APPROACHES TO HAZIRA
CHART 2101(INT 7347)
Sutherland Channel: 
Sutherland Channel leads E of Eastern Bank 5 miles N from a position W of Suvali Point (21º 05' N, 72º 38'E), to a position SW of Suvali Bank. Suvali Bank (21º 12' N, 72º 36' E), which dries, is sandy at its edge with mud near the high water mark, it is just detached from the coastal bank E.
Surat Roads:
Position: Surat Roads (21º 01'N, 72º 38'E), situated about 4 miles S of Suvali Point, is the anchorage for Tapi River.
Traffic: About 300 vessels use the port annually.
Weather: In these roads unsettled weather with S winds, which precede the SW monsoon, occur earlier than at Bombay. After mid-April and in early May strong S winds are common, raising a considerable sea during spring tides; the approach of a gale during this period may be heralded by dark cloudy weather, with a gloomy and black atmosphere visible to the SE which, is accompanied by lightning and. weak variable breezes mostly from SE.
Climate: For details in the vicinity of the Tapi River.
Tidal streams: The in-going stream sets N, continuing for 1 hour after the time of local high water. Spring tidal streams are strong at the outer anchorage, especially the out-going stream, which sets S at a rate of from 4 to 5 kn; nearer the bar the streams are weaker. The tide often falls 2 m before the tidal stream turns S.
Anchorage: Vessels can obtain anchorage in the roads in depths from 10 to 12 m. Vessels anchoring need to veer additional cable because of the strong tidal streams, particularly on the out-going stream.
Lighterage areas: An area close S of Surat Roads is reported to be designated an LPG and chemical lighterage area, as shown on the chart, another area close W of the roads, also shown on the chart, is reported (1998) to be a general lighterage area.
While using the areas vessels should be guided by the information given above regarding weather and tidal streams. Vessels not involved in cargo transhipment operations are advised to keep well clear.

Hazira offshore terminal:
General information: Hazira Offshore Terminal  (21º 09' N, 72º 34' E) consists of an SPM (named Reliance) which is located in the N part of Sutherland Channel, as shown on the chart.
The berth was reported in 1996 as suitable to accommodate vessels of between 15 000 and 50 000 dwt, in a depth of about 25 m, with a maximum arrival draught of 13 m.
Anchoring and fishing is prohibited within 1 mile of the SPM and within 2½ cables of the pipeline that leads, from the SPM, to the shore.
A fog signal is sounded from the mooring and a radar reflector is fitted.
Traffic: The terminal is used by 50 vessels annually.
Tidal streams in the vicinity of the SPM are reported to set in a N/S direction with a spring rate of about 5 to 6 kn; the tidal range is reported to be approximately 7 m.
Approach and berthing: The approach to the SPM is from S through Sutherland Channel. The pilot normally boards in Surat Roads (21º 02'N, 72º 38'E). Berthing at the SPM is only carried out during the daylight periods of slack high or low water; a tug is available to assist.
Anchorage: Near the S end of Sutherland Channel, tankers waiting to berth at the SPM anchor, as directed by the pilot, in an area shown on the chart.
Tapi River: 
Position: Tapi (Tapti) River (21º03'N, 72º40'E) is entered between Suvali Point          (21º 05' N, 72º 38' E) and the N entrance point of Mindhola River, 4 miles E.
General information: Tapi River is about 450 miles long and tidal for a distance of 15 miles from its mouth. Small local craft ascend to Srarat (21º 12' N, 72º 50'E) and boats can reach Amroli, 11 miles farther upstream.
Controlling depths: Tapi River bar dries; its  entrance  and the  river are  encumbered with  numerous Sandbanks, some of which dry. A vessel of about 1.8 m draught can only navigate in the river at more than half tide.
Tidal levels: Mean spring range about 3.7 m; mean neap range about 2.0 m.
Storm signals are displayed at Magdalla by using the brief system. 
Directions: Assistance of local pilots is necessary while navigating through this channel as they can only point out the navigable channel because the sandbanks and channels are continually shifting. A light-buoy (safe water) is moored SW of the channel in the vicinity of   its entrance.
Facilities: tug and barges.
Development: It is reported that a channel, 80 m   wide and 11 miles long, is being dredged to a depth of  3 m.
Tapi River ports: 
Hazira (21º 06' N, 72º 39' E), on Suvali Point at the Tapi River estuary, is a large industrial port being developed to bring gas ashore from the offshore oilfields NW of Bombay. The port will also be used to relieve bulk cargo congestion at Bombay.