PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Brake
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory for tankers and other vessels exceeding 90m in length or 13m beam. Pilots board at "GB" Light Vessel either by helicopter or launch, according to the state of the weather. For other vessels the pilot boards by the "Racon Tonne Weser3/Jade2", or in bad weather by Buoy 17/19 Hohe Weg Channel. There are two pilotage districts, sea pilotage from the "Weser" Light Vessel to Bremerhaven and river pilotage from Bremerhaven to Bremen.
Key data
updated Aug 2020Size limits
LOA 275m, draught 11.9m, beam 39.0m, 100,535DWT
Water density
1002.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Tides
Range 4.0 (springs), 3.5m (neaps).
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sudpier | — | 275 m | 1 |
| Niedersachsenkai | 11.90 m | 213 m | 1 |
| Nordpier | — | 275 m | 1 |
| Wilmar Terminal | 8.40 m | 230 m | 1 |
| Inner Harbour | — | 58 m | 4 |
| Olenex Edible Oils | — | 143 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 Aug 2020Approach
Approach and entry is by the Outer Weser and Lower Weser. Approaching Brake: Seagoing vessels with a draught of max 11.9m. Channel depth of the Lower Weser at Km 41 is 11.05m NN, 9.15m CD.
Inner Harbour Lock: The lock to the Inner Harbour has a length of 95m, width 16m and depth over the sill of 6.0m.
Anchorages
Anchoring is prohibited in an area off the quay and the Fettraffinerie, from Km 42.5 to Km 40.7.
Restrictions
Vessels exceeding 250m in length or 11.6m draught need permission to proceed to Brake. No beam restriction. The Lower Weser has a channel depth of 9.0m MSLW.
Tugs
Available from Schlepperburo, Bremen. Tel: +49 421 348 8180.
Charts and publications
BA 3622, 8008. DE 4, 5. Admiralty Pilot NP55, NP286(2).
Reporting before arrival
updated Jun 2016ETA and pre-arrival notices
All vessels should send a written report 24 hours before ETA or on departure from last port, to WSA Bremerhaven.
Communications
VHF: Bremerhaven Weser Pilots: Ch 06, 16. Tel: +49 471 944242. Fax: +49 471 944 2439. Email: [email protected].
Bremerhaven Weser Traffic: Ch 02, 04, 05, 07, 16, 21, 22 and 82. Tel: +49 471 483 5333. Fax: +49 471 483 5200. Email: [email protected].
Bremen Weser Traffic: Ch 16, 19, 21, 78 and 81. Tel: +49 421 537 8381. Fax: +49 421 537 8401 Email: [email protected].
Hunte Traffic: Ch 16, 63, 73.
Brake Lock Radio: Ch 10.
Health
Free pratique is granted by Health and Immigration Officer only. If a case of fever or disease is suspected onboard, radio the agent with details before arrival.
Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates issued.
Flags
No special requirements.
Notices and regulations
No regulations in force.
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: Bundesamt fur Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie.
Position: Head of Maritime Shipping Department.
Address: Bundesamt fur Seeschifffahrt u. Hydrographie (BSH) Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency Section S42 - Martime Security
Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 78
20359 Hamburg, Germany
Tel: +49 40 3190 7420
Fax: +49 40 3190 5009
Mob: +49 40 3190 7777
Web: http://www.deutsche-flagge.de/
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
Available.
Dry docks
Available at Bremen.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: All grades available by barge.
Stores: Available.
Medical
Brake District Hospital.
Transport
Nearest airport: Bremen, 45km.
Nearest railway: Brake.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Brake
updated Aug 2020Where it is
Brake is located between Bremen and Bremerhaven, 26km upstream from the entrance of the River Weser.
The port
The port, which is operated by the Niedersachsen Ports Group, consists of a 1.7km long riverside quay. The S end, with a length of 500m, handles grain and feed stuffs and the N end mainly handles break bulk, iron/steel, forest products, containers, project and general cargo.
Traffic
Approx 7,000,000t of cargo handled annually.
Questions about Brake
What are the pilot arrangements at Brake?
Compulsory for tankers and other vessels exceeding 90m in length or 13m beam.
What time zone is Brake in?
Local time at Brake 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 Brake?
The deepest berth listed is at Niedersachsenkai: 11.90 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Brake?
1002.
Which load line zone is Brake 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 Brake?
Port State Control at Brake: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Brake?
The UN/LOCODE of Brake is DEBKE.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Brake 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.