PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Mesolongi
Pilot
updated Mar 2018Pilotage is not compulsory, but unlicensed pilots are available and are recommended for vessels without local knowledge.
Lighted buoys, which mark the seaward entrance of the channel, are moored about 800m SW of Nisos Tourlis, a small islet, which is connected to the harbour by a causeway lying close E of the channel.
Key data
updated Mar 2018Size limits
Draught 5.5m.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range 0.3m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesolongi Terminal | 5.00 m | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Mar 2018Approach
Approach to the harbour is made through a dredged channel entered between Akra Tourlidha (38°20.0'N 021°25.0'E) and Nisis Tourlis close E.
Directions for entering harbour: Channel: From the vicinity of two lightbuoys (0.7nm S of Akra Tourlidha) moored at its seaward end, the dredged channel leads N on an axis of 009°/189° for approx 2.5nm and is marked by 4 pairs of light beacons (white metal columns on pedestals, 3m in height, with green bands on starboard hand beacons, and red bands on port hand beacons). The channel is nominally 70m in width with a least depth of 5.0m but is subject to silting.
On the E side of the channel a causeway connects Nisis Tourlis with Mesolongi. There is a road on the causeway which has bridges at intervals permitting the passage of small boats.
Anchorages
Outer anchorages: Anchorage can be obtained 0.5nm S of lightbuoy (starboard hand) in a depth of 30m, mud.
Another anchorages can be obtained approx 1.5nm WSW of Nisida Ayios Sostis Light in depths of 11.0-13.0m, mud and sand, and approx 1nm E of Nisida Tholi in a depth of approx 5.0m.
Tugs
Tugs are available from Patras, if requested.
Charts and publications
BA 1676, 189. Admiralty Pilot NP47, NP286(3).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Initial ETA to be sent to vessel's agent on departure from last port. Additional ETA's to be sent 48, 24 and 12 hours prior to arrival to the vessel's agent. One hour prior to arrival, port authorities, pilot and agents should be contacted by VHF giving exact time of arrival.
The ETA message should include: Ship's particulars, cargo information, dangerous cargo (if any onboard, with details), health condition and stowaway details (if any).
Communications
Radio: Olympia Radio ("SVA") receives distress or urgent messages and public communication (working channel).
Heraklio, Limnos and Corfu Radio for general watch calling frequencies and for passing messages at long range. The stations work throughout 24 hours.
Inmarsat communication is possible.
VHF: Port: Ch 12, 18. Port radio station is operated by the Hellenic Coast Guard, Call sign "Limenarchion Messologi" monitored throughout 24 hours. Tel: +30 631 22404.
Notice of readiness
Can be tendered anytime but will only be accepted between 0800-1700hrs.
Documents
Special forms exist for all documents but apply only to liner vessels. These are delivered onboard on arrival.
Health
Pratique should be applied for on arrival and cannot be applied for by radio.
Customs and immigration
Customs allowances: Each officer and crew member is allowed 1 bottle of spirits and 1 carton of cigarettes each.
Immigration: Immigration authorities issue crew passes. For EU nationals there are no Immigration procedures. There are special regulations for nationals of countries such as Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovakia and South American countries.
Crew being repatriated to non European countries must have a ticket which the agent must show to the authorities, agent's guarantees are requested by various authorities.
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: Ministry of Merchant Marine.
Address: 1 K. Paleologou Street, 185 35 Piraeus, Greece.
Tel: +30 210 419 1911/43.
Fax: +30 210 419 1901.
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Mar 2018Repairs
Minor repairs available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Medical
General University Hospital of Patras in Rio, 41km.
Transport
Araxos Airport, 92km.
Working hours
As required. Overtime can be arranged.
About Mesolongi
updated Mar 2018Where it is
Mesolongi is situated facing western Greece's Patraikos Bay.
The port
The port is small with limited access. The harbour is used mainly by fishing, coastal vessels and general cargo.
Questions about Mesolongi
What are the pilot arrangements at Mesolongi?
Pilotage is not compulsory, but unlicensed pilots are available and are recommended for vessels without local knowledge.
What time zone is Mesolongi in?
Local time at Mesolongi 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 Mesolongi?
The deepest berth listed is at Mesolongi Terminal: 5.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Mesolongi?
1025.
Which load line zone is Mesolongi in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Mesolongi?
Port State Control at Mesolongi: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Mesolongi?
The UN/LOCODE of Mesolongi is GRMEL.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Mesolongi 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.