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PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS

Le Havre

FRLEHFrance49°29.1′N 000°07.3′EUpdated Feb 2022Open in the Ports tool

PILOTPilot boards at Le Havre boarding, draft of 12m.
KEY DATAUTC+1 · IALA A · deepest berth 27.00 m draught
INSPECTIONSParis MOU, Indian Ocean MOU port.

Pilot

updated May 2010
123
Blue: Le Havre. Magenta: where the pilot boards (numbered as the list). Drawn by NaviBoss for planning, not for navigation.
  1. Le Havre boarding, draft of 12m Pilot boards49°31.6′N 000°05.9′W
  2. Le Havre boarding, draft of 16m Pilot boards49°33.0′N 000°09.9′W
  3. Le Havre boarding, draft of 18m Pilot boards49°34.4′N 000°14.1′W

Any vessel carrying dangerous cargo proceeding to or from Antifer Port must have a pilot onboard to be allowed to proceed inside 7nm from the coast. When leaving Antifer Port vessels carrying dangerous cargo should proceed directly to 7nm from the coast limit.

Key data

updated Feb 2022
LOCAL TIMEUTC+1Clocks go to UTC+2 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+1 on 31 Oct 2027.worked out from the port's time zone
WATER DENSITY1025.
LOAD LINE ZONENorth Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
IALA REGIONARed to port when entering.from the country
MAX SIZELOA 500m, beam 61.5m, draught 27.0m, 550,000DWT.

Size limits

LOA 500m, beam 61.5m, draught 27.0m, 550,000DWT.

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

Mean spring range 6.7m; mean neap range 3.7m. High W'ly winds can increase tides by 0.7m. High E'ly winds especially in association with high pressure can lower tides by 0.5m.

Max draft per terminal

TerminalMax draughtMax LOABerths
CIM27.00 m500 m10
Multivrac Terminal17.50 m250 m2
Terminal Normandie - MSC16.30 m400 m4
Terminal Porte Oceane16.30 m400 m2
France Container Terminal15.80 m400 m4
Terminal Nord - Quais de Amerique14.80 m366 m2
Terminal de L'Europe14.30 m275 m4
Terminal de l'Atlantique13.80 m334 m3
Terminaux de Normandie—347 m4
Bougainville13.50 m294 m5
SHMPP13.30 m280 m3
Roulier Terminal - Champion Quay12.40 m200 m6
Pierre Callet—347 m3
Joannes Couvert—224 m7
Chane Terminal Le Havre11.80 m210 m4
All 40 terminals
TerminalMax draughtMax LOABerths
Norgal11.60 m240 m1
Total Petrochemicals11.00 m171 m2
Roger Meunier Cruise—300 m3
Gironde——4
TCSI Le Havre / Garonne——6
S.E.P.P8.50 m165 m1
Grande Bretagne Terminal—204 m1
Lafarge Cement—200 m1
Jean Reinhart—138 m3
Total Reffinerie—110 m1
Total Normandy Refinery4.30 m100 m1
Bassin De L Eure—210 m4
Cemex Betons——1
EDF Central Terminal—119 m3
France Liants—111 m1
GDE—190 m1
Hermann de Pasquier—210 m8
Mezeline——2
Mibau Stema Terminal——1
Minerals Terminal——1
Raverat—130 m1
Rhin—128 m4
Mouselle—110 m3
Total Fluides—110 m2
Yara France—174 m1

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

Approach

updated Feb 2022

Approach

Le Havre Port: The port is approached from Baie de Seine from 0.07nm N of LHA Lanby Racon, on leading lights:

Front light: (grey tower, green top, 35m) 49°29.0'N 000°06.6'E, 0.08nm ESE of the harbour entrance.

Rear light: (grey tower, green top, 77m) 0.08nm ESE of front light.

On an alignment of 107°, through Le Havre Approach Channel 6.5nm in length, 300m wide and dredged to 15.0m. The port is entered between North and South Breakwaters with a width of 250m.

Note: Vessels not bound for Antifer may cross the approach channel W of "A17" and "A18" Buoys provided they do it as quickly as possible at right angles to the channel and well clear of any ship proceeding in the channel. Before crossing they must call "Le Havre Antifer" on VHF Ch 22 or "Le Havre Port" on VHF Ch 12 and any ship in the Antifer Channel.

Vessels over 1,600GT carrying hazardous cargo may cross the channel W of Buoy "A16" provided they receive the authorisation from Le Havre Antifer Port on VHF Ch 22.

