Tromso

1. Tromso boarding position 1 Pilot boards69°38.5′N 017°51.9′E
2. Tromso boarding position 2 Pilot boards69°31.7′N 018°01.9′E
3. Tromso boarding position 4 Pilot boards69°52.4′N 019°47.6′E

Size limits

Max LOA 345.01m, beam 41.0m, draught 11.5m and 40,641DWT.

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 2.3m, max recorded 3.9m. It has been reported that complex tidal currents are experienced in the area, attaining a velocity of 4-5kts.

An irregular countercurrent is experienced close to the shore alongside the moles. In the vicinity of the bridge, the current starts flowing in a S'ly direction 1 hour 30 minutes prior to HW and reverses direction 1 hour 30 minutes prior to LW.

The mean tidal range is 1.8m and MHWS 2.4m.

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

Approach

From the initial position 69°35'N., 018°51'E the white sector of Tromsobrua Light (white lantern on bridge pillar, 69°39'N., 018°59'E), bearing 035°-038° leads NE into Tromsoysundet, passing (positions given from the light):

SE of the SE extremity of the coastal bank (4.6nm SW) off Tisnes, then:

SE of a spar buoy (2.9nm SW) marking the SE side of Lysgrunnen, then:

SE of Lanesodden, the S point of Tromsoya.

On entering Tromso haven, the white sector 209.5°-211° of Balsneodden Light (69°34'N., 018°50'E), astern, leads into Tromsoysundet, passing (positions given from Tromsobrua Light):

SE of a spar buoy (1.1nm SW) marking the coastal reef off Juldagan (69°38.2'N., 018°56.3'E), then:

SE of the S mole lights (0.63nm SW) in Tromso haven.

The final approach is made by passing (positions given from Tromsobrua Light):

W of a spar buoy (0.3-0.6nm SSW) marking a 3.9m patch on the edge of Hungeroya, the coastal bank, then:

E of Tromsesund Lightbuoy (0.2nm WSW), replaced in the summer by an unlit buoy.

Then a vessel should join Indreleia, by approaching in the white sector of Hansneset Light (69°46'N., 019°04'E) bearing 345.5°-359°, which leads N to converge with Indreleia in Sandnessundet, passing W of Lysgrunnen (1.7nm SSE of the light), then, 0.3nm NW of Skallen, then into Grotsundet.

The limits of the navigable channel beneath the bridge are indicated by pairs of fixed lights, on the fenderwork, red to NW and green to SE, 60m apart, each screened to show over an arc of 180° towards the fairway.

The least charted depth of the fairway is 7.5m, 0.1nm SSW of the bridge.

Caution: The 10m contour obtrudes W into the white sector of Tromsobrua Light, close N of the spar buoy.

Port limits

Tromso harbour area includes all the waters of Sandnessundet and Tromsoysundet, from the junction with Rystraumen (6nm SSW) to the junction with Kvalsundet (6nm NNE).

Traffic schemes and VTS

NOR Vessel Traffic Service (NOR VTS) is in operation for vessels transiting the Norwegian Economic Zone (NEZ) from the Norway/Sweden border in the S to

the Norway/Russia border in the N.

Anchorages

Anchorage is available (positions from the E end of the bridge): For small vessels (bearing 235°, distance 0.65nm), secure berths in Sondre haven off the N side of the S mole, depths 5.0-6.5m.

Attention is drawn to a spar buoy (port hand), positioned 220m N of the S mole light, and to submarine cables crossing the sound, close S of the S mole.

Two recommended anchorage areas, 014°,1.5nm and 012° 1.25nm, are situated ESE and SE of Breidvika. Attention is drawn to the submarine cable and pipelines which cross Tromsoysundet between Nygard and Kroken.

Anchoring, except in connection with berthing or unberthing at a quay, is prohibited in the inner part of Polsehamna from 0.15-0.3nm NNE of the W end of the bridge.

Restrictions

Sandnessund Bridge: Connecting Tromsoya with Kvaloy Island. The navigable width of the main span is 120m, vertical height is 41.0m above HW. International Rule of the Road applies, no passing under the bridge permitted. Bridge opening marked by red and green extremity lights and white centreline light.

Tromso Bridge: Connecting Tromsoya to the mainland, has a vertical clearance of 36.5m, navigable width of 60m and max permitted displacement to pass beneath the bridge of 5,000t. North bound vessels have priority over southbound vessels when meeting at bridge. The vessel with the right of way is required to sound 4 short blasts on the whistle, to attract attention. The vessel obliged to wait is required to give way until the right of way vessel is through and clear of the bridge.

