Port of Novorossiysk, Russia

Location:

Novorossiysk is situated in the N of Cemessk Bay in the NE part of the Black Sea.

• Latitude : 44^o 43' N
• Longitude: 037^o 47' E
• Time Zone: GMT +3
• Max. Dft : 12.5 m
• UNCTAD code: RUNVS

General Overview

The port consists of two harbours, one for oil, the other for dry cargo. The port specialises in handling grain, sugar, metal, scrap, mineral fertilisers, refrigeration, timber and crude oil cargoes.

Traffic figures

Approx 10,000,000t of general cargo and 40,000,000t of crude oil handled annually. Approx 6,000 vessels visit the port annually.

Load Line zone: Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for ships of 100m or less in length, Winter Dec 1 to Feb 28/29, Summer Mar 1 to Nov 30.

Max size: Sheskharis Oil Harbour: LOA 350m. Dry cargo port: LOA 250m. Max 100,000dwt.

Pre Arrival Information

ETA's: Master of a vessel should send preliminary information to the STELS Shipping Agency, about the vessel and cargo, not later than 12 days prior to arrival of vessel at the port. Notice of arrival should be sent 96, 72 and 24 hours prior to arrival with amendments 2-4 hours prior to ETA by VHF. In the preliminary notice, Master should state the following information:

1. Name and flag of the vessel
2. Last port of departure (call)
3. Draft, fore and aft
4. Cargo carrying capacity
5. Volume of holds
6. Measurements of hatches
7. Number and location of tween decks
8. LOA
9. Max breadth
10. Max depth
11. Name of cargo receivers or shippers
12. Requirements for fresh water, provisions, bunkers, ship's stores

Master should send information about the sanitary condition of vessel 24 hours prior to arrival. Documentation required: The following documents are required:

Documents	Copies
1. General Declaration	4
2. Cargo Declaration	4
3. Ship's Stores List	3
4. Crew Effects Declaration	2
5. Crew List	8
6. Passenger List	8
7. Money List	2
8. Derat certificate	1

All documents to be delivered by the agent to the Port Authority on arrival. Cargo documentation: Cargo documentation is usually delivered on board within 2 hours of cargo operations being completed.

Radio: A coast radio station is situated at Novorossiysk. VHF: VHF operates throughout 24 hours

VHF Stations	Callsign	Channel
Central Port Radio	Novorossiysk	17,16
Port Dispatcher	Novorossiysk	2  14
Port State Control	Novorossiysk	5  9
Dispatcher, Port Fleet	Novorossiysk	6  30
Transport Fleet Service	Novorossiysk	7  14
Dispatcher, Sheskharis Oil Harbour	Novorossiysk	15  14
Dispatcher ASPTR	Novorossiysk	12  30
SDS (Traffic Control)	Novorossiysk	17  9, 95

Health regulations: For vessels arriving from foreign countries at Russian ports, Masters must advise Health Authorities 24 hours prior to arrival, but not later than 6 hours, by radio through STELS Agency giving full details of health conditions on board as well as Health conditions at the last ports of call during the past 3 months. If medical assistance is required on board, Master has to contact STELS Agency or any local port agency. No shore connection is allowed to a vessel until free pratique is obtained. Masters are advised to ask a sanitary officer for inoculation, vaccination, fumigation, decontamination, etc, if required, whilst he is on board a vessel together with the other boarding officials.

Veterinary certificates of good health are required for the livestock, all kinds of meat, animal food and raw meat stuff brought to Russian ports from abroad. Certificates should be issued by the appropriate authorities of the country from which the cargoes have been exported. Masters should have a Phytoquarantine certificate for the goods of vegetable origin. It is prohibited to take ashore, fruit, vegetables, grain seeds, plants, plant products, etc, without a certificate issued by a local branch of the Agricultural Quarantine Inspection; animals and birds are also not allowed to be brought ashore without getting permission from the Veterinary Authorities.

Flags

No special requirements. All vessels in port during the daytime from 0800hrs to sunset must keep the national flag on the stern flagstaff and the port state national flag on the fore mast. Every vessel coming from abroad shall hoist quarantine signals of the International Code of Signals depending on health and sanitary conditions on board.

Notices of readiness: In case there are no special provisions in the contract of carriage of goods by sea, the Master shall, during the established office hours upon the accomplishment of customs formalities and having obtained free pratique, deliver a Notice of the vessel's readiness for loading or unloading to the shippers or consignees through the vessel's agent.

