Alexandria (USAXR)

Cargoes handled are mainly paper, project and breakbulk.

Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for ships of 100m or less in length, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Alexandria is an inland port area, situated on the upper part of the Potomac River, approx 90nm upriver from Chesapeake Bay and 6nm South of Washington.

Draught 6.7m.

Anchorage may be obtained anywhere in the river below Alexandria where the bottom is soft. When coming up through Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Pilots may occasionally anchor larger vessels at 37°14.06'N 76°25.25'W. The Virginia Pilot Tower may be contacted on VHF Ch 11 for further information.

Alexandria is approached from Chesapeake Bay, approx 90nm down the Potomac River, which is entered between Smith Point and Point Lookout. The width of the entrance is approx 5nm. The main channel is clearly marked with red and green buoys. The port area lies on a fast flowing river, with both quays close by the main channel. Two major bridges span the channel leading up to Alexandria. The Federal Project for Chesapeake Bay provides for depths of 15.2m (50ft) in the Main Channel between Virginia Capes and Fort McHenry, Baltimore. Project Depth for the Potomac River from the mouth to Hains Point at the junction of the Anacostia River is 7.31m (24ft). Channel depths of 11.5m (38ft) or more are then available up to Ragged Point, 20nm above the mouth. From here there is a controlling depth through the dredged cuts of approx 5.4m (18ft) up to Hains Point. The channels should be maintained at or near project depths but vessels are advised to check for the latest information on this, particularly after periods of extreme weather.

Admiralty Pilot NP69. BA 2923, 2924 (Alexandria and navigation up the Potomac River). US Charts 12285 and 12289 (Alexandria area). US Charts 12288, 12287, 12286, 12233 (for navigation up the Potomac River). US Coast Pilot, Vol. 3.

1000.

Compulsory for foreign vessels and US vessels under register in foreign trade. Optional for US vessels in coastal trade who have on board a pilot licensed by the Federal Government for Potomac waters. Arrangements for pilots should be made through ship's Agent. Pilots will meet a vessels entering from sea at Cape Henry. The Chesapeake and Interstate Pilots Association offers pilot services to U.S. vessels, engaged in the coastwise trade, and public vessels to Piney Point. The Virginia Pilots Association offers pilotage to any vessel bound for a port in Virginia or Washington, DC. The Association of Maryland Pilots offers pilotage to any vessel bound for a port in Maryland or Washington, The Virginia Pilots' Association offers pilotage to any vessel bound for a port in Virginia or Washington, DC. The Association of Maryland Pilots offers pilotage to any vessel bound for a port in Maryland or Washington.

Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge: A bascule bridge (38°47.568'N, 77°1.984'W) with a vertical clearance of 23.1m when closed and horizontal clearance of 53.3m, spans Potomac River at Jones Point. A fog signal is sounded at the bascule opening. Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge (also known as the Potamac River Bridge) (38° 21.701'N, 76°59.791'W) has a central span over the support piers in the main navigable channel. Vertical clearance is 41m and horizontal clearance 146m. The centre line of the main span is marked by fixed green and white lights and a flashing red aero obstruction light. The main trusses and approaches are marked by fixed red lights. Overhead power cable: with a vertical clearance 52m and marked by marked by red obstruction lights, is carried over the main channel from Moss Point to a position 1.75nm NE. Speed Limit: 10kn in the Alexandria wharf area. Old piling may be a hazard leading up to river berths. Vessels should also be aware of the location of Spoil Grounds and Fish Traps.

Mean Spring range 1.0m; mean neap range 0.7m

None available.

Ice closes the river during severe winters at Washington, North of Alexandria. Power vessels keep the channels open during warmer winters. Following heavy rain or melting snow, the river level can sometimes rise by as much as 3.5m above MLW in the Washington area.

ALEXANDRIA 38є 48.0' N,077є 03.0' W UNCTAD LOCODE: US AXR For details see: CHEASAPEAKE BAY (HAMPTON ROADS) ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

Pilot: Pilotage is compulsory. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

Virginia Pilot Association: Tel: (757) 496 0995. The Association of Maryland Pilots: Tel: (410) 342 6013.

Officials will board vessels at the berth. Alexandria is a first port of entry. For crew not to be detained onboard, each crew member must have a visa in their passport or Seaman's Book.

Please see country information for details of documentation requirements.

Vessels arriving in first US port: Please see country information.

Coastguard Vessel Inspection: Please see country information.

No action initiated unless there is illness onboard. Ship Sanitation Control Certificates: Please see country information.