Upernavik

Size limits

Draught 4.2m.

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 2.0m springs, 1.3m neaps. Tidal streams within the harbour are weak.

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

Approach

Directions: The port should be approached in daylight only, unless having local knowledge.

Vessels making for Upernavik from S must approach from E of the rocks 14nm SSW of the harbour and then proceed between Hvalo and Bruuns O, to the W, and Qaersorssuaq, to the E.

Care must be taken to avoid rocks, awash and below water, up to 0.25nm to seaward of Smedeo, before turning into the harbour entrance W and N of Isabel Islets, which lie off the S entrance point. The rocks off Smedeo lie E of a line joining Sondre Naes and the W extremity of Karrat.

From NW, approach with the summit of the prominent mountain on Qaersorssuaq bearing 144°. This leads towards Kingigtortadglit, a group of islets and rocks off the entrance to Upernaviks Isfjord, which are a good navigational mark and can be passed close on the SW side. Then proceed SW of Kiatanguaq, between that islet and Talbot Reefs, direct to Upernavik.

When the presence of ice makes it difficult in low visibility to identify Upernavik O by radar, an aero radio beacon which transmits from the N side of the harbour, is a useful navigational aid.

Leading Lights (shown May-Dec) stand on the head of the harbour and aligned (108.5°) lead into the harbour clear of all dangers:

Front light (framework tower, topmark triangle point up, 10m in height, 72°47.4'N 056°08.9'W). Rear light (framework mast, topmark triangle point down, 5.0m in height).

Anchorages

Contact Port officials for permission to anchor.

Outer anchorage:

The best anchorage for medium size vessels lies at the SW end of Ikerssuaq, between Griseoen and the S end of Upernavik, in depths of 30-40m. Umiiarssuaq (72°47.0'N 056°06.0'W), located on the NW side of Lango, affords anchorage in depths of 35-40m on either side of a small promontory at its head, but is poor holding ground. A beacon (topmark red triangle, point up) stands on the W entrance point of the cove.

Bangs Havn, a small bay fronted by an islet, is situated midway along the SE side of Upernavik, opposite Akugdiarssuk. Anchorage suitable for small vessels can be found approx 100m NNE of the islet in a depth of approx 17m, good holding ground. Vessels anchoring for an extended period are recommended to stern moor to the shore of Upernavik. Anchorage is also reported to be available in a bay on the E side of Lango, SE of Umiarssuaqarfik.

Anchorage Light Beacon towers (aligned 197°) stand on the S harbour entrance point near to the oil storage tanks:

Front light (framework tower, topmark red triangle, point up, 3.0m in height, 72°47.3'N 056°09.7'W). Rear light (framework tower, topmark red triangle, point down, 8.0m in height , 66m SSW).

The holding ground in the harbour is poor, rock and mud bottom and during SW storms, very strong gusts come from the direction of Qaersorssuaq.

Restrictions

The harbour freezes over from Nov or Dec until May or early Jun. Occasionally, break-up starts at the end of Apr but it is rare. During the winter the ice may attain a thickness of 60cm. After break-up, ice frequently drifts in the vicinity for as long as a month.

Ice from Baffin Bay, which usually reaches Upernavik approx mid-Dec and leaves in early Jun, easily enters the harbour together with glacier ice and small icebergs.

Mooring

Contact Port officials for berthing information.

Charts and publications

BA 276, 235. Admiralty Pilot NP12.

ETA and pre-arrival notices

To be advised to Port Operator 24 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

Radio: VHF: Port Operator Ch 13. Call "Upernavik Havnekontor". Aasiaat Radio Ch 16.

Documents

Cargo Manifest is required.

Customs and immigration

If there is anything to declare, contact the Port Office.

ISPS

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Water: Not available.

Bunkering: Limited quantities available.

Stores: Limited quantities available.

Medical

Upernavik Hospital, 0.3km.

Crew change

Available.

Transport

Upernavik Airport, 0.5km.

Working hours

Normally, 0700-1700hrs.

Where it is

Upernavik is situated on the SW side of Upernavik Island which lies midway along the SW side of the extensive archipelago between Kangeq peninsula and Upernaviks Isfjord.

The port

The open season is June to Nov. There is heavy ice in winter and the waters are navigable by ice strengthened vessels from June to November.

The port handles general cargo, container, passenger and liquid cargo.

What are the pilot arrangements at Upernavik?

Not compulsory but advisable.

What time zone is Upernavik in?

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

What is the water density at Upernavik?

1025.

Which load line zone is Upernavik in?

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Upernavik?

The UN/LOCODE of Upernavik is GLJUV.

What crews who called at Upernavik 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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