PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Busum
Pilot
updated May 2010Not compulsory but recommended. Vessels should request pilot 12 hours in advance through the agent or direct to the pilots, Tel: +49 4841 3287. Vessels coming from Kiel Canal or the Elbe above Brunsbuttel may embark the pilot at Brunsbuttel.
Key data
updated Oct 2018Size limits
LOA 150m, draught 6.5m.
Water density
Brackish, 1019.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Tides
Range 3.6m (springs), 3.2m (neaps).
Care is necessary when approaching the outer harbour, particularly at half tide when the stream is strongest. The flood stream rotates anti clockwise off the entrance and vessels are liable to be set initially onto the head of the E shelter mole and subsequently on to the W shelter mole.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berths | — | — | 1 |
| BINNENHAFEN | — | — | 3 |
| Basin IV contains only a pleasure craft jetty with 150 berths. There is also a quay, length 170m, with 4.0m depth alongside at LW, between Basins II and III. Specification of Ro-Ro Equipment: 1. Movable Ramp: (Ro-Ro ramps cannot be used due to low depth). | — | — | 13 |
| 2. Concrete Ramp: (Ro-Ro ramps cannot be used due to low depth). Measurements | — | — | 6 |
| Operational Details | — | — | 5 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Oct 2018Approach
Approach: Through ship channel "Suderpiep", marked according to IALA Maritime Buoyage System (red to port).
Distance from Fairway Buoy to Busum port is 19nm.
The harbour entrance channel into port, is marked by leading lights (each a black mast, 110m apart, with white bands, respectively 7m and 9m in height) (Iso W 4s) on the root of the W mole. The alignment of 355° leads through the Outer Harbour, entered between the heads of the E and W shelter moles, from which the flood barrage entrance is approached, 21.5m wide and about 100m in length, entering the Inner Harbour.
Min depth at MHW for Outer Harbour, the approach to Basin No 2 and Basin No 3 is 6.5m.
Port limits
The seaward boundary is a line between the southern extension of the breakwaters.
Anchorages
An anchorage area, with depths of 3.0-15.0m, is established about 1nm SSE of Hafen von Busum Light at the N end of Sommerkoogsterloch.
Restrictions
Anchors may only be used for navigational purposes.
Under keel clearance: Min at any tide is 0.5m.
Draught: Not to exceed 6.0m at HW and 3.0m at LW.
Time of arrival: Due to tidal streams off the harbour large vessels are advised to enter the harbour at slack HW.
A flood barrage in the entrance is closed when the water level reaches 0.3m above MHW. A lock in the flood barrage permits vessels up to LOA 30m to enter the harbour when the barrage is closed.
Tugs
If required tugs are available from Cuxhaven or Brunsbuttel.
Mooring
No particular restrictions except for vessels in distress or carrying explosives or not gas free.
Charts and publications
BA 3767, German 105. Admiralty Pilot NP55, NP286(2).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010Communications
VHF: Busum Port Radio, Ch 16 and 11, situated at Lock Tower.
Health
Pratique is automatic for vessels entering port if Health Certificate does not show any infectious diseases.
Customs and immigration
Custom's Clearance: At any time if prior notice is given.
Custom's allowance: For 3 days, 200 cigarettes, 1 litre liquor.
Notices and regulations
In strong tidal streams, care must be taken on arrival when passing the breakwater during a rising tide.
The Binnenhafen is closed by a flood barrier when water level reaches 0.3m above HW.
Visibility: When visibility is less than 1,000m permission to enter harbour must be obtained from the Port Authority.
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 Oct 2018Repairs
Ship and machinery repairs are possible.
Dry docks
Basin II: One shiplift, usable for ships up to 50m LOA, 9.0m beam, 4.0m draught and 400t total weight.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Fuel (marine diesel only) and lub oil.
Medical
Busum Hospital, 17km.
Crew change
Any repatriation and crew change can be effected.
Transport
International airport served by regular airlines at Hamburg, 150km.
About Busum
updated Oct 2018Where it is
Busum is located on the NW side of Meldorfer Bucht.
The port
Busum is a NAABSA port. Because of its connection with Suderpiep, it has the best approach of all the ports in Schleswig-Holstein and also, it is hardly affected by ice. The port comprises the Vorhafen (Outer) basin and the Binnenhafen (Inner), with 4 basins.
The port handles general cargo, grain, feedstuffs, fertiliser, ferry, cruise and passengers.
Questions about Busum
What are the pilot arrangements at Busum?
Not compulsory but recommended.
What time zone is Busum in?
Local time at Busum is UTC+1. Clocks go to UTC+2 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+1 on 31 Oct 2027.
What is the water density at Busum?
Brackish, 1019.
Which load line zone is Busum 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 Busum?
Port State Control at Busum: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Busum?
The UN/LOCODE of Busum is DEBUM.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Busum 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.