Night navigation restrictions

24 Jun 2025 / Messaieed Port, Qatar

Due to GPS signal disruptions, which has affected vessel positioning and the reliability of channel buoy lights, for the safety of all MIC [Mesaieed Industrial Cities] Port users and operators, the following measures are being implemented with immediate effect until further notice.

1. Mandatory Pilotage: All vessels entering or departing MIC Port (irrespective of size and draft) must have a Pilot onboard while transiting within MIC Harbor limits.

2. Daylight Channel Pilotage: Channel pilotage operations will be restricted to daylight hours only - from 0500hrs to 1800hrs.

3. Suspension of night-time navigation in the channel: All night navigation inside the channel is suspended from 1800hrs to 0500Hrs. However, all berthing, unberthing and movement between berth and inner anchorage (or vice versa) will be allowed all times.

4. Revocation of Heat Index Restrictions: Restriction on vessel berthing and un-berthing between 1000hrs. and 1530hrs, enforced from 01st June to 30th September 2025 due to high heat index conditions is hereby revoked.
(Refer MEMO: VI/M/IP(M)/25/0004, dated 15/05/2025)

All personnel are to strictly adhere to heat stress management protocols throughout the summer period.

The consistency of GPS signal will be continuously monitored and assessed. Any updates or additional measures will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

(For information about operations in Qatar, contact GAC Qatar at [email protected])

Source: Messaieed Port Qatar Energy memo dated 23 June 2025

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