Constanta

The Port of Constanta is located at the crossroads of the trade routes linking the markets of the landlocked countries from Central and Eastern Europe with the Transcaucasia, Central Asia and the Far East. It is the main Romanian port and it ranks among the first 10 European ports. The favorable geographical position and the importance of the Port of Constanta is emphasized by the connection with two Pan-European Transport Corridors: Corridor VII – Danube (inland waterway) and Corridor IV (rail-road). The two satellite ports Midia and Mangalia that are located not far from Constanta Port are part of the Romanian maritime port system under the Maritime Ports Administration SA Constanta coordination.

The Port of Constanta is one of the main distribution centers for the Central and Eastern Europe, offering many advantages, of which mention must be made of:

– Multi-purpose port with modern facilities and sufficient water depths in the port basins to accommodate the largest vessels passing through the Suez Canal;

– Direct access to the Central and Eastern European countries through the Pan-European Corridor VII – the Danube;

– A hub for the container traffic in the Black Sea;

– Good connections with all modes of transport: railway, road, river, airway and pipelines;

– Customs facilitations for commercial operations performed through the Port of Constanta;

– Modern facilities for passenger vessels;

– Land availability for future expansion;

– Since 1st January 2007, the Port of Constanta has become Free Zone.

Maritime Port

The Port of Constanta is located on the Western coast of the Black Sea, at 179 nM from the Bosphorus Strait and 85 nM from the Sulina Branch, through which the Danube flows into the sea. It covers 3,926 ha of which 1,313 ha is land and the rest of 2,613 ha is water. The two breakwaters located northwards and southwards shelter the port creating the safest conditions for port activities. The present length of the North breakwater is 8,344 m and the South breakwater is 5,560 m. Constanta Port has a handling capacity of over 100 million tons per year and 156 berths, of which 140 berths are operational. The total quay length is 29.83 km, and the depths range between 8 and 19 meters.

These characteristics are comparable with those offered by the most important European and international ports, allowing the accommodation of tankers with capacity of 165,000 dwt and bulk carriers of 220,000 dwt.

Currently, there are several projects in progress, in order to build new facilities for cargo handling and to improve the transport connections between Constanta Port and its hinterland. These projects are mainly located in the South part of the port

River Port

Constanta Port is both a maritime and a river port. Daily, more than 200 river vessels are in the port for cargo loading or unloading or waiting to be operated. Facilities offered by the port allow accommodation of any type of river vessel.

The connection of the port with the Danube River is made through the Danube-Black Sea Canal, which represents one of the main strengths of Constanta Port. Due to low costs and important cargo volumes that can be carried, the Danube is one of the most advantageous modes of transport, an efficient alternative to the European rail and road congested transport.

Important cargo quantities are carried by river, between Constanta and Central and Eastern European countries: Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia and Germany. River traffic is very important for Constanta Port.

Touristic Port – Tomis Marina

Tomis marina is integrated in a harmonious manner with the architectural design of Constanta city and it represents a prolongation of the Casino cliff and a balanced transition to the city beach. Access from the city to the port can be easily made by vehicles and on foot. A series of touristic objectives of great interest can be found close to the Tomis marina: the Ovidiu Square bearing the name of the Roman poet Ovid, the Archaeological Museum, the Roman Mosaic with ancient relics of old Tomis, the Aquarium, the Genovese Lighthouse, the Casino.

Due to its favorable location and present infrastructure, Tomis marina has a high potential for nautical tourism, sporting activities and entertainment, representing a shelter for sport sail ships. The capacity of the port allows the arrangement of sporting activities such as boat races.

At present Port Administration is developing an investment project regarding the modernization of Tomis marina, having in view the rehabilitation and extension of the breakwaters to create a safer port and also increase its functionality and services.

Tomis Marina is to become an important destination for coastal pleasure boats sailing along the Romanian sea shore with calls at Eforie, Costinesti, Neptun, Mangalia or northwards Mamaia and Midia.

Port limits:

As the commercial limits, the port of Constanta is confined by the North and South breakwaters.

Traffic Separation Zone (TSS):

The traffic separation scheme for arriving into and departing from the port is as follows:

1. The separation zone has the following limits:

44°04.75’N 028°43.77’E

44°04.44’N 028°43.22’E

43°59.40’N 028°48.60’E

43°59.70’N 028°49.17’E

2. The entrance channel into the port has the general direction NW, True course is 322°

44°00.19’N 028°50.04’E

44°05.24’N 028°44.65’E

3. The departure channel from the port has the general direction SE, True course is 142°

44°03.96’N 028°42.35’E

43°58.90’N 028°47.74’E.

The observance of 1972 COLREG is compulsory. The length of the navigational channel is 6.4 Nm, depth is 21 m. The breadth of the navigational channel is 0.8 Nm.

The width of the separation zone is 0.5 Nm.

Pilotage: Compulsory for all vessels, except navy vessels, vessels used in public service, vessel for maintenance or for the control and surveillance of navigation, intervention vessels, training, hospital and pleasure vessels. Pilotage is compulsory for berthing, unberthing, shifting and is available 24 hours / day.

