Paamiut

Size limits

LOA 110m, draught 7.0m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone I, Winter Oct 16 to Apr 15, Summer Apr 16 to Oct 15.

Tides

Range 3.3m.

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

Approach

There are two channels of approach to Paamiut, it can also be approached through the main entrance to Kvanefjord.

Approaching from S: Approach Paamiut through a position 0.5nm W of Vardeo. Then steer NE for Sydlobet, taking care to avoid rocks, drying and awash, extending up to 1.9nm NE of Vardeo; these are the outermost of the dangers which extend NW from Igaussaq Island. If necessary, Sydlobet can be approached from E of Vardeo; Kofoeds Bake open just W of Satuarssugssuaq leads between the drying rocks, just mentioned.

Proceed through Sydlobet in mid-channel, but avoiding an 8.8m patch which lies in the S entrance, and then steer ENE across Kvanefjord until leading light beacon towers, which stand on the W side of Kangerdlunguaq, 3.0nm NE of Satuarssugssuaq, can be brought into line, ahead. The rear light is exhibited at an elevation of 26m from a mast (8.0m in height, metal framework on a red pedestal, yellow band, red triangular topmark point down); the front light at an elevation of 14m from a mast 7.0m in height (metal framework, red triangular topmark point up). The lights are approx 200m apart and, in line bearing 036°, lead through the fairway of the SW approach channel into Kangerdlunguaq. The front light is, however, obscured when vessels are lying alongside Atlantkaj in Paamiut.

Approaching from N: It is recommended to steer SE until 5.5nm NW of Vardeo. Then alter course E to enter Kvanefjord between Satuarssugssuaq and Satuarssunguaq, taking care to avoid several rocks with depths of 1.8m or less over them and several shoal patches which lie approx 1.0nm NW of the rocks. Thereafter, keep in mid-channel, to avoid rocks which extend nearly 1.0nm SW of Sorte Skaer, until the leading light beacon towers NW of Paamiut can be brought into line; then proceed as previously described.

Kangerdlunguaq is entered between Quingmilivik, an islet 463m ENE of Skarvo, and Panerfaup nua, a point on the mainland, 278m W; it is easily blocked by ice. A least depth of 15.0m can be carried through the fairway to the anchorage which is situated 0.5nm NE of Skarvo Beacon tower, at the intersection of the alignment of the leading light beacon towers, previously mentioned, and anchoring lights established on the S side of the E arm of Kangerdlunguaq, on which most of the buildings of Paamiut stand. The rear light is exhibited at an elevation of 14m from a mast (4.0m in height, triangle point down); the front light at an elevation of 6.0m from a mast (4.0m in height, triangle point up). They are approx 50m apart and in line bear 103.5°.

Cairns are situated 230m NW, 315m SE and 593m ESE of the anchorage.

Port limits

None.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Not applicable.

Anchorages

Contact port officials for anchor positions.

Restrictions

None.

Tugs

Not available.

Mooring

Contact port officials for berthing information.

Charts and publications

BA 4112, 4113. Danish 1230, 1250. Admiralty Pilot NP12, NP286(5).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

To be advised to Port Operator 24 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

VHF: Port & Pilots: Ch 16, 13.

Standard messages

None.

Documents

A Cargo Manifest is required.

Health

None.

Customs and immigration

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

Notices and regulations

None.

ISPS

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

Repairs

Available though minor repairs only. There is a patent slip which has a lifting capacity of 250t. Divers are available.

Dry docks

Not available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Limited supplies of marine diesel can be obtained.

Stores: Limited.

Medical

Local hospital in town.

Crew change

Crew change is available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Paamiut Heliport.

Working hours

Normally 0700-1600hrs.

Where it is

Paamiut, also known as Frederikshab, is situated on the SW coast of Greenland.

The port

Paamiut has an open season from Aug to Jan and handles general cargo and containers. Large amounts of polar ice usually occur during spring and summer, rendering it one of the most difficult ports to access. Whilst most difficulties can be overcome, it is noteworthy that ice 45cm thick has been recorded.

What are the pilot arrangements at Paamiut?

Not compulsory but advisable.

What time zone is Paamiut in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Paamiut?

The deepest berth listed is at Paamiut Harbor: 7.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Paamiut?

1025.

Which load line zone is Paamiut in?

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone I, Winter Oct 16 to Apr 15, Summer Apr 16 to Oct 15.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Paamiut?

The UN/LOCODE of Paamiut is GLJFR.

What crews who called at Paamiut 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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