PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Hammerfest
Pilot
updated Nov 2013- Hammerfest pilot boarding Pilot boards70°47.0′N 023°32.2′E
Available 24 hours, compulsory for all foreign vessels, as vessels have to pass through prohibited sea areas. 24 hours notice is required with confirmation 2 hours before arrival. The sea pilot boards in position 70°47.0'N 023°23.2'E (off Akkarfjordnaeringen) and harbour pilot boards off Melkoy Island, 2.5nm off Hammerfest. In poor weather conditions, vessels are allowed to continue to position 70°40.5'N 023°30.0'E. This is the most used position.
Helicopter: LNG vessels over 20,000GT may be boarded via helicopter in position 71°05'N 023°27'E.
Key data
updated Feb 2021Size limits
LOA 300.0m, draught 11.0m, beam 49.0m, 95,785DWT
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
Mean spring range approx 2.3m, mean neap range approx 1.2m. Observed highest range 3.7m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snohvit LNG Terminal (Melkoya Island) | — | 300 m | 1 |
| Polarbase | — | 200 m | 3 |
| Fuglenes | 11.00 m | 220 m | 10 |
| Stornes | — | 213 m | 1 |
| Sentrumshavna | — | 220 m | 7 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Nov 2020Approach
Hammerfest can be reached through Soroysundet, S of Soroyo, or, by an entrance from sea NE of Soroyo.
When approaching Hammerfest from SW, care is necessary to avoid the following shoals (positions given from Fuglenes Light, (70°40.0'N 023°40.0'E);
Molvikbaen (1nm SSW), marked by an iron perch;
A 4m patch (0.6nm S). Otherwise the entrance is clear.
Port limits
The harbour limits of Hammerfest are enclosed by straight lines forming the community boundary and joining the following positions;
Grotneset: (70°34'N 023°41'E) in Vargsundet then 3nm NNW to Straumsneset, then 2nm N to Rppklubbskjeret, then 3.5nm N to Melkoya, E point, 0.3nm N to an iron beacon in Melkoysundet and 3nm E to the coast of Kvaloyo.
Anchorages
Anchorage for 3 or 4 vessels of 6,000t is available on the Fuglenes side. Rypefjorden anchorage (70°439.0'N 023°41.1'E) in the bay E of Trenskjeret.
Caution: Anchorage at the head of the bay is impracticable owing to the charted underwater pipeline.
Restrictions
Berthing is possible at night at tanker terminals. Vessels will not be allowed to approach Snohvit LNG Terminal if visibility is less than 1 mile.
Tugs
Tugs available.
Charts and publications
BA 2315. Admiralty Pilot NP58B, NP286(2).
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.
Inspection of ships in Norway
Norwegian Maritime Authority
Address: Smedasundet 50 A, Haugesund
Tel: +47 52 74 51 30
Fax: +47 52 74 50 01
Email: [email protected]
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Norwegian Maritime Authority
Address: Smedasundet 50 A, Haugesund
Tel: +47 52 74 51 30
Fax: +47 52 74 50 01
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sjofartsdir.no
Recognised Security Organisations:
RSO - ISSC Issue: DNV
RSO - Security Consultant Services: Norwegian Maritime Authority
Port Security Information: Norwegian Costal Administration
Telephone: +47 22 65 58 20
Website: www.kystverket.no
For further ISPS information see IMO website https://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Oct 2020Repairs
Overhaul of hull and machinery and repairs to radar available.
Dry docks
Available at Kirkenes for vessels up to 150m length and draught 6.5m. At Fugleneset a slipway that can accommodate vessels up to 67m LOA and 1,000DWT is available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: From the quayside, rate of 40tph. Water is not available at Berth No 23.
Bunkering: Available through Shell, Equinor, Esso and Bunker Oil Nor at a rate of approx 100m³/hr from bunkering station or lighter. Marine diesel is available at berths No 8, 9, 71 and 75.
Stores: Available.
Medical
A provincial hospital is nearby as well as a Seamen's doctor, Tel: +47 78 41 20 00 approx 1km.
Crew change
Available.
Transport
Nearest airport: Hammerfest Regional, 3km.
Airport facilities: W of town with regular domestic flights several times a day.
Nearest railway: Narvik, 279nm.
Nearest Highway: Connection to main highway (E6).
Working hours
Normally 0700-1630hrs. Overtime available.
About Hammerfest
updated Dec 2020Where it is
Hammerfest, the northernmost town in Norway, is situated on the W coast of Kvaloey Island, facing the Soeroey Sound and is approx 840nm N of Trondheim.
The port
The port is open to shipping all year round and consists of the Hammerfest general cargo harbour, the Rypefjord oil harbour and Melkoya Island (Snohvit) LNG terminal, which operates as a separate terminal. The main harbour entrance, open towards SW, with depth of 40m, is somewhat exposed to winds from that direction.
Principle imports include coal, general cargo, container cargo, salts and oils. Principal exports include LNG, fish and fish products.
Traffic
Approx 5,000,000t of cargo, 5,500TEU, 5,000 vessels and 36,500 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Hammerfest
Where does the pilot board at Hammerfest?
The pilot boards at Hammerfest pilot boarding, 70°47.0′N 023°32.2′E.
What time zone is Hammerfest in?
Local time at Hammerfest 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 Hammerfest?
The deepest berth listed is at Fuglenes: 11.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Hammerfest?
1025.
Which load line zone is Hammerfest 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 Hammerfest?
Port State Control at Hammerfest: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Hammerfest?
The UN/LOCODE of Hammerfest is NOHFT.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Hammerfest 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.