PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Balchik
Pilot
updated May 2010Pilotage is compulsory, Pilot embarks at the outer roadstead of the port of Varna.
Key data
updated May 2017Size limits
Max draught 8.0m, 5,000DWT.
Load line zone
Summer.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pristanishten Terminal | — | — | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated May 2017Approach
From the outer roads of Varna, the recommended track, as shown on the chart, leads NE then NNE, passing ESE of an E Cardinal lightbuoy (3nm S), which marks the outer edge of a bank which extends up to a mile offshore in places with depths of between 1.8 and 7.2m, and passing WNW of a Special lightbuoy (5nm ENE), which marks the centre of an area in which fishing and anchoring are prohibited.
Traffic schemes and VTS
A traffic roundabout is centred on 43°11'N 028°00'E. This Traffic Separation Scheme is not adopted by the IMO but the Bulgarian authorities advise that Col Regs, Rule10 applies.
Anchorages
No 5 Anchorage: Available at 1nm S of the head of the breakwater.
Restrictions
Only one foreign vessel may be alongside at any one time.
Charts and publications
BA 2230, 2283, 2285. Admiralty Pilot NP24, 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: Executive Agency "Maritime Administration".
Contact: PFSO Coordinator.
Address: 5 Gurko Str, BG-1000 Sofia, Bulgaria.
Tel: +359 2 940 9801.
Fax: +359 2 987 9480.
E-mail: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2017Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available
Bunkering: Available.
Medical
Hospital Balchik, 1.5km & Medical Centre I Balchik, 3.0km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Varna Airport located at Varna, 46.4km.
About Balchik
updated May 2017Where it is
Balchik is situated approx 16nm NE of Varna, on the Black Sea.
The port
This port is one of the biggest productive regions for grain in Bulgaria. Located at the sea gate of Dobrudza. The port is multipurpose port mainly used for the handling of bulk grain, vegetable oil, timber products and metal products.
Questions about Balchik
What are the pilot arrangements at Balchik?
Pilotage is compulsory, Pilot embarks at the outer roadstead of the port of Varna.
What time zone is Balchik in?
Local time at Balchik is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 31 Oct 2027.
Which load line zone is Balchik in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Balchik?
Port State Control at Balchik: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Balchik?
The UN/LOCODE of Balchik is BGBAL.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Balchik 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.