The vessel’s Master has to contact Constanta VTS / VHF Ch 67 at the entrance into the jurisdiction zone (12 Nm radius from position: 44°10.20’N 028°39.60’E).

Pilot can be contacted in VHF Ch 14. The language used is English. The compulsory zone for embarking/disembarking of pilot is:

In fair weather (the wind force up to 4): within the circle with a radius of 0.5 Nm from position: 44°05.06’N 028°43.06’E.

In bad weather (over force 4) near the position 44°06.24’N 028°42.30’E.

Density: 1014

Weather: Prevailing winds: beginning with October and all winter, there are strong northerly winds (up to 9 to 10 Beaufort).

In the summer time, variable winds, sometimes rainfalls.

Maritime signaling system:

The Romanian maritime ports are provided with a modern maritime signaling system: light buoys and radar reflectors.

Charts: BA 2284. Admiralty Pilot NP19

The traffic plans:

The master of the vessel is obliged to be in permanent contact with Constanta VTS (VHF Ch 67), starting from the vessel’s entrance into the jurisdiction zone,
at anchor also. Entering/leaving in/from the port and also the manoeuvres inside the anchorage zone will be made with the approval of the Constanta VTS only.

Radar: Radar surveillance is permanently performed by Constanta VTS on 12 Nm radius area.

Restrictions: Entrance to the port during night-time is forbidden for tankers with a draft over 11 m.

Tug assistance is compulsory for any vessel over 1,000 NRT.

Search and rescue (SAR): In the Romanian ports zone on the Black Sea the SAR operations are provided by ARSVOM (Romanian Association for the rescue
of human life at sea – Constanta), with two tugs: ”Hercules” (6.600 hp) and ”Viteazul” (2.400 hp), and also, 11 SAR launches.

Anchorage: The roadstead of Constanta is limited by the following co-ordinates:

44°10.50’N 028°44.00’E
44°10.50’N 028°49.50’E
44°06.50’N 028°49.50’E
44°06.50’N 028°44.00’E.

The meridians of 028°46.7’E and 028°48.2’E divide the anchorage into 3 zones, numbered from West to East:

Zone 1: Anchorage for vessels up to 40,000 GRT (except tankers)

Zone 2: Anchorage for vessels over 40,000GRT (except tankers)

Zone 3: Anchorage for tankers, LPG carriers and vessels carrying dangerous cargoes

The roadstead allows safe anchorage, with depths of 25-30m for 40 to 50 large ships, with the possibility to make a full swing in case of change of wind or current direction. In bad weather, small vessels may enter the port waters with the approval of the Constanta VTS only.

Tide: Tidal variations are insignificant. In case of strong and persistent winds, high tide may be 0.5 m above the reference. The drifts direction is form North to South at a speed of more or less 1 knot.

General Information for all vessels:

1. ETA / ETD;
2. Vessel’s name / former names/ call sign / flag;
3. IMO number / MMSI number;
4. Type of vessel / year of built;
5. GRT, NRT, DWT, LOA, breadth;
6. Maximum draft, arrival draft, intended departure draft;
7. Owner’s / Operator’s / Charterer’s name and address;
8. Agent’s name and address;
9. Master’s full name;
10. Number of crew (including master) / number of passengers;
11. Purpose of call;
12. Last port of call / next port of destination;
13. Cargo on board, cargo to be discharged / loaded, quantities / hatch distribution. (if dangerous cargo, UN number / class in accordance with IMDG or IBC, BCH, IGC, INF Code must be specified);
14. Quantity of ballast to be discharged and provenance;
15. Capacity of sludge / bilge tanks, Quantity of sludge / bilge;
16. Ship’s statutory certificates expired on arrival;
17. Validity of ISM certificates (DOC, SMC);
18. Date and place of last PSC report;
19. Any deficiency of hull machinery or equipment wich may affect safe manoeuvrability of the vessel, affect the safety of the other vessels, constitute an hazard to the marine environment, to person or property;

Supplementary information for tankers only

1. Whether gas free or in an inert condition;
2. Validity of Civil liability Certificate (for tankers of more than 2,000 dwt.);
3. Quantity of segregated / clean / dirty ballast on board;
4. Quantity of ballast to be delivered ashore;
5. Capacity / quantity of slop tanks;
6. COW time, if to be performed

Required documents

On vessel’s arrival/departure, the port authorities require the following IMO standard FAL documents:

• 5 (copies) IMO General Declaration,
• 5 (copies) IMO Cargo Declaration
• 3 (copies) Ship’s Stores List
• 2 (copies) Crew Effects Declaration
• 5 (copies) Crew List
• 5 (copies) Passenger List
• 2 (copies) Cargo Plan
• 1 (copy) Maritime Declaration of Health
• 1 (copy) Derat Certificate, Derat Exemption Certificate
• 1 (copy) Phytosanitary Declaration
• 2 (copies)Sanitary-Veterinary Declaration (in case of vessel carry perishable and agricultural cargo, live animals etc.)

