Port Alucroix (VIPAX)

The port handles liquid cargo, bauxite, alumina, breakbulk cargo and containers.

North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.

Port Alucroix is situated at the head of Krause Lagoon, on S coast of St Croix, US Virgin Islands.

Harbour: LOA 333.96m, beam 60m, draught 16.76m, 322,861DWT. Offshore: LOA 330m, BCM 60m, 320,000DWT

There is no anchorage off the entrance to Krause lagoon. Vessels having to wait on arrival, for docking instructions or inclement weather should proceed to sea approx 15nm towards the S and W of the island, maintaining contact with HOVIC Marine on VHF Ch 11 for instructions. Vessels are requested not to anchor near Port Alucroix or Limetree Bay and to remain outside the 182m curve while awaiting berth.

Directions for entering harbour: Krause Lagoon Channel (17°41.0'N 064°45.4'W), width 91m, depth 10.3m, leads through Long Reef then continues as a canal with dyked sides to a turning basin. This is dredged channel, privately maintained and marked on both sides by light beacons and lightbuoys (port hand and starboard hand). From the channel entrance, the alignment (329.5°) of leading lights (red rectangular daymarks with a white stripe, on each of 2 towers, elevation 34m and 40m) situated at the head of the turning basin, leads through the middle of the channel into the turning basin.

BA 485. Admiralty Pilot NP71, NP286(7).

On arrival at the pilot station vessels are to notify HOVIC Marine of their arrival, and to supply any additional information they (HOVIC) require, who in turn will inform the vessel on docking instructions.

Compulsory for all vessels over 100GT or over. Tugs and pilots are available between 0600-1600hrs. The pilot station is approx 2nm S-SE of the sea buoy (17°40.35'N 064°45.13'W). HOVIC pilot will board the vessel, approx 2 and 1.5nm S of St Croix Alumina's sea buoys.

Flare (17°42.6'N 064°45.7'W).

There is no night navigation at Port Alucroix. The discharging operation at this port experiences airdraught problems with large vessels (airdraught of 12.8m). In order for us to overcome this problem it is imperative that vessels maintain a minimum draught of 7.6m during discharging

Range 0.33m. The current outside the channel runs in a W'ly direction. The wind direction blows between NE and SE, and is normally light in the morning, and increases during the day to about 10kts.

Compulsory, provided by Hess Oil Marine Department (HOVIC Marine) during daylight hours only. Contact to be made 3-4 hours prior to arrival on VHF Ch 16, 11.

Prevailing winds: NE-SE'ly. The hurricane season runs from Jun-Oct, strengthening during the months of Aug-Sep. During this period it is advisable for vessels to monitor VHF Ch 04, 16 for weather advisory. All Masters will be required to keep their vessels in a state of readiness during this period to vacate the berth on short notice if required.

PORT ALUCROIX, SAINT CROIX 17°41.68'N 64°45.86'W For details see: HOVENSA OIL TERMINAL PILOT REQUIREMENTS ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

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VHF: Ch 16.

Notify vessel's agent of ETA 72, 48, and 24 hours prior to arrival, to include the vessel name, date, ETA and last port of call. Vessels shall supply the following information before arrival to their agent: ..... 1. Arrival draught forward and aft 2. Ballast condition 3. Cargo request (using a storage factor of 44lbs. Per cub foot) 4. Loading sequence (with the least amount of shifting possible).

Rules: ..... 1. Vessels shall have their anchors ready to let go upon entering Port Alucroix. 2. US laws prohibit the pumping of bilge water or sludge into the channel or the dumping of garbage or refuse overboard while in port or within 50nm of the St Croix coast. Garbage must be kept in covered containers 3. Vessels may be required to provide their own gangway. 4. Swimming in the harbour is prohibited. Sharks and barracudas frequent the harbour. 5. No holds shall be washed without permission from the port superintendent. 6. An emergency towing line shall be kept hanging over the ship side to water's edge on the off shore side of the bow and stern at all times by all vessels within Port Alucroix. 7. A sufficient number of mooring lines must be used to hold the vessel the vessel in position and be kept taut at all times while vessel is transferring cargo. Deck mooring machinery must be kept operational while the vessel is on port. 8. Vessels are to vacate the berth upon completion of loading, unloading or ballasting for sea. 9. No painting on the outside of vessels, and no scaffolding over the sides of the vessel while in Port Alucroix. 10. Potable water- fresh water is not available 11. In the event of fire on the vessel, dock or water front area, the vessel must be made ready for immediate departure if danger is imminent. During emergency periods, vessel and terminal personnel must take immediate action to protect life and property. 12. Under water (diving) activities are not permitted. In the event the vessel master or agent requires in water services, the superintendent shall be notified in advance and all activity will conform to the requirements of OSHA 1910.400 to 1910.441. 13. During hurricane season, no dismantling of vessel's main engine can be conducted without the superintendent's permission. 14. All ship's personnel entering the dock operations area shall wear safety gears (eg Safety hat, shoes and glasses/goggles). 15. During ballasting, deck scuppers shall be plugged. No ballast water should be allowed to flow over the sides of the vessel. 16. At completion of discharging/loading during daylight hours, the vessel captain shall give HOVIC Marine 1 hour confirmation notice on sailing by VHF Ch 11. When completion occurs during night time hours notification shall be given 1 hour before vessel is ready for sailing.