PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Palermo
Pilot
updated Feb 2018Compulsory for vessels of 500GT and over when entering or leaving the port, also for vessels of 1,000GT and over when operating within 1nm of the Esso and AGIP Terminal. Pilots will meet vessels approx 1nm from the entrance in response to the usual signals. In bad weather pilots will lead vessels through the entrance. Vessels of 2,000GT may request radio assistance by VHF if the master speaks fluent Italian.
Pilot boards in position 38°07.9'N 013°24.0'E (in bad weather, the pilot vessel will lead vessels through the entrance).
Key data
updated Mar 2025Size limits
Harbour: LOA 347.08m, beam 47m, draught 9.4m, 44,215DWT.
Off shore: LOA 184.9m, beam 32.2m, 40,408DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range 0.3m (spring), 0.2m (neap).
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Palermo | 9.40 m | 347 m | 14 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Mar 2025Approach
The outer harbour has depths of 14.0-30.0m.
Traffic schemes and VTS
If any information required by the VTS is considered confidential, reports may be transmitted by fax or Email to Palermo VTS.
Vessels at anchor shall maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Ch 10, communicate their position on request, and, in adverse weather conditions, make a radio check to Palermo VTS every 2 hours.
Anchorages
Open anchorage can be obtained as convenient off the harbour in good holding ground. Inside the harbour, the holding ground is bad.
Anchorage can be obtained anywhere between Punta del Corsaro and the village of Aspra in depths of 16.0-18.0m, good holding ground.
Prohibited anchorage: Anchoring within 0.5nm of the submarine cable is prohibited. From a position onshore close E of the terminal, the submarine cable is laid NNE and then curves ENE passing 1.75nm N of Capo Mongerbino. The cable terminates at Santa Agata di Militello.
Restrictions
Entry, departure and movement within the port are prohibited when a mail vessel is arriving and sailing. The normal times of this prohibition are 0645, 0830 and 2030hrs daily. These times are approx and others may occur from day to day.
Navigation is dangerous in the vicinity of Capo Mongerbino due to explosives on the seabed in depths of 16.0-20.0m.
Tugs
Two tugs of 3,370hp and 1,200hp available. A further 2 tugs of 2,000hp and 1,200hp available on request. Tugs normally make fast to vessels in the roadstead.
Charts and publications
BA 167, 963, 1976. US Publication 131. Admiralty Pilot NP45, NP286(3).
Reporting before arrival
updated Feb 2018Communications
VHF: Port Ch 16: 11, 12.
Pilot Vessel/Station: Ch 12, pilots available throughout 24 hours.
Tel: +39 091 586829, Fax: +39 091 321886. Email: [email protected].
Anchorage and tugs: Ch 12.
Vessel Traffic Service: Ch 16, 11, 14. Tel: +39 091 604 3202. Fax: +39 091 325519. Email: [email protected].
Notice of readiness
NOR should be tendered after berthing or in the case of anchoring, by fax or by telex.
Health
Free pratique may be requested through the maritime agent for vessels coming from non EU countries or subject to the quarantine ordinance.
Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificate issued.
Customs and immigration
There are no custom allowances for officers and crew.
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: 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
About Palermo
updated Mar 2025Where it is
Palermo is situated on the N coast of Sicily.
The port
The port has two basins, North and South, of which the former offers greatest shelter. Various cargoes including containers are handled, with cruise vessels and ferry services to several Italian and Greek destinations. The harbour can accommodate 16 dry cargo vessels and 3 tankers simultaneously. There is a shipyard and several drydocks available.
The principal exports are citrus fruit and acid, oil and wine.
Traffic
Approx 8,300,000t of cargo, 16,000TEU, 2,540,000 passengers and 7,800 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Palermo
What are the pilot arrangements at Palermo?
Compulsory for vessels of 500GT and over when entering or leaving the port, also for vessels of 1,000GT and over when operating within 1nm of the Esso and AGIP Terminal.
What time zone is Palermo in?
Local time at Palermo 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 Palermo?
The deepest berth listed is at Port of Palermo: 9.40 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Palermo?
1025.
Which load line zone is Palermo in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Palermo?
Port State Control at Palermo: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Palermo?
The UN/LOCODE of Palermo is ITPMO.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Palermo 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.