| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outer Anchorage | 22°27’30″N 89°35’00″E | 3.2 | 8-10 (CD) | Mud/Sand (Shingle patches) | 30,000 | 10 vessels (min 500m spacing) |
Waiting area for vessels awaiting berthing Bunkering operations |
Exposed to tidal currents (max 3.5 knots during spring tides). Night anchoring prohibited during monsoon (May-Sep). Mandatory AIS transmission. Prohibited for LPG carriers. | Pilotage compulsory. 24hrs notice required for anchorage allocation. Daytime bunkering permitted with port approval (max 100t/hr transfer rate). |
| Inner Anchorage | 22°28’15″N 89°34’30″E | 1.8 | 6-8 (CD) (+1.5m tidal allowance) |
Clay/Mud (Shear strength 20-40kPa) |
20,000 | 6 vessels (max LOA 180m) |
Loading/unloading lighterage operations Provisions supply |
Restricted maneuvering space. Daytime operations only (0600-1800 LT). Minimum 50m clearance from channel markers required. No anchoring within 200m of oil terminal. | Barges available for cargo transfer (200-500 DWT). Customs inspection mandatory before operations. Fresh water supply @ $15/ton. |
| Emergency Anchorage | 22°26’45″N 89°36’15″E | 0.5 | 7-9 (CD) | Sandy Clay (Holding power 1.5t/m²) |
15,000 | 2 vessels (priority system) |
Emergency repairs/storm shelter Medical evacuations |
Priority for distressed vessels. No commercial operations allowed. Storm mooring hooks installed (max 25kt wind capacity). Mandatory port doctor clearance for medical cases. | Requires Port Control approval. Tug assistance mandatory ($500/hr). Medical evacuation services available (helicopter pad coordinates 22°26’50″N 89°36’20″E). |
| Riverine Anchorage A | 22°29’00″N 89°33’45″E | 0.8 | 5-7 (CD) (-0.8m during neap) |
Silt/Mud (Soft upper layer) |
10,000 | 4 vessels (max draft 6.5m) |
Coastal vessels and barges Timber operations |
Limited to vessels under 150m LOA. No night navigation permitted. Special caution required during flood tide (2.8kt current). | Primarily for domestic traffic. Foreign vessels require special permission ($200 clearance fee). Log sorting area adjacent. |
| Chalna Anchorage | 22°30’12″N 89°32’30″E | 1.2 | 4-6 (CD) | Soft Mud (Low shear strength) |
8,000 | 5 vessels (daylight only) |
Agricultural bulk carriers Coastal feeders |
Not suitable for vessels requiring quick maneuverability. Prohibited during cyclone warnings (Signal No. 3+). | Grain sampling service available ($150/inspection). Local labor for bagging operations @ $8/ton. |
Extended Critical Information:
1. Tidal Data:
– Mean Spring Range: 4.2m
– Mean Neap Range: 2.8m
– Highest Astronomical Tide: 5.8m (July)
– Chart Datum (CD): 0.5m below MSL
2. Anchorage Technical Specifications:
– Recommended anchor size: 25% heavier than standard for mud conditions
– Minimum scope: 5:1 during monsoon, 4:1 otherwise
– Holding capacity tested quarterly by BIWTA
3. Navigational Parameters:
– Turning basin diameter: 2.5x LOA required
– Current-induced swing: Up to 80° during ebb tide in Outer Anchorage
– Underkeel clearance: Minimum 1.5m at all times
4. Prohibited/Regulated Areas:
– 500m radius around Hiron Point Lighthouse (22°29’N 89°33’E)
– 200m from submarine cable routes (marked by yellow buoys)
– 300m exclusion around naval facilities
5. VTS & Communications:
– VHF Channels: 16 (distress), 14 (port ops), 12 (tugs)
– Radar coverage: 12nm radius from Control Tower
– AIS mandatory for vessels >300 GT
6. Underwater Hazards:
– Wreck at 22°27’12″N 89°35’45″E (200m exclusion)
– Uncharted shallows near Riverine Anchorage (reported 4.2m patches)
– Submerged pipelines marked by special buoys
7. Port Services:
– Fresh Water: 50t/hr via barge (48hrs notice)
– Bunkering: No ship-to-ship; approved barges only (max 3 barges alongside)
– Waste: Mandatory use of reception facilities (oil waste capacity 50m³/day)
8. Security Measures:
– ISPS Level 1 standard
– Armed guard deployment: $200/12hr shift
– Restricted zones marked by yellow buoys with radar reflectors
9. Meteorological:
– Monsoon winds: SW 15-25kt (Jun-Sep)
– Visibility restrictions: Fog Nov-Feb (min 1nm visibility required)
– Cyclone season: Apr-May & Oct-Nov
10. Emergency Protocols:
– Medical: Port hospital (24hr) with decompression chamber
– Firefighting: 2 tugs with 5,000m³/hr capacity
– Pollution control: 500m containment boom stock
11. Legal Framework:
– Mandatory compliance with:
• Bangladesh Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1983 (Amended 2020)
• IMO Resolution MSC.158(78) for anchorage management
• Mongla Port Authority Bylaws 2019
12. Operational Updates:
– Dredging schedule: Outer channel maintained at 8.5m CD (quarterly surveys)
– New anchorage areas planned (2025 expansion)
– Night navigation trial for Inner Anchorage (under review)
Operational Notes:
1. Pre-arrival Requirements:
– Submit ETA 72hrs in advance via agent
– Complete Anchorage Request Form MPA-12
2. Anchorage Procedures:
– Daily position reports at 0800/1800 LT
– Mandatory 500m separation between vessels
– Anchor watch required at all times
3. Prohibited Activities:
– Unauthorized cargo operations
– Discharging ballast water without treatment
– Fishing within port limits
4. Special Conditions:
– Grain vessels: Mandatory fumigation certificate
– Tankers: Additional fire watch required
– RO-RO: Special mooring arrangements
