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25 Jul 2019 / Torres Strait, Australia

Maximum draught increase

Torres Pilots have been assisting the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and maritime engineering company OMC International with the UKCM Trials piloting AMSA-approved vessels via Torres Strait with a maximum draught up to 12.50m.

These trials have proven successful and AMSA has issued Exemption 03/2019 which will allow pilots to pilot Bulk Carriers and Tankers through Torres Strait with a maximum draught up to 12.50 metres, using the Under Keel Clearance Management System (UKCMS).

Torres Pilots have been using the AMSA approved UKCM System since 2014 and will present Masters with a UKCM transit plan and assist with the use of the UKCM system during pilotage.

AMSA has advised that the trials demonstrate that tidal windows are available for safe transit of vessels through Torres Strait at drafts of up to 12.5 M and fully comply with Marine Order 54.

The approval for vessel transits with draughts up to 12.5 M is extended to bulk carriers and tankers, as per the following:

Vessel type: Bulk Carrier
Parent Hull form: Bulk Carrier

Vessel type: Combination Carrier
Parent Hull form: Bulk Carrier

Vessel type: Wood - Chip Carrier
Parent Hull form: Bulk Carrier

Vessel type: Chemical Tanker
Parent Hull form: Tanker

Vessel type: Gas Tanker
Parent Hull form: Tanker

Vessel type: MODU or FPSO
Parent Hull form: Tanker

Vessel type: NLS Tanker
Parent Hull form: Tanker

Vessel type: Oil Tanker
Parent Hull form: Tanker

Trials are ongoing for container vessels and are expected to be completed by 31 October, when it is hoped that they too will be approved for the new draught limit.

Operators and Masters of vessels transiting the Torres Strait drawing in excess of 10.50m are reminded that they will require tidal rise to allow the required UKC. It is prudent when planning the voyage to note that tidal windows are initially indicated to the Master / Owner based on AHO published tide table predictions and require verification with actual tides 48 hours prior to arrival.

The Torres Pilots’ Duty Pilot at Thursday island in Torres Strait is available 365 days a year to monitor on a daily basis actual tidal rise with predictions. Masters will be alerted if there is any change in the expected tidal window, to enable vessels to plan to minimise any possible delay whilst waiting for the required tidal rise.

Minimum under keel clearances (UKC) required are as follows for the Varzin Passage and Prince of Wales (POW) Channel draught-restricted parts of the Torres Strait:

Draft: Less than 11.90m
- Varzin Passage: 1.0m
- POW Channel: 1.0m

Draft: Less than 11.90m
- Varzin Passage: 1.0m
- POW Channel: 10% of draft

For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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