The Port of Sohar hosts a variety of shipping services.
Directorate of customs Al Batinah
Tel: (+968) 26849959
Fax: (+968) 26849915
Coast Guard Al Batinah in Shinas
Tel: (+968) 26847141
Fax: (+968) 26847141
Svitzer
Tel: (+968) 24562695
Fax: (+968) 24562695
Email: svitzer@omantel.net.om
Svitzer is responsible for co-ordination and mobilization of:
- Pilots
- Tugs
For linesmen and household waste reception:
Al Batinah International Engineering & Services L.L.C
P.O. Box 105, P.C. 322, Sohar, Sultanate of Oman
Tel: 99331214
Fax: 26844654
SIPC - port of Sohar
Financial Department
Tel: (+968) 26852700
Fax: (+968) 26852701
Email: FinanceDept@portofsohar.com
Stevedoring companies
- C. Steinweg Oman LLC
Stevedores & Terminal Operators
P.O. Box 338, P.C. 325, Liwa, Sultanate of Oman
For more information please contact:
email: info@om.steinweg.com - Oiltanking Odfjell Terminal & Co. LLC
P.O. Box 369, P.C. 322, Falaj Al Qabail, Sultanate of Oman
For more information please contact:
Email: ootsohar@oiltanking.com - Oman International Container Terminal
P.O. Box 82, P.C. 327, Sohar Industrial Area, Sultanate of Oman
For more information please contact
Email: info@oict.com.om - Sohar Aluminium Company
PO Box 111
Postal Code 118
Al Harthy Complex, Muscat
Sultanate of Oman
Tel: +968 24 573 800
Fax: +968 24 573 801
info@sohar-aluminium.com - L&T Modular Fabrication Yard
P.O Box 236
Postal Code 322
Falaj Al Qabail, Sohar
Sultanate of Oman
Tel: +968 92877585
Fax: +968 92871707
Government security officer
The Government of The Sultanate of Oman (GSO) has a Government Security Officer who is the contact person for anything concerning security in Omani waters.
GSO security officer
Sultanate of Oman
Ministry of Transport and Communications
Sultanate of Oman
P.O. Box 684
Postal Code 113
Tel: (+968) 24693530
Fax: (+968) 24684224
Oil Spills:
Clean Globe International
Tel: (+968) 92882875
General Service Providers:
Air Liquide Sohar Industrial Gases
P.O.Box 880, PC 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman
(+968) 24449235 (+968) 24446186 -
Majan Electricty Company
P.O.Box 701, PC 116, Mina Al-Fahal, Sultanate of Oman
(+968) 24573300 (+968) 24573330 -
Majis Industrial Services Company
P.O.Box 1803, PC 130, Al-Athaibah, Sultanate of Oman
(+968) 24498740 (+968) 24498703 enqui@miscoman.com
Oman Electricity Transmision Company
P.O.Box 1224, PC 131, Hamriya, Sultanate of Oman
(+968) 24573201 (+968) 24573222 www.omangrid.com
Oman Gas Company
P.O.Box 799, PC 133, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
(+968) 24681600 (+968) 24681678 info@oman-gas.com.om
Oman Telecommunications Company
P.O.Box 789, PC 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman
(+968) 24631000 (+968) 24697216 www.omantel.net.om
Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Sohar Industrial Estate)
P.O.Box 1, PC 327, Sohar Industrial Estate, Sultanate of Oman
(+968) 26751272 (+968) 26751307 info@peie.com
Tristar Marine Services LLC
P.O.Box 534, PC 322, Sohar, Falaj Al Qabil, Sultanate of Oman
(+968) 95126942 tristarmarine@tristar-transport.com
Type of Service: Marine Supply Services of Fresh Water, Spares, Stones, Provisions and Lubes in port & anchorage.
Emergencies (Police, fire brigade and ambulance)
The emergency number within the port is: 9991.
