Tonsberg

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

Range 0.3m. The tidal range in the harbour is very small and water levels are determined by meteorological conditions.

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

Approach

The principal approach to Tonsbergfjorden is on the alignment of Barkevik Leading Light structures (59°06'N 010°23'E), bearing 018°, which leads W of Sydostgrunnen and through the main entrance channel, in a least depth of 8.0m, to the S end of Tjomekjaela. The leading line passes E of Mellomgrunn and Svartebaen, W of Mefjaera and close E of Nylandsbaen. When abreast Bolene (59°05.8'N 010°22.5'E), vessels should alter course to the N and keep in the middle of the channel, ensuring to pass W of Havenboen and the NE extremity of Veierland.

If approaching the fjord from E of Sydostgrunnen, keep the W extremity of Stauper (59°05.7'N 010°20.4'E) in line with the W summit of Skravestadkollene, 4.75nm N, bearing 356°. When the vessel reaches the alignment of Barkevik leading light structures, it should alter course to remain on the line and continue as directed already.

At night, from the alignment of Barkevik leading lights, bearing 018°, which leads to within 0.5nm of the front light, vessels should alter course N with Ostre Vakerholmen and Saltbu Lights in line, bearing 359°. When nearing Svartskjaerskaten Light, vessels should edge E to pass close E of this light and bring Saltbu Light just open E of Ostre Vakerholmen Light, bearing 358°. After passing close E of Ostre Vakerholmen Light and when 1nm N of it, vessels should keep on the dividing line of its green and white sectors, bearing 172°, astern, which leads close W of Havneboen and into the white sector of Tinvikskjaer Light, bearing between 332°-354°.

From the N end of Tjomekjaela, vessels should steer to pass W of Tinvikskjaer Light structure and along the middle of the channel E of Haoy. After passing through Verjoysundet, where the least depth is 8.4m, vessels should steer along the middle of Vestfjorden. If proceeding W of Verjoy, vessels should continue along the middle of the channel until the beacon close to Furudden Light structure bears 062.5°, which leads between the spar buoys marking the dredged channel into Vestfjorden, where the least depth is 8.5m.

At night, the white sector of Tinvikskjaer Light, bearing between 332°-354°, leads from N of Havneboen to within 0.15nm of the light. The alignment of Tinvikskjaer and Ostre Vakerholmen Lights, astern, bearing between 170°, or the dividing line of the green and white sectors of Tinvikskjaer Light, on the same bearing, lead through the channel E of Haoy. Then the dividing line of the red and white sectors of Kausen Light, bearing 023°, leads towards the entrance of Vestfjorden.

The white sector of Furuodden Light, bearing between 030°-032°, leads through the fairway of Vejoysundet (59°13.1'N 010°22.8'E). The white sector of this light, bearing between 063°-068°, leads through the channel NW of Verjoy. The white sector of the same light, bearing between 179.5°-186°, astern, leads into the white sector of Munkeraekken Light, bearing between 358°-005°. Then the white sector of Munkeraekken Light, bearing between 178°-185°, astern, leads to Tonsberg Haven and on to the alignment of Slottsfjellet and Nordbyen Lights, bearing 095.5°. A shallow bar, between the N end of Notteroy and the mainland, separates Vestfjorden. A channel, dredged to a depth of 8.0m, leads E across the bar. It is marked by a lightbuoy on the S side at the W and E ends, with 2 spar buoys between them. Its N side is marked by 4 spar buoys.

The leading lights, situated 0.75nm ENE of Smorberg Light structure, lead through the dredged channel and in line bearing 094°. Slottsfjellet, the rear light, is exhibited from a post in Tonsberg. Nordbyen, the front light, is exhibited from an aluminium lantern on a wooden base on the shore of the inner harbour, 0.1nm W of the rear light.

At night, vessels should approach Husoysund in the white sector of Jersoy Light (59°14.5'N 010°28.6'E), bearing between 346°-350°, which leads to within 0.1nm of the light. Vessels should proceed along the dredged channel on the dividing line of the green and red sectors of this light, bearing 104°, astern. Depths are not less than 7.0m. The dividing line of the green and red sectors of Kalvetangen Light, bearing 282°, also leads through the fairway to within 0.1nm of the light.

Enter Traela in the white sector of Kalvetangen Light, bearing between 156°-169°, astern. When Nordre Nes Leading Lights come into line, bearing 117.5°, vessels should alter course to maintain this alignment, astern, which leads into Tonsberg Kanal. The light on the swing bridge in line with Kalnes Light, bearing 297.5°, also leads through the fairway of the dredged channel.

The white sector of Nordbyen Light (59°16.3'N 010°24.1'E), bearing between Kalnes and Dynga Lights leads towards the inner harbour W of the town.

Port limits

The harbour area extends from a position 0.15nm S of Smoberg Light (59°16'N 010°23'E) at the N end of Tonsbergfjorden, to the entrance of Husoysundet (59°14'N 010°28'E), on the W side of Oslofjorden.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Traffic movements are broadcast on VHF Ch 12 and 16. Vessels wishing to transit the canal must contact the bridge watch by radio or give 1 long and 2 short blasts on the whistle prior to approaching the bridge.

Traffic signals for vessels transiting in both directions are:

Green light: Canal open for passage, bridge can be opened.

Red light: Canal not clear and bridge is not open to traffic facing the direction of the light.

Green lights together: Canal is open as far as the berths facing these lights but the bridge is not open to traffic.

