MACHILIPATNAM ANCHORAGE 3005

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	Machilipatnam Roads (16º 10' N, 81º 15'E), an open roadstead, lies off the mouth of Machilipatnam Creek, 13 miles NNE of Divi Point. The Port of Machilipatnam lies 5 miles within the entrance of a shallow winding waterway comprising a creek and a canal. It is the only port in Krishna District; the entrance to the creek marked by a stranded wreck on each side, is constantly changing. Its main trade was the export of iron ore and cement, imports consist mainly of fertilizers. There are two Break Waters north and south with lengths of 203m. 
	Machilipatnam. Town is well developed with an approximate population of two lakhs, and well connected by rail and road. Machilipatnam gets annual rainfall due to the southwest monsoons. The climate is tropical in nature with hot summers and moderate winters. Machilipatnam is frequently hit by cyclones due to low pressure created by the southwest monsoon. On 8 December 2004, a high capacity S-Band Doppler radar meant for cyclone warning was installed, commissioned and operationalised at the city. This facility will monitor 960 km long coastline of the state. Agriculture is the most important occupation and  paddy being the main food crop produced. Machilipatnam has a high literacy rate and has 06 colleges and four well recognised schools.
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Machilipatnam Lighthouse

	The Port was functional since 1945 and operated upto 1967; it was under nominal operation till 1990. It is presently not under operation due to siltation and absence of berthing facilities. There are good anchorages 3½ miles from the mouth the bottom is mainly soft mud.
	Machilipatnam fishing harbour is SSE of Machilipatnam Fort and is designed for 350 mechanised boats with alongside depth of 2.5m; it has a Quay wall of 600m. 
	Machilipatnam Light (16º 14'.8N, 81º 14'.0E) is exhibited from a white round concrete tower with black bands, 50m in height, about 4 miles NNE of the mouth of Machilipatnam Creek (16º 14' N, 81º 14'E).	Vijayawada Aero Light is occasionally exhibited from the control tower of Vijayawada airfield, about 30 miles NW of Machilipatnam.
	Machilipatnam (Bandar) Fort lies 1 ½ miles west of Machilipatnam light; the port office is situated in the fort. Around the fort is an area of waste land across which a causeway leads to the town about 2 miles NW.
	Karmeda Beacon, with an elevation of 14m, standing about 5 miles SW of Machilipatnam Light tower, is tilted from the base approx 10° to 15°. The Beacon is approachable by a kaccha road.  

	A prominent chimney with an elevation of 28m, 1½ miles NNW of Karameda Beacon is reported to be the first object sighted when approaching from E. A white pillar, with an elevation of 13m, stands about 2 miles NE of Karameda Beacon.
	A not very prominent Beacon, with an elevation of 7m, stands on the coast 10 miles NE of the prominent chimney. 
	Anchorage. Following are the recommended berths for anchorage off Machilipatnam with holding ground comprising fine sand  and soft mud.

a)	16° 09’.215 N	81° 17’.137 E
b)	16° 10’.300 N	81° 17’.190 E
c)	16° 07’.336 N	81° 16’.263 E
d)	16° 12’.530 N	81° 18’.160 E
e)	16° 08’.590 N	81° 17’.180 E
	The river entrance light is disused and is on the verge of collapse. the entry into the creek is devoid of any transits/marks.  The mouth also has a no. of sand banks and is only safe to navigate in high waters, for vessels up to 1.5 meters draught. Sea weeds were found floating up to six miles from the coast.
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	Wrecks & Dangers A dangerous wreck with mast visible lies on bearing 040º at 6½ miles from the lighthouse. Dangerous wreck, positions approximate, lies about 7.5 miles 158º and 8.25 miles 160¼º respectively from the light house. Another dangerous wreck of a wooden cargo boat lies about 6½ miles on bearing 130º from the lighthouse.
	Bar.  There is the depth of 0.3m over the bar, in the dry season (November to May). Cargo is handled by the boats and lighters which can cross the bar at high water.
The port is not under operation due to siltation of the Channel and absence of berthing facility.
	Storm Signals are displayed at Machilipatnam; the general system is used.

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	Directions Vessels bound for Machilipatnam from S should make False Divi Point and then shape course to the NE, keeping in depths of not less than 15m and sounding constantly.
	During the NE monsoon vessels should always make Narasarpur Point (16º 18´ ’N, 81º 43´E), before shaping course for Machilipatnam anchorage. Vessels are advised not to approach the roads or anchorage at night.


Facilities
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	The gates of the tidal lock have been closed and the wharves are not used. The Old wharves at Machilipatnam port are partially destroyed and are used by fishing trawlers for berthing. A New wharf east of the old wharf with 60 mtrs length has been constructed and is used for accommodating fishing trawlers. No facility of tugs, launches and lighters exist in the port due to shifting sand bars at the mouth of the creek and also due to inadequate depths. The new wharf with fishing shelters and godowns are under construction. The creek has been last dredged in 2003. 
   The shipping office, custom office and store houses are located in Bandar fort which is partially dilapidated and  is declared to be a protected monument of national importance under the Archaeological Survey of India.  
	Supplies. Not available.	
	Communications. No communication exists with any other Indian ports. The Machilipatnam railway station is 10 Kms west of the new wharf and is connected by road. Machilipatnam is connected with the national highway and the general railway system. Air services are available at Vijayawada, 50 miles NW.
	A Port Signal Communication Centre is presently being setup at the Administrative office close to new wharf and MMB Channel 15 is manned during daytime.
	Port Authority is exercised by the Port Officer Machilipatnam.
	Development 	Groynes are being built to protect the entrance to the creek.