Port Information Guide: Bremerhaven
Port Information Guide: Bremerhaven
Port Information Guide: Bremerhaven
INFORMATION
GUIDE
BREMERHAVEN
JULY 2020
INITIATED BY IN ASSOCIATION WITH
SUPPORTED BY
BREMERHAVEN
UN Code: DEBRV
Port ID: 20315
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
This book has been written for Masters of seagoing vessels, shipping lines,
publishers of nautical information and any other party that needs nautical
information.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
The Port Authority of Bremerhaven (Hansestadt Bremisches Hafenamt / HBH) makes every
effort to make and maintain the contents of the Guidelines on Port Entry as up-to-date,
accessible and complete as possible, but the correctness and completeness of these
contents cannot be guaranteed. In case of any discrepancies or inconsistencies between the
Guidelines and the applicable legislation, including the bye-laws, the latter will prevail.
CONTACT PORT
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GENERAL INTRODUCTION 3
TABLE OF CONTENT 4
PART I
INTRODUCTION, CONTACT INFORMATION AND REGULATION
PART II
NOTIFICATION, DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING
4 NOTIFICATION 17
4.1 GENERAL 18
4.2 HEALTH 18
4.3 IMMIGRATION 18
4.4 CUSTOMS 19
4.5 ETA 19
4.6 SHIFTING/ETD 20
4.7 DANGEROUS GOODS 20
4.8 WASTE (GARBAGE) 21
4.9 WASTE (SLUDGE AND OILY RESIDUES) 21
5 DOCUMENTATION 22
5.1 GENERAL 23
5.2 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS 23
6 REPORTING 24
6.1 GENERAL 25
7 PORT DESCRIPTION 26
7.1 GENERAL 27
7.2 DEVELOPMENTS 27
7.3 PORT LOCATION 27
7.4 PORT AREA 27
7.5 LOAD LINES 28
7.6 WATER DENSITY 28
7.7 MAXIMUM SIZE VESSELS 28
7.8 TIME ZONE 28
7.9 LOCAL HOLIDAYS 28
7.10 WORKING HOURS 29
7.11 TRAFFIC 29
7.12 CHARTS 29
7.13 PILOT STATIONS 29
7.14 ANCHOR AREAS 29
7.15 WEATHER AND TIDAL INFORMATION 29
8 PORT NAVIGATION 30
8.1 SPEED 31
8.2 UKC 31
8.3 RESTRICTIONS 31
PART IV
PORT SAFTEY AND SECURITY
9 PORT SAFETY 32
9.1 GENERAL 33
9.2 COLLISIONS/GROUNDINGS 33
9.3 SPILLS 33
10 PORT SECURITY 34
10.1 DESIGNATED AUTHORITY (ISPS) 35
10.2 PORT FACILITIES 35
PART V
NAUTICAL SERVICE AND COMMUNICATION
11 NAUTICAL SERVICES 36
11.1 GENERAL 37
11.2 VTS 37
11.3 PILOTAGE 38
11.4 RIVER WESER PILOTAGE 38
11.5 DOCKING / HARBOUR PILOTS 39
11.6 TUGS 39
11.7 MOORING 40
12 NAUTICAL COMMUNICATION 41
12.1 VHF CHANNELS PORT AUTHORITY 42
13 CARGO OPERATIONS 43
13.1 GENERAL 44
13.2 CONTAINER TERMINALS 44
13.3 FRUIT TERMINALS 44
13.4 CAR TERMINAL 44
13.5 TANKER TERMINAL 45
13.6 PASSENGER TERMINAL 45
14 VESSEL OPERATIONS 46
14.1 GENERAL 47
14.2 LOWERING BOATS & RAFTS 47
14.3 MAINTENANCE & REPAIR 47
14.4 UNDERWATER INSPECTION/CLEANING 47
14.5 BALLAST WATER AND SCRUBBER EFFLUENT 48
15 PORT INSPECTIONS 49
15.1 GENERAL 50
15.2 PORT STATE CONTROL 50
15.3 INSPECTIONS FROM OTHER PARTIES 50
PART VII
PORT SERVICE
16 PORT SERVICES 51
16.1 GENERAL 52
16.2 FUEL AND LUBRICATION OIL 52
16.3 REPORTING SPILLS 52
16.4 BUNKER CHECKLIST 52
16.5 FRESH WATER 52
16.6 STORES 52
16.7 SHORT BASED ELECTRICITY 52
16.8 REPAIRS 53
16.9 DERATTING 53
16.10 SURVEYORS 53
16.11 MEDICAL 53
16.12 SEAMEN´S MISSION 53
16.13 TRANSPORT 54
16.14 FLOATING / MOBILE CRANES 54
16.15 BALLAST 54
16.16 GANGWAY SERVICE 54
16.17 WATCHMEN 54
16.18 SLOP RECEPTION 54
Capt. Uwe Kraft, Dept. Harbour Master Bremen and Head of Safety and Hazardous goods
Capt. Andreas Meyns, Dept. Harbour Master Bremerhaven and Head of Security and nautical issues
Capt. Raimond Claußen, Head of Safety and Hazardous Goods Department Bremerhaven
1.1 GENERAL
Welcome to the port of Bremerhaven. I, the Harbour Master, together with my staff
