Oil Refinery Berth-2	183.00			10.7
	Oil Refinery Berth-3	183.00			10.7
	Green Channel Berth	150.00			9.00

2.	In the inner harbour during day time vessels with LOA more than 195 m is handled by two pilots. During the high tide vessel upto draught 14.5 m and beam upto 32.5 m are 		allowed.
3.	During night time vessels with LOA more than 186 m, or if beam exceeds 32 m, the vessel is berthed by two pilots. Sailing of vessels of LOA above 195 m, or beam exceeding 32 m., is 	also carried out by two pilots in the night. Berthing of Ammonia vessels is carried outonly during daylight however the vessel can be sailed out during night with two pilots. 

Outer Harbour. 
	1.	The outer harbour is protected by two breakwaters, South Breakwater and East Breakwater. Lights are exhibited from the NE end of South Breakwater and from South end of East 		breakwater.
	2.	The permissible draught at the ore berth on either side is 16.50 m; these berths can accommodate bulk carriers of up to 2,00,000 dwt. The berth is served by a conveyor belt, 	with a capacity of 8000 TPH, from the stock pile nearly 5 km distant. A turning circle dredged to 21.0 m lies between the berths and the entrance channel.
	3.	A general bulk cargo berth accommodating vessels up to 200,000 dwt and 18.10 m draught is situated SW of the Ore Berth. 
	4.	A berth for handling oil is situated close NW of South Breakwater, Tankers of up to 280 m long and draught of 17 m can be accepted. A submarine oil pipeline is laid from the 	west of the berth to a trestle bridge perpendicular to the coast. 
	5.	An LPG berth, with a dredged draught of 16 m alongside and able to accept vessels of up to 230 m LOA, beam 42m and draught 14m subject to the distance from ships centre 	manifold to its stern does not exceed 119 m is situated SW of the outer turning circle. 
	6.	A Multipurpose which accommodates vessels of up to 320 m LOA and draught 14.5 m is situated North East of the Ore Berth II. (Existing Berth length is 450m another length of 	395m extension work towards south is under progress) 
	7.	Cruise berth with 9 m depth alongside is situated next to the General Cargo Berth. 
	8.	Berthing of vessels at SBM, daughter tanker for STS, are carried out during day light hours.

1.	Tidal Streams: From about August to November the tidal streams sets NE and from mid-December through June it sets SW. Inside the 40m line the stream is much weaker than farther 	offshore. Close offshore tidal streams may sometimes be experienced.
2.	Climate: The climate is sub-tropical and varies from warm to hot, with high humidity throughout the year, Maximum temperature occurs in May while minimum temperature is 		recorded during December and January, SW winds prevails from March to August and NE from October to December. During day the NW winds are fresh, at night they are light and westerly. 	Heavy wind squalls with rain occur during October and November. Most of the rainfall occurs between June and November. A considerable swell always exists.

1.	Pilotage is compulsory for power and ocean going commercial vessels over 100 tons entering, leaving or shifting berth in the harbour. Pilot boards vessel at pilot boarding ground at	(17°40'.25 N, 83°19'.93E) which is about 1.3 nm SE of S Break Water Light.Vessels are advised not to approach north of main approach channel while embarking pilot. Instead of  vessel 	traffic management port is installed with radar with automatic identification. Request for pilot should be sent at least 48 hours before arrival. Pilot vessel can be identified by 	the word “Pilot” painted on both sides.
2.	Vessel should not approach inshore of the anchorage without a pilot because of current and shoaling on the N side of the entrance channel.
3.	A Spoil Groundlies centered at position    4 miles ESE of Dolphin’s Nose Lighthouse.A vessel entering or leaving at night and requiring a pilot displays a white light over red light 	where it can best be seen by the Port Control.
4.	Storm Signals are displayed; the general system is used.

Bulk Handling Facilities: Iron ore handling. A mechanised iron ore handling facility exists at this port. Annually 15 million tons of fines, pellets grades of iron ore is being handled at 	this port. The ship loader capacity is 8000 tons per hour. Enough storage of 9 million tonnes exists for stacking iron ore. Two vessels of 1,50,000 DWT can be handled on either side 	of the ore berth.
Raw Fertilisers Handling Facilities: One specialised berth with mechanised unloading of raw fertilisers exists. Multipurpose berths in the inner harbour are also designed for unloading 	fertilisers. There is availability of adequate storage area for fertilisers. Pipe line facility also exists for liquid fertilisers at Fertiliser Wharf.

