Israel: Port Updates

The UK P&I Club received the following updates from Club correspondent M. Dizengoff P&I Representative Ltd, and local correspondent Harpaz P&I regarding the port situation in Israel. 

Update - 4th April

The ports of Haifa and Ashdod operate as usual. The port of Eilat was affected by the Houthi actions that are preventing vessels from entering the Red Sea, as as a result, the volume of work at the port has decreased significantly. 

Update - 9th February

All Israeli ports are safe and operating regularly. However, care should be taken at Eilat port due to its location on the Red Sea and the risk of vessels being attached by Houthi militants.

Update - 15th January

Ashkelon

The port is now operating as normal. 

Haifa and Ashdod

Both ports are operating as usual. There are some restrictions in place for vessels carrying hazardous materials (HAZMAT). 

Hadera

Operating as normal.

Eilat

Due to the latest developments in the Red Sea, there are a limited number of ships calling at this port, but this port is operating as normal.

Update - 11th January

All ports are safe and continue to operate as normal. 

Update - 1st January 2024

All Israeli ports continue to operate as normal. 

Update - 6th December

All ports are operating as normal. However, Ashkelon oil jetty is officially working, but it is subject to the navy's decision whether to allow vessels to enter (depending on the security situation at the given time).

Update - 30th November

All Israeli ports continue to operate as usual. It is possible the ceasefire deal with Hamas could be extended for a further two days until 1st December 2023.

Update - 22nd November

All Israeli ports are operating as usual although both Ashdod and Haifa are operating on an emergency basis, with restrictions on dangerous materials. On 21st November, the Government of Israel approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas for four days, starting from 23rd up to and including 26th November 2023. 

Update - 7th November

All ports are currently operational. 

Update - 18th October

Ashdod

Operational but working under emergency regulations. The Ashdod area is constantly being attacked by rockets, less than Ashkelon, but still quite frequently.

Haifa (includes Haifa Bay port and Israel shipyard port)

Safe port and working regularly.

Ashkelon

Oil jetty is under constant rocket attacks. Whilst it is officially 'open', it is practically closed and vessels are required to arrange their arrival/entrance to the port with the navy.

Hadera

Safe port and working regularly.

Eilat

Safe port and working regularly.

Update - 16th October

Ashdod - see download below

The port is currently operational (the current restriction on vessel's carrying Hazardous Materials ("HAZMAT") is still valid).

Haifa (includes Haifa Bay port and Israel shipyard port) - see download below

The port is open and currently operational.

Ashkelon

Vessels are able to discharge cargo but only whilst moored at sea buoys. The port is not operating as usual and decision for moored vessels are taken on the basis of the security situation, which can change daily. 

Hadera

The port is open and currently operational. 

Eilat

The port is open and currently operational. 

Update - 11th October

Ashdod

The port is located 50km from the Gaza border and it has been attacked by missiles. Whilst it is currently operational, it is working on an emergency basis only. 

Haifa (includes Haifa Bay port and Israel shipyard port)

The port is located about 200km from the border and is currently operational.

Ashkelon

The port is located 15km from Gaza border. It is an oil port for tankers and it has been constantly attacked by missiles. The navy are restricting vessels entering the jetty. However, some vessels have discharged cargo whilst moored at sea buoys. Any decisions concerning moored vessels are taken on the basis of the security situation, which can change daily.

Hadera

The port is located 100km from the border and it is a coal port. It currently remains operational. 

Eilat 

The port is in the Southern Israel. It serves the export of fertilisers and the import of cars from the Far East. It is not affected by the war and is operating as usual.

Update - 9th October

The government of Israel has declared a state of war against Palestinian militant group Hamas. The majority of the fighting is currently taking place in the southern part of Israel and the ports of Ashdod and Ashkelon are not far away from this area.

Port Information:

• Ashdod port is currently operating on an "Emergency Mode" status. 
• The port of Haifa which also includes the Haifa Bay port and Israel shipyard port is operating as usual. 
• The port of Ashkelon (used mostly by tankers) is not operating. 
• The port of Hadera (used mostly by bulk carriers) is operating as usual. 
• The Israeli Navy control all of the sea traffic in all areas around and near the port of Ashdod and Ashkelon.

• A message issued on 7th October 2023 by Ashdod port authorities, relating to vessel's carried hazardous material (HAZMAT).

QUOTE:

To: Shipping Agents

Subject: Entry of Vessels with Hazardous Materials to Ashdod Port – Temporary Procedure

1. Following an announcement about "special situation in the hinterland" in the geographical area in which Ashdod Port is included, the Ministry of Transportation has directed the port to regulate the entry of vessels according to the hereby procedure:
   
   
2. Entry of vessels carrying Hazardous Materials ("HAZMAT") of any kind into Ashdod Port, is subject to a prior approval of Israel's Administration of Shipping and Ports.
   
   
3. Please note that according to the directives of the Home Front Command, entry of vessels carrying HAZMAT of class classification groups: 1, 2.1, 2.3, as well as substances appearing in the table in the link below, will not be allowed: https://tinyurl.com/UNgroup0523
   
   
4. Shipping agents are required to send detailed list of all HAZMAT of any type on vessels scheduled to arrive at the port of Ashdod, 48 hours prior its arrival at the port. The above applies to both container ships and general and bulk cargo ships.
   
   
5. The list should include 3 reports: import, export and transit of HAZMAT.
   
   
6. The list must be send to the control room of the TOS unit, by email:
   
   bakara-room@ashdodport.co.il
   
   You must verify the receiving of the list at the TOS unit, at phone +972-8-8517103/247.
   
   
7. Failure to transfer the list on time may cause a delay in the vessel's entry into the port.
   
   
8. The Shipping Agents are required to be in contact with port's planning unit, in order to receive information about the approval of vessels to call the port.
   
   
9. The application of this instruction is immediate until further notice.

UNQUOTE

The Club will continue to monitor this situation very closely.