Trade Advisory: Updated Departure Procedures for Container Vessels at Pipavav Port

Dear valued Customers,

Warm greetings from APM Terminals Pipavav!

Pipavav Port continues to be a trusted partner to all stakeholders, and we sincerely value the strong and enduring relationships with our esteemed clients. In our ongoing commitment to improving turnaround times and productivity, we consistently evaluate and refine our processes.

As the efficiency of vessel turnaround and berth productivity is vital for container liners, we have identified opportunities to improve the time between cargo completion and vessel departure. To optimize this process, the following updated procedures for all container vessels at Pipavav Port will come into effect from 14th April 2025:

1. Outward Pilot Memo: The pilot memo should be booked 1 hour 30 minutes prior to the Pilot on Board (POB) by the terminal (CT) Container Ops, with acknowledgment from the Master/Vessel Agents (hard copy or email). The memo will be forwarded by the Pipavav Terminal Operation to Pipavav Port Control, the vessel, and the vessel operating agent.
2. Pilot Cancellation and Amendment: Any cancellations or amendments to the outward pilot memo must be sent via email to inppvportcontrol@apmterminals.com and via VHF/Phone on Channel 71 to Pipavav Port Control. A minimum 30-minute notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling pilot requests.
3. Vessel Readiness: The vessel must be fully prepared for sailing as per the POB timings provided by the terminal. Port Control will not wait for confirmation from the vessel, and any issues preventing departure must be addressed or cancelled as outlined in point 2.
4. Formalities Clearance: The vessel operating agent must ensure that all formalities are completed 30 minutes before cargo operation completion. The vessel's Port Clearance certificate and Immigration NOC must be sent via email to inppvportcontrol@apmterminals.com .
5. Vessel Master Communication: The Vessel Master is required to contact Port Control on VHF Channel 71 at least 30 minutes before POB to confirm preparations for pilot boarding/disembarkation and to report any issues with the vessel's navigation, propulsion, or critical machinery that could affect safe navigation through Pipavav Port and GMB waters.
6. Maximum Delay: Vessels must be ready to depart as per sailing time given in the Departure memo. A maximum delay of 15 minutes may be allowed in exceptional cases. However, delays exceeding 15 minutes will incur pilot detention charges for the entire delay period, including the first 15 minutes, as per the Scale of Rates (SOR).
7. Berth Stay After Cargo Completion: Should a vessel need to stay at the berth for services such as bunkering, crew sign-on/off, or provisioning after cargo completion, prior approval from the terminal is required, provided no other vessels are waiting. The applicable SOR charges will apply.

In accordance with the updated process, please find below the revised Pilot Memo (Request for Pilot Service Form 4) for booking Outward Pilotage services. Kindly make sure that your stakeholders are notified of these changes to ensure smooth and timely compliance.

For any queries, you may reach out to our customer engagement on service.pipavav@apmterminals.com

Thank you
APM Terminals Pipavav [GPPL]