Gijon

Size limits

Max LOA 345m, beam 50m, draught 21.0m and 209,999DWT

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

Tidal streams in the entrance are negligible.

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

Approach

Larger, deeper draught vessels are now accommodated in the outer harbour. The recommended maximum draught varies according to vessel, cargo type and berth to be used within the port.

The port is approached through two recommended routes, one from the N and the other from the E. In heavy weather the N approach should be used.

N approach (to Outer Harbour): From an initial position 43°37.0'N., 005°41.0'W the recommended route leads S to a location just off the end of the new North Quay (Muelle Norte) which is marked by a light (Fl(1).G.4s, height 30m, visible at 7nm in good weather) and then SSE to the new Outer Harbour berths.

N approach (to Inner Harbour): From the end of the new North Quay (Muelle Norte), the course continues South, passing REPSOL breakwater area, across the entrance to the Outer Harbour, and then passing the head of Dique Principe de Asturias breakwater marked by a light (Fl (2+1) G.10s, height 22m, visible at 7nm in good weather). The course then leads SSE for the entrance into the Inner Harbour.

E approach: From an initial position 43°35.0'N., 005°38.0'W the entrance is approached on the bearing of 244°.

The approaches are generally deep with depths of 21-25m W and SE of Banco Las Amosucas.

Caution: A shoal, Banco Las Amosucas, is located to the E of the North Quay (Muelle Norte) breakwater, marked by 4 cardinal buoys (black and yellow stripes).

Port limits

A line drawn from Punta Pena del Cuervo (43°33.0'N., 005°39.6'W) passing the head of Dique Principe de Austurias (1.5nm NNW) and then to the head of the new North Quay breakwater.

Anchorages

Anchor berths are allocated by the pilot's office; pilotage is compulsory for vessels anchoring in the port limits. All vessels intending to anchor should establish direct radio contact with the pilot's office at a distance of not less then 3.0nm from Dique Principe de Asturias.

There are anchorage areas to the N and NE of the port (marked on the chart). In good weather then large vessels may anchor in depths of 21-24m, sand, in the roadstead ENE of the outer breakwater head. Smaller vessels with local knowledge may anchor closer in, however, caution is necessary to avoid the areas with rocky bottom. In the event of heavy weather then the anchorage within the roadstead is deemed unsafe and as a result then vessels are advised to remain at sea until conditions settle.

Vessels with dangerous cargo use the N half of the NE anchorage. Depending on conditions, In adverse weather, vessels of less than 1,000GT may anchor in a position close NE of Contradique de Levante (43°33.7'N., 005°41.0'W); those less than 500GT may use the area in Darsena de El Musel (43°33.5'N., 005°41.5'W).

Prohibited anchorage: Anchorage is prohibited within 500m of an outfall extending 1.5nm N from position 43°33.1'N., 005°37.8'W.

Restrictions

Banco Las Amosucas: is a rocky bank, is located approx 1.6nm ENE of Cabo de Torres and is marked by lighted buoys. It has a least depth of 14.2m with breaking seas during heavy weather. During NW gales, the sea close SE of this bank may also break; vessels are advised to keep a good distance at these times.

Islote Orrio de Torres is an islet 20nm high, located close off the N extremity of the Cape.

Restinga de Riastaches: is a rocky ledge, extending up to about 0.5nm NNE of Cabo de Torres with depths of 10m to 20m. A rock, with a depth of 9.2m, lies near the N edge of this ledge.

Piedra de la Concha: has a least depth of 15.8m, lies about 0.7nm ENE of Cabo de Torres.

Roca Martin: has a least depth of 14.8m, and Roca Punta de Amandi, with a least depth of 13m, is located approx 1nm NNE and 0.9 mile NNW, respectively, of Cerro de Santa Catalina.

Roca La Moral: has a least depth of 13.3m, located approx 0.4nm E of Roca

Punta de Amandi and Piedra del Rio, with a least depth of 17.3m, lie 0.7nm ESE of Roca Martin.

All of the above experience breaking seas during heavy weather.

Mooring

Berthing is normally granted on a first come first served basis for all commercial berths, except at the special bulk discharging terminal where occasionally the line up order may be altered to suit factory cargo requirements. Mooring services are provided by Amarradores del Puerto de Gijón, S.L.

Charts and publications

BA 87, 1104, 1153, 1154, 1290, 1291. Admiralty Pilot NP22, NP286(1).

US 37481. US Sailing Directions No 143 (West Coast of Europe and Northwest Africa).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should send ETA three hours prior to arrival or when within VHF range to MRCC Gijon.

The port is approached through two recommended routes, one from the N and the other from the E.

In heavy weather the N approach should be used.

N approach: From an initial position 43°37.0'N., 005°41.0'W the recommended route leads S then SSE to the vicinity of the head of Dique Principe de Asturias.

E approach: From an initial position 43°35.0'N., 005°38.0'W the entrance is approached on the bearing 244° of Muelle de los Porticos Head Light.

The mouth of the harbour entrance channel is 500m wide and has a depth of 18.5m at LW.

Caution: A shoal, located off the breakwater, is marked by 4 buoys. Vessels up to 12,000DWT can enter leaving the shoal to the E (port), larger vessels must leave the shoal to the W (starboard).

Standard messages

No messages are sent by the port direct to the vessel, only through the agent.

Notice of readiness

NOR presented on arrival. Handed to agent if alongside, passed by telex/cable if at anchor awaiting berth.

