Vasteras

Size limits

Max LOA 124.5m, beam 18.4m, draught 6.8m and 9,402DWT.

Water density

1000.

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

None.

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

Approach

A channel, 4nm in length and authorised for a draught of 7.0m, leads from Stora Sandskar (59°32'N., 016°35'E) to the harbour at Vasteras. As of 2021, the harbour basin has been dredged for vessels with a draught of 7m.

Directions: From a position 0.2nm W of Stora Sandskar Light; steer 340° with Hovaren Light (orange lantern; elevation 5.0m) exhibited on the W side of the channel, on a very small islet situated in the N part of Vasterasfjarden 3nm NNW of Stora Sandskar.

Buoys (spar) mark shoal water on each side of the channel for the first 1.25nm when it passes between the mainland on the W side and Almo-Lindo an island 1nm E, on which are many buildings.

When 0.7nm from Hovaren Light, alter course to 353° with Vasteras Light (white lantern; elevation 3.0m) ahead of a curved mole which protects the boat harbour on the W side of the entrance to Gamla Hamnen.

Keep E of the buoy (plain spar) moored 0.22nm SSE of Hovaren and pass between Hovaren and Vastra Holmen, an islet situated on the E side of the channel, 0.3nm NE of Hovaren.

Pass E of another buoy (plain spar), moored 0.2nm E of Kattskar, an islet situated 0.6nm NNW of Hovaren. Kattskar the channel to Djuphamn branches W.

The pilot station of Lake Malaren at Sodertalje will give information on the max admissible sizes for vessels.

In general the following applies: Max admissible via Sodertalje.

The figures stated for draught are subject to variation according to the water level.

With special permission the max length under waterline may be increased to 130m, LOA up to 135m and beam up to 19m.

Restrictions

Dimensions of locks are as follows: Sodertalje, length 135m, width 19.6m, depth 7.5m.

Hammarby, length 115m, width 17.4m, depth 7.0m.

Note: January 1 - December 31, 2025. Weekdays (except holidays) between 1100-1900 LT. The fairway through Sodertalje canal and lock is closed for vessels exceeding any of the following: LOA 70m, beam 14m or draught 4.5m.

The fairway is closed between Malarhamnen and Igelstaviken.

There are six bridges which cross the channel and are best seen on the chart. These bridges are marked with VHF instillations (except Igelstabron Bridge). Lillauddsbron Bridge, located in the entrance to Ostra hamnen, has a vertical clearance of 2.6m when closed. Once opened, the passage under the bridge has a width of 30m. The aforementioned bridge is only opened only for qualified traffic.

Max draught permitted on Lake Malaren is 6.8m. Vessels arriving on max draught are advised to keep close contact with VTS Sodertalje for information of water levels on the lake.

Wind Restriction: For vessels reversing through the Lilla Bridge, the wind must not exceed 6 m/s. It is worth noting that the bridge is never opened at wind speeds above 18 m/s.

Visibility Restriction: Vessels departing with a draught exceeding 5.8 m, it shall be possible to see the lighthouse light on the Lilla Bridge when the vessel is docked.

There are numerous dangers which lie adjacent to the channel. All dangers in the channel are marked by beacons and buoys.

The maximum speed limit within the canal is 6kts; additional speed restrictions are in force throughout the area.

Energy Berth: In the event of an approaching thunderstorm then all cargo handling of Class 1 products will be ceased.

Tugs

Tug with icebreaking capacity available. Tugs available for arrival and departure from Berths 41-54, Energy Berth and Cement Berth if the vessel exceeds an LOA 115m, draught 4.5m or more or quay length is greater than 125% of the vessels LOA. It is worth noting that bow thrusters are the equivalent to a tugboat as well as ships that has have already turned from Berths 41-50, Energy Berth and Cement Berth can do so without a tugboat.

Mooring

Vessels with an LOA exceeding 50m will require two boatman for mooring. The boatmen will be at the berth in time for the vessel's arrival and departure.

Silo Kajen: Vessels with an LOA under 95m are allowed a draught of 6.8m and vessels with an LOA exceeding 95m are allowed a draught of 6.0m. It is also worth noting that vessels with an LOA exceeding 95m must be able to turn out from the Silokagen with a bow thruster, tugboat, anchor and/or hawsers. On departure, it is possible to notice the lighthouse light on the Lilla Bridge from the ship lying at Silokajen if the vessel's draft is 5.80 m or more. For vessels with an LOA exceeding 95m and no more than 120m then vessels must pass the Lilla Bridge with the stern first. On departure, it is possible to notice the lighthouse light on the Lilla Bridge from the ship lying at Silokajen. The harbour basin has a shallow heel which is freed by a a white/red sector boundary from a lighthouse light placed on the Lilla bridge and lit during the day.

