PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Brofjorden
Pilot
updated Apr 2015- Lysekil - Brofjorden <20 000 tdw. Boarding position 1 - southwest of Brofjordens approach Pilot boards58°14.3′N 011°11.3′E
- Lysekil - Brofjorden >20 000 tdw. Boarding position 2 - southwest of Brofjordens approach Pilot boards58°13.3′N 011°08.8′E
Pilotage is compulsory. The pilots act both as sea pilots and harbour pilots.
Pilot ordering should normally be carried out via the e-Services section on the Swedish Maritime Administration website, http://www.sjofartsverket.se, in conjunction with the reporting on the Vessel Reporting System (FRS) section.
A preliminary Pilot request must be made via the FRS at least 24hrs in advance. A definitive Pilot request must then be made via the FRS at least 5hrs in advance. In exceptional cases, the Pilot may be ordered via e-mail, telephone, or VHF.
Two pilots are required for vessels larger than 60,000GT, LOA 260m or beam 40m.
Lysekil Pilot Station, Tel: +46 523 669000.
Boarding areas: VLCC's and vessels with obligatory escort towing 58°13.30'N 011°08.70'E (3nm SW of Brofjordens Angoring Lightbuoy).
Boarding areas for other vessels located 1.2nm WNW of Brojforden Angoring Lightbuoy 58°15.30'N 011°11.20'E or within the archipelago S of Lysekil.
Key data
updated Nov 2019Size limits
Max draught 25m, LOA 230m, beam 23m, 500,000DWT.
Water density
1000.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Tides
Current: A weak N current prevails in the approach with varying directions depending on meteorological conditions. In certain conditions the current can become strong and troublesome.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preemraff Lysekil | 25.00 m | 230 m | 6 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Apr 2015Approach
Brofjorden is approached from seaward through Malmofjord by one or two channels:
Main Channel, from SW, which passes SE of Brondebrotten (58°18.0'N 011°17.0'E). This is the deepest and widest channel.
Secondary Channel, from W, which passes N of Brondebrotten. Maximum vessel draught 8.0m.
The entrance channel is from SW, passing between Lindholmen (58°19.4'N 011°23.0'E) and Kavra, 0.5nm WNW.
Main Channel directions (Outer approach from SW): From an initial position (58°14.0'N 011°10.0'E), close NE of the pilot boarding station for VLCC's, the channel leads NE for about 6.0nm on the alignment (050.5°) of Lindhomlen Mellerstra Light and Fiskebacksvik pilot lookout tower.
The NW channel limit is marked by Lindholmen Vastra Light and Lindhomlen Mellerstra Light in line (051°). The SE channel limit is marked by Lindholmen Ostra Light. And Lindhomlen Mellerstra Light in line (049.5°). Inner approach from SW: From a position 200m SE of Dynabrott Light the track continues NE on the alignment (046°) of Stretudden Leading Lights for 2.7nm. When Strudden Nedre Light is distant 1.3nm, the course is altered to follow the recommended track (buoyed) into the harbour.
Secondary channel: From an initial position, 58°18.5'N 011°13.0'E, the track leads E for 4nm within the white sector (085.5°-088.5°) of Svensholmen Light (or on the alignment (087°) of Svensholmen Light and Ramsvik Beacon).
When Svensholmen Light is distant 0.7nm the track is altered NE to follow the inner approach as above.
Port limits
The area of the port extends from the oil berths (58°20.8'N 011°24.4'E) to the island of Ryxo, 1.25nm NNE.
Traffic schemes and VTS
The VTS advises vessels of other vessels in the vicinity, approaching, crossing or proceeding in the same direction. In addition, information will be provided on possible faults to aids to navigation, passage limitation, ice conditions and other relevant information.
Anchorages
Particulars regarding the anchorage are given by the pilot station on VHF Ch 16 or 11, "VTS Marstrand".
An anchorage for ULCC's and VLCC's has been established within 0.8nm of 58°11.0'N 011°11.0'E, in depths of more then 50m.
Restrictions
Anchoring, fishing and diving are prohibited in the vicinity of Raoljehamnen (58°20.8'N 011°26.1'E), and Produkthamnen (58°21.2'N 011°26.1'E).
Tugs
There are two tugs, one of which is always available. When a vessel larger than 60,000DWT is at the crude oil berth, two tugs are always made available. Use of tugs is compulsory for berthing and unberthing at the crude oil jetty and depending on the weather conditions and type of vessel, it may be compulsory for berthing at the product jetties.
Use of tugs is compulsory for berthing/unberthing of LPG ships without bow thruster and controllable pitch propeller.
Escort Tugs: Escort towing is compulsory for all crude vessels and for product vessels exceeding 20,000DWT, in any loaded condition, from the pilot boarding point through the channel.
Use of tugs is also compulsory for ships with any malfunction in their normal manoeuvring equipment, i.e. main engine, steering engine, bow thruster among others. When using tug, use of pilot is compulsory, except for vessels with exemption from pilot requirements.
At vessel's arrival escort towing shall start at the Outer Approach Buoy.
At vessel's departure, escort towing shall proceed to Buoys No 1 and 2.
