LARGE VESSEL RESTRICTIONS

This information is to help clarify our parameters as to what size, beam, and draft that vessels may transit the Port of Palm Beach. A synopsis of our guidelines is listed below, however, it is impossible to regulate each scenario. When a vessel is calling on the Port for the first time, the Pilots must be contacted before scheduling vessels that are either 550’ LOA or greater, 85’ or over in beam, or over 28’ in draft. The Pilots should be contacted at least 72 hours prior to arrival for all other vessels calling on the Port for the first time to discuss any tug or docking requirements that may delay the vessel.

The maximum salt-water draft is 33’-00” for the Port of Palm Beach when the channel and turning basin are free from shoaling. During periods when shoaling is present, further restrictions beyond what is stated below might be applied to the draft, length, or beam.

Vessels 600’ and over LOA will enter only during daylight hours.

Vessels 600’ and over LOA or a beam of 90’ or greater may have an additional draft restriction.

Vessels within 3 feet of maximum allowable draft are restricted to high water slack.

Single screw vessels 500’ LOA or greater may be restricted to maneuvering during daylight slack water depending upon the draft of the vessel and the current weather conditions.

Single screw vessels must have at least 50’ of clearance to adjacent vessels in the slip in order for the tugs to operate safely. All vessels may expect delays whenever this situation occurs.

Deep draft vessels over 600’ should be advised that the west end of the South Slip has a depth of 25’ at MLW.

Vessels less than 550’ LOA and 85’ beam with 50 feet of clearance in the slip can be safely handled using the two local tugs under most weather conditions. When vessels exceed this size or when the weather deteriorates, we have found that it is necessary to order an outside tug and/or restrict the draft to improve the maneuvering of these vessels. Briefly, the reasons for this are; the low horsepower of the local tugs, the strength of the Gulf Stream at the mouth of the inlet, the width of the turn in the inner channel, and wind velocities that exceed 20 knots.

Single screw vessels may require a third tug if they exceed the following parameters:

550’ LOA or greater when there are adverse weather conditions

600’ LOA or greater with drafts at 28’ or greater

Inbound vessels with a LOA of 550’ or greater and a draft over 30’ or beam over 85’ and a draft over 30’

A combination of LOA over 600’ and a beam over 85’ at any draft with 30’ being the maximum

Vessels 500’ LOA or greater may need a third tug when backing into a slip in a loaded condition.

Twin-screw ships, and single screw vessels fitted with thrusters, may not have all of the restrictions that are listed above depending upon the handling characteristics of the vessel. The Pilots should be contacted regarding such vessels.

Additional recommendations for Oil Tankers and Barges:

It is recommended that vessels carrying oil transit during slack water for safety reasons. Flood tides should be avoided at all times.

Certain vessels such as steam tankers may require 3 tugs. The maximum draft for oil is 32’-00” unless limited by the above parameters or shoaling.

Additional Information for the Cruise Port at Berth #2:

The Cruise Berth is 700 feet long with Yokohama type fendering. Cargo vessels docked on the opposite side of the berth may limit the width of this slip from 250 feet to 170 feet.

Ebb and Flood currents flow across the entrance of the Cruise Slip making docking and undocking difficult for poor handling vessels. Newer Cruise Ships with Azipod, or twin screw with twin rudder type designs, and strong bow thrusters can usually maneuver through these currents on any tide if winds are favorable. Less maneuverable vessels may have to wait for slack water and/or use tugs. Please note that the two local harbor tugs that operate in Palm Beach are reported to be 2800 HP and 1000 HP. The force of the wind and current on older or less maneuverable vessels over 500 feet may exceed the capabilities of the 2 local tugs.

Strong storms, northeasters, and heavy ground swell and hurricanes make the Channel Entrance to the Port impassable at times for larger cruise vessels.