PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Kokkola
Pilot
updated Nov 2010Compulsory. Pilotage is ordered through Finnpilot Order Centre: Western Pilotage Zone by web, using pilot order form, telephone, fax or email.
There is no VHF radio ordering service.
Inbound vessels:
ETA should be sent to the Pilot Order Centre 24 and 6 hours in advance and a binding pilotage order should be sent 3 hours prior to arrival.
The pilot will contact the vessel less than 1 hour from the pilot boarding position.
Outbound vessels:
Vessels must provide 24 and 6 hours advance notice of departure to the Pilot Order Centre and a binding pilotage order 2 hours before departure.
Vessels shifting berth must provide 6 hours advance notice to the Pilot Order Centre with 2 hours confirmation.
Pilot boards 1.5nm WSW of Kallan Light and 3.6nm NNW of Tankar.
Key data
updated Aug 2024Size limits
Max LOA 292m, draught 14.8m, beam 45m, 181,010DWT.
Water density
1002.
Load line zone
Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for ships of 100m or less in length, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Tides
Nil, however, water level may vary as much as 0.6m dependent on wind conditions.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Port | 13.00 m | 292 m | 6 |
| General Port | 9.50 m | 196 m | 5 |
| Silverstone Port | 9.50 m | 242 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Aug 2024Approach
The main approach to Ykspihlaja Harbour is made from the NW, through a channel authorised for a draught of 13.0m, which passes close SW of Kokkola Light (64°00.0'N 022°52.0'E).
The harbour may also be approached through the following channels:
SW inshore channel, draught 3.0m, entered SW of Storgrundet, only suitable for small vessels during daylight.
NW secondary channel, primarily for the use of pilot boats, draught 5.2m, passing close NE to Tankar (63°57.0'N 022°51.0'E), joining the main channel close NE of Repskar (63°55.0'N 022°58.0'E).
North inshore channel, draught 2.5m, entered close W of Trullogrund (63°57.0'N 023°03.0'E).
Directions for berths SE of the breakwater: From a position 0.9nm N of Ykspihlaja Light (63°51.2'N 023°00.5'E) Krakholm Leading Lights (red rectangles, yellow stripe) (63°50.6'N 023°00.0'E), in line bearing 196°, lead 0.9nm SSW through a buoyed channel authorised for a reduced draught of 9.5m, passing close WNW of Ykspihlaja breakwater.
After passing the breakwater the channel then leads, for a further 0.6nm SE to the berths, on the alignment (144°) of a set of leading lights (white rectangles, red stripe), standing close together 1.7nm SE of the head of the breakwater.
Traffic schemes and VTS
Bothnia VTS is a mandatory scheme which monitors traffic and provides vessels with information to assist safe navigation.
Sector C includes the approaches to Kokkola, and the waters seaward as far as the international boundary with Sweden.
Reports are to be made on VHF Ch 67.
Anchorages
Anchorage may be obtained 1nm N of the breakwater.
Restrictions
The port is open throughout the year. Ice class restrictions apply in winter.
Outbound tankers are permitted to use the 13.0m channel at night.
At night, inbound tankers carrying more then 4,000t of oil are prohibited in any approach channels.
Tugs
Five tugs available, 1 x 2690hp, 1 x 3,000hp, 1 x 3,200hp, 1 x 3,600hp and 1 x 3,650hp.
Charts and publications
BA 2616, 3862, 2085. Admiralty Pilot NP20, NP286(2).
Reporting before arrival
updated Apr 2017ETA and pre-arrival notices
ETA to be advised 24 hours in advance or as the vessel leaves its previous port of call.
Communications
Helsinki Radio is recommended for passing messages. The station works R/T from 0600-2300hrs and W/T throughout 24 hours.
Inmarsat communication is possible.
Call sign: Kokkola Port
VHF: Port: Ch 12, 13 and 16. Available throughout 24 hours.
Telephone: +358 6 8242400, Fax: +358 6 8242444, E-mail: [email protected]
Finnpilot Order Centre: Western Pilotage Zone: Tel: +358 20 754 6153, E-mail: [email protected], Internet: www.pilotorder.fi
Bothnia VTS: Ch 67.
Notice of readiness
NOR is to be tendered on arrival in accordance with the Charter Party. Working hours are normally 0800-1600hrs.
Health
Pratique should be applied for if there is contagious disease onboard. Pratique can be applied for by radio.
Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.
Customs and immigration
Customs allowances: For a crew member's own use there is an allowance of 1 carton of cigarettes and 1-2 bottles of spirits. Penalty for exceeding the allowance depends on the quantity the allowance was exceeded by.
Immigration: If a vessel is carrying passengers, the ship's agent is to be advised in advance for an immigration check. There are no restrictions for crew members.
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: Finnish Maritime Administration, Maritime Safety Department.
Position: Senior Maritime Inspector.
Address: PO Box 171, Porkkalankatu 5, FIN-00181 Helsinki, Finland.
Tel: +358 2 0448 4437.
Fax: +358 2 0448 4500.
Mob: +358 4 0515 5408.
Website: http://www.fma.fi
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Aug 2024Repairs
Minor repairs only.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Neste, Teboil and Shell by road tanker.
Stores: Available.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Central Ostrobothnia Central Hospital (4.5km).
Transport
Nearest airport: Kokkola-Jakobstad Airport (KOK) (20km).
Working hours
Normally, Mon-Fri 0700-2359hrs; Sat 0700-1530hrs.
About Kokkola
updated Aug 2024Where it is
The port of Kokkola (alternatively known as Ykspihlaja) is a medium sized port, situated in the Gulf of Bothnia.
The port
Kokkola, one of Finland's deepest ports, comprises three areas: the General Port with an all-weather berth, the Deep Port, and the Silverstone Port. This port handles dry bulk, chemicals and timber. The port is strategically located near zinc and fertilizer plants. It also handles imports such as zinc concentrates, oil, limestone and iron pellets (transiting to Russia), while exporting pyrites, timber, chemicals and zinc. The port also features "Allweatherterminal" facilities.
Traffic
Approx 7,500,000t of cargo, 18,000TEu and 600 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Kokkola
What are the pilot arrangements at Kokkola?
Compulsory. Pilotage is ordered through Finnpilot Order Centre: Western Pilotage Zone by web, using pilot order form, telephone, fax or email.
What time zone is Kokkola in?
Local time at Kokkola is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 31 Oct 2027.
What is the maximum draft at Kokkola?
The deepest berth listed is at Deep Port: 13.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Kokkola?
1002.
Which load line zone is Kokkola in?
Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for ships of 100m or less in length, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Who carries out Port State Control at Kokkola?
Port State Control at Kokkola: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Kokkola?
The UN/LOCODE of Kokkola is FIKOK.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Kokkola 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.