General Facilities:The entire quay in the inner harbour is equipped with shore/electric cranes, rail, and road approaches and transit sheds. Mobile equipment like mobile cranes; forklifts 	etc; are available for handling cargo. Floating cranes withcapacity of 140-ton and 55-ton are available. (Container gantry cranes owned by BOT operator are also available).
	2.	M/s Hindustan Shipyard is a ship building yard with a dry dock capacity of accommodating vessels of 210 m LOA and beam 32.26m. Ship repair facilities including 2 dry docks 	are located at the Inner harbour. There is a covered building dock 240m long and 53m wide The ship yard is equipped with 40-ton and 10-ton cranes; the fitting out jetty has a 125 ton 	fixed crane, two 150ton cranes and a covered ship-fitting quay with an alongside depth of 10 m also are available. A small dry dock and a slip way located SSE of the turning basin 	are operated by the Port.
	3.	There are many Government and Civil Hospitalsavailable with Modern facilities.
	4.	Lighterage of petroleum from large tanker to lighters and barges is done at the new oil mooring/OSTT/LPG jetty and also in the Vizag roads within port limits.
	5.	There are 25 electric cranes with capacity from 10 to 20 tons and mobile cranes with capacity 40 tons. All eastern quays in the inner harbour are equipped with electric cranes. 
	6.	De-Ratting, Exemption certificates are issued.
	7.	Supplies: Fresh provisions can be supplied in sufficient quantities.
	8.	Fresh Wateris generally supplied by 300 ton. Water barge or by road tankers, except at OR-I/OR-II where shore line is also available.
	9.	Bunkers is usually supplied by private bunkers barges.

Communication

	1.	Communications by sea are regularly maintained with all parts of the world. Regular flights are available to and from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam. 	Visakhapatnam is also well connected with the general railway, telephone, telegraph systems and good roads.

Regulation

	1.	Visakhapatnam port has very strict environmental regulations, no ballast and bilges canbe discharged in the port or in the vicinity. Only one vessel may enter or leave at a 		time. Sailing vessel of 100 tons or more must be towed by tugs. 
	2.	Vessels beam up to 32.20m can be handled at all stages of tide subject to a maximum draft of 9.14 m. Liquid ammonia ships can be sailed during night with two pilots.	
	3.	Two pilots will be engaged if vessel's beam exceeds 32m and if LOA exceeds 186 m in case of arrivals during night.
	4.	In respect of every vessel desiring to enter the port, an application shall be made in advance in the form prescribed by the Board to the Deputy Conservator and Traffic 		Manager, by the Master, Owner or Agent stating the name of the vessel, cargo carried or whether in ballast.

Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour

	1.	Itis separated from Outer Harbour by Groyne No 2 which connects to East Breakwater; it is entered between the N end of East Breakwater and North Breakwater. A light is 		exhibited at the head of North Breakwater. Several jetties extend NE from Groyne No 2 and there is quayage with a depth of 4.5 m alongside.
	2.	Leading lights, in line bearing 234½º and situated 2 cables SW of North Breakwater Light, lead into the fishing harbour.A short breakwater extends SW from a position on the 		shore 3 cables NE of the head of North Breakwater.
	3.	Wrecks.Three underwater wrecks classified as dangerous to surface navigation exists in positions.

		Position			Least depth
		17°41'.81N 83°18'.30E       	5.6m
		17°41'.87N 83°18'.31E		3m
		17°41'.79N 83°18'.37E		4m

Augmentation of ore handling complex to 18 million tons of iron ore per year is under active consideration. 
		Diversare available for all sort of underwater repairs.
		Port Authority is exercised by, 
		The Chairman Visakhapatnam Port Trust, 
		Visakhapatnam – 530 035
		Tele : +91 891 2562758,	
		Fax+91 891 2565042
		E-mail	: dc@vizagport.com 








