Souda Bay

1. Ormos Soudhas (Souda Bay) pilot boarding place Pilot boards35°29.0′N 024°11.0′E

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 0.3m.

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

Approach

Nisis Souda, length 0.3nm, (35°29.4'N 024°09.1'E) divides the entrance of Ormos Soudas into a main channel and a N channel.

The main entrance channel, the one normally used for commercial vessels, leads between the S end of Nisis Souda and Akra Souda 0.9nm S. The least depth in the fairway is a foul patch with a depth over it of 24.5m (0.4nm SSE of Nisis Souda).

The N entrance channel leads between the N end of Nisis Souda and a mole projecting from the shore 0.7nm W of Akra Kaloyeros. The channel is approx 270m wide with a least depth in the fairway of 15.0m. Local knowledge is necessary for this channel.

From approx position 35°29.0'N 024°11.0'E the fairway leads W and WNW passing S of Nisis Souda (35°29.0'N 024°09.0'E) and N of Akra Souda (0.9nm S). A submerged ancient mole with a depth over it of 2.1m projects 0.2nm N from the point. Then NNE of Provlis Adhrias (35°29.5'N 024°04.7'E), a pier projecting NNE from the central part of Souda. A light (white metal column) is exhibited at the head of the pier. A foul patch, the remains of a wreck, with a depth over it of 12.3m lies 075° distant 0.6nm from the head of the pier.

Traffic schemes and VTS

There is no VTS, however permission is required prior to entering the Bay.

Anchorages

There is a safe anchorage area off port of Souda and in Souda Bay (Ormos Soudas) according to the Port Authority/pilots instructions. Vessels can use an anchorage area off Souda Bay (Ormos Kalyves).

It is reported that, for merchant vessels awaiting daylight for berthing, Soudha port control recommend anchoring in the position 35°28.5'N 024°11.0'E or within the sector 0.5nm E to 0.5nm SE from that position.

Restrictions

Permission for departure or arrival after sunset through an unmarked navigation channel which leads to the harbour, is given by Port Control after permission from Souda Naval base. Entering or leaving Souda Port only through existing channel in Souda Bay.

Tugs

Tug assistance is compulsory for vessels above 1,000GT.

Mooring

It is reported that berthing and unberthing are restricted to daylight hours only.

Charts and publications

BA 1706. Admiralty Pilot NP48, NP286(3).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA should be sent to the Harbour Master, Chania 3 days, 2 days, 24, 12 and 6 hours prior to arrival. Pilotage should be requested 24, 12 and 6 hours in advance. The ETA message should include: Ship's particulars, cargo information, dangerous cargo (if any onboard, with details), health condition and stowaway details (if any).

Communications

Athens Radio ("SVA"), Iraklion, Limnos or Corfu Radio can be used for passing messages at long range. The stations work throughout 24 hours.

Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Souda Bay Port Control & Pilots: Ch 12, 16.

Port contacts:

VHF: Ch, 10, 12, or 16.

Callsign: Souda Bay Port Control, Limenarchian sauda Hanion

Tel: +30 2821 089240

Fax: +30 2821 089884

Notice of readiness

Can be tendered anytime but will only be accepted between 0800-1700hrs.

Health

Pratique is compulsory for all ships coming from ports outside Greece, except EC ports. Pratique should be applied for on arrival and cannot be applied for by radio.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowances: Each officer and crew member is allowed 1 bottle of spirits and 200 cigarettes each.

Immigration: Port authorities issue crew passes, which are to be returned prior to departure.

Crew being repatriated to non European countries must have a ticket which the agent must show to the authorities. Agent's guarantees are requested by various authorities.

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: Ministry of Merchant Marine.

Address: 1 K. Paleologou Street, 185 35 Piraeus, Greece.

Tel: +30 210 419 1911/43.

Fax: +30 210 419 1901.

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

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

Repairs

Limited facilities. Divers available.

Dry docks

A floating dock length 110m, width 20m, with a lifting capacity of 2,600t.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at anchorage through Naval Base water barge and available alongside.

Bunkering: Marine Diesel Oil available by road tanker. MGO also available.

Stores: Can be arranged locally and/or from Piraeus. Daily departure of ferry boat from Piraeus to Souda and vice versa at 2030hrs.

Medical

Full hospital facilities available without prior notice. Dentist available during normal working hours.

Crew change

Facilities exist for changes of crew and repatriation of seamen.

Transport

Nearest airport: Chania International Airport, 15km.

Airport facilities: Daily flights to Athens airport. Scheduled aircraft service available through Cania and or Heraklion International airports.

Working hours

Stevedore working hours are Mon-Fri, 0800-1600hrs.

Where it is

Souda Bay is situated at the head of Ormos Soudas, to the N of the NW coast of Crete.

The port

Souda (or Suda) Bay is a well sheltered, natural harbour and is considered a safe anchorage. There is a small ferry port on the SW end of the bay, which is currently being enlarged and fortified Greek/Nato Navy berths on the N part of the bay.

Note: Foreign vessels require prior permission from the Harbour Master, Chania, to enter navigation passage to the commercial port, this is granted for daylight passages only.

Exports: Include citrus fruits, olive oil, soap, wine and market garden produce.

Imports: Include seeds, potatoes, sugar and timber.

Traffic

Approx 540,000t of cargo, 1,050 vessels and 1,100,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Souda Bay?

The pilot boards at Ormos Soudhas (Souda Bay) pilot boarding place, 35°29.0′N 024°11.0′E.

What time zone is Souda Bay in?

Local time at Souda Bay is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Souda Bay?

The deepest berth listed is at NATO Naval Base Souda - Fuel Depot: 8.20 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Souda Bay?

1025.

Which load line zone is Souda Bay in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Souda Bay?

Port State Control at Souda Bay: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Souda Bay?

The UN/LOCODE of Souda Bay is GRSUD.

What crews who called at Souda Bay 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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