The NOR shall be considered accepted if the vessel is actually ready to load the cargo into or unloading it out of all vessel's holds or tanks.

Navigation

Port limits: The port limits are bounded by the shore line of Cemess Bay and lines connecting Cape Myskhako (Lat 44^o39'N, Long 037^o52.9'E) and Cape Penay. Sea buoys, fairways and channels: Vessels may enter or leave the port day and night. Vessel must approach from seaward to lighthouse "Doob" approx 2nm off and start to turn on course 334^o (short distance to shore on radar, 1.65nm). In position Lat 44^o37.7'N, Long 037^o48'E pilot will board vessel. Following the leading line 334^o, from port side in position Lat 44^o39.8'N, Long 037^o49.5'E, there is a lighthouse "Sudjukskiy" with passive radar reflector. Abreast distance on course 334^o on the leading line 6.5 cables port side. In this area on port side 1 red buoy, on starboard side 2 green buoys. Red and green buoys are exhibited on 20m depth contour; this passage has a breadth of 8 cables and draft, 19m.

A recommended route leads from the inshore end of the Traffic Separation Scheme to the entrance of Cemess Bay.

Directions for entering harbour

W of Penayskiye Banki; Initial position, Pilot boarding position (Lat 44^o38'N, Long 037^o52'E). Leading light beacons: The alignment (334^o) of light beacons: Front light; head of Vostochnyy Mole (white round concrete tower, red bands and red stripes, 21m in height) (Lat 44^o43.3'N, Long 037^o48.1'E). Rear light (white square masonary tower, red stripe, 13m in height) (1.5nm NNW of front light); leads into Cemess Bay, passing (with positions from Sudzhukskiy light (Lat 44^o39.8'N, Long 037^o49.5'E): W of No 1 lightbuoy (1.2nm ESE), marking the SW edge of Penayskiye Banki thence; between lightbuoys (9 cables E) which mark the channel between the W shoal of Penayskiye Banki and Sudzhukskiy RIF.

E of Sudzhukskiy light (white round concrete tower, grey base, 13m in height). E of Ostrov Sudzhuk (8 cables W) a low island composed of shingle and connected to Sudzhukskiy Kosa by the remains of a masonry mole. Thence; to berths in anchorage area No 414 or Gavan Sheskharis Oil Harbour or: E of Mys Lyubvi light (pink building, 15m in height) (3.0nm NNW) and thence; to berths in anchorage area No 413 or the Dry Cargo Harbour. The Novorossiyskiy leading line (334^o) should also be used by vessels proceeding from anchorage areas No 412, 413 and 414 to berths in the Dry Cargo Harbour. These vessels should remain within 1 cable to starboard of the leading line.

Caution

Before passing Penayskiye Banki, vessels should not diverge more than 1 cable from the leading line. E of Penayskiye Banki: Entry to the port by this route may only be carried out with the permission of the Traffic Control Post. Initial position: Pilot boarding position. To pass E of Penayskiye Banki: The alignment (002^o) of the Mys Penay leading lights: Front light: Mys Penay (white rectangular daymark, red stripe on metal framework, 20m in height) (Lat 44^o40.8'N, Long 037^o52.9'E). Stands on low whitish cliff, with higher triangular shaped cliffs of the same colour on either side. Rear light (structure as for front light, 10m in height) (425m N of front light): Leads E of a lightbuoy (E cardinal), which marks the E limit of Penayskiye Banki and W of anchorage area No 415. To pass NE of Penayskiye Banki: The alignment (130^o astern) of the Kabardinskiye light beacons: Front light (white rectangular daymark on square metal framework tower, 9m in height) (Lat 44^o38.5'N, Long 037^o55.6'E). Middle light (structure as for front light, 10m in height) (305m SE of front light). Rear light (structure as for front light, 9m in height) (670m SE of front light), leads into Cemess Bay passing: NE of detached rocks forming the N shoals of Penayskiye Banki. Marked by beacon (isolated danger) and light beacon (N cardinal). SW of prohibited area and thence; to berths in anchorage areas No 414, 413 and Gavan Sheskharis oil harbour.