and other organizations like the Federal Waterway Administration, the Water police,
the Pilot Associations and others am responsible for the safe and easy conduct of
the vessels’ passages and stays within the port area.
Bremerhaven is known for its high standards on safety while maintaining the
efficiency of the port activities. In order to continue on this level we make available
to the port users a 24/7 service.
This allows the port users, whenever necessary, to receive the attention and co-
operation necessary to cope with unexpected situations. In return I hope to receive
the necessary co-operation from your side.
I strongly believe that the safe and environmental friendly performance of a port
ensures economic continuity. Prevention is best to avoid problems in safety,
environmental and security matters. Thus controls and inspections of different
enforcement agencies are taking place.
The number of incidents and accidents has steadily decreased over the last years.
This has been achieved by active communications with all parties involved in port
operations including ship masters and owners’ representatives.
In order to continue on these improvements we invite you to comment and advice
on procedures you have encountered during your port stay.
2.1 GENERAL
The Harbour Master’s Office is located near the Columbus Kaje.
Address:
Hansestadt Bremisches Hafenamt
Steubenstrasse 7b
27568 Bremerhaven
The Vessel Traffic & Operations Department is continuously manned and primarily
responsible for the traffic and navigation in the harbour. Its task includes planning
and control of shipping traffic, assigning berths in the entire port area and
coordinating information of all traffic movements.
For notification (ETA/ETD ships etc.), requests for harbour- pilots, tugs, mooring
men etc. and reports such as on port security and in case of emergencies contact
Port Operation Office:
Phone: +49 (0)471 596 13417
Fax: +49 (0)471 596 13423
E-Mail: debrv-traffic@hbh.bremen.de
VHF: Channel 12
For reporting dangerous goods via electronic message: via the agent or ships
reporting office.
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3.1 GENERAL
All ships have to be reported to the Port Authority by electronic message latest 24 hours
before arrival. Any changes to be reported immediately.
Tankers and ships carrying dangerous cargo must send an additional message including
details of the cargo (i.e. quantity, category according Maritime Pollution Appendix II etc.).
For further details see chapter 4 Notification.
4.1 GENERAL
Masters of vessels arriving, staying in or leaving the port of Bremerhaven are
obliged to make previous notification on a variety of subjects listed below.
4.2 HEALTH
Free Pratique is normally granted automatically.
Formalities are handled by the Port Health Authority, boarding vessel usually upon
arrival.
Vessels should prepare the “Maritime Declaration of Health”.
This form is according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and contains:
• a list of ports the vessel has entered during the last 30 days
• statement of health of crew/passengers
• if vessel has entered an area with infectious diseases
• sanitary measures
• particulars of any case of illness or death on board
• fumigated cargo/containers
• valid Sanitation Control Certificate or Exemption Certificate
• ship’s particulars
Contact:
Hafenärztlicher Dienst Bremerhaven
Freiladestrasse 1
27572 Bremerhaven
4.3 IMMIGRATION
Prior to arrival the master shall provide an actual crew and passenger list
(IMO FAL Form 5).
