Thessaloniki

1. Thessaloniki pilot boarding Pilot boards40°36.8′N 022°56.0′E

Size limits

Max Harbour: LOA 334.96m, beam 48.2m, draught 12m and 115,019DWT.

Max Offshore: LOA 340m, BCM 150m, draught 17.5m and 166,092DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Prolonged N'ly winds may reduce the water level by up to 0.6m

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

Approach

Limenas Thessalonikis may be entered from SE or W. Mariners should note the existence of a dangerous wreck lying 100m ENE of the W end of the breakwater, opposite the head of Provlis No 4 (W mole).

Typically vessels enter the gulf from Ak. Megalo Emvolo through a channel with depths of approx 27m and width of approx 0.43nm. The approach to the harbour has depths decreasing gradually to approx 21m, near Ak. Mikro Emvolo where the entrance of the bay, and then to approx 18m, where is the route to the port. The area is covered with navigational signs, however appropriate updated nautical Charts and Notice to Mariners shall always be consulted and adhered to, while approaching to the Port.

Entrance to bay is 16km from the town. Breakwater, 1,000m in length, shelters the main part of the harbour. E entrance to harbour inside breakwater has a width 183m; W entrance, width 152m.

Approaches to the Berthing Sea Island: Vessels typically pass E of the Product Sea Berth and turn to port, approaching the island, heading SW while berthing. Water depths gradually decrease from approx 13.7m.at product sea berth to approx 9.1m at Inshore Berth. Vessels bounding for the Sea Island are required to proceed parallel to the Sea Island about half ship´s length and have no way when abeam their berth. In the aid of tug, the vessel is subsequently pushed towards the berth. At both sides of Sea Island, Berthing velocity should be limited to 0.09 m/sec and berthing angle to be not more than 10°. In any case, during berthing/unberthing vessel must not be drugged parallel to fender line.

Port limits

A vessel is considered as an "arrived vessel" when it has passed the line connecting the Small Kara Bourmou Point and Paliomaya Lightbuoy.

Traffic schemes and VTS

A Traffic Separation Scheme, best seen on the chart, has been established in the approaches to Thermaikos Kolpos and Kolpos Thessaloniki.

Anchorages

Anchorage in depths from 10.0-20.0m may be obtained as convenient in the NE part of Ormos Thessalonikis, taking care to avoid a foul area with a least depth over it of 5.8m lying about 1.5nm W of Levkos Pirgos. The bottom is mud and the holding is good, however is exposed to SW'ly winds.

Recommended anchor berths are as follows:

Tankers: In depths from 17.0-20.0m with Levkos Pirgos bearing NE distant 1.5nm.

Small vessels: in a depth of 11.0m with Levkos Pirgos bearing E distance 0.2nm.

Prohibited Anchorage: Anchoring is prohibited within 60m of a submarine pipeline extending SW from the shore near Levkos Pirgos for about 0.3nm. The pipeline is marked at its landward end by a light beacon (white metal framework, 7m in height) and at its seaward end by a lightbuoy (special).

Restrictions

Vessels carrying explosives must advise the Port Authorities in advance and are only allowed to load/discharge cargo from/to lighters at anchor outside the port. Other dangerous cargoes can be unloaded into barges or directly on to trucks.

In the event that a vessel with an LOA exceeding 140m is berthed at the “Old” Jetoil Sea Berth then none of the other two berths in the vicinity (Products Sea Berth & “New” Jetoil Sea Berth) are allowed to have a vessel berthed.

Caution must be advised as a patch of foul ground, with a least depth of 5.8m, lies approx 0.5nm SSW of the W end of the breakwater. Additionally, an outfall pipeline, marked by a lighted buoy, extends approx 0.3nm SW from a point on the shore 0.7nm SE of the E end of the breakwater. As a result, anchoring and fishing are prohibited in the area of this pipeline. Finally, as there are submarine cables in the area, a zone has been set up for prohibited anchorage which extends 4nm S from the W end of the harbour.

A wreck, marked by a lighted buoy, with a least depth of 4.5m, lies in the outside NW corner of the anchorage area.

Mariners are advised to consult the local authorities for the latest information as there are depths less than those charted that exist in Ormos Thessalonikis.

Off Kalochorion, An Environmentally Sensitive Sea Area (ESSA) has been established.

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Mooring

Vessels are normally berthed and unberthed between 0600-2359hrs local time.

On berthing, a safe gangway must be provided (with safety net) and rat guards must be placed on the mooring lines.

Charts and publications

BA 2070, 8044. Admiralty Pilot NP48, NP286(3).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Initial ETA to be sent to vessel's agent on departure from last port. Additional ETA's to be sent 48, 24 and 12 hours prior to arrival to the agent. One hour prior to arrival, Port Authorities, pilot and agents should be contacted on VHF Ch 07 or 12 giving exact time of arrival.

The ETA message should include: Vessel's particulars, cargo information, dangerous cargo (if any onboard, with details), health condition and stowaway details (if any).

