PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Elsinore
Pilot
updated Feb 2025Pilotage is provided by the station located in Copenhagen and is compulsory for all tankers. Pilotage is available for other vessels, however, it is not compulsory.
Key data
updated Feb 2025Size limits
Max LOA 143m, beam 50m, draught 6.5m and unrestricted DWT (Royal Quay No. 3).
Water density
1015.
Load line zone
Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Zone for ships of 100m or less in length. Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Tides
Range 0.2m.
Abnormal water levels: Winds between WNW and N can raise water level by up to 1.5m; winds between ESE and S can lower it by 1.2m.The N going current sets from the head of the S breakwater towards the shore W of Kronhoved, a point 0.175nm NNE of the S breakwater head, then E past Kronborg Pynt. At the same time an eddy often sets W along the shore, turning S towards the harbour entrance.
The S going current sets SW from Kronborg Pynt across the harbour entrance and can attain a velocity of 3kts.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Elsinore | 6.50 m | 143 m | 1 |
| Oresundslinjen Helsingor Terminal | 5.00 m | 111 m | 3 |
| Sundbusserne Helsingor Terminal | 2.50 m | 34 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Feb 2025Approach
From a position of 0.2nm SE of Krongborg Light (56°02'N., 012°37'E), the track leads SW parallel to the coast to pass between the breakwater heads, marked by the lights (red and green round metal towers, 6m in height; the light on the N side is also shown by day in poor visibility), into Sondre Havn. Small white lights mark the extremities of the breakwaters on each side of the entrance, a single light on the S side and two on the N side.
At night, the approximate alignment (270°) of a light (mast, 9m in height), situated on the W side of Sondre Havn close N of the ferry berths, midway between the breakwater lights, leads towards the harbour entrance.
Port limits
The port limits are a line drawn from S Mole to the dividing line between the N Mole and Kronborg Castle.
Anchorages
Anchorage can be obtained in Helsinger Red, the roadstead which lies S of Kronborg Pynt (56°02'N., 012°38'E) between the Sjaelland coast and Disken, except close N of Snekkerstein (56°01'N., 012°36'E), where the holding ground is too soft and many abandoned anchors and cables lie on the bottom.
Care is necessary in selecting the anchorage:
When the roadstead is crowded, due to the strong current, which diminishes appreciably the greater the distance from Kronborg Pynt.
When making the approach due to the intense ferry traffic.
With a S winds, anchorage can be obtained on disken (56°00'N., 012°39'E) in depths of 8 to 9m, good holding ground. It is not advisable to anchor in the shallow part of Disken, as S gales strengthen the N going current and raise a heavy sea.
Restrictions
The harbour entrance has a width of 61m and a depth of 7.0m.
Speed within the harbour is restricted to 3kts, however, vessels may maintain a speed of 6kts during entry and departure
Tugs
Tugs are available from Copenhagen and Helsingborg.
Mooring
Trelleborg V- fenders are available at the Royal Quay. Bollard strength is 20t.
Charts and publications
BA 2594. Admiralty Pilot NP18.
Reporting before arrival
updated Feb 2025ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels must notify the agent, via VHF Ch 16.
Notice of readiness
NOR should be tendered in accordance with Charter Party terms.
Health
Pratique is not required for Danish ports. Agent may request a Maritime Declaration of Health from the Master.
Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates can be renewed in large ports.
Customs and immigration
Officials will normally board on arrival. Danish Customs and Immigration Regulations apply.
Notices and regulations
Vessels departing are required to wait for vessels entering. Vessels entering are required sound one long blast, in sufficient time.
Berthing information will be sent via VHF Ch 12, prior to arrival.
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: Danish Coastal Authority.
Position: Senior Project Manager.
Address: Postboks 131, DK-7620, Lemvig, Denmark.
Tel: +45 99 63 63 63.
Fax: +45 99 63 63 99.
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.maritimsikring.dk
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Feb 2025Repairs
Minor repairs only are undertaken.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available at the Royal Quay.
Bunkering: HFO, IFO and DO/GO available, however, has to be ordered in advance.
Stores: Not available, however, can be ordered via the ships agent.
Medical
Nearest hospital; Nordsjaellands Hospital - Sundhedshuset Helsingor (3.3km).
Transport
Nearest airport: Copenhagen Airport (60km).
Nearest railway: Helsingor Station lies adjacent to the port.
Nearest highway: The port has direct access to European Route 47. The E47 runs 342km from Lubeck, Germany in the S to Helsinborg, Sweden in the N.
Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Helsingor.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Elsinore
updated Feb 2025Where it is
Elsinore is situated on the NE coast of Sjaelland, Denmark.
The port
The Port of Elsinore (Helsingor), situated in the historic town of Helsingor, Denmark, serves as a critical maritime link between Denmark and Sweden. Renowned for its Ro-Ro ferry services, the port operates the shortest crossing between the two nations, connecting Helsingor with Helsingborg, Sweden. This strategic location not only facilitates passenger travel but also supports the movement of freight and buses between the two nations. The port is an integral part of the European Route E47, often referred to as the 'floating bridge' due to its role in facilitating seamless travel across the strait.
In addition to its primary function as a ferry terminal, the Port of Elsinore is equipped to handle various types of cargo. The Royal Quay, situated within the harbour, accommodates cruise ships, dry cargo, and breakbulk operations, making it a versatile hub for maritime trade.
Moreover, the inner harbour of Elsinore offers mooring options for recreational and pleasure vessels, making it a popular destination for leisure boating.
Traffic
Approx 6,200,000 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Elsinore
What are the pilot arrangements at Elsinore?
Pilotage is provided by the station located in Copenhagen and is compulsory for all tankers.
What time zone is Elsinore in?
Local time at Elsinore 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 Elsinore?
The deepest berth listed is at Port of Elsinore: 6.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Elsinore?
1015.
Which load line zone is Elsinore in?
Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Zone for ships of 100m or less in length.
Who carries out Port State Control at Elsinore?
Port State Control at Elsinore: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Elsinore?
The UN/LOCODE of Elsinore is DKHLS.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Elsinore 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.