For all foreign crewmembers and passengers it is compulsory to have valid passport
documents to enter German territory or to stay in the harbour.
Formalities are handled by Federal Police, boarding the vessel usually on arrival.
Contact:
Grenzpolizei
Bundespolizeirevier Bremerhaven
Senator-Borttscheller-Str. 1
27568 Bremerhaven
Phone: +49 (0)471 9022970
E-Mail: bpol.bremerhaven@polizei.bund.de
4.4 CUSTOMS
Free Port Area:
Container Terminal
Columbus- Kaje with Passenger Terminal & Fruit Terminal
Überseehafen (Nordhafen, Osthafen)
Kaiserhafen II & III
4.5 ETA
Bremerhaven Port Radio VHF- Channel 12
Bremerhaven North Lock Radio VHF- Channel 10
Fischereihafen Lock Radio VHF- Channel 10
All ships are obliged to report their ship data and details of security measures according
to SOLAS XI- 2 to the Port Authority by electronic message latest 24 hours before
arrival. In the event of changes to the last notification, these shall be correctly notified
not later than 6 hours prior to arrival. In case of shorter voyages, notification shall be
effected upon departure from the previous port.
Data relating to statistic information on the cargo may be submitted after arrival of the
ship as well.
Additional notification for tankers:
Unpacked flammable liquids, liquefied gases, liquid chemicals or pumpable liquids
hazardous to the aquatic environment carried in bulk on board tankers must be notified,
including following details:
Mass of consignments
name of substances
hazard class and UN number
pollution category assigned by MARPOL Annex II if and when applicable.
Notification also applies to empty tankers which are not gas free. In this case, details of
previous cargo must be notified. Empty tankers with inerted cargo tanks must be notified
stating in addition that they are inerted.
Message must include:
ship’s name
GRT
date and time of arrival
freshwater draft in meters
length of ship
particulars on special cargo (heavy lifts, outreaching cargo etc.).
The electronic ETA message must be sent directly into the port community system or
alternatively via local agent or directly to the ship reporting service, where the data will
be processed against a service fee.
4.6 SHIFTING/ETD
All ships are requested to send an ETD- Message to Bremerhaven Port Authority at
least 2 hours before shifting or sailing. Any change has to be reported immediately.
Consignments of dangerous cargo due to be brought into the port area whether for the
purpose of cargo handling or in transit, must be notified electronically to the respective
cargo handling facility via the Dangerous Goods Information System of the ports of
Bremen / Bremerhaven.
The electronic message may be sent directly or alternatively via local agent into the port
community system or directly to the Bremen Ship Reporting Service, where the data is
processed in against a service fee.
In particularly justified cases the respective cargo facility may agree to a different way to
submit the notification. The notification is required at the latest prior to arrival of the
consignment in port. Notwithstanding the previous obligations, dangerous goods of the
hazard classes 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 5.2 (with subsidiary risk of class 1), 6.2 and 7, shall be
notified latest 12 hours prior to arrival of consignment in port. For goods of class 7,
copies of all legally required documents shall be attached to the notification.
German ordinance on particular requirements for the entry of vessels into German
territorial waters must be observed.
Waste notification specifying the amount and type of waste on board and indicating the
intended disposal has to be effected to the port authority by electronic message 24
hours before arrival.
According to local regulations garbage of any kind accumulated during vessels stay in
the harbour has to be disposed prior to sailing.
For normal household waste receptacles will be placed on board upon arrival. The
number of receptacles depends on vessels size and number of crew.
Receptacles are collected prior to sailing.
Charges will be collected with harbour dues.
Apart from household waste other types of waste require different receptacles which can
be ordered via agent or directly from the waste collector.
The waste notification (see above 4.8) shall include the amount of sludge, slops and
bilge- water on board and intended to be disposed.
Barges or road tankers for reception of slop, oily waste etc. are available.
The Pre-Transfer-Checklist is to be obeyed (see appendix 8 Bremen Port Ordinance on
our homepage: http://www.HBH.Bremen.de ).
