Vadso

1. Vadso pilot boarding Pilot boards70°04.5′N 029°41.4′E

Size limits

Max LOA 133.0m, beam 22.0m, draught 6.3m and 8,388DWT

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 3.5m.

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 (70°03'N., 029°44.6'E) the white sector of Vadso Haven Light (white lantern on piles, 70°04.5'N., 029°42.9'E) bearing between 012°-084°, leads towards the harbour entrance, passing S of Litle Vadsoya (1.5nm W).

This entrance is marked by light dolphins (radar reflectors).

The channel which is 180m in width, leads from the inner to the outer harbour which has a depth of 7.5m (LLWS).

The channel along the N side of Store Vadsoya and has a least depth of 6.2m.

Restrictions

In the event of strong N'ly or S'ly winds, it is not recommended to enter the harbour.

A bridge is located to the N of Vadso, the vertical clearance stands at 3.0m. The bridge extends from the mainland to Store Vadsoya.

Tugs

One tug available with 6t bollard pull. Stronger tugs can be ordered, if necessary, with ample notice. Vessel's lines. Fire fighting tug with water and foam guns is available.

Mooring

Boatmen on request.

Charts and publications

BA 2317, 2332. Admiralty Pilot NP58B.

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

Communications

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.

Vadso contact info

VHF: Ch 12, 14, 16

Telephone: +47 92 695888

Facsimile: +47 78 954310

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.

Health

There is no need to apply for pratique.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates (SSCC) cannot 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.

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

Minor repairs available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Vadso helsesenter (1.3km).

Crew change

No restrictions. Two hotels available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Vadso Airport (3.5km).

Nearest highway: Port has access to European Route E75. The highway, 4,380km, runs N to S, from Vardo, Norway to Hersonissos, Greece.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Vadso.

Working hours

Normally Mon-Fri, 0830-1500hrs. Night work can be arranged.

Where it is

Vadso is situated on the N shore of Varanger Fjord on the Arctic coast of Norway, 1,863km N of Trondheim.

The port

Vadso is a multi-functional port capable of handling cruise, reefer, cement, general cargo and fishing vessels. The port is protected by two breakwaters and the harbour may be used as a lay-by.

Traffic

Approx 14,011t of cargo handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Vadso?

The pilot boards at Vadso pilot boarding, 70°04.5′N 029°41.4′E.

What time zone is Vadso in?

Local time at Vadso 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 Vadso?

The deepest berth listed is at Vadso: 6.30 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Vadso?

1025.

Which load line zone is Vadso 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 Vadso?

Port State Control at Vadso: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Vadso?

The UN/LOCODE of Vadso is NOVDS.

What crews who called at Vadso 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 Vadso →