Torshavn

1. Skalafjordur boarding — Position Delta Pilot boards62°03.0′N 006°43.0′W

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Range 1.0m. The difference between HW and LW is 0.3m.

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

Approach

Access to the port of Torshavn is straightforward and is via either side of the island of Nolsoy, through the N or the S end of Nolsoyarfjordur. The access channel has been widened and extended to 160m, depth 10.0m.

By night: Approaching from S keep in the white sector of Skansen Light between bearings 318° and 327° until Glyvurnes is passed.

Approaching from N; keep in the white sector of Skansen Light between bearings 218° and 227°, but bear in mind that this sector passes close to Eystnes (Ostnaes) the S extremity of Eysturoy (Ostero). When Toftir (Tofte) Light, shows white, between bearings 335° and 357°, alter course S and keep that light astern, bearing 350°.

Entering Torshavn Harbour; pass midway between the head of the main breakwater and the shoal water off Vidarnaes, 0.075nm WNW.

A bank, on which obstructions are reported to exist, extends 0.05nm SE from Vidarnaes; a lightbuoy (port hand), moored 0.075nm SE of the point, marks the extremity of the bank.

A spit, the extremity of which is marked by a lightbuoy (port hand), extends approx 0.025nm SSE from Tingnaes.

Port limits

The harbour limits are a line joining Vidarnaes and the extremity of the main breakwater.

Traffic schemes and VTS

None.

Anchorages

For anchorage consult Torshavn Harbour Office on VHF Ch 12 and 16.

Torshavn anchorage is in position 62°00'N 006°45.5'W, depth 30m.

Good anchorage is available nearby in Nolsoy Fjord, approx 300m from the breakwater, which has a depth of 30-35m. Good anchorage in the roads in 16.0-25.0m, good holding ground. The landing stage for tenders is wooden, 50m length and 1.2m high. It is not exposed to wind or swell and is sheltered in all kinds of weather. The anchorage is approx 600m from the landing stage. There are no shore launches available.

The ship's tenders must be used and there is no levy payable.

Three launches can go alongside at one time.

Restrictions

Normally, there are no approach limitations, such as bridges, power lines, locks etc. The speed limit inside the breakwater is 4kts.

Tugs

Contact Harbour Office for tug assistance. Two tugs are available, "Pressarin" 730hp (bollard pull 12.3t) and "Suumarin" 250hp. Tugs are not compulsory and there are no special regulations regarding the use of tugs. Ship's lines are used.

Mooring

Vessels can berth with either starboard or port side alongside. Line boats are available.

Charts and publications

BA 3567, 3568, 3569. Admiralty Pilot NP52, NP286(2).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA should be sent to the agent of the Harbour Office 24 hours prior to arrival. ETA message should include vessel's name, LOA and draught. Confirmation of ETA should be sent 12 and 2 hours before arrival.

Communications

Torshavn Radio, callsign "OXJ".

VHF: Pilots Ch 16, 12. (0800-1700hrs LT (Mon-Fri)).

Port Ch 16, 09, 12, throughout 24 hours.

There are regular weather forecasts and navigational warnings on Ch 16, 24, 25 and 26.

Notice of readiness

As per Charter Party

Health

Pratique is usually granted routinely.

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Customs normally clear vessels on arrival without delay. The allowances are 1 litre of spirits and 200 cigarettes. Changes in passport control due to Schengen Agreement.

Flags

No special requirements.

Notices and regulations

Ship's gangways must be used.

Repairs

Available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available by pipeline at all berths.

Bunkering: DO available at all berths and HFO available at SEV berth..

Stores: Available.

Medical

Main hospital in Torshavn has a 24 hour emergency service.

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Vagar, 45km.

Working hours

Normally, Mon-Fri 0800-1700hrs. Port officials are on call throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Torshavn is situated at the SE end of Stromso Island.

The port

Torshavn, the capital of Foroyar, is divided into 2 harbours, East and West, consist of satellite harbours (Kollafjordur and Sund). The port which is the main port of the island handles ferries, RoRo, cruises, containers and fishing vessels.

Imports: General cargo, containers, oil and salt.

Exports: Mainly fish products.

Traffic

Approx 800,000t of cargo and 2,400 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Torshavn?

The pilot boards at Skalafjordur boarding — Position Delta, 62°03.0′N 006°43.0′W.

What time zone is Torshavn in?

Local time at Torshavn 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 Torshavn?

The deepest berth listed is at West Harbour: 9.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Torshavn?

1025.

Which load line zone is Torshavn 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 Torshavn?

The UN/LOCODE of Torshavn is FOTHO.

What crews who called at Torshavn 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.

Read and add tips for Torshavn →