Volos

1. Volos pilot boarding Pilot boards39°20.4′N 022°57.4′E

Size limits

LOA 325.65m, beam 39.73m, draught 10.4m and 57,038DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Tidal range in Volos

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

Approach

Depth at entrance is 10.6m. Parts of the harbour are dredged to max 9.5m, with plans to increase depth to 11.0m.

From the vicinity of 39°20.5'N 022°57.5'E (approx 1nm SE of the head of the N breakwater) the fairway leads WNW and NNW passing (with positions given from the head of the N breakwater):

SSW of Akra Anavrou (1.1nm ESE). Akra Anavrou Light (white metal framework tower) is exhibited on the point; then:

NNE of Akra Seskoulo (685m SSE). Akra Seskoulo Light (white metal framework tower on hut) is exhibited 0.15nm S of the point. A conspicuous ruined white house stands close within the point; then:

NNE of the detached S breakwater. A light (metal framework tower, red band) is exhibited at the NE end; then:

NNE of Akra Iolkou (460m SSW), the SW entrance point of the harbour, which is fronted by depths of 5.0m or less extending nearly 130m offshore; then:

SSW and WSW of the head of the breakwater which should be given a berth of approx 185m. A light (white metal framework tower on pedestal, green band) is exhibited at the head of the N breakwater.

Port limits

The port limits are defined by the breakwater surrounding the port basin.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Traffic schemes have not been adopted.

Anchorages

Anchorage in depths from 16.0-22.0m may be obtained with the head of the N breakwater bearing 310° distant 1nm.

Deep draught vessels anchor further offshore, in depths from 35 to 40m, about 2nm SE of the head of the N breakwater.

Restrictions

Around 0.6 mile SE of Akra Sesklo lies a detatched shoal patch with a depth of 10.2m.

A foul area, the remains of a wreck, with a depth of 9m, lies 0.175m SE of the head of the N breakwater.

150m from the SW corner of the E pier at the Cement terminal lies a wreckage with a depth of 4.5m.

There are two seaplane operating areas 0.3m N and 0.5m NE of Akra Sesklo.

Tugs

Tug assistance is compulsory for all foreign vessels. Six tugs are available and meet vessels at the harbour entrance.

During loading/discharging at tanker berths 1 tug is permanently standing by and another is in the vicinity, both available in an emergency.

Mooring

Berthing is available throughout 24 hours.

Charts and publications

BA 1571, 1556. Admiralty Pilot NP48, NP286(3).

Communications

Olympia Radio ("SVA") receives distress or urgent messages and public communication (working channel). Watch frequencies VHF/FM, 2182kHz and HF/DSC as follows:

MF 2187.5kHz.

HF 4207.5kHz, 6312kHz, 8414.5kHz, 12577kHz, 16804.5kHz.

Heraklio, Limnos and Corfu Radio for general watch calling frequencies.

The stations work throughout 24 hours.

Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Port: Ch 16; 12.

Pilot: Ch 06.

Telephone contact information.

Port authority: 30-242-103-1226

Harbourmaster: 30-2421-353800

Safety navigation office: 30-242-102-4758

Pilot: 30-242-102-8888

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered 24 hours in advance, in writing or by cable, according to Charter Party, but will only be accepted between 0800-1700hrs.

Documents

Cargo documentation: Cargo Manifest for Port Police. Cargo clearance by Custom House is needed.

Health

Pratique should be applied for on arrival and cannot be applied for by radio.

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate only.

Customs and immigration

There is an allowance of 1-2 packets of cigarettes per day. One bottle wine/spirit is allowed out of bond. Passports and shore passes are required.

Notices and regulations

Shell-BP Oil Terminal: Ship repairs and hot works are prohibited while berthed stern to at the jetty.

Ship to ship transfer is prohibited at the jetty.

Ship's tank cleaning is prohibited at the jetty.

Stores and provision transfer is prohibited without the permission of the Terminal Manager.

Loading and discharging of explosives is prohibited.

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: Ministry of Merchant Marine.

Address: 1 K. Paleologou Street, 185 35 Piraeus, Greece.

Tel: +30 210 419 1911/43.

Fax: +30 210 419 1901.

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

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

Repairs

Minor repairs available.

Dry docks

Not available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available alongside and by barges with previous notice.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Anassa General Clinic in Volos, 1km.

Crew change

There are numerous hotels in town.

Transport

Nearest airport: Nea Anchialos in Almyros, 47km.

Nearest railway: Volos Railway Station in Volos, 800m.

Working hours

Normally 0700-1400hrs; overtime available on request from 1400-2100hrs.

Where it is

Volos is located at the head of the Gulf of Pagasitikos on the eastern Greek mainland.

The port

The port is on the Greek side of Europe/Middle East seabridge, also links the mainland with Sporades and Evoia. In the summer months ferries operate to Mytilene, the eastern Aegean and the Cyclades. The harbour is safe and sheltered, a breakwater running from the E part of the harbour to its centre protects vessels at all piers. Approx 3,000m of quays are linked by ferry, container transport lines and passenger cruise facilities.

The main cargoes handled are metals, cements, agricultural products, fertilisers and liquid.

Traffic

Approx 19,000TEU and 265,000 passengers.

Where does the pilot board at Volos?

The pilot boards at Volos pilot boarding, 39°20.4′N 022°57.4′E.

What time zone is Volos in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Volos?

The deepest berth listed is at Cement Terminal: 10.40 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Volos?

1025.

Which load line zone is Volos in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Volos?

Port State Control at Volos: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Volos?

The UN/LOCODE of Volos is GRVOL.

What crews who called at Volos 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 Volos →