Otranto

Size limits

Draught 4.5m

Load line zone

Summer.

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

Approach

From the SE the recommended track leads on a bearing of 282° on La Punta which passes between the shoals bordering Punta San Nicola and Secca La Scala, the outer end of a bank which extends approx 0.6nm offshore from close N of La Punta, and over which the sea breaks in heavy weather.

Approaching from N, the buildings in the ancient town of Lecce (40°21'N 018°10'E) are often the first prominent objects seen by a vessel in clear weather. La Punta should be given a berth of at least 0.8nm until clear of Secca La Scala.

To clear Secca La Scala: The alignment 222° of Otranto Cathedral belfry with the light (red column, 6.0m in height) on the head of Malo San Nicola clears the shoal SE.

Anchorages

Anchorage may be obtained by small vessels in a position 0.15nm WNW of the breakwater head, in depths of approx 7.0m, good holding ground but this is exposed to strong N and NW winds. In these conditions vessels are advised to shelter close S of Punta Faci. Anchorage is prohibited in an area extending ENE from La Punta in which there are submarine cables.

Anchorage area of N1 to N6 and S1are located in a centered 2.2nm N and 1.5NM SE of Molo San Nicolo Head.

Restrictions

Berthing/unberthing can be done day or night. No dangerous cargoes permitted.

Charts and publications

BA 188. Admiralty Pilot NP47, NP286(3).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Should be sent to harbour master 24 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

VHF: Harbour Master: Ch 11, 16. (24 hours)

Tel: +39 0836 801073 / Fax: +39 0836 805405.

Email: [email protected]

Pilots: Ch 11, call sign "Piloti Otranto". (24 hours)

Tel: +39 335 708 8243 / Fax: +39 337 673 275.

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: Italian Coast Guard Headquarters, Legal Department.

Address: Viale dell'Arte 16, I-00146 Rome, Italy.

Tel: +39 06 590 841 87.

Fax: +39 06 596 482 93.

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.guardiacostiera.gov.it

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

Repairs

Minor repairs and divers available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available alongside the berths.

Bunkering: Marine diesel oil available.

Stores: Provisions and spares available.

Medical

Dialisi Otranto Hospital, 1km.

Crew change

Possible.

Where it is

Situated on the SE coast of Italy, on Salento peninsula's eastern coast.

The port

The port area lies within Molo San Nicola, an angled mole which extends approx 0.2nm WNW across the entrance of the bay from Punta San Nicola.

The port is small port, handles general cargo, ferry and passengers. Cruise vessels berthing at anchorage area and transport their passengers via the tender boats.

What are the pilot arrangements at Otranto?

Pilotage is compulsory for vessels of 500GT and over.

What time zone is Otranto in?

Local time at Otranto 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 Otranto?

The deepest berth listed is at San Nicola Terminal: 4.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

Which load line zone is Otranto in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Otranto?

Port State Control at Otranto: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Otranto?

The UN/LOCODE of Otranto is ITOTO.

What crews who called at Otranto 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.

Read and add tips for Otranto →