Port Coordination Center
Tel (+968) 26852777
The general alarm number of the Royal Oman Police (and Fire brigade) is:
Tel 9999
The Al Batinah Region Operation Centre (Police)
Tel (+968) 26840099
Fax (+968) 26840286
Civil Defence Station Sohar (Fire Brigade)
Tel: (+968) 26864497
Emergencies Sohar Hospital
Tel: (+968) 26840399
Tel: (+968) 26844555
Oil & Gas Unstallation Security Police Headquarter
Tel: (+968) 26762679
Fax: (+968) 26762541
Pilot Boat External Procedure for agents:
Pilot transfer:
1. Agents are to inform PCC by email and phone with a request for pilot transfer giving minimum 2 hours notice.
2. Agents are to include in their request the following:-
a. required pilot boarding time (Incoming/ departure)
b. Name of vessel. (Incoming/ departure)
c. Destination (berth, terminal, anchorage)(Incoming)
Crew Change:-
1. Agents are to inform PCC by email and phone with a request for crew change giving minimum 2 hours notice.
2. Agents are to include in their request the following-
a. Required crew change time
b. Number of people to be transferred onboard/off board.
c. Name of vessel
d. Expected waiting time
e. All relevant approvals such as immigration, etc..
3. Pilot transfer is executed by the pilot boat; therefore priority will be given for pilot transfer if needed.
Introduction:
A ship to ship (STS) transfer operation is the transfer of cargo between seagoing vessels positioned alongside each other while alongside the berth or out at sea.
Cargoes typically transferred via STS methods include crude oil, liquefied gas as well as other petroleum products.
Objective:
The objective is to introduce safe and efficient Ship to Ship transfer operations in the Port of Sohar Anchorage Area. STS will only be permitted by following the guidelines mentioned below and will operate under highly controlled and closely monitored conditions.
1.1 STS operations are to be carried out at Anchorage area C. Positions are: 24 37.0 N 056 42 .0 E 24 37.0 N 056 44 .0 E 24 34.0 N 056 42 .0 E 24 34.0 N 056 44 .0 E 1.2 All operations within Port Limits will be immediately suspended or terminated if so instructed by the Port of Sohar or if the limiting weather criteria (wind speed is 15k or more, swell is 3f or more, and when visibility is 500 m or less) stipulated by the Port are exceeded or if any unforeseen circumstances adversely impact the safe conduct of the operation. 1.3 STS operations are prohibited while vessels are underway. 1.5 Permission to anchor must be obtained from Port Control prior to anchoring at Sohar Port Anchorage Area. 1.4 It is the responsibility of the vessel to locate their own anchorage area positions at area C after receiving permission to anchor from Port Control. 1.6 Vessels approaching or using Sohar Port anchorage area must at all times be liable in maintaining proper actions and apply rules of the "INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA" for avoiding the risk of collision. 2.0 OCIMF (Ship to Ship transfer guide): 2.1 The Sohar Port Authority will use Standard procedures as stated by the OCIMF; It is mandatory for the service provider and vessels to adopt OCIMF standards which include the Following (including but not limited to):- o General principles of the guide o Conditions and requirements o Safety o Communications o Operational Preparations before manoeuvring o Manoeuvring and mooring o Procedures alongside o Unmooring o Equipment o Emergencies 2.2 The STS service provider as well as the vessel must operate in accordance with the ICS and ISGOTT guidelines. 3.0 Requirements, Notifications and procedures: 3.1 Both STS vessels must have onboard all statutory documents and relevant certificates in accordance with relevant IMO conventions. A copy of such documents/certificates may be required such as: o Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate o Load Line Certificate o Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate o Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate o CLC Certificate issued by the flag state in compliance with the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage 1969 & 1992. o The International Oil Pollution Prevention (I.O.P.P) Certificate o Ship's Register Certificate o Classification Certificate (Hull & Machinery) o ISM Certificate o Oil Record Book o Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan o Vessels must have valid certificate of class. o Vessels must have valid P & I Hull & Machinery insurance. o Vessels crew must be certified in accordance with STCW 95. 3.2 The STS plan, for each vessel, must be provided to the Sohar Port Authority at least 48 hours in advance of the intended operation. 3.3 In addition to the STS plan, full details of the cargo to be transferred including its IMDG Code categorisation must also be provided at least 48 hours in advance. (The Sohar Port Authority may refuse/reject a STS operation if necessary) 3.4 There is a requirement to nominate a person in overall control of a STS operation by the STS service provider. 3.5 Berthing will only be conducted no earlier than 30 minutes before sunrise and to be to be completed no later than 30 minutes after sunset. 