Upernavik (GLJUV)

The open season is June to Nov. There is heavy ice in winter and the waters are navigable by ice strengthened vessels from June to November. The port handles general cargo, container, passenger and liquid cargo.

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Upernavik is situated on the SW side of Upernavik Island which lies midway along the SW side of the extensive archipelago between Kangeq peninsula and Upernaviks Isfjord.

Draught 4.2m.

Contact Port officials for permission to anchor. Outer anchorage: The best anchorage for medium size vessels lies at the SW end of Ikerssuaq, between Griseoen and the S end of Upernavik, in depths of 30-40m. Umiiarssuaq (72°47.0'N 056°06.0'W), located on the NW side of Lango, affords anchorage in depths of 35-40m on either side of a small promontory at its head, but is poor holding ground. A beacon (topmark red triangle, point up) stands on the W entrance point of the cove. Bangs Havn, a small bay fronted by an islet, is situated midway along the SE side of Upernavik, opposite Akugdiarssuk. Anchorage suitable for small vessels can be found approx 100m NNE of the islet in a depth of approx 17m, good holding ground. Vessels anchoring for an extended period are recommended to stern moor to the shore of Upernavik. Anchorage is also reported to be available in a bay on the E side of Lango, SE of Umiarssuaqarfik. Anchorage Light Beacon towers (aligned 197°) stand on the S harbour entrance point near to the oil storage tanks: Front light (framework tower, topmark red triangle, point up, 3.0m in height, 72°47.3'N 056°09.7'W). Rear light (framework tower, topmark red triangle, point down, 8.0m in height , 66m SSW). The holding ground in the harbour is poor, rock and mud bottom and during SW storms, very strong gusts come from the direction of Qaersorssuaq.

Directions: The port should be approached in daylight only, unless having local knowledge. Vessels making for Upernavik from S must approach from E of the rocks 14nm SSW of the harbour and then proceed between Hvalo and Bruuns O, to the W, and Qaersorssuaq, to the E. Care must be taken to avoid rocks, awash and below water, up to 0.25nm to seaward of Smedeo, before turning into the harbour entrance W and N of Isabel Islets, which lie off the S entrance point. The rocks off Smedeo lie E of a line joining Sondre Naes and the W extremity of Karrat. From NW, approach with the summit of the prominent mountain on Qaersorssuaq bearing 144°. This leads towards Kingigtortadglit, a group of islets and rocks off the entrance to Upernaviks Isfjord, which are a good navigational mark and can be passed close on the SW side. Then proceed SW of Kiatanguaq, between that islet and Talbot Reefs, direct to Upernavik. When the presence of ice makes it difficult in low visibility to identify Upernavik O by radar, an aero radio beacon which transmits from the N side of the harbour, is a useful navigational aid. Leading Lights (shown May-Dec) stand on the head of the harbour and aligned (108.5°) lead into the harbour clear of all dangers: Front light (framework tower, topmark triangle point up, 10m in height, 72° 47.4'N 056°08.9'W). Rear light (framework mast, topmark triangle point down, 5.0m in height).

BA 276, 235. Admiralty Pilot NP12.

1025.

Contact Port officials for berthing information.

Not compulsory but advisable. Unlicensed pilot is available by arrangement with the Port Operator. Vessels should send request for pilot with ETA. Pilot boards 1.0nm off the harbour entrance.

Contact port officials for further information.

The harbour freezes over from Nov or Dec until May or early Jun. Occasionally, break-up starts at the end of Apr but it is rare. During the winter the ice may attain a thickness of 60cm. After break-up, ice frequently drifts in the vicinity for as long as a month. Ice from Baffin Bay, which usually reaches Upernavik approx mid-Dec and leaves in early Jun, easily enters the harbour together with glacier ice and small icebergs.

Range 2.0m springs, 1.3m neaps. Tidal streams within the harbour are weak.

Prevailing winds: N'ly and S'ly. Local weather: Fog is prevalent when the ice breaks up and is usually associated with N and SW winds, which predominate in summer. Gales from the SW through the N create heavy sea and swell within the harbour, which is not safe and may prevent vessels entering, in these weather conditions. Long periods of settled weather are rare in summer and cloud on Qaesorssuaq usually indicates the onset of bad weather, as a rule from SW. There is a period of polar darkness from early Nov to early Feb and of midnight sun from mid May to early Aug. Fog: Will appear in May or Jun following the break up of winter ice.

UPERNAVIK 72°47.15'N 56°13.40'W UNCTAD LOCODE: GL JUV For details see: GENERAL NOTES ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

{ "widget_1_pilotage": { "area_groups": [ { "area_name": null, "pilots_area_description": null, "pilots_contact_details": [ { "station_call_name": null, "vhf_primary_watch": "16", "vhf_secondary_working": "13", "telephones": [ "+299 962033" ], "faxes": [ "+299 962034" ], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "HX" } ], "procedure": { "compulsory_text_note": null, "when_to_report": null, "how_to_report": null, "what_to_report": [], "pilot_boarding_positions": [ { "designator": null, "coordinates_or_verbose": "1 n mile off the harbour entrance", "vessel_particular_constraints": null } ], "pilot_disembarkation_positions": [], "leftover_text_notes": [] } } ] }, "widget_2_vts": { "cross_reference_redirect": null, "area_groups": [], }, "widget_3_tugs": { "contact_details": [], "availability_hours": null, "notes": [] }, "widget_4_port_and_notes": { "port_and_terminal_contacts": [ { "station_call_name": null, "vhf_primary_watch": "16", "vhf_secondary_working": "13", "telephones": [ "+299 962033" ], "faxes": [ "+299 962034" ], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "HX" } ], "standalone_general_notes": [] }, "formatted_text_original": "PILOTS PROCEDURE: (1) Pilot ordering: Vessels should send request for Pilot with ETA. (2) Pilot boards 1 n mile off the harbour entrance. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ PORT CONTACT DETAILS: VHF Frequency: Ch 16; 13 Telephone: +299 962033 Fax: +299 962034 HOURS: HX ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________" }

Radio: VHF: Port Operator Ch 13. Call "Upernavik Havnekontor". Aasiaat Radio Ch 16.

If there is anything to declare, contact the Port Office.

Cargo Manifest is required.

To be advised to Port Operator 24 hours prior to arrival.