Das Petroleum Port consist of DAS ISLAND terminals, ZIRKU ISLAND terminal and MUBARRAZ ISLAND terminal
4.2.1. Das Island
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4.2.02 Location
DAS Island lies 90 miles North West of the city of Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. DAS Island is the terminal for
processing, storage and export of crude oil from the Zakum, Umm Shaif, Bunduq and ABK oil fields by Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company
(ADMA-OPCO); and for liquefying the associated gas and sulphur, processed by Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction Company Limited (ADGAS).
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4.2.03 VHF Radio
All Communications shall be in English.
DAS Marine Port Control maintains a 24 hour watch on VHF channel 16/12.
All communications other than VHF will be as detailed hereunder.
DAS Island Radio Mast is installed in position:
Lat. 25° 08’ 30.39” N, Long. 052° 52’ 43.90” E.
Red lights visible all round the horizon are established at the top of the mast, 268 feet
(81.8 metres) above chart datum.
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4.2.04 Entering and Navigation Within the Port
Navigation / movement within the Port limits are permitted subject to prior permission being granted by the Port Authority. Vessel
visiting the port area must have onboard, a sufficient range of current hydrographic charts and other nautical publications (such as
light list, tide tables, pilot books, etc.) relevant to the area. These charts and publications must be of the latest edition and kept
up to date with regard to notice to mariners and other notices promulgated for the area.
Prior to port entry and during pilotage, position fixing should be carried out at frequent Intervals.
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4.2.05 Cautions
The Umm Shaif oil field is approximately 20 miles to the east of DAS Island.
The Zakum oil field is approximately 48 miles to the south east of DAS Island.
The Bunduq oil field is approximately 15 miles to the west of DAS Island.
The ABK oil field is approximately 25 miles to the NNE of DAS Island.
The fields, together with their associated oil and gas pipelines to DAS Island, are marked upon hydrographic charts pertaining to the area.
It is essential that Vessels / Boat approaching DAS Port do not enter the oil field areas or anchor in the vicinity of submarine pipelines.
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4.2.06 Service Harbour
DAS Island Service Harbour is situated at the south of DAS Island. There are a total of 14 berths available at this time.
Inner harbour consists of twelve berths (No. 3 through No. 14). The facilities are reserved for ADMA-OPCO Boat, Government Boat and
Contracted Boat for the loading / discharge of materials and supplies. The maximum permissible draft is 9 feet (2.7 metres) usage of
which is governed by the Port Authority / ADMA-OPCO.
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4.2.07 Eastern Extension
Consists of two berths (No. 1 and 2) which are reserved for use by ADMA-OPCO, port tugs, and for importation of petroleum products.
Maximum draft permitted is 15.5 feet (4.7 metres).
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4.2.08 Reporting of Incidents or Defects
If any incident occurs within the DAS Port, it must be reported immediately and in writing to the Port Authority.
Incidents between ships / boats must likewise be reported but the owners are responsible for their own legal action.
Any defects, machinery or equipment failures, etc. which occurs while the vessel is at the port, should immediately be reported to the Port
Authorities, followed by a written report giving full details.
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4.2.09 Tugs and Mooring Launches
Fire-fighting / pollution control/berthing tugs and Mooring Boats are always available at DAS Island to assist in berthing/unberthing of
Vessels at the crude oil, LNG /LPG / Paraffinic Naphtha and Sulphur facilities. A total of 5 tugs, 2 pilot boats and 5 mooring cum line
boats are stationed at Das at all times to assist in the berthing / unberthing of vessels at Das / Zirku Terminals.
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4.2.10 General Cargo Operation
No general cargo is handled at Das Island terminals.
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4.2.11 Bunkers
Not available.
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4.2.12 Water, Provisions and Supplies
Not available.
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4.2.13 Crew Change
There are no facilities for crews of visiting vessels to join or leave vessels at DAS Island. Repatriation for medical reasons only in
extreme emergency may be arranged at Master’s request with the consent of the DAS Island Resident Medical Officer and Chief of
Police and HM office.
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4.2.14 Ships’ Business
Sole agents at DAS Island are the Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA-OPCO).
