Bermeo

Size limits

LOA 110m, draught 6.0m.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Tides

Range 4.5m (springs), 3.5m (neaps). In Ensanada de Arza, the incoming tidal stream set SE and the outgoing tidal stream NNW.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

The best approach is NW of Isla de Izaro (1.50nm ENE) as the passage S of the island is shallow and unmarked. The mouth of the channel is 90m wide with depths of 6.0m and in an ENE direction.

NE'ly approach: Initial position (43°26'N 002°42'W) approx 1nm NE of Bermeo breakwater head.

The white sector (204-232°) of Rosape Light (white building) (43°25'N 002°42'W) leads SW to the harbour entrance, passing:

NW of Isla de Izaro (1.25nm ENE). A rocky bank extends NW from the island and should be given a berth of at least 1nm in rough weather.

SE of the breakwater head (0.3nm NNE) which is covered by the red sector of Rosape Light and marked by Dique Rompeolas Light (grey conical masonry tower 3.0m in height)

E'ly approach: Initial position approx 0.2nm N of Cabo Ogono (43°25'N 002°39'W).

An inshore passage, dangerous in rough weather, leads approx 0.3nm S from the SE end of Isla de Izaro to the S limit of the surrounding 5.0m depth contour (1.75nm NW of Otzarri). Then N of the rocky patches lying 0.5nm off the bluff extending from Punta Bergua Mayor (43°25'N 002°42'W) to Punta Lamiaren (0.4nm WNW) and S of Bermeo breakwater head.

Anchorages

There is an outer anchorage 0.6nm NNE of breakwater head, depth approx 24.0m, sand.

Restrictions

With very strong NW wind and swell the port entrance can be difficult.

Tugs

Available upon request from Bilbao port and are compulsory for vessels over 100m in length. If winds are stronger than 10kts, vessels in excess of 90m in length must take a tug and vessels over 100m without bow thrusters two tugs.

Charts and publications

BA 74, 2925. Admiralty Pilot NP22, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify ETA 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

VHF: Pilots: Ch 16 and 09. Tel: +34 650 404064. Fax: +34 94 159837. Email: [email protected].

Documents

As per European Union ports.

Customs and immigration

As per European Union ports.

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: Puertos del Estado (Ministerio de Fomento)

Title: Coordinador de Proteccion Portuaria

Address: Av de la Marina, 3, 15001, A Coruna, Spain

Tel: +34 98 121 9618

Fax: +34 98 121 9607

Mob: +34 630 957875

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

Repair shop and boat carpentry yard is available.

Dry docks

Available for vessels up to 240t.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Gas oil available at berths or by road tanker.

Stores: Upon request.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Galdakao, 25km.

Crew change

Available for EU citizens; Schengen rules for non EU citizens.

Transport

Nearest airport: Bilbao, 28km.

Nearest railway: Bermeo.

Working hours

Normally 0700-1400hrs and 1400-2100hrs. Overtime available on request.

Where it is

Bermeo is located on the N coast of the Iberian peninsula, approx 20nm from Bilbao.

The port

An important fishing harbour developing rapidly as a commercial port. There is heavy fishing traffic from Mar-Jun, due to seasonal fishing in the area.

Cargo handled: General cargo, steel, paper, aluminium and palletised cargo.

What are the pilot arrangements at Bermeo?

Compulsory for all vessels over 500GT entering or leaving the port.

What time zone is Bermeo in?

Local time at Bermeo is UTC+1. Clocks go to UTC+2 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+1 on 31 Oct 2027.

Which load line zone is Bermeo 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 Bermeo?

Port State Control at Bermeo: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Bermeo?

The UN/LOCODE of Bermeo is ESBRM.

What crews who called at Bermeo 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.

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