Vastra hamnen: Berths 41-45 have a depth alongside of 7.4m, however, all other berths have a depth alongside of 7.6m. There are a total of 56 bollards located throughout the quay from Berths 41-54. Each bollard has a distance of approx 15-20m each.

Charts and publications

BA 803, 2055. Admiralty Pilot NP19, NP286(2).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

An ETA must be made 24hrs in advance. If the duration of the trip is less than 24hrs then the notification must be made no later than when the vessel leaves the port of loading. Arrival is notified using the relevant form on the Port Authorities website.

Health

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

Notices and regulations

Lillauddsbron Bridge: When passing Agneudde Light, vessels are required to contact Sjoevent. When passing Stora Sandskar Light contact is to be made with the bridge operator on VHF Ch 68, and then re-confirmed approx 10mins before arrival at the bridge. The bridge operator will contact the vessel when the opening is started.

Dangerous goods must be reported before entering Malarhamnar’s operational area. Notification of dangerous goods to be made via email to [email protected] and [email protected]. Note that the “Notification of dangerous goods” in the subject line of the Email. The notification must be made no later than one day before the vessel's ETA. It is worth noting than shorter notice may be permitted if necessary.

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

Engineering repair workshop available. Any work carried out in the port area then a work permit is required and an application must be submitted 2 days prior to the work commencing. A permit is also needed for any hot work and an application must be submitted preferably 4 days in advance.

Diving and underwater work also requires an approved permit.

Repairs may not be carried out on vessels that are loading/unloading or carrying dangerous goods. Simple repairs may be carried out without approved permission, however, this does not include hot work and that the vessel can move by its own power with short notice.

Exterior painting and washing of the vessel is not permitted.

Dry docks

Not available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available and supplied by MHAB after being ordered. Fresh water must be made at least one working day in advance and are made via the Port Authorities website.

Bunkering: Available and a notification must be made by the master at least 1 working day before the planned start of bunkering.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Vastmanland Hospital Vasteras (4.55km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Stockholm Vasteras Airport (6.3km), Stockholm Arlanda Airport (80km) and Bromma Stockholm Airport (85.3km).

Nearest railway: The port has dedicated 8,000m of railway tracks operated by the Port. The circular track from the Malarbanan and marshalling yard all the way down to the quay at Vastra hamnen. The loading/unloading of goods onto railway wagons is available from 0700-1600hrs. The loading/unloading is offered on tracks at the port between gates 4 and 27. Loads of up to 280t can be handled.

Nearest highway: The port has access to European Route E18. The route runs 1,890km from Craigavon, Northern Ireland in the W to Saint Petersburg, Russia in the E.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes available throughout Vasteras.

Working hours

Normally Mon-Fri 0600-2200hrs, with unrestricted overtime by arrangement.

Where it is

Vasteras is situated at the head of Vasterasfjarden, in the W part of Malaren, about 43nm WNW of Stockholm.

The port

Vasteras Port, the largest inland harbour in Sweden, serves as a vital hub for maritime trade and logistics in the region. Strategically located on the shores of Lake Malaren, the port is primarily operated through the Vastra hamnen, which accommodates a diverse range of cargo types.

The port is equipped to handle various breakbulk and dry bulk commodities, including containers, forest products, fertilisers, cement, and liquid cargo. This versatility makes Vasteras a key player in supporting the local economy and facilitating international trade.

In addition to its primary operations, grain handling occurs at the Ostra hamnen, specifically at the Lantmannen plant. However, significant developments are underway as the city of Vasteras acquired the land and silos from Lantmannen in 2022 for the Malarporten project. Looking ahead, the properties are set to be fully taken over in 2029, marking a new chapter in the port's evolution. Lantmannen is planning to acquire land in the industrial area of western Vasteras (Vastra hamnen), indicating ongoing growth and investment in the region's infrastructure.

A notable milestone in the port's history occurred in 2017 when the last coal vessel arrived at Vasteras Port, delivering fuel for Malarenergi's CHP plant. This event marked the end of an era dominated by fossil fuels, ushering in a new phase focused on sustainability and cleaner energy solutions. From 2020, the energy production from the plant is completely free of coal and oil.

Traffic

Approx 1,400,000t of cargo, 50,000TEU and 120,000t of grain handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Vasteras?

Not compulsory except for vessels of over 800GT; pilotage available from Sodertalje.

What time zone is Vasteras in?

Local time at Vasteras 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 Vasteras?

The deepest berth listed is at Heidelberg Materials Cement Sverige Terminal: 7.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Vasteras?

1000.

Which load line zone is Vasteras 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 Vasteras?

Port State Control at Vasteras: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Vasteras?

The UN/LOCODE of Vasteras is SEVST.

What crews who called at Vasteras 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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