Oslo

Size limits

LOA 360m, beam 42m, draught 12m, 63,550DWT.

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

MHWS 0.3m, MHWN 0.2m.

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

Approach

Oslo Havn is normally approached and entered through one of two routes. The third (alternative) route is for special vessels only; and the middle channel, between Lindoya (59°53.5'N 010°43.0'E) and Gressholmen, 1.5nm SSE, is narrow and not recommended for use.

Western Channel: From the N end of Oslofjorden by passing NW of Nesodden (59°52'N 010°39'E), then entered through Western Channel which passes between Dyna Light (59°53.7'N 010°41.3'E) and Koppernaglen Light, 0.125nm SSE. The channel, which is the most direct, is open and clearly visible, and often considered to be the main channel into Western Harbour. The channel has a depth of 12.0m by clearing Hukfluene in its SW approach

Southern Channel: From the N end of Oslofjorden by passing close N of Nesodden. The harbour is then entered first through Southern Channel which passes between Nordre Langoya (59°52.5'N 010°43.1'E) and Rambergoya, 0.25nm N. Then through Bleikoysundet (59°53.3'N 010°44.7'E) which is the Eastern Channel into Eastern Harbour; or through Springeren (59°53.4'N 010°43.5'E) into Western Harbour. Southern Channel and the continuation through both Bleikoysundet and Springeren have a least depth of 17.0m.

Alternative approach to Springeren: It is reported that, for deep draught vessels with a high freeboard to enter the Western Harbour in any significant wind, the safer channel lies between Husbergoya (59°52'N 010°43'E) and Nordre Skjerholmen, 0.35nm SSE, then through Springeren. This route avoids a sharp turn into Springeren and allows the track to be steadied.

Port limits

From the mouth of Lysakerelva (59°54.7'N 010°38.5'E) the seaward limit of the harbour area extends SE for 4.5nm to the S point of Sondre Skjerholmen, then to the mouth of Gjersjoelva, 1.75nm farther SE.

Traffic schemes and VTS

The Vessel Traffic Centre in Horten covers sector 1 and the Vessel Traffic Centre in Oslo covers sector 2, respectively S and N of Lat 59°48'N.

Vessels communicate with Horten VTS via VHF Ch 18, 19. Vessels subject to the regulations must maintain a listening watch when in an area supervised by a Vessel Traffic Centre.

Anchorages

Anchorage can be obtained throughout the harbour in depths ranging from 18.0m to 45m.

Outer anchorages: Whenever an alongside berth or one of the harbour anchorages have not been allocated it is permissible for vessels to be anchored anywhere SW or S of a line joining the SW end of Filipstadkaia (59°54.4'N 010°42.7'E) to the SW point of Hovedoya, 1nm SSE; then through Daggerskjaer (59°53.3'N 010°44.0'E) to the mainland near Kneppe, 1nm ESE.

Vessels which have not been allocated anchorages, or berths alongside quays must anchor at Ormsanden (59°52.8'N 010°44.8'E).

Inner anchorage: In a position 0.3nm NE of Kavringen with depth of 22m mud, clear of a pipeline, 0.15nm NNW of the anchorage. This is the normal anchorage for naval and tourists vessels.

Eastern harbour contains an anchorage to the NE of the E end of Hovedoya (59°53.8'N 010°44.5'E) in depths of 20m.

The quarantine anchorage is situated off the S side of Bleikoy.

Restrictions

Vessels may enter or leave by day or night, except tankers with draught over 9.1m may enter daylight only.

Tankers over 35,000DWT may not enter the harbour.

A speed limit of 5kts exists within Frognerkilen, Pipervika and Bjorvika as well as in between the W extremity of Sjursoya and Raudskjer, near the N extremity of Malmoy and other places notified by the Harbour Authority.

Submarine cables are laid across most of the channels separating the islands from each other and the mainland. The position of these cables are indicated by beacons ashore, some of which carry a light.

Tugs

Tugs are available by arrangement with vessel's agent prior to arrival/departure. The largest tugs are equipped for fire fighting. A tug is required to stand-by whilst tankers over 6,000t discharge oil at the Terminal on Sjursoya.

Mooring

Berthing instructions given by compulsory pilot or Oslo Port Traffic, VHF Ch 80.

Charts and publications

BA 259, 4101. Admiralty Pilot NP56, NP286(2).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notice of Arrival: This should be sent in form format by fax or email downloaded from the port authority. Tel: +47 91 799900. Fax: +47 22 421159. Email: [email protected].

Communications

Any Norwegian Coastal Radio station may be used for passing messages at long range. All coastal radio stations are operated 24 hours a day throughout the year.

Inmarsat communication is available up to Lat 75°N.

VHF: Port: Ch 12, 16.

Oslo Port Control: Oslo Traffic: Ch 15. Tel: +47 91 799900 (Mobile). Email: [email protected].

Horten Pilot Booking Centre: Ch 13. Tel: +47 33 034970. Fax: +47 034999.

Horten VTS: Ch 16, 18 (S of Hollenderbaen Light) 19 (N of Hollenderbaen Light). Tel: +47 33 034960. Fax: +47 33 034999. Email: [email protected].

Standard messages

See country information.

Notice of readiness

NOR to be tendered in accordance with the Charter Party when vessel is ready to start loading/discharging. When berth is not available for loading/discharging NOR to be tendered when anchoring or according to Charter Party.