Antifer Port: Is accessible by via a deep water route originating in the English Channel, an approach channel then into the access channel which leads ESE for a distance of approximately 10.8nm, 550m wide and dredged to 25.0m. The port is then entered from the S of the breakwater.

Port limits

The N limits of the port are defined by a NW line originating from Cap d'Antifer (49°41.0'N 000°10.0'E). Rouen and Le Havre port limits are separated by a W line from W end of Digue Charles Laroche (49°28.0'N 000°07.0'E) to "RNA" Lightbuoy (49°41.0'N 000°10.0'E) then NW passing SW of "LHA" Lanby (49°31.0'N 000°10.0'E).

Anchorages

Le Havre-Antifer: The first waiting area: Approximately 20nm WNW of Cap d'Antifer, NW from Buoy "A5", for vessels over 25.0m draught.

Le Havre-Antifer second waiting area: SE from Buoy "A5" for vessels of less than 25.0m draught.

Depth indicated is the intended least depth. Less water than indicated may exist, in spite of maintenance by regular dredging, owing to continual silting.

Tugs

There are 8 tugs available with bollard pull capacities up to 70t, some are fitted with fire fighting equipment. Tugs are available from two tug companies, Boluda and SNRH.

Charts and publications

BA 2146, 2613, 2656, 2675, 2990, 2879. INT 1751, 1750. Admiralty Pilot NP27, NP286(1).

Reporting before arrival

updated Oct 2018

Communications

VHF: Le Havre Port: Ch 12, 14, 16, 87. Tel: +33 2 32 74 70 71. Fax: +33 2 32 74 70 75.

Harbour Master: Le Havre-Antifer: Ch 22, 16, 14. Fax: +33 2 35 13 67 38.

Pilots: Ch: 12, 16, 20. Tel: +33 2 35 19 28 40. Fax: +33 2 35 43 10 91. Email: [email protected]

Baie De Seine Identification Zone: Ch 22.

Tugs: Ch 13, 14.

Locks: Ch 88, 83.

Helicopter: Ch 12 (Distress: Ch 16, 20). Callsign: Lima Hotel (LH). MMSI: 111227501.

Instructions to incoming vessels: Vessel's entering the identification area 22nm around La Havre Lighthouse are requested to call on VHF Ch 22 "Baie De Seine Traffic" giving ship's name, position and destination.

They then watch VHF Ch 16 and the working channel of their port of destination, Le Havre Port Ch 12, Antifer Port Ch 22. This request becomes compulsory when 12nm from La Havre Lighthouse.

Notice of readiness

Master must tender NOR through agent.

Documents

Vessels calling in Le Havre must send at the latest 24 hours in advance the crew and passenger list. When the crossings are shorter than 24 hours, these lists must be sent as

soon as the vessel leaves the port preceding Le Havre.

The lists must be sent by e-mail and in EXCEL format and must have at least in separate columns: the surname, first name, date of birth, place of birth and nationality of the

individuals. Documents in PDF format are forbidden.

Health

Pratique is granted by customs officers following arrival.

Ship Sanitation Control and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

Maritime health declaration (DMS)

If the situation necessitates the sending of a maritime health declaration (IMO format), this must be sent to the ship-agent. It must be sent 24 hours prior to the vessel's call to the Harbour Master's office.

Contact (Foreign flag):

Ph: +33 (0)2 32 18 32 31 (34) ou +33 (0)6 74 55 04 55

Contact (French flag):

4 rue du Colonel Fabien

P.O Box 34

76083 Le Havre Cedex

Ph: +33 (0)2 35 19 97 69

Fax: +33 (0)2 35 19 29 79

Customs and immigration

Allowance 200 cigarettes or 200gm tobacco plus 1 bottle spirit (must be mentioned on Crew Declaration List). Crew members may obtain extra allowance but only after 5-6 days call.

Flags

Vessel has to arrive with own flag, French flag, dangerous cargo flag and quarantine flag.

Notices and regulations

Vessels bound for Le Havre should enter the approach channel W of the entrance buoys.

Vessels not bound for the port wishing to cross the approach channel must do so W of "LH7" and "LH8" Lightbuoys (49°30.0'N 000°01.0'W), and then only without impending shipping in the approach channel; the latter have absolute priority.

Night berthing for tankers over 50,000NT is not undertaken.

Regulations for vessels carrying dangerous and polluting goods: The following is a summary of the essential parts of the French regulations concerning the above mentioned vessels bound to or sailing from Le Havre.

Before entering French territorial waters or getting underway in French ports vessels described above must:

Establish radio contact with Havre-Port Radio and then be maintained continuously until berthed or outside French territorial waters.

