Sukhumi (GEABK)

The port consists of an outer roadstead, in which lies the anchorage area and a number of alongside berths situated on the N shore of Zaliv Sukhumi. There are no breakwaters giving protection. The harbour is ice free. Vessels may anchor in the port roads in mud holding ground. The port handles general cargo, passengers and liquid cargo.

Summer.

Sukhumi is located on the eastern shore of the Black Sea, approx 200km from the Turkish border.

LOA 190m, draught 7.8m.

Prohibited anchorage: There is a prohibited anchorage area which extends 2nm SE from Mys Sukhumskiy. Anchorage in Sukhumskiy roads: The alignment (285.5°) of the Sukhumskiy Leading Light Beacons: Front light (red triangle (apex up) and octagon, white strip on metal post, 11m in height) (42°59.6'N 041°01.2'E). Rear light (structure as for front light, 10m in height (except triangle apex down)) (100m from front light). This alignment leads to the anchorage and also marks the S limit of the anchorage area. Caution: Care must be taken to anchor on or inshore of the leading line as depths increase rapidly to 130m, 0.2nm S of the leading line. Anchorage berths: In the outer roads in the N part of Zaliv Sukhumi, on or to the N of Sukhumskiy Leading Line, in depths 12.0-70m, mud.

Port Sukhumi is approached by the SW approach route. Area periodically dangerous to navigation: The NE boundary of a danger area (No 740) lies from 12 to 19nm offshore between Mys Pitsunda and Mys Sukhumskiy.

BA 3313. Admiralty Pilot NP24, NP286(3).

1025.

Compulsory. Pilotage is available throughout 24 hours. Pilot boards in the roadstead, along the leading line, in position 42°58.5'N 041°01.7'E. When navigating in the port waters a constant listening watch on VHF Ch 16 should be maintained. Information broadcasts: Port Inspector should inform the vessel's Master 1 hour before approaching the port of the berthing/mooring quay number, wind speed and visibility.

The port area lies within a line joining Mys Sukhumskiy and the mouth of the Reka Kelasuri (5nm ESE).

Major lights: Mys Pitsunda Light (43°09.0'N 040°21.0'E). Mys Sukhumskiy Light (white round metal tower, 34m in height) (42°59.0'N 040° 58.0'E). Radio beacons transmit from Mys Pitsunda Light and Mys Sukhumskiy Light.

A prohibited area (No 109), extends approx 1.5nm NW and 1.75nm SE of Mys Sukhumskiy. Entry is prohibited if visibility is less than 0.5nm. Entry is prohibited if wind speed exceeds 22kts.

Current: Direction of the current in the vicinity of the passenger pier is indicated as follows: ..... By day By the inclination of a spar buoy lying off the head of the pier. By night Lights below the Front Passenger Pier Light Beacon. Green light E current Red light W current Caution: The direction of the current may change suddenly and may be different at the head and base of the pier. Speed of the current is indicated by the angle of inclination of the spar buoy as follows: ..... 5°-20° Up to 0.2kts 20°-30° 0.2-0.5kts 30°-40° 0.5-0.8kts Caution: Berthing at the quay is not recommended if the angle of inclination is more than 50°.

Prevailing winds: Variable. During adverse weather conditions vessels should, at the first request from Port Control, leave the quay and follow instructions.

VHF: Port Control: Ch 14.

ETA should be forwarded to port of destination and agency "Inflot" at least 96 hours in advance followed by confirmation 12 hours before arrival. Oil tankers should confirm their ETA 72 hours and 12 hours before arrival.

Regulations concerning entry: Vessels may not moor at the passenger piers in poor visibility when navigation lights and current indicators cannot be seen. In these conditions, vessels should anchor and disembark passengers in the outer roadstead.

Pratique: Vessels intending to call at the port of Sukhumi or other ports of Georgia north of the Inguri River should first call the port of Poti in order to obtain free pratique via agent in Poti. Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (SSCEC) issued