Las Palmas is an important Atlantic port for commercial vessels, offshore operations, yachts and superyachts. Not every vessel requiring local services will necessarily remain alongside throughout its call. Depending on the vessel, operation and applicable port arrangements, services may also need to be coordinated while the vessel is at anchorage.

For ship masters, yacht captains, shipowners, ship managers, yacht managers and operators, understanding how local services can be arranged at anchorage is an important part of port-call planning.

Our role is to provide local ship and yacht agency coordination for vessels requiring services while waiting offshore, preparing for a port call or remaining at anchorage during their operation.

ANCHORAGE IN LAS PALMAS

Anchorage arrangements depend on the vessel, location, port requirements, weather, traffic conditions and the particular operation being planned.

The applicable anchorage area and operating conditions should always be confirmed for the individual vessel and call. Masters and yacht captains should therefore obtain current nautical information and operational instructions before anchoring.

A local agent can assist with shore-side coordination and communication with the relevant parties.

SERVICES FOR VESSELS AT ANCHORAGE

A vessel at anchorage may still require many of the services normally associated with a port call.

Depending on the vessel's requirements and operational feasibility, agency coordination can include:

• Crew changes
• Crew transportation
• Airport transfers
• Spare parts delivery
• Provisions and stores
• Bunkering coordination
• Marine lubricants
• Technical attendance
• Service engineers
• Underwater and diving support
• Medical assistance coordination
• Cash to Master
• Customs and logistics
• Launch or marine transfer arrangements
• Emergency assistance
• Shipyard and repair coordination

The availability and method of each service depend on the vessel's position, weather, sea conditions, port requirements and the nature of the operation.

ANCHORAGE SUPPORT FOR COMMERCIAL VESSELS

Commercial vessels may remain at anchorage before entering port, while waiting for berth availability or while arranging bunker, technical or other services.

A master may therefore need to coordinate several activities without bringing the vessel alongside.

A local ship agent can communicate with the vessel, arrange shore-side services and coordinate the movement of people, documents, spare parts and other required items.

This can be particularly useful when the vessel has a limited port window or when a service needs to be completed before the next voyage.

CREW CHANGE AT ANCHORAGE

Crew changes are one of the services that may require additional planning when a vessel is at anchorage.

Joining and departing crew may need transportation between the airport, hotel, shore and vessel, together with the applicable immigration and travel arrangements.

Where a marine transfer is required, the timing and method of transfer must be coordinated according to the vessel's location, weather, safety requirements and applicable permissions.

For yacht captains and yacht managers, the same principle applies when crew members need to join or leave a yacht while it is not alongside.

SPARE PARTS DELIVERY AT ANCHORAGE

A vessel may require an urgent spare part while waiting at anchorage.

The shipment can arrive at Las Palmas by courier, air freight, road transport or another logistics channel. The local agency can coordinate receiving, customs or transit arrangements where applicable, local transportation and delivery arrangements to the vessel.

For yachts and superyachts, technical parts may include engine components, generator parts, navigation equipment, electronics, refrigeration components, pumps and other yacht-specific equipment.

The exact delivery method depends on the vessel's location and the operational conditions at the time.

BUNKERING AT ANCHORAGE

Bunkering may also be part of an anchorage operation where the relevant arrangements and permissions allow it.

The local agent can coordinate communication between the vessel and the bunker supplier, monitor the planned delivery window and assist with the local operational arrangements.

Our role is not to sell marine fuel. We provide local agency and coordination services around the bunker operation and can also assist with other vessel requirements during the same call.

TECHNICAL SERVICES AT ANCHORAGE

A technical problem does not always occur when a vessel is alongside.

Main engine, auxiliary machinery, electrical, electronic, hydraulic, refrigeration, navigation or other technical problems may require attendance while the vessel is at anchorage.

Our local agency can coordinate appropriate service engineers, technicians, repair companies, spare parts and transportation according to the vessel's requirements.

The technical work itself is performed by the relevant qualified service provider; our role is local agency coordination and logistics.

ANCHORAGE SUPPORT FOR YACHTS AND SUPERYACHTS

Las Palmas is also an important stopping point for yachts preparing for or continuing Atlantic voyages. Marina Las Palmas is located within the port and provides berthing and nautical services, while its published information also highlights repair facilities, spare parts and other services for visiting recreational vessels.

For a yacht captain or yacht manager, local agency support can include:

• Crew movements
• Yacht provisioning
• Spare parts
• Technical assistance
• Transportation
• Customs coordination
• Bunkering coordination
• Medical assistance
• Repairs and maintenance
• Courier and logistics services

When the yacht is at anchorage rather than in a berth, the delivery and transfer arrangements need to be planned according to the actual operating conditions.

NAUTICAL INFORMATION FOR MASTERS AND YACHT CAPTAINS

Masters and yacht captains should always use current official nautical information, port instructions, notices and applicable regulations when planning anchorage operations.

Local agency information can complement, but does not replace, the master's responsibility for navigation and the vessel's operational safety.

The Port Authority manages and coordinates port traffic within the port area, while specific operational requirements may apply depending on the vessel and activity.

For yachts, Marina Las Palmas also publishes operational information and notices for marina users, including information concerning anchoring and temporary restrictions.

ONE LOCAL CONTACT FOR ANCHORAGE OPERATIONS

Managing a vessel from outside Las Palmas can become complicated when several services are required while the vessel remains at anchorage.

Our local ship and yacht agency can coordinate the shore-side requirements through one local contact.

We support shipowners, ship managers, masters, yacht owners, yacht captains, yacht managers and vessel operators requiring local assistance in Las Palmas.

If your vessel or yacht is at anchorage and requires crew change, spare parts, bunkering coordination, provisions, technical assistance, transportation, customs, medical assistance or other local services, send us the vessel name, IMO number where applicable, position, ETA and required service.

We will coordinate the appropriate local arrangements and keep the vessel's management team informed throughout the operation.