Thio (NCTHI)

The Port of Thio, situated on the eastern coast of New Caledonia, is a significant maritime facility with a rich historical legacy. It is renowned as the site where the first nickel ore was extracted in 1875, marking a pivotal moment not only for New Caledonia but also for the global nickel industry. Today, the Port of Thio continues to serve as a crucial export hub for nickel ore, sourced from the nearby mine. The port is equipped with a state-of-the-art conveyor system that enables the efficient transportation of nickel ore to vessels, boasting an export capacity of 1,000tph. The port features a deep-water MBM berth, which can pose challenges during adverse weather conditions. To mitigate these challenges, vessels are required to moor at the numerous mooring pontoons located throughout the port. These pontoons provide secure mooring options, ensuring that vessels can safely load cargo while minimising the impact of wind and wave action.

South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.

Thio is located on the E coast of New Caledonia, due N of the capital Noumea.

Max LOA 170m, beam 30m, draught 10.8m and 40,481DWT.

Anchorage is afforded in Rade de Thio in depths from 11-18.0m to the E of Rocher Botamere. This anchorage is not sheltered from the prevailing winds, in strong SE trade winds there can be a heavy chop which renders landings difficult.

The recommended track through Passe de Thio, width 0.5nm, leads from position 21°31.5'S., 166°18.4'E to position 21°35.6'S., 166°14.2'E, passing SE of a lightbuoy (E cardinal) marking the edge of the dangers extending SSE from Recif aux Trois Bras. The alignment 228° of the leading lights (white metal framework tower, 21° 37'S., 166°14'E) on the coast at Thio, passes close NW of the extremity of the reef on the S side of the passage. This alignment should therefore be observed as the S limit and so be kept slightly open to N. The track then leads from the inner passage into Rade de Thio along the recommended track which continues to position 21°37'S., 166°147'E passing NW of a buoy (port hand) marking a 1.8m patch, the outer of 2 coral heads lying within 0.5nm NW of the NW end of Recif Interieur and SE of Ilot Noumboue (sand bank) (21°35'S., 166°15'E), then W of a lightbuoy (isolated danger, 0.5nm W of a buoy, port hand) marking a 7.5m patch. Then to the anchorage or SLN Berth.

BA 936, 2925, 2928. French 6943, 7073. Admiralty Pilot NP61.

1035 max in dry season.

Berthing is not permitted at night. Due to the fact that the berth is open to E'ly winds, vessels are required to moor at the numerous mooring pontoons located throughout the port. These pontoons provide secure mooring options, ensuring that vessels can safely load and unload cargo while minimising the impact of wind and wave action.

Compulsory. Pilots can be obtained from Noumea with 24 hours notice. Houailou Western Passage: Official entrance for E coast ports: Moneo (Baie Ugue) - Poro - Kouaoua - Canala (Boakaine) - Nakety - Thio. Entrance passage width 1.5nm, clear of obstructions. Pilots available throughout 24 hours. Pilot boarding ground in position 21° 09.1'S., 165°44.4'E, 0.8nm E of green buoy marking W side of entrance. Pilot launch "Sir Frederick Samson" is based at Poro, 9.5nm from Houailou Passage. Pilots listen on VHF Ch 16 and 12 one hour before vessel's arrival.

..... Lat Long Rocher Bota Mere 21°37'S 166°14'E

The port is located between the NW end of a chain of reefs which extend NW from the N'ly extremity of Pointe Nemmeni and the coast SW.

Range 1.35m (semi-diurnal).

Tugs are not available, a mooring launch is available.

Prevailing winds: SE'ly-NE'ly Jul-Nov (reaches max at approx 1400hrs). Port Thio is exposed to N and NE winds which interfere considerably with vessels working cargo, shelter may be obtained under the lee of the reefs. Fresh SW winds are frequent during the night. Maximum wind strength for berthing: E/W - 25kts; N - 15kts.

..... Noumea contact info Radio RT (HF) 2182kHz, 4125kHz, 6215kHz. WT 500kHz Distress and calling contact info VHF Ch 16 Pilot contact info VHF Ch 12

Customs allowances: The allowances for officers and crew are 200 cigarettes or 500gm of rolling tobacco and 1 bottle of alcohol. Penalties for non compliance are fines of the value of the local resale price of the goods. Immigration: There are no specific Immigration procedures and formalities at the port. Agent liaises with the relevant authorities.

The following forms are supplied by the vessel's agent for completion: ..... Document 1. General Information 2. Health Declaration The forms are either delivered onboard on arrival or mailed to the vessel's previous port. The following can be completed on the ship's own forms or should be in the Master's possession: 1. Clearance from previous port of call 2. Port of Call List 3. Crew List 4. List of Crew's Personal Effects 5. Passenger List (even if nil) 6. Vaccination List (crew & passengers) 7. Provisions List 8. Bonded Stores List 9. Narcotics List 10. Arms & Ammunitions List (even if nil) 11. Plants & Animals List The above forms are for Customs, Immigration and agency.

Initial ETA should be sent 48 hours prior to arrival with further ETA sent 24 hours before arrival. Further messages should be sent if requested. The ETA message, in addition to date and time of arrival, should also include the passage to be used for entering (if applicable), LOA, draughts forward and aft, number of crew and passengers, Master's name, flag, port of arrival and port of destination.

The French flag is to be displayed whilst the vessel is in port. Vessels not complying may be subject to a fine at Customs' discretion.

There are no specific regulations but the Master should be advised by the agent.

Pratique accorded by pilot when boarding. Application can be made through the vessel's agent or through the Harbour Master. The port has no special health regulations but the crew should be healthy and there should be no notifiable disease onboard. Ship Sanitation Control Certificate can be renewed.

NOR should be handed to the agent on berthing or at the anchorage.