PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Isafjordur
Pilot
updated May 2010Pilotage is compulsory. Pilot boards vessel 1nm from harbour.
Key data
updated Sep 2017Size limits
LOA 220m, draught 8.2m, 55,450DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone I, Winter Oct 16 to Apr 15, Summer Apr 16 to Oct 15.
Tides
Range 2.3m. The tidal stream continues to set NE through the channel for approx 2 hours after LW. The best time to pass through the channel is when the tidal stream is weak and is setting in a contrary direction.
Spring 2.2m and neap 1.6m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Isafjordur Terminal | — | — | 2 |
| Port of Isafjordur 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 Sep 2017Approach
Sundin is the channel into Pollurinn, and in places is barely 130m in width and the fairway not more than 40m in width. At LW the shoals on either side of the channel are distinctly visible. Muslinger is subject to continuous alteration and the leading light beacons are moved as necessary, so vessels without local knowledge should employ a pilot.
Five pairs of leading light beacons lead through Sundin. The first pair (yellow towers, black stripe) aligned (211°) indicate the entrance to the channel E of Muslingur; the front beacon stands at Naust, 560m SSE of Sudhurtangi, the rear light 130m SSW of it.
The second leg of the channel is indicated by leading lights (yellow triangular topmarks on masts), aligned 222°, which stand on the shore 185m SW of the first pair.
The third leg is indicated by a pair of leading lights (yellow triangular topmarks on masts), aligned 070° astern, standing on the shore near Kaldareyri, 95m ESE of Sudhurtangi.
The fourth leg of the channel which leads to the W end of Sundin, is indicated by the alignment (097° astern) of the front of the first pair of lights at Naust, and a light (triangular topmark on mast) standing 90m E.
A fifth pair of leading lights (front mast) is exhibited from buildings at Stekkjanes on the NW side of Pollurinn; their alignment (331°) leads from the W end of Sundin into Pollurinn.
The NW side of the channel is marked by four lightbuoys (starboard hand). A lightbuoy (port hand) is moored on the S side of the W end of Sundin.
Max depth, 18.0m at entrance, 8.0m in harbour. The min depth at LW is 7.6m.
Port limits
Port limits are defined with a line from Skarfasker to Arnarnes Lighthouse.
Anchorages
Well sheltered, firm sea bottom, 1nm from landing.
Anchorage may be obtained as convenient, but the holding ground in the N part of the harbour is poor. A good berth is off Sudhurtangi with Isafjordur Church bearing approx 022° and in line with Bjarnanupur.
Tugs
There is 1 tug of 13t bollard pull available.
Mooring
Use of ship's thrusters is allowed at arrival and departure.
Charts and publications
BA 2898. Admiralty Pilot NP11, NP286(2).
Reporting before arrival
updated Sep 2017Communications
VHF: Isafjordur Radio: Ch 16. Messages may be sent through Isafjordur, callsign "TFZ".
Port: Ch 12.
Pilots: Ch 16, 12, 14.
Contact:
Harbour building
Ãsgeirsbakki
400 Ãsafjörður
Iceland
Tel: (+354) 450-8080
Fax: (+354) 456-4523
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Guðmundur M. Kristjánsson, harbour master
Standard messages
ISPS security level.
Notice of readiness
NOR to be tendered 24 hours in advance.
Health
Health Declaration is required.
Customs and immigration
Vessel's Customs Declaration is required.
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
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.
Port services
updated Sep 2017Repairs
Available.
Dry docks
There is a small drydock and two slipways, the largest of which can take vessels up to 400t.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available at 40tph.
Bunkering: Available by truck.
Medical
Westfjords Health Centre (Hvest Isafjordur), 1.3km.
Crew change
Crew change is possible. Isafjordur Airport, 7km from harbour with 2 flights per day (44 passengers).
Transport
Nearest airport: Isafjordur Airport located at Isafjordur, 5.7km (domestic only) and Reykjavík International Airport located at Reykjavík, 455km.
Working hours
Normally 0800-1700hrs. Overtime available on request.
About Isafjordur
updated Sep 2017Where it is
Isafjordur is situated on the NW coast of Iceland, approx 120nm N of Reykjavik.
The port
Isafjordur port close to the most effective fishing grounds in Icelandic. The port open 24 hours and all service is available around the clock. Although the port is relatively small, Isafjordur is a bustling and widely visited harbour servicing cruise ship, cargo vessels as well as fishing vessels.
Traffic
Approx 84 vessels and 84,000 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Isafjordur
What are the pilot arrangements at Isafjordur?
Pilotage is compulsory.
What time zone is Isafjordur in?
Local time at Isafjordur is UTC+0. No summer time.
What is the water density at Isafjordur?
1025.
Which load line zone is Isafjordur 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 Isafjordur?
Port State Control at Isafjordur: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Isafjordur?
The UN/LOCODE of Isafjordur is ISISA.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Isafjordur 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.