Documents

Note: (1) At first port of call in Norway.

The above are required by Customs. Additional Crew and Passenger Lists are required by Immigration officials.

There are no special forms to be completed. Agent can supply Customs forms if not available onboard.

Health

There is no need to apply for pratique. Vessels arriving from a Norwegian port are automatically accepted as being clear.

Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates can be issued.

Quarantine: Conducted in accordance with Health International Procedures; when there is a suspected disease or fever onboard, mariners must inform the Harbour Master in advance.

Customs and immigration

Customs: Allowance for crew and officers is that stated on the Personal Effects Declaration. Goods on the declaration are not to be taken ashore. Penalties for non compliance are severe fines.

Immigration: Board at first port of call (cruise vessels only). They require a Crew List and a Passenger List and will make random passport inspections. All passports should be available for a quick clearance which normally takes 15-20 minutes.

Notices and regulations

Regulations concerning entry:

Entry times: It is permitted for vessels to enter harbour at any time except for tankers with a draught of more than 9.1m which may only enter during daylight.

Size: Tankers over 35,000DWT are not permitted to enter the harbour.

Dangerous cargo: The Masters of vessels carrying dangerous cargo must report to the Harbour Authority before arrival, giving nature of cargo, amount and degree of danger (IMO). Harbour Regulations set out clear limits on the amount of dangerous cargo that can be landed.

Speed limitations general: Within the harbour area, power driven vessels must proceed at a speed not greater than is required for good seamanship and manoeuvrability.

Speed limit of 5kts is in force within the entire Oslo Harbour District when less than 0.1nm from the shore.

Speed limitations specific: Within the area defined below, power driven vessels must proceed at slow speed, not exceeding 5kts.

From Skurvegrunnen Light (59°54.0'N 010°42.1'E) to Kavringsanden Light, 0.7nm ENE, then to the Ferry Quay on the N side of Hovedoya (59°54'N 010°44'E).

From Sandtangen Light (59°53.7'N 010°44.6'E) to Bleikoya Light, 0.225nm S.

From the beacons on the SE coast of Bleikoya, in position 59°53.4'N 010°44.6'E, SSE to the green light off the NW head of Sjursoya Breakwater, 0.175nm SSE; then to Raudskjaer, 0.825nm farther SSE.

From Malmoyskjaer (59°51.8'N 010°45.8'E) to the SE point of Ulvoya, 0.35 NE, then to the mainland, 0.35nm SE.

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.

Inspection of ships in Norway

Norwegian Maritime Authority

Address: Smedasundet 50 A, Haugesund

Tel: +47 52 74 51 30

Fax: +47 52 74 50 01

Email: [email protected]

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Norwegian Maritime Authority

Address: Smedasundet 50 A, Haugesund

Tel: +47 52 74 51 30

Fax: +47 52 74 50 01

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sjofartsdir.no

Recognised Security Organisations:

RSO - ISSC Issue: DNV

RSO - Security Consultant Services: Norwegian Maritime Authority

Port Security Information: Norwegian Costal Administration

Telephone: +47 22 65 58 20

Website: www.kystverket.no

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

Repairs

There are a number of small slipways around the harbour. All types of machinery repairs can be carried out and there is a floating crane with 100t lifting capacity.

Dry docks

Not available in Oslo.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available. All grades can be bunkered alongside in Oslo Fjord or by barge at other berths in the main port. It is also possible to obtain fuel at Fagerstrand en route through Oslofjorden.

Stores: Can be obtained through chandlers and charts through Chart Agents. Provisions can be obtained through vessel's agent.

Medical

Two major hospitals are located nearby.

Transport

Nearest airport: Gardermoen Airport, (Tel: +47 64 81 00 00 Flight Info) approx 50km from Oslo City Air Terminal.

Nearest railway: Oslo Central, close to the port.

Working hours

Open throughout 24 hours. Day watch 0700-1530hrs. Sat: Voluntary and with overtime pay.

Where it is

Oslo is situated in the heart of S Norway and forms a natural junction for sea and land transport.

The port

The port is a well sheltered major harbour built around the mainland coast of the bay in the NE corner of Oslofjorden. The harbour is divided into Eastern and Western harbours by a group of islands lying in the entrance to the bay and joined by channels.

The port serves a considerable industrial and commercial centre, handling a large part of the country's foreign trade, both imports and exports. There are extensive Ro-Ro, ferry and cruise facilities including two floating Ro-Ro ramps with three daily ferry arrivals from Denmark and Germany. It has excellent road and rail connections with the rest of Norway and is equipped to handle most types of cargoes including oil, salt, cement, stone, timber, newsprint, vehicles, grain and animal feeds.

Traffic

Approx 5,000,000t of cargo, 262,500TEU, 7,500,000 passengers and 4,000 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Oslo?

Sea pilotage is compulsory and should be ordered through Safe Sea Net, alternately the Horten Pilot Booking Centre can be used but may incur additional charges.

What time zone is Oslo in?

Local time at Oslo 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 Oslo?

The deepest berth listed is at Sjursoya Container Terminal: 12.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Oslo?

1025.

Which load line zone is Oslo 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 Oslo?

Port State Control at Oslo: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Oslo?

The UN/LOCODE of Oslo is NOOSL.

What crews who called at Oslo 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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