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4.2.15 Gangways
Shore gangways are provided at Tanker berths No. 4 & 5. Vessel to provide access steps from gangway at ship’s rail. At SPM
Tanker berths No. 3 and 6 the vessel must provide accommodation ladder on both sides of the vessel for access.
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4.2.16 Pratique
Vessels arriving at DAS Island must carry the usual Bill of Health for Ports visited on the voyage. Masters of vessels are required to
inform the Port Authorities in their pre-arrival questionnaire if there is any sick person onboard or if there has been any sickness
onboard within the week prior to arrival.
Pratique is granted by the Port Medical Officer, through the Pilot.
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4.2.17 Pre-arrival Information
All vessels calling at DAS or Zirku, Mubaraaz Port must pass the pre-arrival information at least 72 hours in advance in the same format
and sequential order so as to avoid unnecessary delays. Update ETA at 48 hours and 24 and 12
hours prior to arrival and contact Port Control on VHF Ch. 16/12 four (4) hours before arrival.
Send your reply directly to the Harbour Master DAS Petroleum Port Authority as per the e-mail id in the contact details.
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4.2.18 Documents and Specimen Forms
Before commencement of any berthing operation by the Port Authority appointed berthing master, the ship master should sign and stamp
certain initial documents. These initial documents contain:
- Vessel declaration by the Master
- Ballast declaration
- Conditions of use of Petroleum Ports terminal facilities
- Safety requirements
In addition, Form No. 019-MAR-4, Pre-berthing declaration Supreme Petroleum Council boycott declaration.
A supply of these initial documents will be provided at the vessel’s first visit to DAS Port. On second and subsequent visits,
the Pilot / Loading master will receive the documents, duly completed, on boarding thereby avoiding any delays to the vessel.
Vessels to submit other documents also, viz.
- Crew Lists.
- Copy of last port clearance.
- Copy of the international tonnage certificate.
- Ship safety equipment certificate.
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4.2.19 Vessels Anchoring
Vessels anchoring to await berthing instructions in Petroleum Port limit must advise “DAS Port Control” via VHF Radio of:
- Anchoring time in LT (L.T. is GMT + 4)
- Anchoring position (bearing and distance from tanker berth No. 6 (SPM)
- All Vessels at anchor must keep a listening watch on VHF Channel 16/12
All vessels must drop anchor in position given by the Port Control Room
When a vessel intends to leave the anchorage, it must obtain prior approval from “DAS Port Control” via VHF Radio of:
Intended time to heave up anchor
- Reason for departing
- Time departed anchorage (anchor clear)
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4.2.20 Pilotage
Pilotage is compulsory for all ships navigating within port limits. This rule is not applicable to U.A.E. Naval Coastguard vessels or
boat who may, having ascertained channel clearance from port control, proceed without the services of a pilot. The Pilot / Loading
Master are the designed representatives of the Port Authority and, as such, are responsible to the Port Authority for the observance
and implementation of Standing instructions for marine operations.
The Pilot / Loading masters will normally board the vessel approximately 2 miles North East of the SPM 3 in position
25°10.00’ N 052°56.00’ E. For Vessels entering from the
South, the Pilot / Loading Master will board in a position 25º 04.00N 053 01.6’E. Pilot / Loading Master
will undertake the pilotage, berthing and unberthing of the vessel except that the Master of the vessel shall remain solely responsible
on behalf of the owners for the safety and safe navigation of the vessel at all times.
The master should inform the pilot of the ship’s characteristics using a pilot card. This card should be completed as directed by
the Master and handed to the pilot on boarding the vessel. The pilot shall inform / explain to the master the weather conditions, berthing
arrangements, passage plan and his navigational intentions, use of tugs and other external facilities. Such information should be
agreed by the master.
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4.2.21 Tankers, Gas Carriers and Sulphur Carriers
Tankers, gas carriers and sulphur carriers are not permitted to berth at or unberth from any of the berths in DAS / Zirku / Mubaraaz
Island without a Port Authority Pilot / Loading master onboard.