Report to the port pilots as appropriate any defects to propulsion machinery, steering or anchor gear, mooring winches or radar equipment. The port authority will require the master of such a vessel to complete a questionnaire.

Main regulations for VTS operations:

a) Order of the English Channel and North Sea prefect 19/2008 regarding the regulations of the Seine Bay Traffic.

b) Transport code

c) General police regulations in ports of commerce or fishing ports

d) Special police regulations in the port of Le Havre

e) Special police regulations of the Tancarville canal.

f) Order concerning the navigation of river boats at sea for service to Port 2000

Main regulations for hazardous goods:

a) Transport code

b) General police regulations in seaports of commerce and fishing ports.

c) Special police regulations in the port of Le Havre.

d) Regulations for the transport and handling of hazardous goods in sea ports (RPM)

e) Local regulations for the transport and handling of hazardous goods.

f) Order of the English Channel and North Sea maritime prefect 18/2008, regarding the regulations for access to the port of Le Havre of vessels carrying oil and dangerous substances.

g) ADR order relating to the transport of hazardous goods by road.

h) ADNR regulations relating to river navigation

i) RID order relating to the transport of hazardous goods by rail

j) Order dated May 29th, 2009 relating to the transport of hazardous goods by land.

Main regulations regarding pollution prevention, vessels waste and cargo residues:

a) 2000/59 EC directive dated 27/11/2000 about the port reception facilities for ship operating waste and cargo residues

b) 2002/59 EC directive dated 27/06/2002 concerning the implementation of a community system of ship traffic tracking and information

c) Transport code.

Main regulations concerning security:

a) Decree 2007/476 dated March 29th, 2007 relating to security of sea transport and maritime operations which covers, in domestic law, the obligations provided for in the EC 725/2004 regulation (vessels and port installations, including the ISPS code) and in the 2005/65 EC directive (ports).

b) Transport code

c) Schengen borders code

Inspections

Port State Control here: Paris MOU, Indian Ocean 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

Position: Head of Sea Defense.

Address: 22 Rue Monge, Paris, F-75005, France

Tel: +33 01 40 81 85 30

Fax: +33 01 40 81 70 53

Mob: +33 06 17 15 01 80

Email: [email protected]

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

Port services

updated Feb 2022

Repairs

Divers and technicians available for repairs.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Barge delivery of fuel oil and diesel can be arranged with 48 hours notice. LNG bunkering available.

Stores: All kinds are available.

Medical

Hospital du Havre (12km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Le Havre - Octeville (6km).

Airport facilities: National and international connections to Brussels, Nantes, Lyon and Toulouse.

Nearest railway: Le Havre. Port terminals are directly linked to the SNCF rail network.

Nearest motorway: Linked to A13 motorway to Paris, A28 and A29 motorways to Northern Europe and the "Estuary Motorway" to the S of France and the Iberian Peninsula.

Working hours

Vessels can call everyday, 24 hours a day. Only large oil tankers and bulk carriers are subject to restrictions related to tides.

About Le Havre

updated Feb 2022

Where it is

The deep water port of Le Havre is situated at the mouth of the Seine, in N France.

The port

Le Havre, one of France's largest ports, has formed an economic alliance with Rouen and Paris called called "HAROPA". Its ideal location and excellent communications links give good access to the European hinterland. Cargo handling facilities offered by the port are numerous and include general, ore and bulk cargo berths, tanker and liquefied gas terminals and specialised container and Ro-Ro berths. In addition, the port is benefited by extensive storage and warehouse facilities and is also a major centre for ship-repair. There are also cross channel ferry and cruise ship passenger facilities.

Oil tankers with a draught of more than 21m sail to the port of Antifer, located 20km N of Le Havre in position 49°40.0'N 000°08.0'E, which can accommodate vessels up to 550,000DWT.

Traffic

Approx 53,000,000t of cargo (including 1,160,000t of coal), 2,400,000TEU, 4,400 vessels and 4,800 passengers are handled annually.

Questions about Le Havre

Where does the pilot board at Le Havre?

The pilot boards at Le Havre boarding, draft of 12m, 49°31.6′N 000°05.9′W. Le Havre has 3 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Le Havre in?

Local time at Le Havre 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 Le Havre?

The deepest berth listed is at CIM: 27.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Le Havre?

1025.

Which load line zone is Le Havre 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 Le Havre?

Port State Control at Le Havre: Paris MOU, Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Le Havre?

The UN/LOCODE of Le Havre is FRLEH.

Tips from seafarers

What crews who called at Le Havre 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 Le Havre →

Plan a route to Le Havre →

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.