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4.5.01 Location
The SAS AL-NAKHL Petroleum Port is situated in the South Eastern tip of Abu Dhabi Island and consists
of two berths connected to the shore through a causeway. Vessels will use Mina Zayed and Khawer Al-Bhagl navigation
channel to the Port. Vessels will berth port or starboard side at the discretion of the Pilot.
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4.5.02 Pilotage
Pilotage is compulsory during daylight only. The total length of both channels is 20 nautical miles.
From Fairway buoy to Buoy No. Z30 = 11.5 N.M.
From Buoy No. Z30 to Jetty No. 2 = 8.5 N.M.
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4.5.03 Water Depth – Below Chart Datum
a) 13.0 m for Mina Zayed navigation channel
b) 11.0 m for Khawar Al Bhagl navigation channel
c) 11.0 m alongside berths 1 and 2
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4.5.04 Vessel's Characteristics
The two jetties have been equipped with marine facilities to accommodate Vessels having the following characteristics:
| Max. size of vessel |
30,000 DWT |
| Min. size of vessel |
5,000 DWT |
| Length overall |
170 m |
| Beam (Max) |
26.50 m |
| Draught (Max) |
9.50 m |
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4.5.05 Moorings
When at berth, Vessels must be moored to the entire satisfaction of the pilot. All breasting dolphins, as also the mooring dolphins
are equipped with 60 T quick release hooks and power operated capstans.
Vessels must be ready at all times to put out extra moorings as requested by terminal personnel, or dictated by weather changes.
It is the master’s responsibility to ensure that vessel’s mooring lines are checked frequently to prevent excessive movement
of the vessel in berth, which could activate the ESD / ERS system and / or cause severe damage to the loading arms and
other terminal equipment.
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4.5.06 Communications
To maintain the necessary continuous communications between refinery, Vessels and shore control rooms during cargo operations and also
in emergencies, the Vessels will be provided with intrinsically safe hand set radios. It is required that this set must remain at all
times with the officer responsible for the cargo operation. A ship’s crew member, able to converse in English, must be present
near the ship’s manifold at all times.
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4.5.07 Pre-arrival Questionnaire (Oil)
The questionnaire must be faxed to the Harbour Master and the Refinery 72 hours prior to the vessel’s arrival.
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4.5.08 Quarantine and Medical Clearance
There are no facilities for derat at SAS AL-NAKHL. Masters will be required to produce the standard International Bill
of Health.
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4.5.09 Bunkers, Fresh Water,
Not Available
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4.5.10 Stores and Provisions
Stores and provisions are not permitted to be loaded at Refinery berths and must be taken onboard in the anchorage.
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4.5.11 Customs
Customs Officers will board the ship on arrival and prior to sailing for the necessary port clearance at Mina Zayed port.
No shore leave.
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4.5.12 Flexible Hoses
It is not permitted to use flexible cargo hoses on board any tanker engaged in discharging / loading cargo at this port.
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4.5.13 Dispersant
The use of any kind of dispersant to combat oil spills is prohibited at this port or at any part of the channel between SAS AL-NAKHL and
Mina Zayed or any other branch channel.
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4.5.14 Tank Cleaning / Purging
It is strictly prohibited to carry out tank cleaning, gas freeing and or purging of any vessel’s cargo tanks within the petroleum
port of SAS AL-NAKHL.
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4.5.15 Emergency Towing Wires
Two of these must be available on board. Sizes, lengths and the means of rigging must be acceptable to the Port Authority
At this port we recommend that each wire must be of a construction and grade similar to that recommended for good quality mooring wires.
Length not less than 50 / 55 metres, diameter 28 mm with an eye about one metre long at each end. One eye goes over the ship’s
bollard with two extra turns to take the tension for a safe and secured towing, the other eye to be maintained one metre above the
waterline at any freeboard.
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4.5.16 Compliance
All persons must fully adhere to the Petroleum Ports Law and the Port Regulations which the Harbour Master is authorised
to implement on behalf of PPA - SPC / the Government.