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4.2.22 Boat
Boat entering the inner harbour is not required to hire pilotage services, but may do so by prior application to the Port Authority.
Movements of all Boat into, within or out of the boat harbour are at the discretion of the Port Authority.
Allocation of berths is arranged through Port Authority.
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4.2.23 Anchorages, Berths, Mooring and Restricted Areas
-
Every vessel entering the Port shall occupy such anchorage, berth or mooring as may be directed by the Port Control, and shall
move to any other anchorage, berth or mooring as and when required by Harbour Master.
-
No vessel shall shift or change the anchorage, berth or mooring allotted except upon instructions from the Port Control.
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No vessel shall have the right to any anchorage, berth or mooring within the port by priority of arrival or any other reason.
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No vessel or Boat, other than Boat belonging to or acting for the Port Authority, shall make fast to or make contact with any
navigational aids, mark or buoy.
-
No moorings for Vessels shall be laid down within the port without permission from the Harbour Master and any such moorings may be
removed or examined as required by the Authority.
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No buoy, floating mark or obstruction shall be laid anywhere within the Port for any reason without permission from the Port
Authority.
-
The Port Authority shall have the right to remove any buoy or obstruction of whatever nature at its sole discretion and the owners
thereof shall be liable for any expenditure so incurred.
-
All Vessels shall be moved or warped from place to place within the port by such route, means and with such appliances as may be
ordered by the Port Authority.
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All ships berthing or unberthing or moving within the Port shall employ the services of such minimum number of tugs as may be
required and in a manner directed by the pilot in control of such an operation. The charges for use of these tugs have been
accounted for in the prepaid port charges.
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All ships berthing or unberthing at a main sea berth, oil jetty or cargo wharf will be provided with a suitable Port Authority
mooring launch (if required) to assist with the running of moorings and the lifting of submarine / floating loading pipelines.
(The charges for the use of such launch have been accounted for in the prepaid port charges).
-
In the event of adverse weather conditions at times, or if, in the opinion of the Harbour Master, any situation warrants, the
vessel will provide extra adequate moorings in addition to the minimum required in order to safeguard the vessel and installation.
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4.2.24 Main Anchorage Area
| A |
LAT 25°06.6N |
LONG 052°55.5’E to |
| B |
LAT 25°04’N |
LONG 052°55.5’E to |
| C |
LAT 25°04’N |
LONG 053°01.8’E to |
| D |
LAT 25°06.2’N |
LONG 053°01.8E |
| E |
LAT 25º 06.6’N |
LONG 053º 58.8’E & finally to (A) |
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4.2.25 Optional Anchorage Area
An optional anchorage for Vessels is located adjacent to main anchorage bounded by co-ordinates, to be used in case the main anchorage
is full under the directions of Port Control,
| a |
LAT 25°03.2’N |
LONG 053°2.4’E to |
| b |
LAT 25°00.1’N |
LONG 053°02.4’E to |
| c |
LAT 25°00.1’N |
LONG 053°04.6’E to |
| d |
LAT 25°03.2’N |
LONG 053°04.6’E & finally to (a). |
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4.2.26 Cautions
Pipelines connecting the tanker berths to the shore lie close to the northern boundary of this anchorage. Within the small Boat anchorage
area are mooring buoys installed by the Company for their own usage. The number of buoys installed and their positions are liable to be
changed without promulgation of any notices. The use of these buoys by any Boat is subject to permission being granted by the Port
Authority. Unauthorized occupancy of these buoys could result in strong action being taken against the Boat, any consequential
damage / loss of earnings / incidental expenses, etc. incurred by the Company will be for the account of the offending Boat.
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4.2.27 Holding Ground (Sea Bed)
The sea bed around DAS Island is rock, covered by a few inches of loose sand. Holding is poor and Vessels are urged to exercise due care
and pay out extra chain.
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4.2.28 Prohibited Anchorages
Prohibited anchorage areas have been established at DAS Island. Use of anchors within these areas is strictly prohibited.
