Nantes-St Nazaire (FRNTE)

The 4 major sites including Saint Nazaire, Donges, Montoir and Nantes are also known as Port Atlantique. Cargo handling facilities are extensive with berths for general cargo, bulk, Ro-Ro, container, reefer, tanker and cruise vessels readily available. There are in addition, extensive ship building/repair, drydock and bunkering facilities.

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Nantes-St Nazaire is located at the mouth of the River Loire on the W coast of France and the various terminals stretch along 60km of the Loire estuary up to Nantes.

LOA 345.28m, draught 12.5m, beam 53.8m, 181,267DWT.

Approx 30,000,000t of cargo, 190,000TEU, 2,500 vessels and 10,000 passengers handled annually.

The main anchorage is the waiting area for vessels laden with hydrocarbons and other dangerous substances. Depths of 19.0-30m, mud. Limits of the waiting area: The N limit is the parallel 47°09'N, The SE limit is a line joining "Theresia" Buoy (47°04.9'N 002°21.6'W) and "Lancastria" Buoy (47°08.9'N 002°20.4'W). The SW limit is a line joining "La Banche" Light (47°11'N 002°28'W) and "Ile du Pilier" Light (47°03'N 002°21'W).

A 66km long fairway leading to the port installations is divided into two sections: The Outer Fairway from the Le Chatelier Buoy B1 to Trebezy Buoy B14, length 25km, width 300m, maintained depth 13.2m CD. Inner Fairway from Buoy 14 (Trebezy) to the berths at Donges, depth 12.4m CD. Turning Basins: Two swing areas have been created, one in front of the LNG Terminal and the other in front of "D7" and "D6" Oil Berths. The Inward Channel leading to Nantes: Length 24km, width 150m, maintained depth at CD 4.70m from Donges to Nantes. There is a swinging area at Trentemoult for vessels of LOA 225m. Note: Depth indicated is the intended least depth. Owing to continual silting, less water than indicated may exist, in spite of maintenance by regular dredging. The depth of the fairway is fixed by the Port Authority for a period of one month. Maximum draught: For 98% of tides, the permissible draught is 14.95m for the Donges Fairway, and 8.40m for the Nantes Fairway.

BA 2985, 2522, 20. Admiralty Pilot NP22, NP286(1). SHOM: INT 1840 (7395), INT 1841 (6797), INT 1842 (7396).

None available.

1020-1025.

All vessels are moored under the responsibility of their Master, and the Master should be aware of the following: At the downstream terminal of Montoir and Donges, the ebb current if maximum 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before low water and the flood current is maximum at about half flood tide. The tidal current may exceed 6kts at spring tide. The flood current setting may generate "off the berth" current conditions. Therefore, the vessel can drift away from the berth and mooring lines can break. At the upstream terminals of Nantes, the ebb current is predominant and can reach 4kts during the rising of the river. The tidal range varies from 2m to 6m. The vessel shall be secured by a sufficient number of mooring lines according to the length and displacement. Mooring lines leading in the same direction of restraint shall have similar properties. Masters should ensure that mooring lines are in good condition. Winch brakes should be in efficient operating order. As soon as the vessel is secured, brakes on all mooring winches should be applied firmly. Moorings must be inspected and renewed as necessary during the stay in the port. Except in cases of an emergency, ship's crew should not heave up or slack on the mooring lines without reporting to the Harbour Office (Loire Port Control) on VHF Ch 14. At some berths especially in Montoir and Donges, shore lines are available to reinforce the mooring. To make fast the shore lines when applicable, a mooring team can assist the crew. This team embarks by launch before berthing.

Pilotage is compulsory for vessels of LOA 75m and over, vessels over 150NT carrying petroleum products, gas, or hazardous substances between the pilot boarding place (47°07.5'N 002°21.5'W) and Nantes (47°12'N 001°34'W). Exempt from pilotage are vessels less than 75m LOA, equipped with VHF radio or radar and not carrying dangerous cargo. The pilot cutter cruises near "la Couronnee" Buoy, 4.5nm WSW from the Pointe Saint-Gildas Lighthouse. The pilot cutter comes close to the ship and sends the transfer boat for pilot boarding. During good weather, Pilot cutter could stay at anchorage, in which case minimum safe distance is 0.25nm (strong tidal stream). As a rule, vessels should comply with pilot cutter instructions for boarding. High speed launch from shore can be use for boarding. Pilotage is carried out by the same pilot from sea to berth as well as from berth to sea. Request for pilots: Send ETA at the pilot boarding place, at least 18 hours in advance to the Nantes Saint Nazaire Port Authority and the pilot station stating draught, destination and speed. Amendments to ETA of more than 2 hours should be sent at least 4 hours in advance. On departure or for movements between ports on La Loire the pilot should be ordered at least 3 hours in advance and before 1800hrs for movements between 2030hrs and 1000hrs the following day, either by radio or telephone to the Pilotage Authority. Pilot boards in position 47°07.46'N 002°21.04'W, in the vicinity of La Couronnee Lightbuoy.

The outer limit of Grand Port Maritime de Nantes-Saint Nazaire is a line joining the following points: Pointe de Chemoulin (47°14'N 002°18'W) Pierre Percee (2nm WSW) Position 47°08.7'N 002°23.9'W Position 47°09.0'N 002°17.9'W Les Jardinets (2.05nm SE of Pointe de Chemoulin) Pointe de Mindin (47°16'N 002°10'W).