Pilot

Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels with gross tonnage over 200t. Harbour pilotage is available day and night. Pilot boarding area is Lat 44^o37.7'N, Long 037^o48'E. When the vessel is approaching the pilot area Master must contact Traffic Control on VHF ch 9 and ask for instructions about pilot and mooring. The pilot boat's hull is orange with a white superstructure and black letters "Pilot" on hull. Helicopters are not used and usually only one pilot is required. Trim for tankers must not be more than 3.0m; dry cargo vessels in loading condition must have an even keel.

Anchorages

Outer anchorage: The following anchorage areas, established within or close to the entrance of Cemesskaya Bukhta, are used when anchoring without a pilot. Holding ground is good.

No	Position	Depth(m)	Use
408	Lat 44o40'N, Long 037o36'E	19-45, pebbles and sand	For use by vessels during NE gales
410	Lat 44o39'N,	20-51 and 10.4, patch
416	Lat 44o35'N, Long 037o56'E	23-40, mud, sand, shells and rock	For use by tankers and ships with dangerous cargoes
415	Lat 44o39'N	15-28 and mud	Waiting anchorages if pilot not available

Prohibited anchorage

Anchorage and fishing are both prohibited in an area No 648, that lies at the entrance to Novorossiyskaya Bukhta. This area contains a large number of obstructions.

The following anchorage areas, established NW of Penayskiye Banki, are used when anchoring with a pilot.

No	Position Depth Use (m)
414	Lat 44o 41'N, 11-27, mud and Long 037o 51' Eshell.
413	Lat 44o 43'N, 16-24, mud with Mooring buoys Long 037o 49'E shells
412	Lat 44o 41'N, 22-24, mud. Long 037o49'E

Tidal range and flow: Range 0.6. The tidal variation is insignificant and depends on the direction of the wind.

N'ly winds: +0.15 +0.25m CD.

S'ly winds: +0.45 +0.60m CD.

Dock density: 1008-1012.

Weather: Prevailing winds: W'ly. There are two types of weather in Novorossiysk Bay: Anticyclonic type is distinguished by N'ly winds in summer, force 7m/s = 40%. In wintertime N-E'ly "Bora" 15-30% and sometimes the wind force is 35-40m/s. Precipitation is very seldom.

Cyclonic type of weather is distinguished by winds 7-15m/s from S and W directions in summertime with low cloud, medium highs and thunderstorms, in wintertime, heavy rains. In wintertime, vessels lying at Berths No 5, 6, 10-12, 18, 19 and 27, during NE winds and after receiving a storm warning, must be secured to shore bollards by the necessary number of mooring lines with sufficient strength to keep them tight.

While S, SE and SW winds blow, vessels lying at berths subject to sea swell, namely Berths No 5, 6, 8 and 10 must be secured to shore bollards by a sufficient number of mooring lines ensuring that all lines are tight and have equal pressure when vessels move along the berths under sea swell.

Mooring to Berths No 4, 9 and 17 is prohibited while S winds blow with force over 8m/s or in unfavourable weather forecast. Vessels, lying at these berths, on receiving a storm warning or when the wind starts to blow or sea swell comes from the S, must immediately leave the port and sail for the roads.

For urgent sailing from the port, there must be a Master or chief mate, chief or first engineer and sufficient number of crew members to keep the engine in constant readiness. Visibility is usually good throughout the year.

Charts: BA 2233, 3311, 3316; Sov 981, 985. Admiralty Pilot NP24.

Traffic schemes: Traffic regulation of vessels is carried out by Control Post (SDS) on VHF ch 9, callsign "Traffic Control". SDS is carried out by accompanying all vessels in regulated movement area and informs position of the vessels on the leading line. All vessels in regulated movement area must observe the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 and must monitor VHF ch 9 when moving in this area. The regulated movement area is limited from the S by Lat 44^o37.7'N, and from the W by Long 037^o48'E.

Restrictions: Entry into the inner road, mooring and unmooring, both in the dry cargo harbour and the Sheskharis Oil Harbour cannot be effected during NE or S'ly winds over Force 7.

Tugs: Compulsory. There are 10 tugs available, 1 x 5,000hp, 3 x 2,500hp, 4 x 1,250, 2 x 600hp and 2 fire boats with foam equipment. Usually all tugs use vessel's ropes and work with long ropes and short ropes on bollards. Number of tugs required for mooring or unmooring are ordered by the pilot after request from the vessel's Master.

Coast guard: Coast guard service is carried out by vessels of the Navy Fleet, Ministry of Defence.