All ships are charged with a fee for the disposal of waste. The fee is charged irrespective
of the actual use of the reception facilities. To receive a reimbursement of the substantial
part of the disposal expenses a reimbursement application is to be submitted to the
harbour due department. The expenses are reimbursed up to certain maximum
amounts.
5.1 GENERAL
The Port of Bremerhaven Authority places importance on complying with rules and
regulations. Therefore the vessel could be subject to inspections by inspectors of the
Transport and Environmental safety department or Port State Control. Since port
operations take place around the clock, these inspections may take place at day and
night time. To ensure a smooth operation, we advise to keep the documentation and
certificates mentioned in chapter 5.2 available at all time.
6.1 GENERAL
Masters of vessels staying in the port of Bremerhaven are obliged to report a number of
issues /events, or request for permission:
Report to:
Port Operation Office
Phone: +49 (0)471 596 13416
Fax: +49 (0)471 596 13423
VHF: Channel 12
7.1 GENERAL
Main port activities are the handling of containers, automobiles, fruits and
passengers.
Several shipyards are in operation with facilities of any kind of repair and dry-
docking.
7.2 DEVELOPMENTS
Offshore-Terminal planned located close to Blexen Roads.
The nautical supervision of the Port of Bremerhaven Authority covers following areas:
Stromkaje
Columbuskaje
Überseehafen
Kaiserhafen
Fischereihafen
Other Harbour Basins belong to the city of Bremerhaven and are mostly used by
pleasure boats. Access to these basins is via Neuer Hafen lock: 50 x 14 m, depth 2,95
m, VHF channel 69.
The maximum dimensions do not necessarily apply to all berths, quays or areas within
the port.
7.11 TRAFFIC
International shipping lines and European feeder services.
About 7000 ships call the port every year.
The port is connected to the hinterland by railway and highway.
Nearest airport with domestic and international flights is situated at Bremen (65 km).
7.12 CHARTS
Int. 1413, D 87 Deutsche Bucht / German Bight
Int. 1456, D 2 Mündungen/Mouths Jade/Weser
Int. 1457, D 4 River Weser
8.1 SPEED
There are no speed limitations within the port area. However, it is sailor’s good practice
to avoid danger and damage by swell and wash of waves.
8.2 UKC
A safe Under Keel Clearance is required. At berth the vessel should always be afloat,
recommended 1% of ships width.
8.3 RESTRICTIONS
Ships approaching or leaving the harbour may have a tidal window depending on water
depth at berth / in locks, tidal forecast and required UKC.
Fog restrictions:
Tankers with a total amount of cargo more than 2000 mtons are prohibited to proceed
on the river Weser if the visibility is less than 1000 m. Smaller tankers need a visibility of
500 m.
9.1 GENERAL
For emergency assistance in the case of an incident or accident on board and to alert
the police, fire fighters or ambulance, you can contact the Harbour Master’s Office via
VHF 12 or dial 112 (emergency phone number of the fire brigade) on telephone. Report
name of ship, berth and nature of calamity and maintain a listening watch VHF 12.
9.2 COLLISIONS/GROUNDINGS
On loosing anchors or chain, running aground, anchored in port, sunk by collision
or in any way out of control or in situations that may endanger the safety of
shipping, contact Harbour Master’s Office VHF 12 and report name of ship,
position and nature of situation.
9.3 SPILLS
All spills have to be reported to the Port Operation Office immediately. Failure to comply
with these laws is punishable by law.
11.1 GENERAL
This chapter provides information regarding all nautical services in the port and on the
river “Weser”.
11.2 VTS
The VTS on the river Weser is mandatory for all vessels over 50 m in length and all
vessels carrying dangerous cargoes. It is controlled by the Water and Shipping
Directorate with its sub- organization Wasser- und Schifffahrtsamt Bremerhaven by
Bremerhaven- Weser- Traffic.
The port of Bremerhaven does not maintain an own VTS, this service is covered By the
WSA for the port area outside the locks.
Reporting points:
All vessels (inward and outward bound) shall report before navigating on the river Weser
stating vessel’s name, position, dimensions and destination as follows:
Bremerhaven Weser Traffic
- Lightbuoy No 3a/Neue Weser Roads or light buoy No A1 (inbound) on channel 22,
Outbound before entering the river Weser and leaving the port of Bremerhaven.
