PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Groningen
Pilot
updated May 2010Not compulsory. Available on Eemskanaal.
Key data
updated Mar 2019Size limits
Draught 3m
Water density
1000.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Tides
Nil.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunzehaven | — | — | 2 |
| Passenger Terminal | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated May 2010Approach
Groningen is approached through Eemskanaal which has a depth of 4.5m. The distance from Delfzijl to Groningen is 22km.
Traffic schemes and VTS
None.
Anchorages
No anchorage. Three mooring buoys in Deense Haven, 3.5m depth.
Restrictions
There are 5 bridges, each with a navigable width of 16m.
Tugs
Not compulsory.
Charts and publications
BA 2593, 3510.
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010Communications
Inmarsat communication is possible.
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
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.
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
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.
Port services
updated Oct 2016Repairs
Minor repairs available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available at the quay.
Bunkering: Available de Vries Bunkerstation, Tel: +31 50 571 1060.
Medical
Hospitals: Academisch Ziekenhuis and Martini Ziekenhuis.
Crew change
Allowed. No special regulations required for leaving the ship.
Transport
Nearest airport: Groningen (Eelde), approx 10km.
Nearest railway: Groningen.
Working hours
0800-1600hrs. Overtime and holiday work also available.
About Groningen
updated Oct 2016Where it is
Groningen is an inland port, approx 19nm SW from Delfzijl, the main port of North Netherlands.
The port
It provides cargo handling facilities for small general cargo coasters, tankers and barges.
There is a new quay for passenger liners, in the Eemskanaal, situated near the Oosterhaven Bridge, S side.
The port mainly handles containers, dry bulk and breakbulk.
Questions about Groningen
What are the pilot arrangements at Groningen?
Not compulsory. Available on Eemskanaal.
What time zone is Groningen in?
Local time at Groningen 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 Groningen?
1000.
Which load line zone is Groningen 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 Groningen?
Port State Control at Groningen: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Groningen?
The UN/LOCODE of Groningen is NLGRQ.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Groningen 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.