One tug with bollard pull of approx 50t is stationed in Brofjorden. Additional tugs are available. The tugs are equipped for fire fighting.
Only towing companies approved by Preemraff Lysekil are entitled to assist vessels.
Vessel using escort tug have to comply with the latest version of OCIMF's "Recommendations for ships fittings for the use with tugs with particular reference to Escorting and other high load operations". Amended regulations for escort towage have come into effect at Brofjorden:
The regulations state that vessels that are required to have an escort tug must, if not in compliance with OCIMF's recommendations for SWL on fairlead & bollard, have double escort tugs even on their first call.
Previously vessels' first call were exempted from these regulations.
Minimum SWL required remain as follows:
For crude oil tankers:
20,000 - 49,999DWT - min 100t
50,000DWT and above - min 200t
For product tankers (in loaded condition only):
20,000 - 49,999DWT - min 100t
50,000DWT and above - min 200t.
Mooring
Communication between ship and jetty during berthing operations by VHF. Berths No 2 and 5 are equipped with quick release hooks for mooring lines. Berths No 1 and 4 are equipped with fixed bollards. all mooring lines to be provided by the ship. During strong wind conditions Preemraff Lysekil can order use of tug boat for mooring operations.
Vacating of berth: Preemraff Lysekil have the right to request a vessel to vacate the crude berth when berth time for such vessels reaches 48 running hours, provided the retention of such vessel at its berth will, in Preemraff Lysekil's judgement, hinder or delay the berthing of another vessel.
Running hours shall commence upon the vessel's arrival and completion of mooring and shall cease when the last rope is off.
If commencement of unloading is delayed for any reason not caused by vessel or its Master or the unloading is prohibited and/or interrupted at the request of Preemraff Lysekil or public authorities, running hours shall be extended by the period of such prohibition or interruption unless the reason is due to circumstances for which the vessel or its Master are responsible.
The costs for time exceeding 48 hours will be charged to the ship.
Charts and publications
BA 890, 869, 881. Admiralty Pilot NP56, NP286(2).
Reporting before arrival
updated Apr 2015ETA and pre-arrival notices
VLCC's should send ETA 72hrs, and, if any amendments, 48hrs and 24hrs in advance.
Product tankers should send ETA 48 hours and, if any amendments, 24 hours in advance.
Notification shall, in addition to the information contained in the pre arrival telex, contain particulars of the vessel's Master and a Crew List. Additionally the Master is required, if so requested by Preemraff Lysekil, to supply such further particulars and produce such documents as may be necessary for the calculation of the dues payable in respect of the vessel and goods and for the use of loading and discharging facilities, etc.
The following ISPS information should be sent 24 hours in advance to Preemraff Lysekil Harbour by email: [email protected], or Fax: +46 104 503574.
Communications
Pilotage and ship to ship Notification: All arriving ships with the intention not to use a pilot shall announce its arrival to "Marstrand Pilot" on VHF Ch 11 at the Brofjorden Entrance Buoy.
Ships leaving the jetty with the intention not to use a pilot shall contact "Lysekil Pilot" on VHF Ch 11 (or 10) before departure for an announcement and ask for information about incoming traffic.
In the case of an incoming vessel, the departing ship shall contact this vessel and keep in contact until the ships have passed and are clear of each other.
For such refusal to be effective, notice thereof must be given to the vessel's operator or agent immediately following the vessel's nomination.
Berthing, shifting, etc: Berths are allocated by Preemraff Lysekil. Should no berth be available, incoming vessels will be requested to anchor at an anchorage allocated by the pilot station.
The berthing operation will be supervised by Preemraff Lysekil personnel.
It is the responsibility of the Master to make himself aware, through Preemraff Lysekil or the pilot station, of the depth of water at the allotted berth, mooring and anchorage.
Before arrival at the quay all mooring ropes, heaving lines, stoppers, etc required for mooring shall be ready for immediate use and also a sufficient number of crew shall be available during the mooring operation.
All mooring points, except at Jetties No 1 and 4, are equipped with quick release hooks for a swift departure in case of danger. Operation of these hooks is only to be undertaken by Preemraff Lysekil personnel.
Vessels arriving at or leaving the harbour must be assisted by tugs if requested by Preemraff Lysekil.
At the Crude Oil Jetty the use of tugs is compulsory both on arrival and on departure from the jetty.
Only towing companies approved by Preemraff Lysekil are entitled to assist vessels arriving at or departing the port.
Vessels approaching the port or at anchor shall communicate with Preemraff Lysekil or tugs by means of VHF radio.
When vessels are moored, anchored or moved, care must be taken to ensure that no damage is caused to other vessels or to quays, jetties, cables, pipelines or the like and that there is no interference with traffic.
Vessels berthed alongside a quay may not be moored by means of their anchors without the express permission of Preemraff Lysekil.
Preemraff Lysekil have the right, due to traffic control or harbour discipline and safety, to issue any necessary orders and instructions concerning the mooring, anchoring, warping and movement of vessels and the Masters of vessels shall be required to comply with any order or instruction thus issued.
