Den Helder

1. Den Helder pilot boarding Pilot boards52°58.4′N 004°44.2′E

Size limits

LOA 200m, Beam 23m, 6,837DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Tides rise approx 1.8m at springs and 1.6m at neaps.

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

Approach

Coming from sea, Den Helder can be approached through Schulpengat or Molengat.

Schulpengat (52°55.5'N 4°41'E): This is approached with the light in line bearing 026.5° (Den Horn). When sector light Huisduinen is bearing 070° (beginning of the white sector), the lights in line are left and subsequently vessels navigate in the white sector of Schilbolsnol Light until the white sector of Huisduinen goes over into the red sector bearing 113°. Then the lights and buoys of Den Helder roads should be followed.

Molengat (53°01'N 4°41'E): The course of this fairway is continually subject to change, especially during gales where the depths in this fairway may change drastically.

During WNW'ly-N'ly winds there is a difficult sea and if during these winds the ebb stream is coming through, entering and leaving this fairway is strongly advised against.

To enter the fairway vessels should follow the lights in line bearing 140.5°, near the S part of Molengat.

On entering or leaving the harbour, lights in line 191° provides guidance. On the roads and in front of the harbour entrance the direction and strength of the tidal stream should be well reckoned with. On passing the breakwaters the influence of the stream on the direction of travel ceases rather suddenly.

Vessels should keep Den Helder Leading Lights in line bearing 191° and pass W of MH4-M1 Lightbuoy, then into the harbour. Vessels should reduce speed on passing the entrance moles.

There are 3 harbours as follows:

Veerhaven: This is entered from Marsdiep by keeping the ferry leading lights, exhibited from grey masts at the SE corner of the harbour, in line bearing 207°. This harbour is designated for the Texel ferries and is prohibited to all other ships.

Marinehaven Willemsoord: If entering harbour through Schulpengat Breewijd care must be taken as streams may meet or diverge. This is the Naval harbour and is home port for the Netherlands Navy.

Oude Haven: This is entered from Marinehaven and extends 0.9nm SE.

Port dimensions: Het Nieuwe Diep is approached from Willemsoord and will accommodate vessels LOA 120m with draught 7.0m, if proceeding under Moorman Bridge vessel size is restricted to LOA 90m, beam 16m and draught 5.0m on berth Nos 43 - 55. In order to pass locks into Industrial Harbour vessels size is restricted to LOA 85m, beam 14m, draught 4.7m and vertical clearance 35m.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Vessels departing the W boundary of the VTS should switch to Ch 16. Vessels crossing the E boundary, after reporting on Ch 62, should switch to Ch 10.

The Port Coordination Centre can provide, on request, radar assistance of an informative nature only.

Anchorages

There is also an anchorage N of De Koog off the sea inlet on the 10m line.

Restrictions

Entry permission must be granted by the Harbour Officer or from the Naval Base Control.

Oil rigs and long ships can only make an approach and entry into Marinehaven between 1-1.5 hours after HW Den Helder. All other vessels can berth throughout 24 hours.

Speed within the harbour entrance is limited to a maximum of 6kts. Tugs should be requested if this speed is insufficient to maintain manoeuvrability.

Charts and publications

BA 1546,1631,1408. Admiralty Pilot NP55, NP286(1).

Communications

Radio: Communications should be sent via Scheveningen Radio, which operates throughout 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: VTS Traffic Centre - Area Den Helder: Ch 62. Reporting and listening channel. On request a shipping report can be obtained , containing up to date information on weather conditions, water levels, visibility, pilotage, waterways, etc.

Port Control: Ch 14 is a working channel reserved for all reports and information not directly related to traffic management, callsign "Harbour Office Den Helder".

Den Helder Pilot Boat: Ch 62.

Moorman Bridge: Ch 18, callsign "Moormanbrug".

Koopvaarders lock: Ch 22, callsign "Koopvaarderstidelock".

Stevinsluizen: Ch 20.

Oudeschild Harbour Office: Ch 09.

Tugs: Ch 14, assistance also may be requested by telephone to Port Control.

Traffic Centre IJmuiden: Ch 07.

Den Helder Traffic Centre: Ch 62. Tel: + 33 223 657522.

Pilot Office: Tel + 33 255 564500.

Coastguard: Ch 16.

Notice of readiness

NOR to be tendered as per Charter Party, throughout the day or night.

Documents

Copies of the above documents should be sent to the agent, Customs, Immigration and Police authorities.

Health

Application for free pratique is not necessary. Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC) can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Clearance formalities for vessels bound for Den Helder will be handled by the Customs house Den Helder which is open 24 hours a day. The Customs allowances are 5 litres of spirits for the total crew and 200 cigarettes for each person.

Immigration procedures are carried out by the agent.

Customs, Tel: +31 223 615181, Fax: +31 223 623192,

Immigration, Tel: +31 223 656515, Fax: +31 223 656803.

Notices and regulations

Berths in the roads are allocated by the Harbour Master and vessels must not take up or shift berth without permission. Vessels with explosive or inflammable cargoes may not enter or leave harbour without permission.

Seagoing vessels, except Netherlands fishing craft, yachts and pleasure craft, must communicate their requests for berths to Commandant Maritieme Middelen, Den Helder or via Scheveningen Radio. These vessels should be prepared to anchor in Malzwin or Texelstroom if a berth is not available.

Vessels must proceed without delay to the roads, their allocated berths, or tide lock as the case may be. Incoming vessels, except Netherlands fishing craft, send the vessel's name to the Harbour office as soon as entry into the roads is made.

The speed within the harbour entrance is limited to a maximum of 6kts. Tugs should be requested if this speed is insufficient to maintain manoeuvrability.

Particular care is necessary to avoid causing wash when proceeding past vessels berthed alongside in Rijkszeehaven Het Nieuwe Diep.

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

The Netherlands has a separate National Authority for all of the following areas:

Rotterdam, Curacao, Netherland Antilles, Amsterdam, Zeeland Seaports, Groningen Seaports, Moerdijk, Dordrecht, The Hague, Harlingen and Den Helder.

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

Repairs

Available.

Dry docks

Repair facilities is owned and operates by Damen Shipyard.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available.

Medical

Gemini, 3km.

Crew change

Extensive crew changes available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Schiphol (90km), De Kooy Airport (5km, helicopter flights to Rigs) and Den Helder Airport, 5km.

Airport facilities: Domestic and international flights and air freight facilities at Schiphol. There are small aeroplanes available for crew changes in connecting flights with helicopters.

Nearest railway: Den Helder.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Den Helder is located on the S side of Waddenzee, 40km farther N than Alkmaar.

The port

Chief role is as a supply centre for North Sea oil and gas platforms and also as a Naval Base and Fish Auction. It provides good shelter, at anchorage and in the harbour especially during bad weather, and is a port of call to many fishing vessels.

Traffic

Approx 153,000t of cargo handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Den Helder?

The pilot boards at Den Helder pilot boarding, 52°58.4′N 004°44.2′E.

What time zone is Den Helder in?

Local time at Den Helder 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 Den Helder?

1025.

Which load line zone is Den Helder 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 Den Helder?

Port State Control at Den Helder: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Den Helder?

The UN/LOCODE of Den Helder is NLDHR.

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