A Military prohibited area exist in the vicinity of Beidviknes.

Tugs

There are also standby tugs with fire fighting and salvage capabilities available along N coastline. Service providers for tugs are available A/S Slepebatene (+47 97 52 32 50 & [email protected]), Borg Maritime AS (+47 97 66 84 36; +47 90 76 00 99 & [email protected]) and Fortoyningsbatene Dan Roberg (+47 95 73 50 00 & [email protected]).

Charts and publications

BA 2367, 2366. Norwegian 87, 466. Admiralty Pilot NP58B, NP286(2).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA should be advised to Tromso Port Control 24, 12, and 1 hour before arrival. Confirm arrival and report all later movements within the harbour to Tromso Port Control.

The handling of hazardous cargo and waste disposal, also crew/passenger lists in accordance with ISPS requirements must be reported to the port authority at least 24 hours before arrival. Please refer to the IMDG Code or contact port authority for regulations concerning dangerous goods. See country information.

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.

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.

Cruise vessels staying within the ports ISPS area are also required to provide the port authority with a copy of the passenger and crew lists, stating the nationality of each person on the list.

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

Cargo documentation: A Bill of Lading and a Cargo Manifest are required.

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.

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.

Notices and regulations

Speed restrictions: Speed within 200m of quays or other structures, public bathing places or boat harbours, is limited to max 6kts. Elsewhere in the harbour area, vessels are forbidden to proceed at speeds greater than the min required for good seamanship and the particular circumstances of the case.

Vessels entering or leaving Indre haven are forbidden to proceed at speeds greater than the min required for safe manoeuvring. When leaving Indre haven, vessels are required to manoeuvre carefully and not to hamper vessels in the main channel.

Dredgers, divers, lighters and the like are to be passed at dead slow speed. A good lookout must be kept for signals from these vessels. When circumstances require particular care from passing vessels, a flag divided diagonally into 2 halves, blue (uppermost) and red, will be hoisted.

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

Tromso Mekaniske operates a shipyard within Tromso allocating 5 production departments and 70 qualified workers. Repairs include: Welding workshop, Pipe workshop, Machine shop and Engine workshop. The shipyard is supported by a tower crane with a lifting capacity of 18t.

Additional ship repairs and services may be delivered throughout the port area via numerous companies. Ship electronics may be delivered via: Imes, JM Hansen, Kvistad Elektronikk, Ringjord Maritime and Troms Elektro. Ship mechanic services are provided via: Maritim Sveiseservice and Tromsø Skipsverft. Hydraulics are provided via: Hydroscand and Tess. Freezing and refrigeration services are provided via: Kuldeteknisk and Tempia AS. Diving services are provided via: Dykkersenteret, Fagdykk, NSADA, Stenvold undervannsservice and Undervannsservice AS v/O. Andreassen.

Bunkers, water and stores

Stores: Usual supplies are available at any time.

Medical

Nearest hospital: University Hospital of North Norway HF (4km).

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Tromso Airport (4.3km).

Nearest highway: Port has direct acces to European Route E8. The route runs 1,410km N-S from Tromso, Norway in the N to Turku, Finland in the S.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Tromso.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1600hrs. Stevedoring available on request, throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Tromso Island is situated in the Tromso Island Strait, a fjord on the NW coast of Norway, 1,158km N of Trondheim.

The port

Tromso Port, a vital hub in the Arctic, serves as a major base for offshore activities in the Barents Sea. The port accommodates a diverse range of vessels, including cruise ships exploring the Arctic, international fishing fleets, and general cargo carriers. With its ice-free harbour, Tromso ensures year-round navigation, making it a strategic point for refrigerated cargo handling. The port area is divided into two sections: Breivika, located north of the Tromso Bridge, and Prostneset to the south, collectively offering approximately 2,000 meters of quayage, both municipal and private.

Traffic

Approx 874,000t of cargo,11,000 vessels and 193,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Tromso?

The pilot boards at Tromso boarding position 1, 69°38.5′N 017°51.9′E. Tromso has 3 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Tromso in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Tromso?

The deepest berth listed is at Skjelnan Tank Facility: 11.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Tromso?

1025.

Which load line zone is Tromso 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 Tromso?

Port State Control at Tromso: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Tromso?

The UN/LOCODE of Tromso is NOTOS.

What crews who called at Tromso 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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