The FAL documents will be dated and signed by Master, authorized Agent or Officer. In addition to the above, the following documents have to be available on board:

 1. For all ships:

• Certificate of Registry
• International Tonnage Certificate
• International Load Line Certificate
• International Load Line Exemption Certificate
• Stability Information for Passenger Ships and Cargo Ships
• Minimum Safe Manning Certificate
• Certificate for Masters, Officers and Ratings
• International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate:
  • Record of Construction and Equipment for Ships other than Tankers
  • Record of Construction and Equipment for Oil Tankers
  • Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan
  • Document of Compliance (copy)
  • Safety Management Certificate

2. In addition to the requirements in the section 1, the passenger ships must have on board:

• Passenger Ship Safety Certificate
• Record of Equipment for the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate
• Exemption Certificate
• Special Trade Passenger Ship Safety Certificate
• Special Trade Passenger Ship Space Certificate

3. In addition to the certificates mentioned in the section 1, the cargo ships must have on board:

• Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate
• Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate
• Record of Equipment for the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate
• Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate
• Record of Equipment for the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate
• Exemption Certificate
• Document of Compliance with the Special Requirements for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods
• Dangerous Goods Manifest or Stowage Plan
• Document of Authorization to Load Grain
• Certificate of Insurance or Other Financial Security in Respect of Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage

4. In addition to the requirements mentioned in sections 1 and 3, all ships carrying noxious liquid substances must have on board:

• International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk (NLS Certificate)
• Cargo Record Book

5. In addition to the requirements mentioned in the sections 1 and 3 all tankers for chemical products carriage must have on board: 

• Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (or International Certificate of Fitness for Carriage)
• Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk(or International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk)

6. In addition to the requirements mentioned in the sections 1 and 3, all the tankers for liquefied gases carriage must have on board:

• Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk (or International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk)

7. In addition to requirements mentioned in the sections 1 and 3, all the high speed craft must have on board: 

• High Speed Craft Safety Certificate
• Permit to Operate High Speed Craft

Other Certificates

Special Vessels

• Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate
• Additional Certificate for Offshore Supply Vessels Carrying Limited Quantities of NLS in Bulk

Diving Systems

• Diving System Safety Certificate

Dynamically Supported Craft

• Dynamically Supported Craft Permit to Operate

Mobile Offshore Drilling Units

• Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit Safety Certificate

Noise Survey

• Noise Survey Report

Note: All the certificates required on board must be original.

Working Hours

• Monday – Friday: 1st shift – 07.00-19.00, the 2nd one 19.00-07.00.
• Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: It is possible to work on these days and the ship’s operation tariffs are negotiable. However the working schedule, the shifts, over-time and rest-time can be different, depending on the port operator, and suggestion is made to contact the local sources for any programming activities.

Public Holidays

• 1st and 2nd of January
• Easter holidays (two days)
• 1st of May
• Pentecost Day (24th of June)
• St. Mary’s Day (15th of August)
• St. Andrew’s Day (30th of November)
• National Day (1st of December)
• Christmas holidays (25th and 26th of December)
• Saturday and Sunday

Owners / Masters Notification
As per EU and Romanian legislation en force, in order to avoid penalities or any other unpleasant situation during port call Owners / master should comply following rules:

1. Owners / Master to send the pre arrival templates (MSW forms), at least 24 hours prior arrival the vessel in the port otherwise vessel will not get port entrance approval from port authorities and Harbour Master applies penalities from 250 Euros to 500 Euros.

2. Owners / Master must fill up all necessary / empty spaces in the notifications, otherwise port authorities apply Owners / Master penalities between 250 Euros and 750 Euros.

3. In case requested information regarding Bunkers Convention Certificate are not filled up, Harbour Master might refuse vessel’s entrance in the port.

4. In case vessel has no available Bunker Convention Certificate, Harbour Master applies penalties from 2.500 Euros up to 12.500 Euros, and might also stop vessel’s operations in the port till certificate is obtained.

5. Master to fill up in log book transfer operation for consumption of main engine from marine fuel with content of sulphur exceeding 0.1% m/m to marine fuel (gas oil) with content of sulphur not exceeding 0.1% m/m. If this is not mentioned in the log book, Harbour Master applies penalty from 2.500 Euros up to 5.000 Euros.

6. In case of any penality is applied by port authority vessel is not allowed to sail from the port till the amount is fully covered by Owners / Master.

The original Certificate of insurance or other financial security in respect of civil liability for bunker oil pollution damage must be on board of the vessel.

As per provisions of Directive 2009/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the insurance of shipowners for maritime claims, published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) No. L 131 of 28 May 2009, which provides for the mandatory carriage of the insurance certificates for maritime claims on board the ship, staring 03.04.2012 all vessels calling Romanian ports MUST have MARITIME CLAIMS INSURANCE. The absence on board of the insurance certificates for maritime claims, vessel has 72 hrs to provide such certificate and then will lead to possible no acceptance in the port or ship expulsion by Romanian Port Authority