3.6 Separation/ unberthing and departure may be conducted either day or night as long as adequate light is provided. 3.7 Venting and purging of tanks is prohibited during berthing and unberthing operations. 3.8 Both vessels have to maintain 24 hour continuous listening watch on VHF channel 71 for the total duration of operation. 3.9 The superintendant must inform the PCO as soon as the operation has commenced and as soon as the operation has concluded. 3.10 The service provider must abide by the Port Rules and Regulations of Sohar Port Authority. 3.11 Vessels and vessel agents must comply with the Notification procedures stated in part 2 of the Sohar Port guide. 4.0 Notice: 4.1 Certificate of compliance to OCIMF requirements issued by a certified surveyor may be requested by Port Authourity. 5.0 HSE 5.1 According to the SIPC emergency response Policy; any spillage or pollution must immediately be notified to the PCO and the ship must take its own action in accordance with SOPEP. The ship must activate the SIP Oil Spill Response Team who will clean up the spill. All costs are to be met by the ship in question. Procedures and contact details are to be found in the appropriate section of SIP Incident Response Plan and Procedure. 4.3 According to the SIPC emergency response Policy; any accident resulting in loss of life or property or damage to the environment must be communicated to the PCO. A summary report on the incident must follow within 24 hours. 6.0 Contact Information: Sohar Industrial Port Company Port Control Office (24hour watch) Tel: +968 268 52 777 Fax: +968 268 50 272 VHF: CH 71 Marine Safety Office: Tel: +968 268 85 780/777 Fax: +968 268 50 272 Email: ops@portofsohar.com BACKGROUND While bunker fuel may have a flash point above 60° C, it may be often stored and managed at temperatures close to, or even above its flash point. These fuels that have high flash points may contain residual quantities which slowly migrate into the vapour space after handling, raising the flammability. It must therefore never be assumed that the vapour spaces in, and the emissions from, bunker tanks will always be safe plainly on account of a high flash point. The guidelines mentioned in this document follow the recommendations given in the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and terminals (ISGOTT) as well as Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF). All Bunkering operations are to be carried out, as a minimum to oil Bunkering best practice guidelines. (IMO’s “Manual on Oil Pollution, Section 1 Prevention” as amended, and the ICS and OCIMF “Ship to Ship Transfer Guides”). DEFINITIONS Shipping Agent: A person or organization responsible for the administrative details of a ship, on behalf of the ship owner or charterer during the ships visit to the port. Berth: Any dock, jetty, quay or place within the Sohar port Concession area where a ship may be secured. Bunker transfer: Means the transfer of bunker oil, being a flammable/combustible liquid intended for the propulsion and or the auxiliary operation of a ship, or a liquid intended for lubrication the ships engine or machinery. I.M.D.G International Maritime Dangerous Goods code. Sludge: Means oily residue and or liquid waste taken from engine room or other bilge area on a ship. PCC: Port Coordination Center PoS: Port of Sohar OOT: Oiltanking Odfjell Terminals & Co. LLC MSO: Port Authority Marine Safety Office Requirements for ships Shipping Agent: v Notification of the intention to bunker is to be provided to the PoS PCC detailing the quantity and type of oil by filling in the Dangerous Goods and bunker Notification form. v The form must be signed and stamped by the Master, the terminal and the agent. v The completed form must be faxed, e-mailed or sent by hand to PoS PCC at least 24 hours prior to vessel’s arrival. v The form when received will be processed by the PCC after which consent will be given back to the agent by email, fax or by hand v As soon as consent is given by the PCC the agents are to inform the bunker supplier. v The agent will inform the master of his duties and responsibilities as mentioned below. v The ship’s agent will notify the ship’s master of his responsibility to contact PCC by VHF channel 71 one hour prior to their intention to bunker. Ship’s Master: v It is the responsibility of the ship’s master to comply with PoS bunker transfer procedures and instructions given to him by the PCC or the agent on behalf of the PCC. v The ship’s master must notify PCC by VHF channel 71 one hour prior to commencement of bunker transfer operations. v The ship’s master must take all necessary safety precautionary measures throughout the operation, the ship’s master involved in bunker transfer operations shall ensure that bunker transfer will only take place if; o A bunkering checklist has been completed truthfully and fully. o The bunkering checklist as a minimum should ensure the following points have been complied with:- § The scuppers/wash port are firmly plugged/ sealed. § Bunker connections not in use are well blanked. § The bunker connection has been provided with a good seal. § There is a well-tightened bolt in every bolt hole at the bunker pipe connection flange. § There is a