Mooring information: Berthing and unberthing available day and night. Mooring, unmooring and vessel traffic in the port may be allowed, as a rule, with the wind force not exceeding 17m/s. A vessel, arriving in the port of Novorossiysk while NE winds (Bora) blow or if caught by the winds in the inner or outer roads, as well as a vessel, receiving a storm warning of same, must take into account the danger of anchoring in the bay and if it is possible, the vessel should get out to the open sea or anchor against the Yuzhanya Ozereyka, always keeping the engine ready and watching the anchor chain. In this event, the vessel is advised to communicate with "Traffic Control" continually on VHF ch 9.

Without permission of "Traffic Control" it is prohibited to launch vessel's life boats or to use them for access to the shore. For mooring, the vessel must proceed to pilot place in position Lat 44^o37.7'N, Long 037^o48.0'E and when the pilot embarks, he will explain his intended manoeuvres, tug signals and other relevant information, including depth of water at the berth, to the Master. With the exception of this, the Master remains responsible for the safe navigation and handling of the vessel.

General berthing information: It is prohibited for vessels to anchor in the Inner Port without special permission from the Harbour Master. Entering the Inner Port and mooring in the Dry Cargo harbour is prohibited for non gas free tankers. Vessels lying at anchor must maintain continuous watch on VHF ch 16. On vessels, lying at berths in the Dry Cargo Harbour and Sheskharis Oil Harbour, it is not allowed to conduct any drills without the Harbour Master's permission and the Fire Guard. In case of anchor loss or drowning in the port limits, the vessel's Master must immediately inform the Port Control. Everyday at 0630hrs, 1330hrs and 2130hrs LT, Novorossiysk Meteorological Bureau announces the weather forecast on VHF ch 16. A berthed vessel should be secured properly. A constant watch must be kept on mooring lines. Having received a storm warning, Master must take all measures to ensure sufficient lines are out. When there is danger of a berthed ship breaking adrift, the Master must order tugs in advance for holding back the vessel, while laying out additional mooring lines. Port tugs are not used as a constant means to hold vessels at berths in stormy weather. After passing out, extra mooring tugs must be released. Keeping tugs alongside over 2 hours is considered to be a salvage action. Vessels with dangerous cargo must keep engines in constant readiness. The number of crew members on board the vessel must be sufficient to ensure an instant departure with the help of its own engine and tugs. The immobilising of the main engine, steering or anchor gear, or the trimming of berthed vessels is possible with the Harbour Master's consent in written form. For carrying out these works permission is granted for no more than 3 vessels simultaneously.

Berths and cargo

Names/Nos

Berths  Dwt  Draft (m) Sheskharis Oil Harbour:
No 1    250,000    19.0
No 2    90,000    14.0
No 3    30,000    10.0
No 5,8    12,000    8.5
No 6,7    60,000    12.0
No 4    For small bunker vessels

Dry Cargo Port:
No  5  60,000  12.5
No 10  40,000  11.5
No 16  30,000  11.5
No 18  40,000  11.5
No 22  40,000  11.8

In Sheskharis Oil Harbour, mooring ropes are handled by a mooring boat of 150hp.

Facilities

There are 5 x 15t cranes, floating cranes of up to 150t capacity, 3 x "Hartmans" for discharging grain, floating grain discharger and 3 x portable cranes of 40t capacity.

Storage

There are covered warehouses with a total area of 95,000m2 and open ground for storage of containers and goods totalling 200,000m2. Grushovaya Oil Base has 65 shore tanks with a total capacity of 1,000,000t.

Cargo

Cargo is handled at the following rates: Grain 2,000 tpd Sugar 1,300 tpd if in bulk Metal 1,400tpd Scrap 1,000tpd Refrigerated goods 500tpd Goods in bags 600tpd Cement 1,200tpd in bags 3,100tpd in bulk Paper or cellulose 500tpd

Ballast/slop reception

Sheskharis Oil harbour can receive only 5,000t of dirty ballast. In the dry cargo port, slops and dirty oily water can be received by barges.

Security

Gangway watch is compulsory and is carried out by crew on board and by soldiers on shore.

Emergency services:	Tel No
Fire	01
Police	02
Ambulance	03

Safety

Fire fighting safety in the Oil Harbour is provided by two specially equipped fireboats which are on standby. All tankers equipped with inert gas system, must have all cargo tanks filled with inert gas before loading. Oxygen content must not be more than 4%. Cleaning of crude oil cargo tanks is prohibited when alongside. The body of the vessel must be grounded.