Off Port Limits stopovers, teamwork in the Strait of Gibraltar

The Strait of Gibraltar, considered to be the world’s main maritime artery, is a field of operations where thousands of ships sail per year, meaning all sorts of different actions are carried out. Unknown to most, these activities go beyond "simply sailing through its waters" or a "port layover"; e.g., one of the more complex operations is the so-called Off Port Limits layover. What does it really entail and what kind of ships can request this service?

As the name itself indicates, an Off Port Limits stopover is performed beyond the limits of the harbour’s waters, and in the same route direction followed by the vessel. They are technical layovers that are requested for very specific purposes (especially in the case of large tonnage ships), among which we would like to highlight the following: 

-        Embarkation or disembarkation of crew members and/or superintendents

-        Delivery of nautical charts

-        Delivery of parts and spares

-        Delivery of provisions

Given the specificity of these operations, as well as their technical characteristics, they are usually requested by the ships’ and freighters’ operators or charterers, who hire this service from our port agency in Ceuta. After confirming the costs of the operation itself, the agreement is closed and the details (coordinates, day and time) are specified. The best part? That since this kind of stopover is outside the port, ships are exempt from paying port fees. 

The process is real teamwork

Although the process itself may seem uncomplicated and that a next generation speedboat is enough to carry it out, we must not forget that the Strait of Gibraltar is especially treacherous on windy and stormy days (mostly when there are strong winds from the east). Therefore, the process can be complex and should not be taken lightly.

In order for this service to be carried out with full guarantees and no unnecessary delays, Salama has a specialized team in charge of this particular operation. This action requires completely coordinated and well-planned teamwork on land that is finally executed on a fast-moving speedboat. Who is essential on board to do so?

-        The speedboat’s staff

-        A Salama supervisor to ensure that the process is carried out in a timely manner

-        A carrier to load the boat and help load the material once the client’s coordinates are located.