| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outer Anchorage | 22°12’30″N 91°43’00″E | 15.2 | 12-18 | Mud/Sand | 80,000 | Unlimited (rotational) | Waiting area for all vessels | Exposed to SW monsoon (May-Sep). Minimum 0.5nm clearance required. Mandatory AIS transmission. | Pilot boarding area. Average waiting time 3-5 days (CPA 2023 data). |
| Inner Anchorage | 22°14’00″N 91°45’30″E | 8.5 | 9-12 | Clay/Mud | 50,000 | 15 vessels max | Pre-berthing inspection | Restricted maneuvering space. Prohibited during cyclones. Anchor dragging risk during spring tides. | Customs clearance performed here. Bunkering available (24hr notice). |
| Chittagong Container Anchorage | 22°15’15″N 91°46’45″E | 3.8 | 10-14 | Sandy Clay | 60,000 | 8 vessels max | Container transshipment | Daylight operations only. Tugs mandatory. Prohibited for vessels carrying IMDG Class 1. | Direct feeder connection to Pangaon ICD. Requires CPA approval 72hr in advance. |
| Karnaphuli River Anchorage | 22°18’00″N 91°48’00″E | 2.5 | 7-9 | Silt/Mud | 30,000 | 5 vessels max | Coastal vessels | Strong tidal currents (4 knots max). Night navigation prohibited. No anchoring within 200m of riverbanks. | Primarily for cement/clinker carriers. Barge operations priority. |
| Emergency Storm Anchorage | 22°10’00″N 91°40’00″E | 20.0 | 15-20 | Hard Sand | 100,000 | Unlimited during cyclones | Cyclone shelter | Activated when CPA issues Signal #4. Vessels must maintain 1nm separation. | No commercial operations permitted. Free of charge during emergencies. |
Additional Critical Information:
1. Tidal Range: 3.5m (neap) to 6.1m (spring) – UKHO Tide Tables 2024
2. Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels >100 GRT. Pilot transfer at 22°12’N 91°43’E (Daylight only)
3. Anchorage Holding: Good in mud bottom (recommended 6:1 scope). Poor holding in sandy clay areas.
4. Weather Restrictions: All anchorages closed when signal #4 hoisted. Monsoon season (Jun-Sep) extra precautions required.
5. VTS Coverage: 24/7 monitoring on VHF CH 16/14. Mandatory position reporting every 2 hours.
6. Danger Areas:
– Wreck at 22°13’42″N 91°44’18″E (uncharted)
– Submarine cable area 22°11’00″N 91°42’00″E (no anchoring within 500m)
7. Turnaround Time: Average 4.7 days (2023 CPA statistics). Container vessels priority clearance.
8. Bunker Availability: IFO 380 at anchorage (48hr notice required). No LNG bunkering.
9. Prohibited Areas:
– Within 1nm of Navy Base (22°16’N 91°47’E)
– 500m radius around Chittagong Outer Breakwater
10. Anchorage Fees: $0.08/GRT/day (CPA Circular 03/2024). Additional $50/day for vessels >200m LOA.
11. Environmental Regulations: Mandatory SOPEP compliance. Zero discharge zone within 12nm.
12. Security:
– Armed guards required for high-risk vessels
– Nighttime movement restrictions in Karnaphuli River
13. Medical Facilities: Port hospital at 22°19’N 91°49’E (24hr emergency care)
Important Notes:
– All coordinates WGS84 datum (verified with CPA Notice 01/2024)
– Depths refer to Chart Datum (CD) – LAT 2.1m below MSL
– Maximum stay: 21 days without extension (CPA Regulation 12A)
– Night navigation permitted only with VTS approval and escort tugs
– Mandatory pre-arrival documentation submission 96hr before ETA
– Fresh water supply available at Inner Anchorage ($15/ton)
– Garbage disposal compulsory at designated reception facilities