Gangway: All vessels arriving to the Product Jetty shall provide and tend a safe gangway for access to and from the pier (at the crude jetty a gangway tower is available). A safety net must be installed underneath the gangway extending from the ship's rail to the shore end of the gangway.
Operational procedures: Loading/discharging will not commence until the safety checks have been carried out to the satisfaction of the Preemraff Lysekil representative and the Master or the officer in charge.
Conditions to be observed during operation: A responsible member of the ship's crew must be stationed near the ship's main oil cargo control valves during loading and discharging, equipped with a Preemraff Lysekil portable radio hand set.
Weather precautions: Operations should be stopped during severe electrical storms and all cargo valves and valves in the gas line riser should be closed.
During periods of high winds and on the instruction of the Loading Master, operations should be stopped and loading/discharging arms disconnected.
Repair and Maintenance - Hot Work:
No repair or maintenance (hot work - i.e. airdriven nut tightener, chipping, welding, use of electrical tools etc) is allowed when the vessel is alongside the jetty unless written permit is obtained from Preemraff Lysekil Loading Master.
This applies to all areas of the vessel where flammable atmosphere is likely to be found (normally the cargo deck).
For other areas of the vessel, the Master can issue working permit, allow use of naked lights and open fire according to the vessel's internal safety rules.
Use of ships crane is not allowed during cargo operation.
Repairs and other work which may immobilise the vessel must not be commenced without prior approval in writing from Preemraff Lysekil. Permit will only be granted for "emergency repairs".
The vessel's funnels must be equipped with effective spark arrestors. Soot blowing and excessive funnel smoking is prohibited and immediate steps must be taken to eliminate sparking from funnels.
In all cases adequate fire fighting equipment must be ready for immediate use.
Standard messages
Pre arrival information: Before arrival, the Master shall, via his agent, inform Preemraff Lysekil about items asked for in the pre arrival telex that is sent to the vessel.
Health
Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC) and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates (SSCEC) are issued.
Flags
Interco "B" flag when carrying oil cargoes by day, all round red light at night.
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
Designated Authority: Swedish Maritime Administration/Swedish Maritime Safety Inspectorate.
Address: SE-601 78, Norrkoping, Sweden.
Tel: +46 11 191000
Fax: +46 11 101949
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org.
Port services
updated Jun 2013Repairs
No repairs can be carried out, however safety equipment servicing and divers are available. Repairs can be arranged at Lysekil.
Bunkers, water and stores
Bunkering and fresh water loading, if required, shall take place from jetty during cargo loading and/or discharging operations. Bunkering: Bunkers not available from LPG berth. Vessels should bunker by barge before or after loading.
Bunker oil is available at Product Jetties No 1-3 and at the Crude Oil Jetty. Marine diesel can be supplied from a road tanker standing at the gate house by pumping through a pipe/hose to the ship. This can be done during the discharge operation.
Fresh water: Potable water is available at all berths.
Stores: Any requests for stores, which can be obtained from Lysekil, should be pre-announced (by an officer on the vessel or the agent) and a verification of the stores should be presented to gatehouse guard before accessing the port. The jetty operator should also be aware of any request for stores before the stores are handled.
Medical
Medical service on appointment available at Lysekil. Emergency hospital is located in Uddevalla.
Crew change
The Swedish Border Police Division at Vastra Gotaland (covering Gothenburg, Stenungsund, Brofjorden/Lysekil harbour areas and the International airports Gothenburg/Landvetter and Gothenburg City airport) applies the rules for issuance of visas for seamen.
Transport
Nearest airport: Gothenburg (international), 120km; Trollhattan (domestic), 90km.
Nearest railway: Uddevalla, 60 km.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Brofjorden
updated Nov 2019Where it is
Brofjorden Harbour is situated near Lysekil, on the W coast of Sweden, in the Skagerrak.
The port
The port has the capacity to refine 10,000,000t of crude oil annually, almost two thirds of Swedish oil consumption. Oil products produced include: Butane, propane, naphtha, gasoline, diesel, fuel oil 1, vacuum gas oil and normal and low sulphur heavy fuel oils.
There are 5 tanker berths all equipped with loading hard arms.
The harbour facilities are under the control of Preemraff Lysekil. The Port of Brofjorden is controlled from the City of Sodertalje. The berths are open for day and night navigation, allowing vessels to enter and leave at any hour when weather conditions permit. The harbour is kept open throughout the year with icebreaker assistance when required.
Traffic
Approx 1,200 vessels visit the port and 11,000,000t of cargo handled annually.
Questions about Brofjorden
Where does the pilot board at Brofjorden?
The pilot boards at Lysekil - Brofjorden <20 000 tdw. Boarding position 1 - southwest of Brofjordens approach, 58°14.3′N 011°11.3′E. Brofjorden has 2 pilot boarding places.
What time zone is Brofjorden in?
Local time at Brofjorden 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 Brofjorden?
The deepest berth listed is at Preemraff Lysekil: 25.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Brofjorden?
1000.
Which load line zone is Brofjorden 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 Brofjorden?
Port State Control at Brofjorden: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Brofjorden?
The UN/LOCODE of Brofjorden is SEBRO.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Brofjorden 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.