Cardenas (CUCAR)

There is one pier of 680m, although only 319m is accessible to vessels; there are four berths. The main function of the port is the export of sugar products. It was reported in 2011 that commercial activity in the port had significantly decreased. The port is currently closed but information is retained should the port experience commercial activity in the future.

Summer.

Cardenas is located on the NW coast of Cuba.

LOA 170.68m, draught 5.18m.

The following anchorages are available (with reference to Punta de Molas, 23° 11'N 081°07'W): Outer: No 1 Quarantine: Situated 5.5nm NE, provides anchorage for 4 vessels with a length of 170m. Depths 8.0-10m, sand and coral, good holding ground. Max permitted draught is 7.9m, also used by vessels carrying explosives and hazardous cargo. No 2 Triangle: Situated 3nm NNE, provides anchorage for 4 vessels with a length of 170m. Depths 7.0-8.0m, sand and coral, good holding ground. Max draught permitted 6.5-7.9m, depending on which part of the anchorage, used by vessels waiting to enter the harbour.Inner: No 3 Cayo Diana Hole: Situated 1.5nm S, provides anchorage for 4 vessels with a length of 170m. Depths of 8.0m, sand and mud, good holding ground. Max permitted draught 6.3m. No 4 Bay: Situated 1nm WSW, provides anchorage for up to 20 small vessels. Depths 4.0-5.0m, mud, good holding ground. Max permitted draught 4.3m.

There are 4 channels through the outer dangers in the approach to Bahia de Cardenas. The principal channel is between Cayo Piedras del Norte and Cayo Mono. Bahia de Cardenas contained between Peninsula de Hicacos and the mainland SE of it, is entered through Canal de los Barcos, a dredged channel lying between Cayo Buba, 23°11'N 081°07'W and Cayo Diana, 1nm SE. The directions are as follows: Approaches: From a position NNW of Cayo Piedras del Norte, 23°15'N 081°07'W, the route for approaching the harbour entrance leads: Between Cayo Piedras del Norte and Cabezo del Coral Lightbuoy, (port hand), lying 1.25nm SW of Cayo Mono, 23°16'N 081°05'W, a rocky islet which appears as 2 small hummocks. When using the channel care should be taken not to bring the W end of Cayo Mono to bear less than 360° until Cayo Piedras bears more than 270°. There is a least depth of 7.0m on this route. Entrance: From a position SE of the Cayo Piedras del Norte, the entrance channel leads SW through Canal de los Barcos, the limits of which are marked by lightbuoys, (port and starboard hand), into Cayo Diana Anchorage. From the S part of Cayo Diana Anchorage a buoyed channel leads between Lightbuoys No 16 and 17, (port and starboard hand), SSW for 6.5nm to Cardeneas Pier.

BA 410. Admiralty Pilot NP70, NP286(7).

1025.

Compulsory. Controlled by Puerto de Matanzas. Pilots board off Matanzas (23° 03'N 081°34'W).

Cayo Piedras del Norte Light, 23°15'N 081°07'W. Cayo Monito Light, (isolated danger mark on pile with platform), 23°14'N 081° 09'W. Cayo Diana Light, (white metal framework tower, 12m in height), 23°10'N 081° 06'W.

Entry is restricted to daylight hours only. The max speed in the channel is 6kts.

Range approx 0.79m.

Available and regulated as follows: For vessels of less than 70m in length, when the berthing site is occupied, 1 tug will be used. For tankers of 70-100m in length, 1 tug will be used and if the vessel is turning around then two tugs will be used. For tankers over 100m LOA at least 2 tugs will be used.

Prevailing winds: E'ly.

CБRDENAS 23°03.05'N 81°11.83'W UNCTAD LOCODE: CU CAR ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

PILOTS NOTE: For details see MATANZAS. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

Radio: Customs Coast Radio Station "CLA CU" can be used for passing messages. The station operates throughout 24 hours. Inmarsat is the preferred method of communication and should be used to contact agents, whenever possible. VHF: Ch 13 and 16.

The following documents are required by the port authorities to perform inward clearance: ..... Document Copies 1. Crew List 5 2. Passenger List 5 3. Stores List 3 4. Personal Effects List 3 5. General Declaration 2 6. Narcotics List 2 7. Weapons and Ammunition Declaration 2 The following certificates are to be presented: 1. Fumigation Certificate 2. Certificate of Registry 3. Safety Certificate 4. Tonnage Certificate 5. Radio Certificate The following cargo documents are to be prepared: 1. Cargo Manifest 3 2. Stowage Plan 3 3. Set of Bills of Lading 2 4. Hatch List 3

Initial ETA should be sent on departure from last port. If time permits, further ETA's should be sent 10, 7, 5, 3 and 1 day prior to arrival. The messages must include date and time of arrival and expected draughts on arrival.

Traffic in dredged channel is one way only. In Canal de los Barcos vessels entering must give way to laden vessels leaving the port. Local regulations exist for the loading and discharging of cargo from vessels and for vessels engaged in regular trade between the ports of Cardenas and Matanzas. During navigation between these ports, vessels will maintain constant radio contact with the coast radio station.

Free pratique should be requested by radio. Health Certificates can be renewed by phytosanitary organisations.

Normally tendered when a vessel is alongside and ready to work cargo or on arrival at the outer roads of the port if no berth is available.