Watch keeping:
Vessels should maintain a continuous listening watch as follows:
Bremerhaven Weser Traffic
Neue Weser
Lightbuoy No 3a/Neue Weser Roads to lightbuoy No 19/H Roads (inbound)
Lightbuoy 19/H Roads to lightbuoy No 4a (outbound) on channel 22 VHF.
Lightbuoy No 19/H Roads to lightbuoy No 37 on channel 02 VHF.
Lightbuoy No 37 to lightbuoy No 47/48 on channel 04 VHF
Lightbuoy No 47/48 to lightbuoy No 63 on channel 07 VHF.
Alte Weser
Lightbuoy No 1a to lightbuoy No 16a/A16 (inbound) on channel 22 VHF
Lightbuoy No 16a/A16 to lightbuoy No A2 (outbound) on channel 22 VHF
11.3 PILOTAGE
The river Weser pilotage area is divided into two districts: Sea pilots (mouth of river
Weser to Bremerhaven) and river pilots (Bremerhaven to Bremen). For ports south of
Bremerhaven change over of pilots take place off Bremerhaven in vicinity of river
Geeste.
For berthing in Bremerhaven docking pilots board vessels near Stromkaje (Container
terminal). Ships bound for the Fischereihafen are boarded north of river Geeste mouth.
all tankers except less than 60 meters in length and or 10 meters in width.
all seagoing vessels with a length over all of 90 meters or more or a beam over all of 13
meters or more or a draught of more than 8 meters.
Under normal weather conditions the pilot vessel is cruising 5 miles north of
Wangerooge lighthouse at buoys Weser3/Jade 2.
In rough weather the pilot vessel is cruising at the inside position near light buoy 17.
On request the pilot will board by helicopter if an approved landing or winching area
meeting the international standards is available. On special request pilots ma also
picked up from pilot cutter west of Helgoland.
Following vessels must take the pilot at Light Vessel “German Bight” when inbound:
Tankers with a length over all of 150 meters or more or a breadth over all of 23 meters
or more, Bulk carriers with a length of 250 meters and more or a B.o.a. of 40 meters and
more or a draft of more than 13, 5 meters.
All other vessels with a L.o.a. of 350 meters or more or a B.o.a. of 45 meters or more.
When taking the pilot at German Bight Light Vessel a 24 hour notice is required.
A 12 hour notice is required when taking the pilot at the boarding station near Racon
buoy Weser3/Jade2.
Corrected ETA messages should be sent three and one hour prior to arrival by VHF
channel 6 to pilot vessel.
Pilots can also be ordered to any port of sailing in the North Sea 24 hours prior to
sailing.
In case helicopter transfer of the pilot is required, the request should be sent 24 hours in
advance to the pilot station by stating in addition to the above information whether a
marked winching or landing area is provided indicating where this area is located.
An updated ETA message should be sent 6 hours in advance, while the exact time of
arrival has to be transmitted 2 hours in advance.
Short term requests for helicopter transfer of pilots will be accepted, but in this case no
guarantee will be given that the transfer is performed at the time desired.
Requests for pilotage shall be sent to the pilot station not later than 2 hours prior to
sailing by stating as well the sailing draft in meters.
For vessels departures between 1900 hours and 0800 hours the pilot has to be ordered
latest at 1700 hours.
Pilotage is compulsory for oil-, gas- or chemical tankers of more than 60 meters in length
or 10 meters in breadth and for all other sea going vessels of more than 90 meters in
length and/or 13 meters in breadth. Service is available 24 hours a day. Requests shall
be made at least 1 hour 15 minutes prior to arrival or departure via:
Harbour Master Office:
Phone: +49 (0)471 596 13416/7 or
VHF: Bremerhaven Port Radio, VHF channel 12.
11.6 TUGS
Tug service providers need a license from the Harbour Master. Services have to be
ordered directly or via the agent. Port operation office to be informed on towage provider
ordered. For boarding and/or unboarding docking pilots tugs and a pilot cutter are used.
A sufficient number of tugs from different tug companies is available day and night.
