Soervaag

1. Foroyar Reporting Point 10 Pilot62°08.0′N 007°31.0′W
2. Foroyar Reporting Point 11 Pilot62°03.5′N 007°32.8′W
3. Sorvagur boarding — Position Lima Pilot boards62°06.0′N 007°27.5′W

Size limits

Draught 8.0m.

Largest vessel handled: Tanker of 12,000DWT.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Tidal streams and races in Mykinesfjordur make the approach to Sorvagfjordur difficult. Entry should not be attempted in bad weather.

The difference between HW and LW up to 2.0m on spring tide and up to 1.0m on neap tide.

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

Approach

Approach from south: When approaching from S with a N-going tidal stream the track passes:

Close W and N around Gasholmur to avoid the strength of the stream, then:

N of Eiriksbodi (Eiriksbodhi) (0.6nm ENE of Gasholmur), a below-water rock which lies close off the extremity of a small peninsula extending N from the N side of Tindlholmur.

The alignment (103°) of Sorvagur Leading Lights passes N of Eiriksbodi.

Approach from north: When approaching from N with a S-going tidal stream the track favours the E side of Mykinesfjordur until abeam of Stromnaes (2.5nm N of Gasholmur), taking care to avoid an eddy which forms off Bardid during the S-going stream. Course can then be adjusted to enter the fjord by passing in midchannel between Gasholmur and Bordsteinur and N of Eiriksbodi, or particularly at night, by keeping in the white sector (121-125°) of Mulin Light (white structure, red band, 6m in height) (2nm E of Glashomur), but noting that the coast of Vagar is foul and should be given a berth of at least 0.1nm.

Skerholmur 62°05.0'N 007°24.0'W, 4m high, and marked by a light (grey framework tower, 7m in height, beside white hut with red band), can be passed on either side. By day the passage N, between the islet and Akranessker (0.25nm NNW), a small promontory, is recommended even though it is narrower and has less water than the passage S as it avoids a reef which extends SE from the islet and on to which a vessel may be set by the tidal stream through Dragasund (0.65nm SSW of the islet).

At night the white sector of Mulin Light passes close SSW of Skerholmur and leads to the alignment (103°) of Sorvagur Leading Lights (each a metal framework tower, 9m in height) (front light on the N shore 2.5nm ESE of Skerholmur, rear light 0.3nm further ESE). This alignment passes close S of Skerholmur but care is necessary to avoid opening the transit N when passing the islet.

When clear of Skerholmur a mid-fjord track can be followed.

Port limits

The port of Soervaag is defined by a line drawn from the light at Toklettur in a SSW direction to the S shore of Sorvagsfjordur.

Anchorages

There is anchorage for small coasters in the bay off Bour, 62°05.0'N 007°22.0'W in a depth of approx 25m, sand, or in Selvig, 62°04.4'N 007°21.5'W a bay on S side of the fjord, SSE of Bour, in a depth of approx 31m.

The best anchorage in the fjord, but suitable only for small craft, lies off Sorvagur, 62°04.0'N 007°19.5'W, depth approx 25m, good holding, taking care to avoid approaching too close to the sand flat which extends approx 0.3nm from the head of the fjord.

A submarine cable is laid close along the N shore E from Bour.

Permission from the Harbour Authority is required to anchor within the harbour limits of Soervaag.

Tugs

Not available. Small vessels which can be used as tugs are available.

Mooring

Care should be taken when berthing on the E side of the pier, owing to very low water.

Charts and publications

BA 3567, 2182D, Danish 82. Admiralty Pilot NP52, NP286(2).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Advise ETA 24 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

VHF: Only civilian radio on Faroe-Island is Torshavn-Radio (callsign "OXJ"). The Pilot Station and Harbour Control monitor Ch 12 and 16, during working hours (0800-1700hrs). Tel: +298 332046, Fax: +298 333603, Email: [email protected].

Health

No person allowed ashore before official doctor has given free pratique.

Customs and immigration

The authorities require 2 Crew Lists and 1 Personal Effects List. Each crew member is allowed 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco, 1 litre of wine or spirit.

Flags

Vessels arriving from infected countries should fly the "Q" flag.

Notices and regulations

Opening/closing of hatches by crew.

Repairs

Small repairs available.

Dry docks

Available at Skaalefjord drydock, up to 1,500DWT.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at the quays.

Medical

Hospital in Torshavn with all facilities. There is a doctor in Soervaag.

Transport

Nearest airport: Approx 3km. Flights 12 times weekly to Copenhagen, 3 times weekly to Iceland, and 3 times weekly to Scotland.

Ferry service: Twice weekly to Aberdeen.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours. Cargo can be worked on holidays.

Where it is

Soervaag is situated on the S side of Sorvagsfjordur, approx 0.6nm from its head.

The port

The port consists of 3 connected quays.

Where does the pilot board at Soervaag?

The pilot boards at Foroyar Reporting Point 10, 62°08.0′N 007°31.0′W. Soervaag has 3 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Soervaag in?

Local time at Soervaag is UTC+0. Clocks go to UTC+1 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+0 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Soervaag?

The deepest berth listed is at Soervaag Terminal: 7.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

Which load line zone is Soervaag 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 Soervaag?

The UN/LOCODE of Soervaag is FOSRV.

What crews who called at Soervaag 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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