Hornafjordur

Size limits

LOA 100m, draught 6.0m.

Water density

1024.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone I, Winter Oct 16 to Apr 15, Summer Apr 16 to Oct 15.

Tides

Range 2.0m.

Tidal streams: The tidal stream may attain a rate of 4 to 8kts; it turns approx 1 hour after HW and LW, and entry can only be effected when it is slack.

In E winds a heavy swell develops at the entrance, on the ebb stream.

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

Approach

Directions: Sudhurfjorutangi Light in line with the light beacon W of it, bearing 272°, leads to the entrance close N of the spit extending NE from Hvanney.

Approaches: From the entrance to Hornafjordur a narrow channel, with a least depth of 6.0m, leads to a point close E of Hellir. The sides of the channel are steep-to and the banks on either side almost dry in most places.

A dredged channel leads from close E of Hellir into Hofn harbour. The first leg of this channel is indicated ahead by the alignment, (333°), of leading lights (yellow triangular topmarks). Front light on the end of breakwater and rear light on Alogarey.

The channel is also indicated astern by the alignment (152° astern) of leading lights (orange huts, 3.0m in height) situated on Austurfjorutangi, 0.3nm SE of Hellir Light.

Anchorages

The best anchorage outside Hornafjardharos is reported to be in a depth of 13.0m with Hvanney Light between the bearings of 274° and 286°; it offers an uncomfortable berth, but with good sand holding ground.

Restrictions

Cargo ships have to enter the harbour on high water or low water. Entering the harbour with a pilot is strongly recommended.

A local magnetic anomaly has been observed in the approaches to Hornafjardharos.

Tugs

Towage services always available.

Charts and publications

Icelandic Coast Guard 810. Admiralty Pilot NP11, NP286(2).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA to be advised to agent 72, 48, 24 and 12 hours prior to vessel's arrival. Cargo information if applicable to be advised together with any requirements which master might need the agent to arrange.

Communications

Nes Radio at Hornafjordur is recommended to be used for passing messages at long range. Radio station operates throughout 24 hours. International frequency is 2182kHZ working frequency for Hornafjordur Radio is: Land 1761kHz, ship 2105kHz.

Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Ch 12. Pilot: Ch 16, 12.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered as per Charter Party.

Documents

Documents are required by customs, agent and receivers if cargo onboard.

Icelandic Customs use their own forms for Master's Report, Health Declaration and vessel's Stores Declaration. Customs officer delivers them onboard upon arrival in the first port.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowance for master, chief engineer and chief mate is 2 bottles of spirits, 1 carton of cigarettes, 2 cases of beer. For crew the allowance is 1 of each. Penalties for non-compliance are a fine and goods are confiscated.

Immigration: There are no special immigration procedures and formalities. Customs will grant free pratique to vessels. When disembarking crew/passengers, immigration has to give their permission.

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: Icelandic Maritime Administration.

Position: Project Manager, Ship and Port Facility Security.

Address: PO Box 120, Vesturvor 2, IS-202 Kopavogur, Iceland.

Tel: +354 560 0000.

Fax: +354 560 0060.

Mob: +354 893 4793

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.sigling.is

Port Security Information:

Person responsible for Port Security: Sigurdur Gretarsson (Head, Harbour Division).

Tel: +354 560 0000.

Email: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Medical

Southwest Institute of Health Hospital, 1.3km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Hornafjordur Airport located at Flugvallarvegur, 8.2km.

Airport facilities: Domestic flights.

Working hours

Loading and unloading usually during the daytime (0800-1700hrs).

Where it is

Hornafjordur is located on the SE coast of Iceland.

The port

Hornafjordur includes the port of Hofn, which may freeze over with thin layer of ice during severe weather.

Navigation is not without danger and is at all times very difficult on account of the strength of the tidal streams.

What are the pilot arrangements at Hornafjordur?

Compulsory for all ships over 300GT.

What time zone is Hornafjordur in?

Local time at Hornafjordur is UTC+0. No summer time.

What is the water density at Hornafjordur?

1024.

Which load line zone is Hornafjordur in?

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone I, Winter Oct 16 to Apr 15, Summer Apr 16 to Oct 15.

Who carries out Port State Control at Hornafjordur?

Port State Control at Hornafjordur: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Hornafjordur?

The UN/LOCODE of Hornafjordur is ISHFN.

What crews who called at Hornafjordur 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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