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Definition ETA/ETD Berth in the notification to the harbour master

26 September 2024 | Vessel Notification

Notification from the Harbour master

As (State) Harbor Master of the Port of Rotterdam, I would like to inform you about the use of “ETA/ETD Berth ” in the Port Community System.
The use of these times varies from terminal to terminal, and even from terminal operator to terminal operator. There are many options that people can use: for example first line, last line, gangway down, gangway down and secured etc.. The use of different definitions can lead to delays at berth and/or at sea of ships and related nautical services. This can lead to unsafe situations.

The Port Authority is committed to implementing the definitions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which are based on terminal practices, ship logbooks, Statement Of Facts and the definitions in the Convention of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
The definitions are used in accordance with current notification and reporting requirements, nautical service ordering procedures and roles and responsibilities of all actors in the port of Rotterdam.

The exact definitions will be as per 01/10/24:

  • ETA- Berth : first line secured
  • ETD- Berth : first line released

What does that mean in practice?

Arrival:

  • If you use “ETA Berth ”: the sailing time between the pilot boarding place and the berth is based on the first line secured
  • If you use “ETA Maas Centre / Euro 13 / LNG / Rendez-vous”: nothing changes

Departure:

  • Terminal and bunker services must communicate end times of their services to the agent on the basis that the service is not completed until the vessel can safely depart, meaning that the first line can be released.
  • But the ship itself will also have to be ready, for example by searching for stowaways and having the engine room on standby.
  • Pilotage, towing and mooring services and the Port Coordination Centre will work together to ensure that the first line can be released.

So something is required of all of us to work together towards one time that is used by everyone in the same way.