PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Zwolle
Key data
updated Mar 2024Size limits
Max LOA 110m, beam 11.4m, draught 2.5m and 2,634DWT.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARO Terminal Zwolle | 2.50 m | 110 m | 1 |
| Agrifirm Terminal | — | — | 3 |
| ForFarmers Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| Heidelberg Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| Van der Kamp BV Terminal | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Inspections
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
The Netherlands has a separate National Authority for all of the following areas:
Rotterdam, Curacao, Netherland Antilles, Amsterdam, Zeeland Seaports, Groningen Seaports, Moerdijk, Dordrecht, The Hague, Harlingen and Den Helder.
For further ISPS information see IMO website https://www.imo.org.
Port services
updated Mar 2024Medical
Nearest hospital: Isala Zwolle (2.3km).
Transport
Nearest airport: Lelystad Airport (39.5km) and Enschede Airport Twente (59.75km).
Nearest railway: Zwolle (1.1km).
Nearest highway: Port has access to A28 which spans approx 188km. The route travels from the N at Groningen to the S in Utrecht.
Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Zwolle.
Working hours
Normally 0730-1700hrs. Overtime available on request.
About Zwolle
updated Mar 2024Where it is
Zwolle is located on the Zwarte Water Canal approx 336m upstream from IJsselmeer, Netherlands.
The port
Port facilities are limited and spread across Zwolle, capable of handling inland waterway vessels delivering liquid and dry cargo. Recreational vessels moor throughout the river and waterways.
Questions about Zwolle
What time zone is Zwolle in?
Local time at Zwolle 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 Zwolle?
The deepest berth listed is at VARO Terminal Zwolle: 2.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
Which load line zone is Zwolle in?
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Who carries out Port State Control at Zwolle?
Port State Control at Zwolle: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Zwolle?
The UN/LOCODE of Zwolle is NLZWO.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Zwolle 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.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.