Le Grand Charpentier Lighthouse (helicopter platform on green lantern on grey truncated conical tower, 27m in height) (47°13'N 002°19'W). Pointe de Saint-Gildas Lighthouse (47°08'N 002°15'W). Major lights: La Banche Light (47°11'N 002°28'W). Pointe de l'Aiguillon Light (white round tower and topmark, 19m in height) (47° 14.6'N 002°15.7'W). Ile du Pilier Light (47°03'N 002°21'W).

Passage through St Nazaire lock entrance should only take place from 2 hours before to 2 hours after HW. Vertical clearances: Beneath the St Nazaire Bridge is 61.4m CD. Beneath the Chevire Bridge is 58.4m CD. Beneath the power lines between Basse Indre and Coueron is 55.85m CD. The bridge at Quai de Roche-Maurice has a clearance of 52m. Ferries: Traffic regulations require ferries to keep clear of other vessels navigating the channel. LNG carriers: A stand-on vessel in the fairway, all other vessels give way.

Range 5.5m springs; 3.3m neaps. At all points in the estuary, the tidal range is governed by the tide coefficient, the distance from the river mouth, the river flow rate and weather conditions. Water heights measured in real time on Saint Nazarie, Donges, Cordemais, Le Pellerin and Nantes are broadcast every 15 minutes on VHF Ch 23. The currents created by the tides and river flow are variable. The maximum flow current speed is approximately 4kts, and the maximum ebb current speed 6kts.

The Vessel Traffic Service System is compulsory for all vessels. The system covers the area from "SN" 1 Lightbuoy (47°00'N 002°40'W) to the entrance to the Saint-Nazaire Access Channel up to the port of Nantes. Procedure: ..... Vessels inbound should contact the Control Centre (on VHF Ch12): 1. 48 hours before arrival at "SN 1" Lightbuoy (through local agent) with the following information: a. Vessel's name, callsign and nationality b. Position and time c. Port of departure d. ETA at pilot boarding positionh e. Destination and ETA f. Maximum draught (in metres) g. Cargo information h. LOA, beam, GT and type of vessel 2. When within VHF range, vessels must contact the VTS on VHF Ch 14 and advise the following information: a. Vessel's name and callsign b. ETA at pilot boarding position c. Maximum draught 3. Vessels carrying hydrocarbons or dangerous substances should contact the control centre at the entrance to the approach channel (call: Chemoulin Signal Station VHF Ch 16) and maintain a continuous listen watch on Ch 16 and 14 or a prescribed VHF channel up to the berth. 4. Vessels not taking a pilot must request permission to enter the channel. 5. Vessels must report all movements to Loire Ports Control on VHF Ch 14. 6. Vessels should contact the ferries from Le Pellerin (001°45.15'W) and from Basse-Indre (001°40.4'W) before crossing their transit area on VHF Ch 14. 7. Departing vessels must request permission to leave via agent (on the Gimnaute port link) or on VHF Ch 14 directly to Loire Ports Control, stating the following: a. Vessel's name and callsign b. ETA c. Destination d. Cargo e. Draught

Nantes: 1 x 30t, 1 x 40t. St Naziare: 4 x 38t, 1 x 40t, 1 x 50t. The use of tugs is optional unless the river is in fast flow and the water level at LW is 3.0m or more. LNG vessels: Normally 4 tugs are required to turn and berth the LNG carriers and 2 tugs are required for unberthing operations.

Prevailing winds: W-NW'ly.

VHF: Loire Port Control: Ch 14, 16, 23. St Nazaire Pilots: Ch 12. Pilotage is available 24 hours. Tel: +33 2 51 76 08 76. Pilotage Loire: Email: pilote-major@pilotes-loire.com. Pilot Vessel: Ch 12, continuous radio watch. Tel: +33 6 07 16 00 10. Fax: +33 2 51 76 08 75, available throughout 24 hours. River water heights: Broadcast every 15 minutes on VHF Ch 23.

Customs allowances: For each crew member 200 cigarettes and 1 bottle of spirits. Heavy fines will be incurred for non compliance of these allowances. Visas are required for non EU citizens, who wish to join or leave the vessel. All passengers to be declared, separate from crew.

..... Documents required 1. Inward Declaration 2. Ship Generated Waste 3. Security Declaration The above documents are available at: http://www.nantes.port.fr/fileadmin/Images/2.Travailler_avec_le_port/2.6.Acces_e t_conditions/1.Acces/Onglet_acces_nautique/Livret_Accueil_Informations_generales _nantes_saint-nazaire.pdf

Advise Port Authorities 48 hours before arrival at "SN1" Lightbuoy though the agent stating: ..... 1. Vessel's name, callsign and nationality. 2. Position and time. 3. Origin. 4. ETA at the pilot boarding position. 5. Destination and ETA. 6. Maximum draught in metres. 7. Details of cargo. 8. LOA, beam, GT and type of vessel. Notify agents or pilot station of ETA at St Nazaire 12 hours prior to arrival, then any amendments 4 hours in advance. On arrival by VHF stating: 1. Vessel's name and callsign. 2. ETA at pilot boarding position. 3. Maximum draught.

French Maritime Port Regulations and Loire Maritime local port regulation. Chart and Terminal datum: Lowest astronomical tide (LAT) water level referenced here at Chart Datum. Effective from 01st September 2016, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) will require sea carriers calling at EU ports to file Container Status Messages (CSMs). Vessels experiencing technical communication problems should report the issue via e-mail to the Commission's help-service email: olaf-afis-it-help-desk@ec.europa.eu.

Request for pratique to be made on arrival at the berth. Renewal of Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates is possible.

NOR should be tendered in accordance with the Charter Party.