Chania

Size limits

Draught 4.8m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 0.3m.

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

Approach

The harbour entrance has a width of only 70m owing to shallows on each side. The fairway of the entrance channel has depths of about 12.0m, but within the entrance the depths decrease rapidly to about 3.5m

Anchorages

Outer anchorage: The anchorage off Chania is unsafe during strong N winds.

The best holding ground off Chania is in depths of approx 37m, but temporary anchorage may be obtained in lesser depths closer inshore. A rocky patch with depths from 31-33m over it, lying 010° distant 0.6nm from the head of the mole, should be avoided.

Restrictions

Within the harbour manoeuvring room is very limited. Local knowledge is essential for entering the harbour.

Tugs

Not available.

Charts and publications

BA 1707, 3681. Admiralty Pilot NP48, NP286(3).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA should be sent to the Harbour Master 3, 2 days, 24, 12 and 6 hours prior to arrival. The ETA message should include: Ship's particulars, cargo information, dangerous cargo (if any onboard, with details), health condition and stowaway details (if any).

Communications

Olympia Radio ("SVA") receives distress or urgent messages and public communication (working channel). Watch frequencies VHF/FM, 2182kHz and HF/DSC as follows:

MF 2187.5kHz.

HF 4207.5kHz, 6312kHz, 8414.5kHz, 12577kHz, 16804.5kHz.

Heraklio, Limnos and Corfu Radio for general watch calling frequencies.

The stations work throughout 24 hours.

Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Port & Pilots: Continuous on Ch 12, 16.

Notice of readiness

Can be tendered anytime but will only be accepted between 0800-1700hrs.

Health

Pratique should be applied for on arrival and cannot be applied for by radio.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowances: Each officer and crew member is allowed 1 bottle of spirits and 1 carton of cigarettes each.

Immigration: Immigration authorities issue crew passes. For EU nationals there are no Immigration procedures. There are special regulations for nationals of countries such as Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovakia and South American countries.

Crew being repatriated to non European countries must have a ticket which the agent must show to the authorities, agent's guarantees are requested by various authorities.

Notices and regulations

Permission required for berthing and unberthing at night.

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: Ministry of Merchant Marine.

Address: 1 K. Paleologou Street, 185 35 Piraeus, Greece.

Tel: +30 210 419 1911/43.

Fax: +30 210 419 1901.

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

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

Repairs

Available. Slipway with lifting capacity of 150t. Divers available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available alongside.

Bunkering: MGO, MDO limited but available.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Hospital and clinic available.

Crew change

Crew change is possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Iraklion, Crete.

Working hours

Normally 0700-1300hrs/1500-1700hrs.

Where it is

Chania (Canea/Hania) is situated on the N coast of Crete.

The port

Chania is a small port for cruise ships, ferries and pleasure yachts. The outer harbour, depth at entrance 5.1m, is largely unused.

There a small tanker port of Agios Onoufrios nearby.

What are the pilot arrangements at Chania?

Not compulsory. Pilots on request via Souda port.

What time zone is Chania in?

Local time at Chania is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Chania?

The deepest berth listed is at Agios Onoufrios: 4.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Chania?

1025.

Which load line zone is Chania in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Chania?

Port State Control at Chania: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Chania?

The UN/LOCODE of Chania is GRCHQ.

What crews who called at Chania 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.

Read and add tips for Chania →