Documents

Special forms to be completed for the port (to be delivered onboard by the agent): Master's Declaration (listing among other things all certificates and their dates of validity), Oil residues declaration (Annex I, MARPOL 73/78) and Tanker Control Form (this last document only for gas/chemical/oil tankers).

Health

Free pratique obtained by sending cable to "Sanidad Exterior Gijon". It is automatic for vessels coming from another Spanish port or EU country. If any disease onboard, agent should be contacted first to advise procedures, depending upon the nature of the disease.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC) and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates (SSCEC) can be issued.

Customs and immigration

Max 6kg of tobacco and 1 bottle of spirit per crew member, subject to having been declared. Shore passes not required. No restrictions. Agent deals with Immigration authorities.

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: Puertos del Estado (Ministerio de Fomento)

Title: Coordinador de Proteccion Portuaria

Address: Av de la Marina, 3, 15001, A Coruna, Spain

Tel: +34 98 121 9618

Fax: +34 98 121 9607

Mob: +34 630 957875

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

Repairs

There are shipyards and workshops specialising in naval work. All types of repairs can be undertaken. It is recommended that advanced notification is given when assistance is required. Spare parts: In case of spare parts being forwarded by airfreight, each consignment must be accompanied by an original airways bill and a commercial invoice. Approx 2 days should be allowed for domestic transit and clearance. For truck deliveries allow one day.

Services: Tank cleaning equipment, facilities for discharge of tank washings, compass adjusting, radio and radar repairs, supply of charts, nautical publications, sounding paper, course recorder paper, Notice to Mariners, safety equipment, extension of certificates, etc.

Armon Gijon founded in 2011 covers an area of 148,000m². 12,260m² is covered in workshops and 9,641m² are used for offices and storage spaces. The shipyard is made up of a floating outfitting basin, two piers measuring 22m/239m respectively, two drydocks measuring 170m by 25m/124m by 17m. The shipyard is also supported by two outfitting slips and a steel workshop.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available by wharf or barge. From wharf, water supplied at 20/25t/h via Autoridad Portuaria - E.M.A., Pto. Dep. de Gijon UTE - Marítimo Astur Favila, S.L. - Nauplia Capital, S.L. and Astur Sercomar

Bunkering: All grades of HFO and MDO available. Supplied by a small tanker based in the port for the purpose. Give 24 hours notice for bunkering. Wide range of suppliers for ship supply facilities including: Exolum, Lonja Gijon Musel, S.A., Pto. Dep. de Gijon UTE - Marítimo Astur Favila, S.L. - Nauplia Capital, S.L. and Contratas Pinera, S.A.

Stores: Vessel can be stored by barge (subject to weather conditions) whilst at anchorage or by truck when alongside. Storing can take place whilst loading/discharging. Road tankers can proceed alongside. Forklifts, if required, can be used. Usual Customs clearance formalities apply. Local riggers can be employed to assist with storing.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Hospital de Jove (1.15km).

Crew change

Repatriation of crew members is no problem. EU citizens need no formalities. Other nationalities are subject to visa or Immigration control, advanced notice must be given to the agent.

Transport

Nearest airport: Asturias Airport (27km).

Nearest railway: Gijon, 6km. The Gijon line can reach Leon, Ferrol and Pola de Laviana.

Nearest highway: The port has access to A-66, 1-8, AS-I, AS-II and N-632.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Gijon.

Working hours

Mon to Fri 0800-1200hrs, 1300-1700 (normal working hours) and 1700-2300hrs (overtime), Sat 0800-1200hrs. Sundays and holidays no work.

Where it is

The port of Gijon is located on the N coast of Spain, in the Bay of Biscay, W of the city of Gijon.

The port

The Port of Gijon, strategically located along the Atlantic Arc, stands as one of Spain's foremost seaports and is recognised as the leading hub for the movement of solid bulk materials in the country. This dynamic port serves a multitude of functions, encompassing commercial, nautical-sports, tourism, fishing, and shipyard activities, all spread across an extensive maritime land strip that stretches from the historic marina of the city—often referred to as the old local port—to the modern facilities at El Musel and the Abono area.

The commercial development of El Musel commenced in 1907, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in Gijon's maritime history. Today, the port is equipped to handle a diverse range of cargo types, including cruise ships, liquid cargo, dry bulk, and break bulk. Among the principal cargoes managed at the Port of Gijon are iron ore, coal, asphalt, fuel, gas oil, cement, clinker, and various steel products. This diverse cargo handling capacity underscores the port's critical role in supporting regional and national trade.

In recent years, the Port of Gijon has seen extensive land reclamation efforts aimed at significantly increasing its capacity for bulk goods. The newly developed Muelle Romualdo Alvargonzalez, which spans 145ha, is situated to the north of the existing port facilities. This expansion not only enhances the port's operational capabilities but also positions it as a key player in the maritime trade landscape.

Traffic

Approx 19,000,000t of cargo, 64,000TEU, 1,200 vessels, 34,000 passengers, 4,300,000t of coal and 4,400,000t of iron ore handled annually.

What time zone is Gijon in?

Local time at Gijon 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 Gijon?

The deepest berth listed is at Muelle Romualdo Alvargonzalez: 21.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Gijon?

1025.

Which load line zone is Gijon 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 Gijon?

Port State Control at Gijon: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Gijon?

The UN/LOCODE of Gijon is ESGIJ.

What crews who called at Gijon 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.

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