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4.2.29 Prohibited Anchorages – South of Das Island
A prohibited anchorage area is established to the south of DAS Island in an area encompassed by a line joining the following positions:
| A |
LAT 25°08’40”N |
LONG 052°52’56”E to |
| B |
LAT 25°08’10”N |
LONG 052°52’56”E to |
| C |
LAT 25°08’10”N |
LONG 052°53’00”E to |
| D |
LAT 25°09’00”N |
LONG 052°53’00”E to |
| E |
LAT 25°09’00”N |
LONG 052°53’20”E to then east to shore |
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4.2.30 Prohibited Anchorage-Tanker Berth no 3 & 6
A prohibited anchorage areas exists within a circular area of radius 1,500 feet (460 metres) centred on tanker berth No. 3 in LAT
25°08’56”N. LONG 052°54’08”E and on tanker berth No. 6 in LAT 25°08’02”N. LONG
052°55’38”E.
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4.2.31 Prohibited Anchorage – Artificial Reef
A prohibited anchorage areas exists within a circular area of radius 650 feet (200 metres) centred on an Artificial Reef in position:
Lat 25° 08.2’ N Long 052°
52.2’ E
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4.2.32 Restricted Areas
Restricted areas have been established at DAS Island. Vessels/Boats are only allowed to enter these areas for duly authorised operational
purposes.
Restricted areas no. 1 & 2
| a |
LAT 25° 09’33”N |
LONG 052° 52’00”E to |
| b |
LAT 25° 09’31”N |
LONG 052° 53’15”E to |
| c |
LAT 25° 08’35”N |
LONG 052° 53’36”E to |
| d |
LAT 25° 08’40”N |
LONG 052° 53’55”E to |
| e |
LAT 25° 09’27”N |
LONG 052° 53’36”E to |
| f |
LAT 25° 09’30”N |
LONG 052° 53’36”E to |
| g |
LAT 25°10’05”N |
LONG 052° 53’26”E to |
| h |
LAT 25°10’05”N |
LONG 052° 53’06”E to |
| i |
LAT 25°11’04”N |
LONG 052° 53’06”E to |
| j |
LAT 25°11’04”N |
LONG 052° 53’00”E to |
| k |
LAT 25°10’30”N |
LONG 052° 53’00”E to |
| l |
LAT 25°10’30”N |
LONG 052° 52’30”E to |
| m |
LAT 25°09’10”N |
LONG 052° 52’30”E to |
Restricted area no. 3
A circular area of radius 1,500 feet (460 metres) centred on tanker berth No. 3 in position:
LAT 25°08’56”N
LONG 052°54’08”E
Restricted area no. 4
A circular area of radius 1,500 feet (460 metres) centred on tanker berth No. 6 in position:
LAT 25°08’02”N
LONG 052°55’38”E
Restricted area no. 5
A circular area of radius 650 feet (200 metres) centred on an Artificial Reef in position:
LAT 25° 08.2’ N
LONG 052° 52.2’ E
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4.2.33 Emergencies, Safety of Person and Property
If any vessel, oil terminal or construction operation is in danger or distress through fire, explosion, collision, stranding or whatever
cause, the Master or Person in charge shall immediately report the fact by the quickest means to the Port Control.
This emergency communication should be achieved, if possible, by VHF radio channel 16/12 and the call prefixed with the words “
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY” or by the shore port telephone system.
The Master of the vessel or the person in charge, shall also take such steps as may remove or abate the danger or distress until further
assistance arrives, provided that no ship shall move from its berth for the purpose until instructed by the Port Authority.
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4.2.34 Medical Emergencies
If any person suffers a serious injury or sickness within the Port Limits and immediate medical attention becomes necessary, the Master
of the vessel concerned, or the person in charge of the location, shall notify the emergency to the Port Control in a similar manner as
the provision of reporting of emergency.
Masters of all Vessels are hereby advised that a brief but concise description of the injury or sickness must be stated at the time of
reporting. In the event a crew member has to be landed for hospitalisation, the following items should accompany the casualty:
a) Passport and / or Seaman’s Discharge book
b) Address of next of kin
c) Brief report (if necessary, pinned to an unconscious person) comprising:-
- Time and cause of accident / sickness
- Time and description of medication administered, if any
- Further details of first aid given and/or symptoms noticed
Masters of Vessels which are not berthed alongside the Service or Inner Harbour jetties should prepare invalid cases for landing in a
fast launch or picking up by helicopter, e.g. Niel Robertson stretcher, and afford a weather lee (if possible) in adverse weather
conditions.
