PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Aalesund
Pilot
updated Jan 2017Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels over 500GT and all vessels carrying dangerous cargo. Pilotage should be ordered using SafeSeaNet but may be ordered through Kvitsoy Pilot Booking Center at an additional cost. Vessels should call pilot station 2hrs prior to arrival on VHF Ch16. If the station does not respond either the Rogaland or Floro Coastal Radio station will reply and relay details to the pilot station. Pilots board in Breidsundet, in position 62° 27.000'N 05° 58.900'E, weather permitting, by request. Pilots can also board in Breidsunddjupet, in position 62° 31.000'N 05° 40.900'E.
When entering into or departing from the pilot boarding station is Breidsundet, vessels are requested to navigate inside the Recommended Fairway, bounded, as follows:
a. 62°31.8'N 05°44.4'E.
b. 62°30.2'N 05°45.8'E.
c. 62°27.5'N 05°55.1'E.
d. 62°27.5'N 05°57.2'E.
e. 62°26.5'N 05°57.2'E.
f. 62°26.5'N 05°53.5'E.
g. 62°29.5'N 05°43.3'E.
h. 62°29.5'N 05°38.2'E.
i. 62°31.8'N 05°44.4'E.
Key data
updated Jan 2017Size limits
Draught 12.1m. Vessels of 508,000DWT have been accommodated at lay-up here.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Tides
Range max 2.1m, 0.32m (springs); max 1.65m, min 0.8m (neaps).
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stornespiren/Prestebrugga Cruise Terminal | — | 316 m | 3 |
| Bunker Oil AS | 12.10 m | 177 m | 1 |
| Flatholmen Havn | — | 161 m | 2 |
| Larsgaarden Terminal | 10.30 m | 200 m | 1 |
| Aalesund Havn | — | 231 m | 5 |
| Skutvitka Container Terminal | — | 139 m | 3 |
| Celsa Group - Aalesund | — | 126 m | 1 |
| Fjordlaks AS | — | 67 m | 1 |
| Flatholmen Terminal | — | — | 3 |
| frigoCare Aalesund | — | — | 1 |
| NCC Industry AS - Aalesund | — | 108 m | 2 |
| Norma Norsk AS | — | 132 m | 1 |
| Sunnmore Fiskeindustri AS | — | 99 m | 1 |
| Epax SA | — | 100 m | 1 |
| Morebunkers AS | — | 58 m | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Sep 2021Approach
Heissafjorden (62°27'N 006°07'E) leads 2.5nm E from Breidsundet into Borgundfjorden and, at its E end, gives access to Aspevagen which is the principal entrance to Aalesund Haven.
At the E end of Heissafjorden is Kveitskjer Light (62°27.1'N 006°10.7'E). When the white sector of this light bears between 079°-086° the track passes:
N of Nodre Eltraflua, a 10m patch lying 0.2nm off the NW end of Sula, then:
S of Brisen, 11m patch lying 2nm W of the light.
The same light bearing between 173°-183°, astern, leads towards the entrance to Aspevagen.
Anchorages
Available on the N side of town at Valderhaugfjorden in depths of 20-60m and on the S side of town at Aspovagen in depths of 20-40m. The bottom is sand and mud. Anchorage to be arranged with Harbour Authority.
In Indre Haven, Skutevika or Steinvagsundet, vessels are not permitted to swing to their anchors, or to anchor in such a way as to obstruct harbour entrances or the approaches to alongside berths.
Tugs
There are 4 tugs from 550-1,500hp, and with a bollard pull of up to 45t available.
Mooring
Contact Port Control, Tel: +47 95 88 34 00 or VHF channel 12.
Charts and publications
BA 1428. Norwegian 456. Admiralty Pilot NP57B, NP286(2).
Inspections
Port State Control here: Paris MOU.
Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.
Inspection of ships in Norway
Norwegian Maritime Authority
Address: Smedasundet 50 A, Haugesund
Tel: +47 52 74 51 30
Fax: +47 52 74 50 01
Email: [email protected]
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Norwegian Maritime Authority
Address: Smedasundet 50 A, Haugesund
Tel: +47 52 74 51 30
Fax: +47 52 74 50 01
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sjofartsdir.no
Recognised Security Organisations:
RSO - ISSC Issue: DNV
RSO - Security Consultant Services: Norwegian Maritime Authority
Port Security Information: Norwegian Costal Administration
Telephone: +47 22 65 58 20
Website: www.kystverket.no
For further ISPS information see IMO website https://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
Available.
Dry docks
There are 2 floating docks available. The largest shipyard located at the W end of Aspevagen has a floating dock capable of lifting 2,750t, suitable for vessels up to length 110m, width 15m and draught 6.7m. It has 237m of quayage (68m longest single length) with alongside depths of 2.4-10.0m (3.9-9.2m on the longest single length), and cranes up to 24t.
The other shipyard has three patent slips for vessels up to 3,500t.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available by barge or pipeline. Most grades of oil supplied.
Medical
Available at Aalesund.
Transport
Nearest airport: Aalesund (Vigra Airport).
Airport facilities: Passenger flights to Oslo, Trondheim and Bergen operate 3 times a day.
Nearest railway: Aandalsnes.
Working hours
Normally 0800-1530hrs. Port operators work throughout 24 hours.
About Aalesund
updated Sep 2021Where it is
Aalesund is situated on the NW coast of Norway, 380km N of Bergen.
The port
The port handles general cargo, container, dry bulk, Ro-Ro, liquid cargo, cruise and passengers. The port has mooring facilities for laying up vessels of all sizes and has become Europe's largest lay up harbour. Aalesund is open all year.
Traffic
Approx 1,834,600t of cargo, 40,000TEUs. 650,000 passengers and 16,000 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Aalesund
What are the pilot arrangements at Aalesund?
Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels over 500GT and all vessels carrying dangerous cargo.
What time zone is Aalesund in?
Local time at Aalesund is UTC+1. Clocks go to UTC+2 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+1 on 31 Oct 2027.
What is the maximum draft at Aalesund?
The deepest berth listed is at Bunker Oil AS: 12.10 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Aalesund?
1025.
Which load line zone is Aalesund in?
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Who carries out Port State Control at Aalesund?
Port State Control at Aalesund: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Aalesund?
The UN/LOCODE of Aalesund is NOAES.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Aalesund say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.