KERCH MERCHANT SEA PORT

Kerch is situated on the shore of the Strait of Kerch which joins the Black sea and the sea of Azov. The port of Kerch was founded on the 10-th of October 1821. In 1874, the Kerch – Yenikalsky Channel was dug through the Strait of Kerch to develop mechant navigation.

The port is accessible for vessels with draft of up to 8.3 m and length up to 200 m.

The total length of the Strait of Kerch is 22 miles. The widest part between Kerch and the eastern edge of Taman Gulf is 22.5 miles; its narrowest part between the Capes of Khrony and Akhilleyon is 8 nautical miles.

The port is open to ships all year round. The shifting of ice can be observed during ice period due to constant changes of currents and wind direction.

The coldest months are January and February. North east winds prevail most part of the year. They are known for their high speed and duration. Fogs occur most often from November till March.

There is one handling terminal with 7 berths. The railway access lines enable cargo to be handled in both front and back ends of the berth. The port has 8 sheltered warehouses. The port can handle up to 2.5 million tons of cargo per year. The port has equipment to handle general cargoes, bulk cargo: non- ferrous metals, cast iron, scrap metal, iron ore, grain containers.

Bunkering service is offered 24 hours a day. There is unlimited quantity to all ships bound for port of Kerch or passing through the Kerch Strait. Bunkering operations are held on the outer roadstead: anchorage numbers: 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455.

When proceeding to port of Kerch information must be given 48 hours prior to ETA, and again 24 hours thereafter and is defined more precisely 4 hours before entering the Kerch-Yenikalsky Channel. Clearance will be performed on board the ship.

Approaching channel withdraws from the Yenikalsky bend and equals 1,1 miles from cape Beliy to Shiroky Mole.

When leaving the port a pilot should be ordered 2 hours prior to the ship’s departure. Tug assistance is compulsory. The port operates round the clock, Sundays and holidays included

II. NOTES:

to be accessible – быть доступным

duration – длительность

warehouse – склад

non-ferrous metals – цветные металлы

be bound for – направляться

precisely – точно

round the clock – круглосуточно

III. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

1. When was the port founded?

2. Where is the port situated?

3. How many berths does the port have?

4. Is tug assistance compulsory?

5. What is the length of the approaching channel?

Conversational theme № 49

I. Read, translate and learn the text:

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