Otterbacken (SEOTT)

Otterbacken is Lake Vanern's only natural deep-water harbour with a focus on dry cargo. The current permit for port operations allows for a maximum of 400,000t of cargo and 200 vessels handled annually. Since 1994, Vanerhamn AB have conducted the port and terminal operations at Otterbacken which consists of two berths handling a range of products including; fertiliser, glass, iron ore, lead, mineral ore, calcium oxide (quicklime), salt, scrap metal, slag and forest products. The locality of Otterbacken has a rich history dating back to the construction of the railway, from Nora to Otterbacken, by Nora Bergslags Jarnvag (NBJ) in 1875. During the same period, NBJ owned the port and it led to the expansion of the port in 1955.

Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Zone for ships of 100m or less in length. Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Located in the E part of Lake Vanern close to the Gota Canal.

Max LOA 89m, beam 13.35m, draught 5.4m and 5,790DWT.

Approx 400,000t of cargo and 111 vessels handled annually.

The fairway from Gothenberg is approx 50nm and the drop height between Vanern and the west coast in 44m. The approach follows NE of Lake Vanern approx 65nm to Otterbacken. There are 6 locks, drop heights range between 6m and 8m, which cater for the height difference. Lilla Edet lock has a height difference of 6m. Brinkebergskulle lock has a height difference of 6m. Four locks at Trollhattan have a total difference of 32m.

SW 133.

1000.

Otterbacken pilotage is situated under the Pilot Area Vanern which includes the lake areas of Vanern and Gota alv with Trollhatte canal and Byalven with Saffle canal. Pilotage is available throughout 24hrs and must be ordered no later than 24hrs before boarding and then again 5hrs before boarding. Ordering of a pilot must be done through the Swedish Maritime Single Window (MSW Reportal). Pilotage is compulsory for: Gota Alv (Tangudden to Vanersborg): Vessels in pilot duty 2 with LOA 60m, width 9m, draught 4m or more. Vessels in pilot duty 3 with LOA 60m, width 9m, draught 4m or more. Vanern (Vanersborg to all ports) Vessels in pilot duty 2 with LOA 70m. Vessels in pilot duty 3 with LOA 70m.

Main entrance of the Gota alv river is marked by lighted buoys and lighted beacons. Five prominent wind turbines are located at the N and S ends of Hjartholmen (57° 41.2'N., 11°47.7'E.) on the entrance to the Gota alv river. Another five wind turbines, 30ft high, are situated on the small peninsula lying 0.3mile E of Hjartholmen.

For vessels traversing from Vanersborg: Located at Vanersborg is a railway bascule bridge (58° 22.727'N., 12° 18.546'E.) and Dalbobron Bascule Bridge (58° 22.950'N., 12° 18.665'E) which has a clearance of 16m. The railway bascule bridge is currently out of service (24/03/2023) for trains, due to structural damage, however it is still operational and able to open for vessels traversing to and from Vanersborg and Lake Vanern. Any errors in marking, extinguished lights, drifting objects or anything that may be dangerous for shipping must be reported to the Maritime Administration. Contact info: Telephone +45(0)20 33 11 66 (available throughout 24hrs) VHF: MSI SWEDEN or Stockholm Radio.

Nil.

Sea traffic operates throughout 24hrs all year round. Max speed along the Trollhatte Canal is 10knts.

Vanerhamn provides four icebreaker tugs that are positioned throughout Lake Vanern and are available during winter months only.

Prevailing winds: Variable. Ice may impact Lake Vanern.

Otterbacken contact info: Telephone: +46-0551-222 50 or +46 551 14 19 20 E-Mail: otterbacken@vanerhamn.se Maritime Administration. Contact info: Telephone +45(0)20 33 11 66 (available throughout 24hrs) VHF: MSI SWEDEN or Stockholm Radio. Swedish Icebreaking Management OPC contact info: Telephone: Phone: +46(0)10 - 478 55 70 E-mail: susanna.olsson@sjofartsverket.se