Viana do Castelo

1. Viana do Castelo pilot boarding Pilot boards41°38.7′N 008°51.6′W

Size limits

Max draught 8.0m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range max 4.1m; min 0.1m.

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

Approach

Bugio breakwater and outwater of the fishing dock which form the mouth of the northern group and define the access bay for circulation in its interior.

New mouth, defined by the heads of the northern and southern breakwaters and formed by the access channels to the commercial sector, to the "Estaleiros Navais" and remainder of the group to the N of the port.

After passing the union line of the centres of the breakwater heads (exterior of sheltered and south), the access channels to the port can be seen:

The access channel to the new commercial sector of the port is made through a channel which is 2,100m in length and 100m in width with depth of 6.5m.

Directions for entering harbour: Approach from N: Vessels approaching from N should navigate at a distance of at least 1nm from the coast.

Approach from S: Leading lights: Front light (red round tower, narrow white stripes and lantern, 6m in height) (41°41.4'N 008°50.3'W) on the SW corner of Castelo de Santiago.

Rear light (similar structure, 9m in height) (500m NNE) on the church of Senhora da Agonia.

The alignment (012.5°) of these lights leads to a position approx 1nm S of Molhe Exterior Light (41°40.5'N 008°50.6'W), when course should be altered for the dredged channel E of Molhe Exterior.

Entry: From a position E of Molhe Exterior Light the channel, marked by 3 pairs of lightbuoys, leads N, NNE and NE for approx 1.25nm to the berths at the Commercial Quay.

Vessels bound for the Anteporto on the N side of the river should enter the dredged channel E of Molhe Exterior Light then regain the above leading line which leads between Molhe do Bugio and a spur extending W from the inner side of the training wall on the N bank. Small vessels with suitable draught and local knowledge of shoaling, may pass between the head of Molhe Exterior and the dredged channel. Dangers lie close W of the leading line between Molhe do Bugio and Molhe Exterior and close E of the leading line at the entrance to the Anteporto; the leading line must be strictly adhered to.

Dredged depth of 6.5m in the channel to the commercial berths on the S bank of River Lima. Dredged depth of 3.5m in the entrance to the Anteporto which leads to the berths and installations on the N of the river bank but there are less depths in the approach to the entrance.

Port limits

Comprises of the area enclosed between the parallel passing through the head of Molhe Exterior (41°40.5'N 008°50.6'W) to the shore and up river as far as the bridge above the town.

Traffic schemes and VTS

AIS station installed.

Anchorages

A prohibited anchorage area is established off the port entrance and inside the port area.

Tugs

Tugs are available.

Charts and publications

BA 3257. Admiralty Pilot NP67, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notification to be sent to the vessel's agent 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival. The ETA message must state max draught on arrival and quantities of IMO cargo to be discharged or in transit.

Information regarding vessel departure and operation should be sent 2 hours prior to arrival between 0800-1800hrs, via the port radar station.

Communications

It is recommended that Lisbon Radio (callsign "CUL") is used as this covers all the Portuguese coast. The station works continuously throughout 24 hours. Frequencies monitored are 2182kHz, 2054kHz and channels 413, 802 and 1203.

Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Viana do Castelo Pilots, Ch 12, 14 and 16.

Standard messages

Navigational warnings are transmitted on VHF Ch 16 by the Maritime Police in Portuguese and English. These are also transmitted on 2182kHz and 500kHz.

Official announcements, such as port closed or restricted navigation, are also passed to the vessel's agent through the Shipping Association.

Notice of readiness

Tendered as per Charter Party but is usually tendered on arrival at pilot station.

Health

Health visits to Leixoes Port Health Department (Sanidade Maritima De Leixoes) are compulsory for all vessels entering the port, with exemption for coastal vessels.

A quarantine message sent by radio, or VHF Ch 11 or Ch 12 to the Matosinhos Health Service can replace the above visit.

Vessels sailing directly to Leixoes and which have obtained free pratique in a national port may be excused from this health visit, if neither illness or death has occurred during the voyage or in the last 30 days and if the vessels have not called at contaminated ports or at frequently contaminated areas.

Should this visit not take place, it is still compulsory to present a Maritime Health Declaration and Sanitary documents, at the health station.

Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates can be issued/renewed.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowances: There are no restrictions. Stores are sealed at the discretion of the Customs Officers.

Immigration: Shore passes are supplied by agents and are stamped by Immigration. This allows visits ashore and travel in the country. Indonesian citizens, crew or passengers, are presently not allowed ashore except in case of emergency.

Notices and regulations

Effective from 01st September 2016, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) will require sea carriers calling at EU ports to file Container Status Messages (CSMs). Vessels experiencing technical communication problems should report the issue via e-mail to the Commission's help-service email: [email protected].

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

ISPS Designated Authority: Instituto Portuario e dos Transportes Maritimos.

Position: Chairman.

Address: Edificio Vasco da Gama, Rua General Gomes Araujo, P-1399-005, Lisbon, Portugal.

Tel: +351 21 391 4712

Mob: +351 91 971 3089

Website: http://www.imarport.pt

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

Repairs

Available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Stores: Stores available from JADE, Fax: +351 58 323723.

Medical

Central Hospital with all facilities, 3km from the port.

Transport

Nearest airport: Oporto International Airport Sa de Carneiro, (65km).

Nearest railway: Viana (2.5km).

Working hours

Normally 0800-1700hrs, 1700-0600hrs (overtime).

Where it is

The port of Viana do Castelo is situated on the mouth of the River Lima and its port installations are found on both river banks, 49km N of the port of Leixoes.

The port

The port handles general cargo, Ro-Ro traffic, timber, cement, asphalt, and fish products.

Traffic

Approx 500,000t of cargo and 200 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Viana do Castelo?

The pilot boards at Viana do Castelo pilot boarding, 41°38.7′N 008°51.6′W.

What time zone is Viana do Castelo in?

Local time at Viana do Castelo is UTC+0. Clocks go to UTC+1 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+0 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the water density at Viana do Castelo?

1025.

Which load line zone is Viana do Castelo in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Viana do Castelo?

Port State Control at Viana do Castelo: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Viana do Castelo?

The UN/LOCODE of Viana do Castelo is PTVDC.

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