A Company Medical Officer and a small hospital are available, subject to the Company’s discretion, to Vessels’ crews.
Charges for attention, treatment and associated facilities are for the Vessels account.
Personnel allowed ashore for medical attention must carry with them Passport / Seaman’s card and health documents and, if
necessary, be accompanied by an interpreter (English or Arabic). An agency representative will accompany them to the hospital, but they
will not be permitted to visit other DAS Island facilities.
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4.2.35 Pollution
- In the event that pollution of the Port water occurs, regardless of the cause, the person in charge or responsible for the
operation, work or location where the pollution was initiated should immediately report the incident to the Port
Control.
- The Master of the vessel concerned or the person in charge shall also take such steps as may stop further pollution and contain
or clean up any spillage of oil, etc. on the vessel’s deck or terminal surfaces to minimize the fire hazard.
- Masters are advised that the use of dispersant chemicals for response to oil pollution on the sea is
prohibited.
- All Vessels should have their oil spill response materials in a stand-by condition near the manifold.
- Vessels using terminals are required to observe the International Conventions relating to pollution of the sea and are advised
that violations will involve the Master, Owner and Agent in severe fines.
- Owners and vessel operators shall be liable for all expenditure incurred in the clean up operations.
- All port users and operators are advised that the failure to report a pollution incident is an offence against the regulations
and persons found contravening this requirement will be prosecuted in Abu Dhabi Courts and be liable to heavy fines.
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4.2.36 Dangerous Goods (Annex 2)
No person may bring explosives or dangerous goods into the Port without the written permission of the Port Authority. Vessels importing
“explosives” or dangerous goods of a flammable or corrosive nature will normally be assigned the “Explosives”
anchorages on arrival. A Port Authority representative will inspect the cargo and consult with the Master and Agent before discharge.
Stowage of the dangerous goods on board Vessels should meet the segregation and stowage code required by the IMDG code.
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4.2.37 Private Boats
Every privately owned Boat, whether the owner be a company or a private person, used for whatever purpose within Port Limits, shall be
registered at the Port Authority (PPA) office. The Harbour Master shall inspect Boat annually to ensure
| 1 |
Seaworthiness |
| 2 |
The number of persons, including crew, permitted to be carried that there are sufficient life jackets onboard, one for each person |
| 3 |
That the fire and safety appliances are in good order |
| 4 |
That distress signals, where applicable, are in good order |
This rule shall apply to any private pleasure Boat used for recreation or sport and propelled by oars, sails or mechanical means. In the
interest of safety of life, every excursion by private Boat shall be reported to the Port Control giving the destination and the intended
time of return, and the person in charge of the Boat shall report the safe return upon arrival.
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4.2.38 Shore Access
No person may enter the port shore premises without authorisation from the Port Authority. No person may go onboard any vessel without
authorisation from the Port Authority. Shore leave for crew members is not permitted.
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4.2.39 Use of LifeBoats
The lowering of ship’s lifeboats within the Port, except in the course of a statutory lifeboat drill, duly authorised by the Port
Authority, is strictly prohibited and even during such drills the lifeboats shall be lowered only o embarkation deck.
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4.2.40 Fire Wires (Towing off Wires)
Ships shall rig two fire wires, one near the bow and one near the stern. They will be secured to bollards with a minimum of five turns
and will be led directly to a Panama lead with no slack on deck. The cut board end of the wire will have an eye to which a heaving line
is attached and led back to the deck. During cargo operations the heaving line should be periodically adjusted to maintain the eye of
the fire wire one to two metres above the water. (Refer Annexure 8)
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4.2.41 Purging and / or Inerting
It is prohibited to carry out purging and / or inerting operations within the port without prior permission of the Harbour Master.
