Varberg

1. Varberg pilot boarding Pilot boards57°03.9′N 012°11.1′E

Size limits

Max LOA 215m, beam 33m, draught 9.8m and 58,022DWT.

Water density

1015.

Load line zone

Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Zone for ships of 100m or less. Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Tides

Range 0.6m.

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

Approach

The dredged entrance channel (depth 11.0m, width 100m) leads from Subbeberget Light 2nm NNE into the harbour. Approach Varberg from SW and bring water tower in line with Varberg Church bearing 049°.

Hold this course until abreast of the lightbuoys (S cardinal) marking the SW extremity of Ryggen, then alter course N gradually to 019° between the spar buoys marking the sides of the dredged channel.

The outer part of the channel is also marked on each side, by a pair of lights in line situated off the E extremity of Gettero (an island on the NW side of Varberg). They are exhibited from concrete posts with red triangular daymarks the front and rear of each pair being approx 0.2nm apart. In line each pair of lights bear 019.25°.

Approx 0.1nm after passing abeam of Skirvareklippan Light and when between the heads of the outer breakwaters, alter course E to 069° into the inner part of the channel; the SE side of the channel is marked by lightbuoys (green spar; Qk Fl G, and Gp Fl (2) G 4s, respectively).

The sides of this part of the channel are also marked by 2 pairs lights in line situated on the quay 0.5nm NNE of Varberg Fortress. They are similar to the outer lights except that they are not parallel. In line, those marking the S side of the channel, bear 064° while those marking the N side bear 069°.

At night, approach from seaward in the white sector of Subbeberget Light (57°05'N., 012°14'E) bearing between 016.5° and 113° and then through the outer part of the channel between the outer pairs of lights in line bearing 019.25°.

Port limits

57°05.4'N., 012°13.2'E.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Note: Smaller vessels equipped with VHF are required to report if circumstances warrant.

Anchorages

Anchorage may be obtained in the roads in depths of 15.0-20.0m.

The roadstead between Varberg Fortress and Skrivareklippan affords anchorage to small vessels in case of necessity, in depths of 6.0-9.0m, sand and clay, and a SW gale can be ridden out here if the vessel is well found; the space is however, confined as vessels are not permitted to anchor in the dredged channel.

Restrictions

Speed is restricted to a maximum 5kts inside the outer breakwater.

An above-water rock, Farnyet, lies on a shoal approx 4nm NW of the Subbeberget Light. A rocky split, Kalkgrund, extends approx 0.6nm S from th SW extremetity of Getteron. The split is partly awash and marked by a buoy. The aforementioned dangers are in the NW approach to the port.

Tugs

Available. Further tugs can be ordered, 7 hours in advance.

Mooring

For Gyprockajen vessels with an LOA more than 90m will require a 30m clearance at the N most part of the Inner Harbour. For Farehamnen, the N section requires 245m clearance upon Panmax arrival.

Charts and publications

BA 874, 2107. Admiralty Pilot NP18, NP286(2).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA for pilotage request should be made at least 24 hours in advance and 5 hours in advance of arrival via the pilot request system.

Health

Ship Sanitation Control and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates renewed.

Customs and immigration

Tel: +46 340 649 667.

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.

ISPS

Designated Authority: Swedish Maritime Administration/Swedish Maritime Safety Inspectorate.

Address: SE-601 78, Norrkoping, Sweden.

Tel: +46 11 191000

Fax: +46 11 101949

Email: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Minor repairs can be undertaken.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Varberg Hospital (2.75km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Halmstad City Airport (59km) and Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport (61.5km).

Nearest railway: The port has direct rail connections. The port has four tracks of which are all connected to the rail network and a seven track railway yard.

Nearest highway: The port has access to European Route E6. The route runs 3,056km from Kirkenes, Norway in the N to Trelleborg, Sweden in the S.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Varberg.

Working hours

Normally Mon-Fri 0700-1600hrs. Overtime to be arranged by agent.

Where it is

Varberg is situated on the SW coast of Sweden.

The port

The Port of Varberg, strategically located on the western coast of Sweden, is a vital hub for maritime trade and logistics in the region. Owned by Ports of Halland (Hallands Hamnar), which also includes the nearby Port of Halmstad situated 60km S, Varberg plays a significant role in the handling of various cargo types, with a particular emphasis on forest products.

As Sweden's leading forest port, the Port of Varberg is equipped to manage extensive forest products and this has been enhanced by the recent construction and expansion of Farehamnen. The port is also equipped at handling general cargo, cement, gypsum and containers.

Historically, the Port of Varberg also served as a ferry terminal, providing a vital connection between Sweden and Denmark through the Varberg-Grenaa route. However, in January 2020, Stena Line ceased operations on this route, marking a significant shift in the port's operational focus.

Traffic

Approx 1,800,000t of cargo, 8,000TEU, 1,050 vessels and 150,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Varberg?

The pilot boards at Varberg pilot boarding, 57°03.9′N 012°11.1′E.

What time zone is Varberg in?

Local time at Varberg 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 Varberg?

The deepest berth listed is at Varberg: 9.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Varberg?

1015.

Which load line zone is Varberg in?

Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Zone for ships of 100m or less.

Who carries out Port State Control at Varberg?

Port State Control at Varberg: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Varberg?

The UN/LOCODE of Varberg is SEVAG.

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