No extra charge for using tug lines.
Contacts:
Bugsier Phone +49 (0)471 487422/33 E-Mail: einsatzleitungBHV@bugsier.de
Festma Phone +49 (0)471 44488 E-Mail: office@festma.de
Boluda Phone +49 (0)421 3488219 E-Mail: operationsbremerhaven@boluda.eu
Svitzer Phone +49 (0)471 29001-9011 E-Mail: Bremerhaven@Svitzer.com
11.7 MOORING
Mooring service providers need a license from the Harbour Master. Services have to be
ordered directly or via the agent. Port operation office to be informed on mooring service
provider ordered. Use of boatmen is compulsory.
It is the Master’s responsibility to ensure a safe and efficient mooring throughout
vessel’s stay in the port.
Contacts:
Bugsier Mooring Service Phone +49 (0)471 4844821 E-Mail: mooring@bugsier.de
Festma Vertäu Phone +49 (0)471 44488 E-Mail: office@festma.de
Svitzer Towage GmbH Phone +49 (0)471 290019011 E-Mail: bremerhaven@svitzer.com
These guidelines are a copy of a section of the OCIMF Mooring Equipment Guidelines:
Mooring lines should be arranged as symmetrically as possible about the midship point
of the vessel. (Symmetrical arrangement is more likely to ensure good load distribution
than an asymmetrical arrangement).
Breast lines should be oriented as perpendicular to the longitudinal centre line of the
vessel and as far aft and forward as possible.
Spring line should be oriented as parallel as possible to the longitudinal center line the
vessel.
The vertical angle of the mooring lines should be kept to a minimum
Generally, mooring lines of the same size and type (material) should be used for all
leads. If this is not possible due to available equipment, all lines in the same service, i.e.
breast lines, spring lines, head lines, etc. should be the same size and type. For
example, all spring lines could be wire and all breast lines synthetic.
If tails are used on the wires, the same size and type of tail should be used on all lines
run out in the same service.
Mooring lines should be arranged so that all lines in the same service are about the
same length between the vessel’s winch and the shore bollard. Line elasticity varies
directly with line length and shorter lines will assume more load.
13.1 GENERAL
This chapter lists the main Terminal Operators
14.1 GENERAL
This section contains information on the rules and regulations regarding ship operations
in the port area.
It is not permitted:
to use incinerators
to conduct bottom or propeller cleaning
to fish without a permit
Painting and cleaning can be done, provided measures are in place to prevent spillage
into water or pollution or contamination of adjacent areas or objects.
WARNING:
Be advised that on River Weser there is a strong tidal current which might not be
suitable to conduct life boat drills.
Cold work - Repairs not involving and with no risk of fire or sparks
These repairs need to be reported to the Harbour Master’s Office if the vessel is
temporarily immobilized.
Hot work is only permitted when an approval is given by the authority in written form.
For repair and hot work on tankers special regulations are in force.
15.1 GENERAL
This chapter describes all relevant inspections that one can expect in the port of
Bremerhaven.
16.1 GENERAL
All kind of services are available in the port of Bremerhaven.
16.6 STORES
Ship’s stores can be ordered via agent. Supply will be delivered to all major berths.
16.8 REPAIRS
All kind of ship repairs can be conducted by several ship yards. Dry docks
and floating docks for vessels up to 335 m in length available.
Ship yards:
16.9 DERATTING
Certificates can be renewed by:
16.10 SURVEYORS
All major classification societies have representatives in Bremerhaven.
16.11 MEDICAL
There are 3 hospitals in Bremerhaven.
16.13 TRANSPORT
Next airport with domestic and international flights is situated in Bremen
(65 km from Bremerhaven). Internet: http://www.airport-bremen.de
16.15 BALLAST
No fixed ballast reception facilities available ashore, but dirty ballast can be
discharged into barges or road tankers.
Clean ballast can be discharged.
16.17 WATCHMEN
Watchmen are not compulsory but can be hired. Requirements as per ISPS-Code and
plans to be obeyed.
A waste notification specifying the amount of sludge slops and bilge water on board
indicating also the intended disposal has to be effected 24 hours before arrival. See
also waste notification form.