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4.2.42 Rejection and Termination
If the Harbour Master or his representative is of the opinion that the vessel is unsuitable for any reason, the Harbour Master will have
the right to reject the vessel or terminate the provision of any services, including the loading of the vessel at any time prior to the
vessel’s arrival at the berth or whilst at the terminal, as the case may be. All and any costs caused by the vessel by such a
rejection or termination shall be to the vessel’s account.
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4.2.43 Safety
Petroleum Ports Authority, ADMA-OPCO, ZADCO and ADOC are members of the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (O.C.I.M.F.) and as such
follows procedures and safety practices recommended by this international organisation. The ship’s master is presented with a form
of “Ship / Shore Safety Checklist”. After a detailed review of each safety item with the terminal representative, the master
must sign the form. Before the start of operations, and from time to time thereafter, a member of the terminal staff, where appropriate
together with a responsible officer, will make a routine inspection of the ship to ensure that the ship / shore safety checklist
requirements are observed by both the ship and the shore crew. In cases of blatant or repeated infringements of safety requirements, or
where corrective action is needed, the terminal representative will not agree to operations commencing, or should they have been started,
he will require them to be stopped and the Harbour Master will have the right to eject a vessel from the berth.
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4.2.44 Climate
The cool winter season extends over November to February with mean daily maximum temperatures of 25 to 30° C and night temperatures
of 10 to 15° C. The lowest recorded temperature being 4° C. Ground frost can occur inland.
The hot summer season extends over May to September with maximum day temperatures between 40 to 45°C, the highest recorded being
48° C, Night temperatures are about 20 to 25° C, Therefore, it is important that during the hot season the temperature within
the visiting tankers accommodation shall not exceed 25° C whilst moored at the SPMs.
Relative humidity is high throughout the year averaging between 50 to 60 per cent by day and 75 to 80 per cent by night. Heavy dew may
be experienced throughout the year.
Rainfall is usually associated with thunderstorms which are prevalent from November to May giving a total annual rainfall of 10 to 50 mm.
Rain is rare during the remaining months while in some years there is none at all.
Throughout the year the prevailing winds are from the West to North North East sector. They are strongest between November and April when
they occasionally reach gale force. Gusts of up to 50 knots have been recorded (April) and a 24-hour mean wind speed of 32 knots from the
North-West is on record (January). The shamal or strong North West wind may blow for periods of up to three days and raise a rough sea
with waves up to 4.5 metres. Land and sea breeze is experienced throughout the year.
Visibility is 10 nautical miles for 70 per cent of the time and less than 2 nautical miles up to 5 per cent on occasions due to dust,
haze or radiation fog. Fog can occur during any month of the year but is most frequent in winter, normally it develops during the night
and early morning and clears by 10.00 hours.
Sea temperatures at 3 metres depth rage from 20 ° C (winter) to 32° C (summer). During the summer the 15 metres depth
temperature is only a degree or so lower than that at the surface.
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4.2.45 Wind and Tide
Prevailing winds are from the North West. Rise of the tide can be up to 2 metres but the usual variation is 1 metre. Occasionally sudden
gust of local ‘Shamal’ winds may be experienced where wind velocities can increase to 45-50 kts.
The highest average, spring high tide is 2.0 metres above the chart datum. The lowest average, neap high tide is 1.0 metres above chart
datum.
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4.2.46 Marine Operation Weather Parameters
| |
TB # 3 |
TB # 4 |
TB # 5 |
TB # 6 |
Wind
from East |
Wind
from West |
Wind
from East |
Wind
from West |
| Suspend Berthing |
25 Kts |
15 Kts |
25 Kts |
15 Kts |
20 Kts |
25 Kts |
Stop
Loading |
35 Kts |
20 Kts |
35 Kts |
15 Kts |
20 Kts |
35 Kts |
Disconnect
Arms / Hoses |
40 Kts |
20 Kts (Consider Unberthing) |
35 Kts |
15 Kts (Consider Unberthing) |
20 Kts |
40 Kts |
| Unberth |
As Req, d |
25 Kts |
40 Kts |
20 Kts |
25 Kts |
As Req, d |
