PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Longyearbyen
Pilot
updated Mar 2018- Isfjorden utenfor Longyerbyen Pilot boards78°16.0′N 015°14.0′E
Please note that the Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA) will soon introduce new booking regulations for requesting marine pilots, merging all pilot booking procedures into one common regulation to improve access to current regulations in all coastal areas. Norwegian State Pilot can be ordered electronically, using the SafeSeaNet (http://www.kystverket.no/en).
Key data
updated May 2019Size limits
LOA 250m, draught 7.1m
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longyearbyen (Cruise) | — | 333 m | 1 |
| Longyearbyen Port | 7.10 m | 170 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 May 2018Approach
From a position NE of Adventpynten, the alignment of 196° of a set of leading lights takes a vessel SSW towards the berth at Koliaia.
Anchorages
Anchorage is available in Adventfjord bay, in depths of more than 60m. Large vessels may also anchor 0.25nm North of the piers, in depths of 47m, thick mud. Depths are considerable until just off the head of the larger pier.
Restrictions
The port of Longyearbyen has limited berth capacity. In certain periods throughout the year demand exceeds available wharf capacity. The port reserve the right to reduce lay time, move ships to anchor or alter berth positions to give most ships the possibility to take care of their business. This requires that all ships make the most of their lay time at the wharves.
In certain severe weather conditions, larger vessels at Bykaia may have to use their engines to stay at the berth, or be asked to move out to anchor.
A pipeline is laid near the 50m contour at head of the Fjord, near the anchorage.
Charts and publications
BA3136. Admiralty Pilot NP 11.
US42036. US Sailing Directions No 182 (North and West Coasts of Norway).
Norwegian Nautical Chart (Kartverket) Nos 513 and 523.
Reporting before arrival
updated Mar 2018Communications
A coastal radio station, from which a radio beacon transmits, is located at Longyearbyen.
Port services
updated Jun 2016Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available.
Medical
Ny Alesund does not have medical services and the hospital in Longyearbyen is therefore used when needed.
Transport
Nearest airport: Ny Alesund Airport located at Svalbard, 1.0km.
Working hours
Monday to Sunday, 8:00 to 21:00.
About Longyearbyen
updated May 2018Where it is
Longyearbyen is situated in Adventfjorden on Spitsbergen.
The port
Originally built by the coal mining industry to transport coal from the mountains, Port Longyearbyen is now the major logistic point for cargo to the different settlements on Spitsbergen and for the cruise industry. It is a services' base for research vessels in the Arctic Region. There are three berths for larger vessels located within the port area, along with pontoons for tourist boats, yachts and tenders.
Latterly, coal mining operations in the area have reduced because of global competition and low market prices.
Traffic
Approx 1,656 vessels (cruise, tourist and research), 86,736 passengers and 25,745t of cargo handled per year.
Questions about Longyearbyen
Where does the pilot board at Longyearbyen?
The pilot boards at Isfjorden utenfor Longyerbyen, 78°16.0′N 015°14.0′E.
What time zone is Longyearbyen in?
Local time at Longyearbyen 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 Longyearbyen?
The deepest berth listed is at Longyearbyen Port: 7.10 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Longyearbyen?
The UN/LOCODE of Longyearbyen is SJLYR.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Longyearbyen 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.
Plan a route to Longyearbyen →
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.