PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Alexandroupolis
Pilot
updated May 2010Not compulsory. Agent can arrange private pilotage assistance if required during daylight hours only. Pilot boards vessel approx 0.5nm S of the port entrance. Contact pilot on VHF Ch 12.
Key data
updated Feb 2023Size limits
Harbour: LOA 264.6m, beam 32.26m, 48,988DWT.
Offshore: LOA 109.92m, BCM 17.2m, 7,080DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range 0.6m. N'ly winds will raise water levels with the converse true for S'ly winds.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Container Terminal (SEMPO) | — | 265 m | 3 |
| Western Pier | — | 99 m | 1 |
| North Commercial Pier | — | 138 m | 2 |
| North-coast Commercial Pier | — | 33 m | 1 |
| Northwest Pier | — | 47 m | 1 |
| API Alexandroupolis | 6.00 m | 110 m | 1 |
| Fishing Port | — | 29 m | 4 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated May 2010Approach
The channel has a length of 1.6nm, width 150m and depth of 10.5m.
Due to extensive developments to the port it is advisable to contact the Port Authority prior to entry for information on depths and navigation aids.
Traffic schemes and VTS
None.
Anchorages
Approx 1.3nm offshore in depths of more than 10.0m.
Strong SW winds can raise a heavy sea. The current, which flows along the coast, causes vessels at anchor to lie beam onto the sea and to roll heavily. In these conditions it is usual to put to sea.
During onshore gales from between SE and WSW the anchorage is unsafe.
If anchoring within 1nm of the coast it is advisable to keep ESE of a line of bearing 025° of the head of the SW mole, taking care to avoid a foul patch lying 0.4nm S of the head of the SW mole.
The best anchorage is from 0.5nm to 1nm offshore in a depth of 8.0m, mud.
A submarine cable leads S to Nisos Samothraki from a position on the shore 1nm W of the breakwater.
Restrictions
Neither tankers nor LPG carriers are permitted entrance to the port.
Tugs
There is 1 tug of 500hp capacity. Use of tugs is compulsory for vessels over 1,000GT.
Charts and publications
BA 1086, 1636. Admiralty Pilot NP48, NP286(3).
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.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Ministry of Merchant Marine.
Address: 1 K. Paleologou Street, 185 35 Piraeus, Greece.
Tel: +30 210 419 1911/43.
Fax: +30 210 419 1901.
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Feb 2023Repairs
Minor repairs available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkers: Diesel oil available.
Provisions: Available.
Medical
Nearest hospital: University Hospital of Alexandroupolis (7km).
Crew change
Possible via Athens.
Transport
Nearest airport: Alexandroupolis Airport Democritus (6km).
Working hours
Mon-Fri 0730-1530hrs.
About Alexandroupolis
updated Oct 2019Where it is
Alexandroupolis is situated on the NE coast of Greece close to the Greek/Turkish border, approx 210nm NNE of Athens.
The port
Alexandroupolis comprises an open roadstead, an artificial harbour and an offshore tanker berth (40°50.4'N 025°54.5'E), situated at the seaward end of a submarine pipeline extending 0.35nm from the coast, approx 1nm E of the port.
The port handles mainly timber, general and bulk cargoes. Grain cargoes are handled Aug-Jan.
Entrance to the port can be very difficult with strong S or SW winds.
Alexandroupolis is on the list for privatisation by the Greek Government. There is a mutual agreement between the US and Greek Government for partial use of the port by American defense forces. However, following the decision to privatise, interest from the US Government has increased because of the port's strategic location both on land and by sea. Alexandroupolis is also the focus of plans to import LNG into the Balkans using an offshore LNG gasification station to be constructed by US and Greek business interests.
Questions about Alexandroupolis
What are the pilot arrangements at Alexandroupolis?
Not compulsory. Agent can arrange private pilotage assistance if required during daylight hours only.
What time zone is Alexandroupolis in?
Local time at Alexandroupolis is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 31 Oct 2027.
What is the maximum draft at Alexandroupolis?
The deepest berth listed is at API Alexandroupolis: 6.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Alexandroupolis?
1025.
Which load line zone is Alexandroupolis in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Alexandroupolis?
Port State Control at Alexandroupolis: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Alexandroupolis?
The UN/LOCODE of Alexandroupolis is GRAXD.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Alexandroupolis 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.
Plan a route to Alexandroupolis →
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.