Maniitsoq

1. Maniitsoq (Sukkertoppen) Pilot boards65°22.9′N 052°53.0′W

Size limits

Draught 7.5m.

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 4.2m springs, 2.0m neaps. A tidal stream sets N-S across the harbour entrance at 1-2kts.

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

Approach

Approaches: The main approach to Maniitsoq lies between the foul ground which fronts Sondre Isortoq, and a foul area which extends up to 3.5nm from the SW coast of Maniitsoq. The harbour can also be approached from N by a narrow but deep channel close to the E coast of Maniitsoq, between it and Satormiut and Qeqertarssuaq.

Kitdliaraq Light (65°22.0'N 052°50.0'W) is exhibited from a tower (7.0m in height, yellow with red bank, Racon) situated on Kitdliaraq the W islet of those lying in the foul area which fronts Sondre Isortoq. Between it and Spaniolo, 3.25nm SSE, there are a number of patches, with a least depth of 5.8m over them and, at the S end, rocks awash and below water.

An islet, marked by a beacon tower, 1.5nm NE of Kitdliaraq Light Tower, lies at the NW end of the channel through the foul area, just mentioned. From it rocks, awash, and below water, extend 1.0nm NW.

Faltings Skaer, a detached rock with a depth of 1.8m or less over it, lies on the W side of the approach fairway, 2.25nm WNW of Kitdliaraq Light Tower. It is covered by a red sector of Kirkegaardsnaes Light, described below, between the bearings of 011.5° and 031°.

Ikermiut Rev, a reef with depths of 1.8m or less over it, lies on the E side of the approach fairway to Maniitsoq, 1.75nm NW of Kitdliaraq Light Tower; it is covered by a green sector of Kirkegaardsnaes Light, between the bearings of 152° and 004.5°, and lies in a white sector of Ata Light, described below, between the bearings of 357° and 003°. A 5.8m patch lies 0.5nm NNE of Ikermuit Rev.

Kirkegaardsnaes Light (65°25.0'N 052°53.0'W), the main approach light, is exhibited on the E coast of Maniitsoq, 0.5nm NE of Maniitsoq, from a tower (red with orange band), situated at the NE end of a point of the same name.

Ata Light is exhibited 1.5nm NNE of Maniitsoq, from a hut (2.0m in height, orange), situated on an islet at the entrance to Ata an inlet which opens off the N approach channel.

Directions: A vessel approaching Maniitsoq from W is recommended first to identify Kin of Sal (65°27.0'N 053°05.0'W) and then stand in towards the land along the parallel of latitude of Maniitsoq until Avatdlerssuaq bears 108°; then steer for a position, 2nm SW of that islet. In this position, alter course to 103° and maintain it until Kirkegaardsnaes Light structure and a beacon tower (fluorescent orange, square framework) situated on an islet 370m S, are in line, bearing 010.5°. This alignment leads clear of all dangers as far as the harbour entrance.

Kitdliaraq, Kitdlerssuaq, an island close NE, and the islands farther NE are good radar targets.

A vessel approaching from S is advised to identify Kitdliaraq, and then proceed as already described.

At night, approach with Kltdliaraq Light bearing not more than 090°, until in the white sector of Kirkegaardsnaes Light bearing between 004.5° and 011.5°, which leads safely through the approach to the harbour.

Entering the harbour:

The harbour is entered between Portousoq (65°247'N 052°54.0'W) an islet, 40m high on the N side and the coast of Maniitsoq), 0.1nm SW. There is a rocky patch, with least depth of 3.2m over it, on the W side of the approach to the entrance, 370m SSW Portusoq.

Sukkertoppen Harbour Light (red pedestal, yellow band, 2.0m in height, shown May 15 - Jul 15, at position 65°24.7'N 052°54.6'W) is exhibited on the W side of the harbour opposite Portusoq. Two pairs of anchorage lights are established on the E side and W side of the harbour. The E pair (aligned 030°) are exhibited on the S and N end of a wharf on the NW side of the Hundeo, an islet forming the E side of the harbour. Anchorage Light, E pair:

Front light (mast, topmark orange triangle, point up, 15m in height, 65°24.8'N 052°54.2'W). Rear light (mast, topmark orange triangle, point down,15m in height, 59m NNE)

Anchorage Lights, W pair: Front light (metal framework tower, topmark orange triangle, point up, 8.0m in height, 65°24.8'N 052°54.5'W). Rear light (metal framework tower, topmark orange triangle, point down, 10m in height, 30m NW).

The W pair (aligned 323°) are exhibited on the shore 0.1nm N of Sukkertoppen Harbour Light ahead, bearing 305°. At night keep in the white sector (299°-310°) of Sukkertoppen Harbour Light.

Caution: These anchorage positions lie close NNE of a pipeline.

Anchorages

Contact port officials for anchor positions. Anchorage suitable for medium sized vessels can be obtained in the roadsted 0.8nm E of Sukkertoppen in depths of approx 29.0m There is a 9.0m shoal patch close N to this position. There is a 6.0m shoal on the N side of the anchorage and a 10.3m patch on the S side. Small vessels can find anchorage at Ata where the holding is good, clay bottom.

Mooring

Contact port officials.

Charts and publications

BA 235, 247. Admiralty Pilot NP12, NP286(5).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

To be advised to port operator 24 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

VHF: Port Operator, Ch 16. Nuuk Radio, Ch 16.

Documents

A Cargo Manifest is required.

Customs and immigration

If there is anything to declare, contact the port office.

ISPS

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

Repairs

Repair facilities available for vessels up to 20m in length. Divers are available.

Dry docks

Docking facilities are available for vessels up to 80t.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Limited supplies of marine diesel oil can be obtained.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Local hospital.

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Maniitsoq, 1.7km.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1600hrs.

Where it is

Maniitsoq, also known as Sukkertoppen, situated on the SE side of Maniitsoq Island.

The port

The port handles general cargo, container, passenger and liquid cargo.

Traffic

Approx 110 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Maniitsoq?

The pilot boards at Maniitsoq (Sukkertoppen), 65°22.9′N 052°53.0′W.

What time zone is Maniitsoq in?

Local time at Maniitsoq is UTC−2. Clocks go to UTC−1 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−2 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the water density at Maniitsoq?

1025.

Which load line zone is Maniitsoq in?

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Maniitsoq?

The UN/LOCODE of Maniitsoq is GLJSU.

What crews who called at Maniitsoq 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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