Uummannaq

Size limits

Harbour: Draught 4.2m.

Water density

1025.

Tides

Range 2.0m springs, 1.3m neaps.

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

Approach

Directions: Vessels approaching Uummannaq from W are advised to keep close to the coast of Nugssuaq Peninsula which is steep-to and where a favourable stream is likely to be found. Fewer icebergs are also likely to be met than farther out in the fjord.

On near approach to the S extremity of Uummannaq a N course can be steered along the E side of Smedeoen Kodo, another islet joined by reclaimed land to the N entrance point, fine to starboard; depths of 9.0m or less extend up to 30m off the NE side of Smedeoen.

When leading light beacon towers established close W of the N entrance point of the harbour are seen, alter course to bring them into line. The rear light is exhibited at an elevation of 17m from a framework tower (10m in height, red triangle, point down); the front light at an elevation of 11m from a framework tower (6.0m in height, red triangle, point up). The lights are 70m apart and, in line, bearing 346° they lead through the harbour entrance clear of foul ground off the N end of Smedeoen and of rocks, awash, close S and SW of Kodo.

Two above water rocks lie in shoal water close off the E side of Kodo with a dangerous rock 0.2nm NE of the islet.

Anchorages

Anchorage can be obtained outside port entrance, 0.2nm E in depths of 46m.

Restrictions

Ice formed in winter in Uummannaq Fjord seldom breaks up before the latter part of Jun. Shortly after breakup, a great mass of icebergs and calf ice drifts out of the fjord.

The harbour freezes over from Nov or Dec until the second half of Jun. After the ice breaks up, drift ice often persists in the vicinity for as long as a month and may be carried into the harbour by SE winds, hindering navigation.

Many icebergs come from Qarajaqs Isfjord and some of the larger ones stand on Isfjeldsbanken. While they provide some protection from the mass of calf ice and smaller icebergs which fill the inner part of Uummannaq Fjord after the spring break up, they also cause considerable inconvenience when they calve on the bank. This sends large waves into the harbour and special precautions have to be taken to secure vessels against damage.

From Aug to Dec an ice barrier is laid across the entrance between the SW side of Kodo and the NE point of Smedeoen. It consists of below-water wire with a blue nylon rope, marked by orange buoys, on the surface. The entrance will normally be opened for vessels over approx 100t. Small local vessels unable to enter should proceed to the narrow strait between Ikerasak and Talerua, 12nm SE.

Depending on weather conditions the barrier may be laid outside this period.

Mooring

Contact port officials for berthing information.

Charts and publications

BA 251, 276. Admiralty Pilot NP12.

ETA and pre-arrival notices

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

Communications

Radio: Aasiaat Radio.

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

Documents

A Cargo Manifest is required.

Customs and immigration

If anything to declare, contact the Port Office.

ISPS

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Diesel oil is available.

Medical

In town.

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Heliport in the town.

Working hours

Normally, 0700-1700hrs.

Where it is

Uummannaq is situated on an island in the approaches to Qarajaqs Isfjord, 40nm ESE of Kanisut.

The port

The open season is from Jun to Nov. Icebergs may occur in the open season. The port is closed in winter.

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

What are the pilot arrangements at Uummannaq?

Not compulsory but advisable.

What time zone is Uummannaq in?

Local time at Uummannaq 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 Uummannaq?

1025.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Uummannaq?

The UN/LOCODE of Uummannaq is GLUMD.

What crews who called at Uummannaq 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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