Virtsu

Size limits

Outer area: LOA 130m, draught 6.5m.

Inner area: LOA 90m, draught 5.0m.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Tidal range f rom +0.7m to -0.4m compared to Baltic Sea average. Further information about the tide is given by Captain of the Port.

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

Approach

The alignment 087.75° on the leading lights leads from the recommended track through Viirekurk to the harbour entrance.

The port area has 2 maneuvering/ turning zones, for cargo vessels with a diameter of 200m at 58°34.58'N 022°30.35'E and for ferries with a diameter of 160m and centre 58°34.58'N 023°30.58'E.

Anchorages

With local knowledge, good shelter may be obtained by small craft under the lee of the pier at Virtsu and in a position approx 0.5nm NW of the pier head in a depth of approx 5.0m, mud.

Restrictions

The port will be closed for sea traffic in case of S'ly wind speeds exceeding 29kts or 34kts. The final decision is made by captain of the port together with vessel's master.

Charts and publications

BA 2215. Estonian 513. Admiralty Pilot NP19, NP286(2).

Communications

VHF: Ch 16 and 14. Vessels should make contact with the port when within VHF range, call sign “Virtsu sadam”

Harbour Master: Phone +372 53 443 945

Email [email protected]

Notices and regulations

All the vessels shall apply for a respective permission at Harbour Master’s Office, 15 minutes prior to entering and leaving the port.

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: Estonian Maritime Administration, Port Supervision Department.

Position: Head of Department.

Address: Lume 9, 10416 Tallinn, Estonia.

Tel: +372 620 5730.

Fax: +372 620 5706.

Mob: +372 504 3857.

Email: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Small repair work can be carried out.

Bunkers, water and stores

Bunker and Fresh water: Available.

Medical

Closest emergency centre is in Lihula (25km from Virtsu).

Working hours

Vessels are handled 24/7 pursuant to the demand.

On national and public holidays, vessels shall be loaded and unloaded at a special agreement.

Where it is

Virtsu is situated on the W coast of Estonia at the tip of the Virtsu peninsula.

The port

The present Virtsu Port lies to the W of the old harbour, which is no longer in use. It is a commercial harbour and a terminal for ferry service to Kuivastu, the main facility being a 300m pier which has ferry ramps on both sides enabling several ships to be handled at once.

The port exports stone chips and limestone ash, also handling timber, passenger and pleasure vessels.

Traffic

Approx 450,000 of cargo and 1,500,000 passengers handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Virtsu?

Vessels approaching from the S embark a pilot from Virtsu Pilot station (58°31.0'N 023°30.0'E).

What time zone is Virtsu in?

Local time at Virtsu is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 31 Oct 2027.

Which load line zone is Virtsu in?

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

Who carries out Port State Control at Virtsu?

Port State Control at Virtsu: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Virtsu?

The UN/LOCODE of Virtsu is EEVIR.

What crews who called at Virtsu 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 Virtsu →