Santander

1. Santander Arrival Point (AP) Pilot43°28.6′N 003°44.6′W
2. Santander boarding — bad weather Pilot boards43°27.9′N 003°46.0′W

Size limits

Max LOA 294m, beam 38m, draught 15m, 93,759DWT.

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

Average tidal range is 2.85m. Gales from SW to NW raise the water level by 0.3 to 0.5m, gales from NE to SE reduce the water level by the same amount.

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

Approach

Puerto de Santander is approached from N or ENE passing either W or SSE respectively of Santonuca.

The port is entered between Peninsula de la Magdalena (43°28.0'N 003°46.0'W) and Isla de Santa Marina (1.5nm). The principal channel passes E of Isla de Mouro (0.4nm ENE of Peninsula de la Magdalena), and then through Canal del Carrejo the channel leading SW between Peninsula de la Magdalena and Arenal del Puntal (0.5nm S).

Main channel depth 11.5m at low water and 150m wide at the narrowest part of the channel. Astillero (Shipyard) depth 4.3m at low water, width 120m.

Port limits

The outer limit of Puerto de Santander is a line drawn from Cabo Menor (43°29.4'N 003°47.5'W) to Cabo Ajo (43°30.7'N 003°35.3'W) to the intersection with the meridian (003°43.7'W).

Anchorages

Sardinero anchorage is used as a waiting anchorage for commercial and large vessels. The anchorage is divided into two areas:

Area A, the S area, is used from Oct to June by vessels carrying non dangerous cargo.

Area B, the N area, for tankers and IMO cargo throughout the year, and for vessels carrying non dangerous cargo during the months of July through to September.

The line which separates the two anchorages with depths from 12.0m-22.0m, being mostly 18.0m, sand, runs from Cabo Mayor to the N of Santa Marina Island. Fondeadero de Martires anchorage (43°26.7'N 003°48.7'W) has a dredged depth of 11.5m; holding ground is moderate, vessels liable to drag anchor in S or NW winds. Used by vessels proceeding to or from Astilleros. Due to the restricted swinging room vessels generally moor with two anchors. The heavier anchor is usual laid to the W or SW due to the tidal stream.

Restrictions

Vessels with 12.8m draught must proceed 1 hour prior to high water.

Vessels for Astander Shipyard over LOA 115m must proceed during the day time and always with the tide.

Dredgers are constantly at work in the narrows between Isla Horadada (43°28'N 003°46'W) and Punta Rabiosa (0.4nm SW).

Ferries also operate a frequent service between their terminals at Santander (43°27.7'N 003°48.1'W) and Punta del Rostro (0.15nm SE).

Tugs

The port has a number of tugs ranging from 600-4,500hp. Towing cables are normally provided by the tug at request of pilot.

Charts and publications

BA 1145, 1291, 1104. Admiralty Pilot NP22, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify ETA 24 and 12 hours prior to arrival. When notifying ETA vessels are also required to state the vessels draught and any other requirements.

Communications

VHF: Pilots and tugs: Ch 16, 14. Email: practisan@ practisan.e.telefonica.net.

VTS Santander Traffic: Ch 74 and 16.

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: Puertos del Estado (Ministerio de Fomento)

Title: Coordinador de Proteccion Portuaria

Address: Av de la Marina, 3, 15001, A Coruna, Spain

Tel: +34 98 121 9618

Fax: +34 98 121 9607

Mob: +34 630 957875

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at all commercial berths.

Bunkering: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 3.1km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport, 3.7km.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Santander is located on the N coast of Spain.

The port

A large port able to handle most large vessels and most types of cargo. It has good road and rail connections and cargo handling facilities. Trade with other Spanish ports consists mainly of imported petroleum products. There is a regular Ro-Ro vehicle and passenger ferry service to the United Kingdom.

Imports: Coal, soya beans, flour, scrap iron and minerals.

Exports: Iron, steel, cereals and minerals.

The following cargoes are handled: Cement, mineral ore, bulk cargo, containers, break bulks, scrap metal, solid bulks, general cargo, grain and unloading meal.

Traffic

Approx 6,000,000t of cargo, 27,000TEU, 1,400 vessels and 74,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Santander?

The pilot boards at Santander Arrival Point (AP), 43°28.6′N 003°44.6′W. Santander has 2 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Santander in?

Local time at Santander 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 Santander?

The deepest berth listed is at Noatum Terminal Graneles Santander: 15.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Santander?

1025.

Which load line zone is Santander 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 Santander?

Port State Control at Santander: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Santander?

The UN/LOCODE of Santander is ESSDR.

What crews who called at Santander 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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