Port of Richards Bay

The controlling depth at Richards Bay is 18 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.

The approach to Richards Bay is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Richards Bay North Breakwater Lighthouse at 1.7 NM to the E. Other aids include Richards Bay (4 NM ENE), Durnford Point (9.8 NM SW), Cape St. Lucia (25 NM NE), Cape Vidal (47.3 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.

The Port of Richards Bay is situated on the Indian Ocean in ZA. The area falls within the subtropical climate zone with mild winters and warm summers, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.

You can track vessels near Richards Bay (ZARCB) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course.

The Port of Richards Bay is a port in ZA. Its UN/LOCODE is ZARCB — the five-character code the UNECE assigns to trade and transport locations, and the identifier used on shipping documents and in port calls.

The first two characters, ZA, are the ISO country code for ZA. The remaining three identify the location within that country. The code is issued by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and is the international standard for naming ports in trade and transport systems.

The Port of Richards Bay operates in the UTC+2 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.

RICHARDS BAY (UN/Locode: ZARCB), South Africa is a seaport located at approximately -28.80600° N, 32.06000° E.

Coordinates: -28.80600° N, 32.06000° E.

Harbor type/size: Coastal Breakwater and Medium. Cranes: mobile cranes and fixed cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts and 50–100 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading and turning area. Depths: channel depth 18.6m - 19.8m; anchorage depth 18.6m - 19.8m; cargo pier depth 14m - 15.2m; oil terminal depth 14m - 15.2m and maximum draft approx. 17.05 m.

Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: may apply.

Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: not available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: available; first port of entry: available and additional quarantine services available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: not available.

Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Passenger, Ro Ro, Tanker and Unspecified.

Service providers include Inglasco International Ltd and Apex Stowaway Detection.