Drafts & Underkeel Clearance

For the latest information refer to the Port Procedures Guide for Sydney Harbour and Port Botany, Section 5 & 6.

Minimum Permissible Draft for All Vessels

For vessels in Sydney Harbour and Botany Bay, the minimum permissible draft is:

• less than 100,000 tonnes DWT fore 2% LOA – aft 3% LOA
• greater than 100,000 tonnes DWT fore 3% LOA – aft 4%

Sydney - Maximum Permissible Draft - Non Tankers

All vessels navigating, unless approved by the Harbour Master, are required to maintain an Under Keel Clearance (UKC) of 10% of the vessel’s maximum draft during transit.

A minimum UKC of 0.6 metres is required in the berth at all times.

Sydney - Maximum Permissible Draft - Tankers

Tankers are required to plan their passage with a minimum UKC of 10% of the vessel’s maximum draft.

A minimum UKC of 0.6 metres is required in the berth at all times.

Port Botany - Maximum Permissible Draft - Non Tankers

All vessels navigating within Botany Bay, unless approved by the Harbour Master, are required to maintain an Under Keel Clearance (UKC) of 10% of the vessel’s maximum draft during transit.

A minimum UKC of 0.6 metres is required in the berth at all times.

Port Botany - Maximum Permissible Draft - Tankers

Tankers are required to maintain an UKC of 10% of the vessel’s maximum draft during transit.

Tankers whilst berthed at the Kurnell berths are required to maintain a minimum UKC of 1.0 metres at all times.

Tankers whilst berthed at the Bulk Liquids Berth are required to maintain a minimum UKC of 0.6 metres at all times.