Kristiansand

1. Kristiansandsfjorden boarding, ESE of Songvar Pilot boards57°59.0′N 007°35.0′E
2. Kristiansandsfjorden boarding, SE of Oksoy Pilot boards57°58.0′N 007°33.0′E

Size limits

LOA 200m, Draught 10.9m, 40,000DWT

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

Range +/-0.1m.

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

Approach

The main approach is from S with entry to the fjord through Ostegapet (58°05'N 008°05'E) which has a width of 0.8nm between Oksoy and Gronningen, 1.25nm ENE. Oksoy Light Tower and Groningen Lighthouse are the principal landmarks for entering the fjord.

A second approach, not suitable for larger vessels, is from the SW passing through Vestergarpet (58°04'N 007°57'E) then between Flekkeroya and the mainland through a channel with least width of 0.2nm in position (58°04.8'N 007°57.9'E) into Kristiansandsfjoprden.

The approach to the commercial port, through Ostergapet, can be made in deep water. Within the commercial port, depth limitations are those at the berths.

The outer section of the fjord entrance is approx 4nm in length, straight and deep enough for vessels of all sizes. The inner entrance is 411m in width and is well provided with buoys and lights.

Port limits

The SE limit of the port is established by a line drawn from the NW point of Ragnhildsholmen (58°07.4'N 008°00.4'E), NE for 1.5nm to Kjeltringholmen. Kristiansand Harbour District includes the waters NW of a line joining a position 1.75nm SW of Bergenesodden Light (58°03.6'N 007°58.5'E) and Forgrunnen, 9nm ENE.

Anchorages

A large number of sheltered anchorages are charted in the fjord, with depths from 15-40m. However, due to lack of swinging room it may be necessary to moor larger vessels in other areas.

Vesterhavn: Vesterhavn contains three anchorages on the W side of the harbour, clear of Binesbaen (58°08.2'N 007°58.9'E). Vessels not allocated a berth must be anchored so that they do not swing NE of a line drawn from the W point of Dybingen (58°07.6'N 008°00.1'E), 0.8nm NW to Nordodden.

Vessels under quarantine anchor in the same area.

Fiskabukta: (58°07.5'N 007°59.0'E), an extension SW from Vesterhavn, affords anchorage as required, in depths from 15.0 to 33m, with good holding ground. Mariners should note two shoals, only one of which (Timlingbaen) is marked by a buoy. There are mooring rings around the shore.

A submarine pipeline extends E from the coast 0.2nm SSW of Myrodden (58°07.8'N 007°58.9'E) with its direction indicated by leading beacons on the shore; anchoring is prohibited in the vicinity of the alignment. Another pipeline is laid E then NE from the shore at Auglandsbukta, close NW of the charted anchorage.

Indre Kongshavn: Indre Kongshavn (58°06.7'N 007°59.3'E), which has depths of over 10.0m in the entrance and from 10.0 to 17.0m in the harbour, affords snug anchorage which is sometimes used as a lay up for larger vessels.

Topdalsfjorden: The bay N of Gleodden (58°08.8'N 008°02.3'E) contains mooring buoys and is also used as a lay up harbour. Submarine pipelines cross the N part of Topdalsfjorden approx 0.15nm S of Varodden Bridge.

Prohibited anchorage: Due to a naval presence, anchoring is prohibited in Marvika (58°09'N 008°02'E).

Restrictions

Bridges: Two suspension bridges at Varodden (58°09.7'N 008°03.2'E), spanning the channel leading to Alefjaer, have a vertical clearance of 27m.

The following speed restrictions apply in the port area.

Tugs

Available.

Charts and publications

BA 2984. Admiralty Pilot NP56, NP286(2).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Arrival Notification, in the prescribed format, to the Navy should be made 24 hours before entering Norwegian territorial waters (baseline), also Hazmat notification if dangerous/noxious cargo onboard. See country information.

Additional ETA's should be sent 12, 6 and 2 hours prior to arrival to the vessel's agent.

Communications

Any Norwegian Coastal Radio station can be used for passing messages at long range. All coastal radio stations are operated 24 hours a day throughout the year.

Inmarsat communication available up to Lat 75°N.

VHF: Port: Ch 12 and 16.

Pilot: Ch 13, 16. Tel: +47 38 12 95 70, Fax: +47 38 12 95 73.

Tugs: Tel: +47 38 02 11 95.

Standard messages

See Country Information.

Notice of readiness

NOR to be tendered in accordance with Charter Party when vessel is ready to start loading/discharging. When berth is not available for loading/discharging NOR to be tendered when anchoring or according to Charter Party.

Health

There is no need to apply for pratique.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates (SSCC) can be renewed.

Vesterhavn is used as the quarantine anchorage.

Customs and immigration

These are available throughout 24 hours to perform the required inspections and paperwork.

Customs: Allowance for crew and officers is that stated on the Personal Effects Declaration. Goods on the declaration are not to be taken ashore. Penalties for non compliance are severe fines. Customs Administration, Tel: +47 38 12 00 12, Fax: +47 38 12 00 10.

Immigration: Board at first port of call (cruise vessels only). They require a Crew List and a Passenger List and will make random passport inspections. All passports should be available for a quick clearance which normally takes 15-20 minutes.

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

Repairs

All types of deck and engine repairs are possible.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Is available and laid on at berths or available from lighters.

Bunkering: Available. All types available from alongside the fuelling berth at Odderoya; notice of 48 hours is advisable. Fuel can also be supplied by barge.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Available approx 3km from the port. Seamen's doctor, Tel: +47 38 02 93 33.

Transport

Nearest airport: Kjevik (17km).

Nearest railway: Close to port (150m).

Nearest highway: Connection to E39 (West), R9 (North) and E18 (East) highways.

Working hours

Normally throughout 24 hours. Longshoremen, line handlers and the office 0730-1500hrs.

Where it is

Kristiansand is situated on the S coast of Norway at the mouth of the River Otter, 321km S of Oslo.

The port

Kristiansand Harbour is capable of accommodating large numbers of vessels throughout the year, and this port handles passenger, fish products, petroleum products, dry bulk , breakbulk such as iron, nickel, grain, aluminium, timber and cement etc.

Traffic

Approx 1,090,000t of cargo, 51,000TEU and 2,200 vessels and 1,200,000 passengers are handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Kristiansand?

The pilot boards at Kristiansandsfjorden boarding, ESE of Songvar, 57°59.0′N 007°35.0′E. Kristiansand has 2 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Kristiansand in?

Local time at Kristiansand 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 Kristiansand?

The deepest berth listed is at Dry Bulk Terminal: 10.90 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Kristiansand?

1025.

Which load line zone is Kristiansand 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 Kristiansand?

Port State Control at Kristiansand: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Kristiansand?

The UN/LOCODE of Kristiansand is NOKRS.

What crews who called at Kristiansand 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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