Porto de Vila do Conde (PTVIC)

The port is currently closed for commercial operations. Information for the port is retained should the port reopen. The port is small with the main industries centred around fishing, tourism and shipbuilding. The mouth of the River Ave, which is entered from S, is protected by Molhe Norte extending approx 350m S from the W side of the entrance and by Esporao de Azurara extending approx 270m SW from the E side of the entrance. The port has a manoeuvring bay with a depth of 4.0m CD and a water area of approx 10,500mІ, limited by a ramp and a vertical quay.

Summer.

Porto de Vila do Conde is situated on the River Ave, approx 10nm N of Leixoes and 23nm S of Viana do Castelo.

Temporary anchorage may be obtained in depths of approx 20.0m, sand, approx 0.75nm SW of the head of Molhe Norte. Small vessels, in calm weather, can anchor closer to the entrance. Azurara anchorage: The natural anchorage of Azurara, on the S margin of the river can only be used with the tide. Fishing boats use it in stormy weather as it is well sheltered.

Depths in the river are approx 2.0m but are less on the bar and are subject to frequent change. Directions: Approach and entry is made on the alignment of leading lights: Approach: The alignment (079.5°) of leading lights on the shore at Azurara leads from WSW to the river entrance: Front light (white post, red bands, 7m in height) (41°20.1'N 008°44.4'W). Rear light (white pyramid on white building, red bands, 6m in height) (41° 20.2'N 008°44.1'W). Entry: The alignment (000°) of leading lights on the N bank, close inside the entrance, leads from the approach leading line across the bar and between the breakwaters: Front light (red column, white bands, 5m in height) (41°20.4'N 008°44.8'W). Rear light (similar structure) 140m N of front light.

Admiralty Pilot NP67, NP286(1).

Pilots are available during daylight hours from Mon-Fri. Local knowledge is required.

The port is defined by the final stretch of the river, from the bridge of the National Road No 13 in Vila do Conde to its bar. The bar of the port is approx 100m in width, position 41°20.07'N 008°21.15'W, being defined by the breakwater of N S da Guia and by the Esporao de Azurara (south). Beyond the bar of the harbour there is an outer harbour and upstream there is an access channel that leads to a landing stage and to a small sheltered dock, N S do Socorro, on the right bank of the Ave. On the right bank, there is a vertical quay, approx 1,300m in length, divided into distinct areas being the downstream area, approx 300m in length. Upstream, approx 50m away from the E of the pier of N S da Guia, there is an approach ramp for launching the lifeboat and for berthing boats which present difficulties in going up the river.

Useful mark: Mohle Norte Light (grey column, 8m in height), exhibited from the head of the breakwater.

Tidal streams are usually weak except during wet/flood season when the ebb stream is strong in the bend at the river mouth.

VHF: Port: Ch 16, 11. Call "Capimarviconde", 0900-1200hrs and 1400-1730hrs.