PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Porto Empedocle
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory for vessels over 500GT and is available throughout 24 hours; pilot's telegraphic address is "Corporzione Piloti-Port Empedocle", Tel: +39 0922 636035. Pilot boards approx 0.25nm from port entrance.
Key data
updated Apr 2019Size limits
LOA 276m, draught 8.5m, 132,300DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range 0.2m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porto Empedocle | 8.50 m | 276 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated May 2010Approach
Approaching from the W: From a position SSW of Punta Grand the track leads E for about 3.75nm, passing S of the head of the submarine outfall pipeline, then to the, RRP 1.25nm S of the head of Molo di Ponente. A light stands on the head of Molo di Pontente.
Entry: From a position in the vicinity of the RRP the track leads generally N and NNW for about 1.5nm.
Tugs
Available.
Charts and publications
BA 965, 2123. Admiralty Pilot NP45, NP286(3).
Reporting before arrival
updated Apr 2019ETA and pre-arrival notices
Should be advised to port agent 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival advising cargo onboard, reason for calling and number of crew and passengers onboard.
Communications
Radio: 2182kHz, 0800-2000hrs local time.
Port Authority, VHF: Ch 16.
Pilot, VHF: Ch 12, 16.
Notice of readiness
NOR to be tendered in accordance with Charter Party terms and conditions.
Health
Health officer will board vessel at berth.
Free pratique is not available by radio. If renewal of Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate is required, advance notice of at least 72 hours must be given.
Customs and immigration
The customs allowance for officers and crew is 40 cigarettes per day. Allowances are at master's disposal. The rest will be sealed and seal can be removed only when the vessel is going abroad.
Notices and regulations
In order to avoid passing through the designated anchorage areas, all vessels must make for the Radio Reporting Point (RRP) 1.24nm S of the head of Molo di Ponente (W breakwater).
Vessels entering or departing the harbour must keep to the starboard side of the entrance channel and maintain a speed of not more than 3kts. Vessels entering and departing must not meet in the entrance channel; departing vessels have priority over vessels entering.
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
Port services
updated Apr 2019Repairs
Available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available by road tanker.
Bunkering: Available by road tanker.
Medical
Hospital San Giovanni di Dio, 10km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Palermo, 120km; Catania, 150km.
Nearest railway: Porto Empedocle, 1.5km.
Working hours
Normally 0700-1900hrs.
About Porto Empedocle
updated Apr 2019Where it is
Porto Empedocle is situated 70km from Gela, in S Sicily.
The port
The port handles general cargo, dry bulk, Ro-Ro, cruise and passengers.
Questions about Porto Empedocle
What are the pilot arrangements at Porto Empedocle?
Compulsory for vessels over 500GT and is available throughout 24 hours; pilot's telegraphic address is "Corporzione Piloti-Port Empedocle", Tel: +39 0922 636035.
What time zone is Porto Empedocle in?
Local time at Porto Empedocle 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 Porto Empedocle?
The deepest berth listed is at Porto Empedocle: 8.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Porto Empedocle?
1025.
Which load line zone is Porto Empedocle in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Porto Empedocle?
Port State Control at Porto Empedocle: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Porto Empedocle?
The UN/LOCODE of Porto Empedocle is ITPEM.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Porto Empedocle 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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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.