Porto da Povoa de Varzim (PTPDV)

Porto da Povoa de Varzim is an important fishing port 2.5 miles S of Ponta Carreiros. The port is an artificial harbour formed by 2 breakwaters, Molhe Norte and Molhe Sul, constructed over reefs converging from N and S; the E part of the harbour dries.

Summer.

Porto da Povoa de Varzim is situated 21nm S of Viana do Castelo and 12nm N of Leixoes.

LOA 46.55m, beam 8.52m, 250DWT, draught 3.0m.

Anchorage in good weather may be obtained off the harbour entrance in depths of 10.0-30m. Anchorage may be obtained inside the harbour but access to the quays must be kept clear.

Molhe Norte extends approx 900m SSW from the shore and Molhe Sul curves NW for approx 700m from a point on the shore, approx 1,200m SSE from the root of Molhe Norte; together they form an entrance open S. A light (metal tower, 5m in height) is exhibited from the head of Molhe Norte and a light (similar structure, 4m in height) is exhibited from the head of Molhe Sul. Several conspicuous high-rise buildings stand on the N side of the town. The bar of this port has a width of approx 150m and has a position of 41° 21.08'N 008°45.13'W, limited by two breakwaters, the North and South, which surround a large basin, where the maritime infrastructures are situated. Beyond the bar there is a channel, with a depth of 4.0m CD which allows access to the interior of the port. The channel has rocky bottom. The first one has a depth which varies from 3.0-4.0m CD and is delimited by a 280m length vertical quay. The second one has a depth that varies from 2.0-3.0m CD and is delimited by a 230m length vertical quay. At the northern end there is an infrastructure for the berthing of fishing vessels, with 3 gangways, total length of 387m, and an approach ramp for berthing a life boat. Caution: Passage across the bar is impractical with wave heights of more than 3m.

Admiralty Pilot NP67.

Pilotage is not available; local knowledge is required.

Lighthouse: Regufe Light tower, 22m high and 0.5 miles SE of the harbour.

Vessels without local knowledge should give a berth of 2 miles from the coastline and remain in depths of 40m. It is also noted a group of above-water rocks lie 1.2 miles S of the harbour.

Range max 3.5m; min 0.5m. Tidal streams are weak but there is an appreciable current along the coast and caution is necessary when entering or leaving the port. The heads of the moles are foul; Molhe Norte should be given a clearance of 60m and Molhe Sul a clearance of 30m. Caution: Passage across the bar is impractical with wave heights of more than 3.0m.