Marine Services

The shipping line services outlined below are provided by APMSCo. For more information please visit www.apms.jo/eng

Anchorage

Anchorage is in depths of 20-90 meters, available 0.8 nm from the shore, north-west of the Main Port. At anchorages 1-7 (near-east) No:7 is not any more in use, cargo is transferred to lighters. Anchorages 1-6 are used for ships waiting to berth. Anchorages may accommodate up to 6 ships during busy times. All vessels must lie in the compulsory pilotage area. At anchor, vessels must stay at least 0.7 nm from the Royal Jetty.

Pilotage

Compulsory for vessels over 50 net registered tonnes and applies in all port areas. Pilotage is also compulsory during berthing operations and when entering the north anchorage area. Vessels are permitted to move without a pilot in an emergency, providing permission is obtained from the port harbormaster.

Pilotage is available from VTS VHF Channel 12. Ships in harbor requiring a pilot should contact AQABA VTS (VHF channel working channel 12)/ Aqaba Port Marine Services Company APMSCO, one hour before the ship is ready to move. Advance notice of a requirement for a pilot should be given to the agent who should contact the operations manager or a representative. Some vessels may proceed to open sea from an anchorage without a pilot. However, the presence of a pilot is required when a vessel leaves a berth. Sound signals are prohibited. Ships intending to berth alongside the Container Terminal must wait for a pilot 1.6 km (1 nautical mile) away.

Towage

The use of tugs is compulsory for all berthing operations. This is charged at the prevailing rates shown in the official tariff. The Port of Aqaba has seven tugs, from 2,000 hp to 6,770 hp, usually based in the Southern Main Port.

Berthing

Main engines must not be immobilized without the prior consent of the harbor master. Vessels must be made fast with adequate mooring lines. Vessels carrying IMO 1.1 explosives, ammonium nitrate, radioactive materials and potassium chloride are prohibited berthing alongside.

Sea Fire Brigade

The Aqaba Company for Ports Operation and Management (ACPOM) has its own fire brigade facility. This includes three fire-engines with water and foam, one rescue fire-engine with water, three ambulances and two tugboats with foam.