Anchorages

W part of Tonsberg Haven: Small vessels with local knowledge can anchor at the N end of Vestfjorden 0.2nm NE of Smorberg Light structure in a depth of 11m. This is the quarantine anchorage. Vessels anchoring should keep well clear of the submarine cable which lies between Sandodden and Ramberg.

The inner harbour: Between the E side of the bar and the town, affords good anchorage to small vessels with local knowledge in depths up to 15.0m. Vessels which have not been allocated a berth must anchor here.

E part of Tonsberg haven: Husoysund affords good anchorage to small vessels with local knowledge, 0.15nm WNW of Jersoy Light structure in a depth of 12.0m and also in the W part of the channel, 0.2nm ESE of Kalvetangen Light structure, ensuring to avoid the submarine cable near both anchorages.

Quarantine: For vessels approaching from Oslofjorden the quarantine anchorage is at Husoyflaket (59°14'N 010°29'E). For vessels approaching from Tonsbergfjorden, the quarantine anchorage is at Vestfjorden.

General anchorage: There is an anchorage in Traela, 0.3nm NW of Kalvetangen in a depth of 12.0m. Vessels which have not been allocated an anchoring or mooring berth must anchor here.

Outer anchorage:

Husoyflaket (59°14'N 010°29'E) between the W side of Ormoy and the E side of Husoy, 0.5nm WSW, affords well shelterd anchorage for small vessels in 20-25m, clay. However, winds from E and SE can be troublesome.

Husoyundet affords good anchorage for coasters, 0.15nm WNW of Jersey Light (59°14'.5N 010°28'.6E) in depths of 12m clear of a submarine cable 0.1nm SE.

Restrictions

Tonsberg Canal links Tonsbergfjorden with Oslofjorden with a limiting draught of 6.0m and beam of 22m.

A swing bridge, controlled on request: opening times: 0730-2000hrs on working days and 0730-1700hrs on holidays. During winter the bridge is manned from 0730-1530hrs Mon-Fri.

There is a speed limit of 3kts in Tonsberg Canal.

Tugs

Available.

Charts and publications

BA 1402; Norway 468. Admiralty Pilot NP56, NP286(2).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Arrival Notification, in the prescribed format, to the Navy should be made 24 hours before entering Norwegian territorial waters (baseline). See country information.

Additional ETA's should be sent 12 and 6 hours prior to arrival to the vessel's agent.

Communications

Radio: Any Norwegian Coastal Radio station can be used for passing messages at long range. All coastal radio stations are operated 24 hours a day throughout the year.

Inmarsat communication available up to Lat 75°N.

VHF: Ch 16, 12 and 14 (Mon-Sat, 0600-2100hrs and Sun 0900-1700hrs).

Standard messages

See country information.

Notice of readiness

NOR to be tendered in accordance with Charter Party when vessel is ready to start loading/discharging. When berth is not available for loading/discharging NOR to be tendered when anchoring or according to Charter Party.

Documents

Note: (1) At first port of call in Norway, only.

The above are required by Customs. Additional Crew and Passenger Lists are required by Immigration officials.

There are no special forms to be completed. Agent can supply Customs forms if not available onboard.

Health

There is no need to apply for pratique.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates (SSCC) can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Customs: Allowance for crew and officers is that stated on the Personal Effects Declaration. Goods on the declaration are not to be taken ashore. Penalties for non compliance are severe fines.

Customs, Tel: +47 33 31 26 11 and Immigration, Tel: +47 33 34 44 00.

Immigration: Board at first port of call (cruise ships only). They require a Crew List and a Passenger List and will make random passport inspections. All passports should be available for a quick clearance which normally takes 15-20 minutes.

Flags

All international foreign ships must display the Norwegian and port of registry flag as well as relevant International Code flags.

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.

Inspection of ships in Norway

Norwegian Maritime Authority

Address: Smedasundet 50 A, Haugesund

Tel: +47 52 74 51 30

Fax: +47 52 74 50 01

Email: [email protected]

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Norwegian Maritime Authority

Address: Smedasundet 50 A, Haugesund

Tel: +47 52 74 51 30

Fax: +47 52 74 50 01

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sjofartsdir.no

Recognised Security Organisations:

RSO - ISSC Issue: DNV

RSO - Security Consultant Services: Norwegian Maritime Authority

Port Security Information: Norwegian Costal Administration

Telephone: +47 22 65 58 20

Website: www.kystverket.no

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

Repairs

Available.

Dry docks

There is a drydock at Kalnes, Horten and Drammen.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at all berths.

Bunkering: Available by road tanker or barge. ESSO, Tel: +47 33 37 73 00.

Stores: Available in the town.

Medical

Vestfold Hospital in Tonsberg, 2km.

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Torp Sandefjord Airport in Sandefjord, 28km

Nearest railway: Tonsberg in Tonsberg, 3km.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours, if necessary.

Where it is

Tonsberg is situated on the W side of Oslofjorden on the NE coast of Norway, approx 4km W of Slagen and 90km SW of Oslo.

The port

The port mainly handles iron, sand, gravel, breakbulk and passengers.

Traffic

Approx 1,600 vessels are handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Tonsberg?

Compulsory. Available from Oslofjorden Losolder Mannskap.

What time zone is Tonsberg in?

Local time at Tonsberg is UTC+1. Clocks go to UTC+2 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+1 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the water density at Tonsberg?

1025.

Which load line zone is Tonsberg 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 Tonsberg?

Port State Control at Tonsberg: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Tonsberg?

The UN/LOCODE of Tonsberg is NOTON.

What crews who called at Tonsberg 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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