Vessels for Hel Pe Terminal are to send their ETA , through agents, 48 and 24hrs prior to arrival. Notifications may be made to the Hel Pe Terminal via VHF Ch 10.

Communications

Olympia Radio ("SVA") receives distress or urgent messages and public communication (working channel). Watch frequencies VHF/FM, 2182kHz and HF/DSC as follows:

MF 2187.5kHz.

HF 4207.5kHz, 6312kHz, 8414.5kHz, 12577kHz, 16804.5kHz.

Heraklio, Limnos and Corfu Radio for general watch calling frequencies.

The stations work throughout 24 hours.

Inmarsat communication is available.

Notice of readiness

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

Health

Pratique should be applied for on arrival and cannot be applied for by radio.

The Health Officer boards vessels from foreign ports to grant free pratique.

Vessels arriving from plague countries must hoist the quarantine flag.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates issued.

For vessels to the Hel Pe Terminal, vessel's agents coordinates and arranges for free pratique. This would be granted at roads or berths. In case free pratique is granted at berth, same time will be NOR acceptance time.

Customs and immigration

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

Immigration: Immigration authorities issue crew passes. For EU nationals there are no Immigration procedures. There are special regulations for nationals of countries such as Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovakia and South American countries.

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

A declaration is required for any stowaways onboard.

Notices and regulations

Vessels are normally berthed and unberthed between 0600-2359hrs. Permission to sail must be obtained from the pilot office. For vessels to the Hel Pe Terminal must have been cleared (Vessel Clearance Procedure) in advance by Terminal authorised personnel.

Hel Pe Terminal: All vessels must be in possession of a copy of the latest version of the “Thessaloniki Marine Terminal Information and Regulations Booklet". This must be provided by Charterers/Owners or the Ship’s agent prior to Ship’s arrival and berthing.

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

Small repairs afloat only. No repairs, maintenance (hot/cold work) may be carried out at the Hel Pe Terminal

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at all quays and by water tanker.

Bunkering: Small quantities are available at oil berths. Delivery of all grades by barge of 1,000t capacity and road tanker in emergencies.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: General Hospital of Thessaloniki "G. Gennimatas" (2.15km), General Hospital of Thessaloniki "St. Demetrios" (2.4km), AHEPA Thessaloniki University General Hospital (2.6km) and Ippokrateio General Hospital (3.75km).

Crew change

Crew change and repatriation are available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (13.15km).

Nearest railway: The port has direct rail services and offers connectivity from the port to Sofia (Bulgaria), Nis (Serbia) and Skopje (Republic of North Macedonia). The port has three rail lines, each 400 meters which include 1 RMG and 2 reach stackers to serve the train. A shunting station located 350m from the port.

Nearest highway: The port has access to European Route E75. The route runs from Vardo, Norway in the N and Sitia, Greece in the S. The port also has access to European Route E90. The route runs from Lisbon, Portugal in the W to Silopi, Turkey in the E.

Nearest public transport: Shuttle bus provided. Bus routes throughout Thessaloniki.

Working hours

Container Terminal: Normally 0800-1500hrs, 1600-2230hrs, 0001-0730hrs, all year round.

Where it is

Thessaloniki, previously known as Salonica, is located on the NW shore of the Thermaicos Gulf, Greece.

The port

The Port of Thessaloniki, established around 316-315 B.C., boasts a rich and storied history that has cemented its status as a significant maritime centre. Originally founded during the height of the Macedonian Empire, the port played a crucial role in naval operations and trade. Its strategic location allowed it to flourish as a pivotal point for commerce and military logistics.

During the Roman Empire, Thessaloniki's port became one of the most important in the Mediterranean, serving as a vital link for trade routes that connected the eastern and western parts of the empire. This historical significance has laid the groundwork for the port's continued prominence in the region.

In contemporary times, the Port of Thessaloniki operates as a Free Zone, contributing significantly to the economic landscape of Southeastern, Central, and Eastern Europe. It is strategically integrated with major trans-European motorway and railway networks, facilitating efficient freight transport across borders. The port serves as a key node in international logistics, ensuring the smooth movement of goods and services. The port handles a range of cargoes including: containers, general Cargo such as steel, marble, tobacco, fruits and palletised cargo as well as drybulk such as cement, scrap metal, coal and mineral ores.

Additionally, the Port of Thessaloniki is a magnet for international tourism, attracting extensive cruise vessels to the port. The port's extensive offshore mooring installations support liquid cargo operations, further diversifying its cargo capabilities.

Traffic

Approx 17,000,000t of cargo, 570,000TEU, 2,100 vessels and 125,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Thessaloniki?

The pilot boards at Thessaloniki pilot boarding, 40°36.8′N 022°56.0′E.

What time zone is Thessaloniki in?

Local time at Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki?

The deepest berth listed is at Hel Pe Terminal: 17.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Thessaloniki?

1025.

Which load line zone is Thessaloniki in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Thessaloniki?

Port State Control at Thessaloniki: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Thessaloniki?

The UN/LOCODE of Thessaloniki is GRSKG.

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