Horta

1. Madalena pilot boarding Pilot boards38°32.2′N 028°31.4′W

Size limits

LOA 240m, beam 31.2m, draught 8.0m, 9,737DWT.

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 1.2m.

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

Approach

The directions for entering the harbour are as follows:

Approach: Entering the bay from the N, a good clearance should be given to the dangers off Ponta Baia do Cavalo, 38°33'N 028°36'W and when entering from the S to Ilheu Negro de Entre Montes, 38°31.5'N 028°37.3'W, a small islet standing on foul ground extending 0.125nm E from the root of the breakwater.

A light (white framework tower, 15m in height) is exhibited from the head of the breakwater.

Entry: From a position NE of the breakwater head the line of bearing, 285° of Boa Viagem Light, (square column, red band, 7m in height), 38°32.3'N 028°37.5'W, leads to the port entrance and on to the alignment 195° of entrance leading lights situated at the head of the harbour:

Front light, (red mast, 5m in height), 38°31.7'N 028°37.5'W;

Rear light, (white mast, red band, 5m in height), 13m from the front light.

Port limits

The port limits are defined as the area enclosed by a circle, radius 4nm, centred on the breakwater light (38°32'N 028°37'W).

Anchorages

Anchorage may be obtained in the outer harbour, as follows (positioned from the breakwater light 28°32'N 028°37.3'W):

Bearing 130° distant 0.3nm, in a depth of 33m.

Bearing 092° distant 0.2nm, in a depth of 33m.

Bearing 350° distant 0.125nm, in a depth of 14m (temporary anchorage in good weather).

Prohibited anchorage area exists in the inner harbour.

Tugs

One tug of 2,300hp and one motor boat of 300hp are available. Other two similar tugs are available under 48hrs advanced request.

Charts and publications

BA 1956, 1957. Admiralty Pilot NP67, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Should be sent to the vessel's agent 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival, stating date, time of arrival, draughts and reason for call.

Communications

Radio: San Miguel coast radio station operates throughout 24 hours. Calling frequency, 2182kHz; working frequencies 2742kHz and 1663.5kHz.

VHF: Ch 11, 13 & 16. Call "Postrad-Horta". Call: Capimarhorta. Channel 16, 11, 14.

Pilot Station: VHF Ch 14

Calling & Emergency: VHF Ch16

Maritime Police & Harbour Master: VHF Ch11

Agency: VHF Ch 12

Notice of readiness

Generally tendered after vessel has berthed alongside.

Documents

Vessel's papers are sighted by the harbour master.

Health

Pratique can be applied for by radio or after authorities board the vessel. Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Officers and crew are allowed to take ashore a reasonable allowance of tobacco and alcohol for their own consumption.

Vessels from the European Community will have shore passes issued. Crew members of vessels, the country of registration which has no diplomatic relations with the Azores, will be issued shore passes on a case by case basis.

Notices and regulations

Tankers: Vessels carrying explosives, inflammable liquid or any other dangerous cargoes, before entering port must hoist International Code, signal "B" at foremast during the day and a red light at night.

Upon boarding the vessel the harbour pilot enquires from the master whether there are explosives and any dangerous cargoes onboard. Masters are requested to supply accurate information as to the quantity and nature in order to enable the port authority to select a suitable berth or anchorage.

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: Instituto Portuario e dos Transportes Maritimos.

Position: Chairman.

Address: Edificio Vasco da Gama, Rua General Gomes Araujo, P-1399-005, Lisbon, Portugal.

Tel: +351 21 391 4712

Mob: +351 91 971 3089

Website: http://www.imarport.pt

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

Repairs

Minor repairs available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Gasoil promptly arrange by agency on request, either ex-quays pipeline or by truck. Lubricants and others same as gasoil.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Hospital of Horta, 2.7km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Horta Airport, 10.3km.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1200hrs and 1400-1700hrs. Overtime available.

Where it is

Horta is situated in Baia da Horta, Western part of Fayal Island.

The port

Horta is the principle port in the central group of Arquipelago dos Azores.

Main imports: Gasoil, gasoline, butane and all kind of manufactured goods.

Main exports: Fish, dairy products and some manufactured goods.

Berth also handles passenger, container, breakbulk and liquid cargo.

Traffic

Approx 1,000,000t of cargo, 300 vessels and 450,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Horta?

The pilot boards at Madalena pilot boarding, 38°32.2′N 028°31.4′W.

What time zone is Horta in?

Local time at Horta is UTC−1. Clocks go to UTC+0 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−1 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Horta?

The deepest berth listed is at Terminal Maritimo de Passageiros do Porto da Horta: 8.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Horta?

1025.

Which load line zone is Horta 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 Horta?

Port State Control at Horta: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Horta?

The UN/LOCODE of Horta is PTHOR.

What crews who called at Horta 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.

Read and add tips for Horta →