ZAHRANI ANCH

• Latitude: 33.5318
• Longitude: 35.312
• East Mediterranean
• Anchorage in Lebanon

Location: Lebanon

Zahrani Port (ZAHRANI ANCH), Lebanon

Overview:

The Zahrani Port, also known as the Zahrani Anchorage (ZAHRANI ANCH), is a significant marine port located in southern Lebanon, near the town of Sidon (Saida). The port serves as a key location for the import and export of goods, catering to the needs of the surrounding industrial areas. As a crucial point for maritime activities, Zahrani Port is fundamental to Lebanon’s shipping and logistics sector, particularly for the petroleum industry due to its proximity to refineries and storage facilities.

Geographic Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 33.4700° N latitude and 35.3500° E longitude
• Proximity: Located around 8 km south of the coastal city of Sidon (Saida)

Port Specifications:

1. Type of Port:

   • Anchorage facility with designated areas for vessels to anchor offshore.

2. Water Depth:

   • Varying depths suitable for different types of vessels, typical anchorage depths range from 20 to 40 meters.

3. Berth Details:

   • The port typically does not have extensive alongside berths, focusing more on offshore anchorage requiring lighterage operations to/from vessels.

4. Port Facilities:

   • Tanker terminals for unloading crude oil and petroleum products.
   • Storage tanks and refineries.
   • Onshore facilities are likely focused on the support infrastructure required for the oil and gas sector.

5. Cargo Handling:

   • Specializes in import/export of crude oil, refined petroleum products, and other associated goods.
   • Limited general cargo and container handling due to the primary focus on the oil industry.

6. Navigational Aids:

   • Adequate navigational aids including buoys, beacons, and lights to ensure safe entry, berthing, and departure of vessels.
   • Tide and current information provided to aid vessel navigation.

7. Anchorage Areas:

   • Designated anchorage zones with specific weight and size limitations for vessels subject to port authority regulations.
   • Offshore mooring and transfer operations primarily conducted due to limited alongside facilities.

8. Support Services:

   • Tugboats and pilot services available for maneuvering vessels.
   • Lightering vessels may be used for cargo transfers between large anchoring ships and smaller vessels or the shore.

9. Security and Regulations:

   • Port security in compliance with national and international maritime security standards.
   • Custom regulations governing the import/export of goods, with a focus on the handling of hazardous materials like petroleum.

10. Port Authority:

    • Managed and regulated by local port authority ensuring smooth operations and adherence to maritime safety and environmental regulations.

Key Considerations:

• Environmental Impact: As a port handling oil and petroleum products, environmental safeguards are critical to prevent spills and contamination.
• Economic Importance: Plays a crucial role in Lebanon's economy by facilitating the movement of essential energy resources.
• Strategic Position: Its location near Sidon makes it integral to the southern Lebanese industrial infrastructure.

Conclusion:

The Zahrani Port (ZAHRANI ANCH) is a pivotal maritime hub in Lebanon's coastal infrastructure, specializing in the handling and storage of oil and petroleum products. Despite lacking extensive general cargo facilities, its anchorage-based operations support significant industrial and economic activities, particularly in the energy sector.