Ghazaouet (DZGHZ)

Ghazaouet is a medium size commercial harbour handling chemicals, edible oils, bulk minerals, grain, general cargo and passengers. Ro-Ro berths are available. The harbour is protected on its N side by a breakwater extending W from Plateau de Touent.

Summer.

Ghazaouet, situated in western Algeria, lies close to the mouth of Oued el Mersa on the E side of a small bay, close to the border with Morocco.

LOA 187m, beam 32.26m, draught 12m, 58,063DWT.

Approx 1,300,000t of cargo, 48,000TEU, 60,000 passengers and 400 vessels handled annually.

Outer anchorage: Open anchorage can be obtained off the harbour, N of the breakwater in depths of between 18-22m, fairly good holding ground of fine sand, not recommended in bad weather.

The port is approached directly from the sea, between Les Deux Freres (35° 06.3'N 001°52.2'W) and the head of the breakwater 0.125nm NNE. The 390m access channel is reportedly dredged every 3-4 months to a theoretical depth of 11.0m.

BA 2717, 2437,178. Admiralty Pilot NP45, NP286(3).

The Coastguard can be contacted via VHF Ch 16.

1025.

Masters are advised to double up, when mooring, if the wind is from W to NW.

The use of harbour pilots is compulsory for all Algerian and foreign vessels. Compulsory pilotage areas are defined by operating regulations of Algerian ports. There are 2 pilot boats available "Oued Fodda XI" and "Rigel III". Pilots are available by day or night. In very adverse weather conditions the pilot will advise from the jetty and embark when the vessel is inside the harbour. Vessels are recommended to keep W of the entrance whilst awaiting a pilot. The pilot can be contacted via Tel: +213 7 323237/323345/323838, Telex 18836.

The port limits are as follows: ..... Latitude Longitude 1. 35°07.2'N 001° 52.4'W 2. 35°07.2'N 001° 51.0'W 3. 35°06.3'N 001° 51.0'W 4. 35°05.5'N 001° 52.4'W

Ghazaouet Main Lighthouse (35°06'N 001°52'W). To the E of the lighthouse, approx 0.225nm E, stands a chimney. A silo stands on Mole "E", 0.3nm NNE of the chimney.

All Masters of sea going vessels must have prior permission from Ghazaouet Port Control to enter the port with pilot onboard.

Range 0.4m.

Tug with 1,700HP available. Use of tugs are compulsory for the arrival, departure or movements of the vessels.

Prevailing winds: W and NW (winter), E'ly (summer).

VHF: Ghazaouet Port Control: Ch 16. Ghazaouet Radio station: Ch 12, 13, 16, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, throughout 24 hours. Vessels should maintain continuous watch on Ch 14 and 16 whilst awaiting the pilot.

Once the vessel has berthed, Customs and Immigration should be contacted immediately.

The Customs authorities require a Stores List and Cargo Manifest. The Immigration authorities require Seaman's Books, both authorities require Crew Lists.

Vessel's ETA should be sent 48 hours prior to arrival. The following information is required: Max draught, LOA, type and tonnage of cargo, nationality of vessel and last port of call.

The Algerian flag and ship's nationality flag are required.

All cases of illness must be reported to Port Control prior to arrival.