Virtsu (EEVIR)

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.

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.

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

Outer area: LOA 130m, draught 6.5m. Inner area: LOA 90m, draught 5.0m.

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

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.

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.

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

Vessels approaching from the S embark a pilot from Virtsu Pilot station (58° 31.0'N 023°30.0'E). Call "Virtsu Pilot" on VHF Ch 16. Vessels approaching from the N embark a pilot from Lethma Pilot station (59° 08.0'N 022°56.5'E). Call "Lethma Pilot" on VHF Ch 16.

Virtsu Light (red and white square tower, 18m in height) is exhibited near the W extremity of Virtsu. A light is exhibited at an elevation of 5m, from a red column on the head of the pier at Virtsu.

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.

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.

VIRTSU 58°34.54'N 23°30.39'E UNCTAD LOCODE: EE VIR For details see: ESTONIAN ARCHIPELAGO PILOT REQUIREMENTS ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

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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 virtsu@saarteliinid.ee

ETA should be sent 48, and 24 hours in advance through Tallinn (ESA) or by agent, to the Tallinn Port Operator stating the following: ..... 1. ETA at the archipelago small port of destination 2. Draught fore and aft 3. Purpose of call This message will be redirected to the appropriate port. For reservation of the moorage the ship’s agent or Master shall send initial notice to ilmar.piilmann@saarteliinid.ee , and all changes shall be updated. A notice of arrival shall include the following information: ..... 1. Time of arrival 2. The ship's name, IMO number, overall length (Loa), draught 3. Reason for entering the port (loading/unloading/other) 4. Type and volume of the cargo 5. Consignor/consignee

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