SINES ANCH

• Latitude: 37.9095
• Longitude: -8.86193
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Anchorage in Portugal

Location: Sines Alentejo Portugal

Marine Port Description: Sines Anchorage, Portugal

General Overview

• Location: Sines Anchorage is situated close to the town of Sines, on the southwest coast of Portugal. It lies in proximity to the major industrial and commercial port of the Port of Sines (Porto de Sines), which is a significant hub in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Coordinates:
  • Latitude: 37°57′N
  • Longitude: 08°52′W

Facilities and Infrastructure

• Anchorage Area: Sines Anchorage provides a safe and secure anchoring point for vessels awaiting berth or carrying out transfers and other maritime operations. The anchorage area is located outside the primary navigation channel of the Port of Sines to ensure unobstructed passage.
• Depth: The depth in the anchorage area ranges considerably, typically around 20 to 25 meters, accommodating a diverse range of vessel drafts. This makes it suitable for large, deep-draft vessels such as tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships.
• Holding Ground: The seabed composition generally includes sand and mud, which offers good holding ground conditions for anchoring.
• Navigation Aids: The anchorage is well-marked with navigation aids including buoys and markers, which are maintained by Portuguese maritime authorities to assist in safe anchoring and navigation.

Services and Accessibility

• Pilotage: Pilotage is compulsory for vessels entering and leaving the anchorage and the Port of Sines. Pilots can be boarded near the designated pilot boarding area.
• Tug Assistance: Tug services are available for maneuvers in and out of the anchoring area and are typically required for ensuring safe docking and undocking procedures.
• Bunkering and Supplies: Sines Anchorage offers bunkering services as well as provisions and stores delivery to vessels. These services are catered by local suppliers with coordination from authorized shipping agents.
• Communication: Good VHF communication facilities are in place for coordinating with the Port of Sines' traffic control and for arranging various maritime services.

Environmental and Safety Regulations

• Ballast Water Management: Vessels must comply with international ballast water management regulations to prevent environmental contamination.
• Waste Disposal: Ships must follow the port’s regulations on waste disposal, ensuring that no pollutants or harmful materials are discharged into the sea. Adequate facilities for the collection and treatment of waste are provided.
• Security: The port and anchorage adhere to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code for ensuring the safety and security of ships and port facilities.

Weather and Sea Conditions

• Prevailing Winds: The predominant winds generally blow from the northwest, but the area is also subject to southern winds particularly in winter.
• Sea State: The sea conditions can vary, with periods of rough seas during winter storms. However, the anchorage is relatively sheltered compared to more open sea areas.
• Tidal Range: Tidal variations are moderate, typically ranging from 1 to 3 meters, and tidal currents are generally weak, which simplifies anchoring operations.

Key Points of Contact

• Port Authority: Administração dos Portos de Sines e Algarve, S.A. (APS)
• Harbormaster: Responsible for ensuring maritime safety and operations within the anchorage area.
• Shipping Agents: A variety of agents operate in the area to assist with logistics, provisioning, customs clearance, and other vessel requirements.

Conclusion

The Sines Anchorage in Portugal offers a strategic and well-equipped location for vessels awaiting entry into the Port of Sines or conducting maritime operations. With comprehensive maritime services, robust infrastructure, and stringent safety and environmental regulations, it is designed to support both commercial and industrial maritime activities efficiently.