sufficiently large save all under the bunker pipe connection. § The hoses are well supported and are of sufficient length to allow for movement of the ship. § There is effective communication established and maintained by the ship’s engineering crew, so as to enable immediate shutdown if required. § Any cargo handling in progress will not hinder bunker transfer operations. Once bunkering has commenced: v No smoking, naked flame or hot work is permitted during bunker transfer. v A visual watch is maintained throughout the entire transfer operation. v Sufficient absorbent material is available on site to deal with any accidental spillage. v If a spillage does occur, all efforts must be made to stop or limit the spillage and the Sohar port Authority must be immediately notified on: Emergency Phone Number: +968 26 852 777 or VHF channel 71 or 16 v If the Sohar Port Authority Officer notices that any of the requirements laid down in this document cannot be fulfilled prior to or during bunker transfer then operations must cease immediately. Bunker transfer can only start or restart when the Officer is satisfied that all requirements are being met. Requirements for bunker barges: The Master of a bunker barge shall not begin bunker transfer unless he has ensured that: v The bunker barge is securely moored. v A bunker transfer checklist has been completed truthfully and fully. v There is effective communication established and maintained by the barge, so as to enable immediate shutdown if required. v The bunker hoses are in good condition and in test in accordance with relevant international Standards. v The bunker hoses are well supported and are of sufficient length to allow for movement of the ship. v There is a well-tightened bolt in every bolt hole at the bunker pipe connection flange. v The bunker connection has been provided with a good seal. Once bunker transfer has commenced: v A constant visual watch is maintained throughout the entire transfer operation. v Sufficient absorbent material is available on site to deal with any accidental spillage. v If a spillage does occur, all efforts must be made to stop or limit the spillage and the Sohar port Authority must be immediately notified on: Emergency Phone Number: +968 26 852 777 or VHF channel 71 or 16 v If the Sohar Port Authority Officer notices that any of the requirements laid down in this document cannot be fulfilled prior to or during bunker transfer then operations must cease immediately. Bunker transfer can only start or restart when the Officer is satisfied that all requirements are being met. Requirements for ship/ bunker barge operations at OOT berths and jetties The following is an outline of the PoS requirements on the transfer of fuels between tankers and bunker barges at OOT berths and jetties in the Port of Sohar. These requirements must be followed whenever possible and deviation should only be considered in consultation with OOT and PoS Authourity. v Tankers handling cargoes with a flash point above 60 degrees Celsius. o Ship - shore transfer operations are unaffected by bunker transfer operations. v Tankers handling cargoes with a flash point below 60 degrees Celsius and not under inert conditions. o Ship – shore transfer operations must cease for the period that the barge is alongside, this includes the bunker barge coming alongside and departing. o Under no circumstances may a tanker, load, tank wash or vent products with a flash point below 60 degrees Celsius during bunker transfer operations. o These requirements have been formulated with regard to the flash point of the cargo being handled, not to any transit cargo that may be present. Note: Sohar Port Authourity reserves the right to inspect all aspect of the bunker transfer before commencement, and or during the operations. Instructions given by the Port Authority should be followed immediately. Sohar Port Authourity important contact details: Port Coordination Center: Tel: +968 26 852 777 VHF: channel 71 and 16 Fax: +968 26850 272 Email: ops@portofsohar.com Marine Safety Office: Tel: + 968 26 852 744/780 Fax: +968 26850 272 Email: ops@portofsohar.com Bunker notification Form This form is to be submitted 24hrs prior to vessel arrival Please fill in the criteria below:- Vessel: ………………………………………………. Agent: …………………………………………… Call #: …………………………………………………. Terminal/Berth: …………………………… Date: …………………………………………………… Time……………………………………………… Cargo onboard: ………………………………….. Loading/unloading: ……………………… Amount of bunkers to be transferred ………………………………………………………………………….. Type of bunkers to be transferred ………………………………………………………………………………. I certify to the best of my knowledge and belief there are no damaged, leaking or deteriorated containers, tanks or packages containing Dangerous Cargoes that may adversely affect the safety of workers, port area, vessel or the environment. Agent Contact Details: Address:………………………………………………. Phone:…………………………………………………. Email………………………………………………….. Agent Stamp Vessel stamp Terminal Approval Sohar Port Authority Approval Vessel Master is responsible for any damage or pollution that may arise from this operation. Please note: Port Control Emergency Contact: +968 26852777 / +968 99342699 / VHF 71 / 16