Port of Portland has worked with customers to develop a berthing protocol that manages berth allocation.
It is based on the ‘first come-first served' principle but the Port retains the right to vary berthing rotation. The protocol is reviewed regularly to take into account the ever-changing environment and customer needs.
BACKGROUND
This berthing protocol guides the Port of Portland’s decisions about allocation of berths to ships competing for available berth space.
BERTH ALLOCATION
At all times, berth allocation will be at the discretion of the Port Company. The Port of Portland always reserves the right to vary the berthing rotation or order the removal of any vessel(s) from any berth(s).
PRIORITY BERTHING PROTOCOL
In general the principle of “first come-first served” applies - that is a ship arriving first at the designated pilot boarding ground (as marked on chart AUS 140) has priority access providing
• the vessel declares readiness to work the nominated cargo.
• The vessel has labour booked to work the cargo immediately or at the earliest next normal shift on a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week basis.
The principle of “first come-first served” may not apply where:
1. The agents/principals reach agreement amongst themselves or with the cargo terminal to change the order.
2. The vessel arriving first is not scheduled to work cargo 24 hours a day except grain vessels bound for Berth No.1 (See below),
3. In the case of grain vessels arriving at Berth No.1, the vessel arriving first is not scheduled to work at least on a 2 shift, 7 day basis.
Special consideration will be given to vessels restricted to working at a particular berth or whose cargoes are subject to time based quarantine clearance.
Where any local council/statutory restrictions prevent vessels from working cargo 24 hours a day, the Port of Portland will exempt such vessels from having to work cargo 24 hours a day. Vessels affected by this and working cargo two shifts a day will have the same right to a berth as a competing vessel scheduled to work cargo 24 hours a day.
OPERATING DELAY
A vessel that for any reason other than natural causes, orders cargo work to be suspended or which Australian regulatory authorities detain may remain alongside to solve the problem, providing another vessel is not competing for that berth.
Where another vessel is competing for that berth and where the delay is in excess of 4 hours, the Port Company may, at its discretion, remove the vessel from the berth subject to prevailing circumstances.
All costs associated with moving a vessel from a berth will be charged to the owner or the principal of the vessel.
DEPARTURE
Upon completion of cargo work a vessel shall depart from the berth at the first opportunity unless there are special circumstances preventing it from doing so or if an agreement has been reached with the Port of Portland for an extension of time alongside.
ADVERSE WEATHER
Berthing and un-berthing of vessels during severe weather conditions occurs at the Duty Pilot’s discretion. Once a decision to cease berthing/un-berthing operations has been made the Port Company will advise all interested parties.
It should be noted that under certain climatic conditions it may be possible to berth/un-berth one vessel and not another. Such decisions are made at the discretion of the Duty Pilot.
STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITY
Notwithstanding any of the above, the Port Company’s actions in relation to marine operations will at all times be governed by the Victorian Marine Act 1988.
Capt. Peter Gracias
Harbour Master/Marine Manager
October 2009
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