PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Motril
Pilot
updated May 2010- Motril punto de embarque de prácticos Pilot boards36°42.1′N 003°31.0′W
Compulsory and available on a 24 hour basis. The usual signal should be made approx 1nm from the port. The pilot boat displays a white flag with the letter "P" in black in the centre. The pilot boards at 1nm from breakwater. In case of bad weather, the port entrance is an alternative boarding position.
Key data
updated Jun 2026Size limits
LOA 294.15m, Beam 40.5m, Draught 12.0m, 81,061DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range 0.3m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azucenas Terminal | 12.00 m | 229 m | 3 |
| Dique Terminal | 12.00 m | 294 m | 1 |
| Contradique Terminal | 12.00 m | 185 m | 1 |
| Graneles Terminal | 9.20 m | 202 m | 2 |
| Costa Terminal | 7.60 m | 186 m | 3 |
| Levante Terminal | 7.60 m | 209 m | 1 |
| Poniente Terminal | 6.40 m | 106 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 Nov 2019Approach
The port is protected by two breakwaters, the entrance being 250m in width, the entrance channel is 100m wide, depth 12.0m.
Port limits
The port consists of the area between "A" (36°42.0'N 003°35.5'W) and "B" (36°42.0'N 003°30.0'W), both going straight N to the coast.
Anchorages
Anchorage may be obtained approx 0.25nm from the entrance to the harbour in mud, in depths of approx 14.0-15.0m or approx 1.25nm S of the head of Dique de Poniente.
Vessels should not anchor E of the port where the depths are shallow and they run a serious risk of grounding in rough seas.
Tugs
Tugs are available.
Mooring
Night berthing is possible. Vessels on arrival should contact the Pilot Station on VHF Ch 16 to receive berthing instructions.
Charts and publications
BA 773, 774, 1854. Admiralty Pilot NP45, NP286(3).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Notify vessel's agent and pilots 24 hours and 2 hours prior to arrival.
Communications
VHF: Ch 16, 11.
Pilots and tugs Ch 12.
Notice of readiness
NOR to be tendered to agents on vessel's arrival.
Health
A clean Bill of Health, Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC), etc. will be requested by Health Inspector.
Customs and immigration
A port of entry, no special regulations required. Customs House located within harbour boundaries. Office 0800-1400hrs but goods and vessels can be cleared after office hours. Goods from any part of the world can be cleared from Customs at the airport.
Flags
Flag of the port of registry and host country.
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: Puertos del Estado (Ministerio de Fomento)
Title: Coordinador de Proteccion Portuaria
Address: Av de la Marina, 3, 15001, A Coruna, Spain
Tel: +34 98 121 9618
Fax: +34 98 121 9607
Mob: +34 630 957875
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
Minor repair facilities available.
Dry docks
None.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Gas oil is available.
Medical
Medical facilities are available.
Transport
Nearest airport: Granada Airport, 70km. Malaga, 110km.
Working hours
Normally Mon-Fri 0800-1200hrs, 1400-1800hrs. Additional 2 hours workable for completion only. Intensive working hours at overtime rates 0800-1400hrs, 1400-2000hrs. Additional 2 hours workable at overtime for completion only. Overtime charges for Saturdays, Sundays and holidays applicable from 0800-1400hrs, 1400-2000hrs, 1800-2359hrs.
About Motril
updated Jun 2026Where it is
Motril is situated midway between Malaga and Almeria on the southern Spanish coast.
The port
The port is protected by the W mole which is approx 1,400m in length handled wide range of general cargo, liquid bulk and dry bulk both for import and export.
Traffic
Approx 3,000,000t of cargo, 200TEU, 900 vessels and 240,000 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Motril
Where does the pilot board at Motril?
The pilot boards at Motril punto de embarque de prácticos, 36°42.1′N 003°31.0′W.
What time zone is Motril in?
Local time at Motril 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 Motril?
The deepest berth listed is at Azucenas Terminal: 12.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Motril?
1025.
Which load line zone is Motril in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Motril?
Port State Control at Motril: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Motril?
The UN/LOCODE of Motril is ESMOT.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Motril 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.