Skutskar (SESSR)

A small well-sheltered deep water harbour located within the Skutskar Mill, founded in 1895, which is operated by Stora Enso and services the port. The facility is a modern pulp mill that produces fluff pulp as well as paper pulp. As a result, the port primarily handles forest products as well as liquid products through Wibax AB. The location of the port means that it is generally closed from the beginning of Jan until the beginning of Apr due to ice. A wind farm is strategically located on the coast and along the breakwaters of the harbour and provides energy directly to the mill.

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

Skutskar is located on the E coast of Sweden, 6nm ESE of Gavle, in the Gulf of Bothnia.

Max LOA 149.93m, beam 24.6m, draught 6.9m and 22,430DWT.

Vessels unable to complete loading in the harbour can anchor 0.5nm NE of Skutskar Light in depths of 15.0-17.0m, sand and stones and complete loading there. Off Harnas there are depths of 6.0-8.0m, clay rock and sand. Vessels drawing up to 6.9m can anchor and secure to dolphin S of the W breakwater. Off Skutskar, S of Madero (60°39.2'N 017°24.5'E) there are depths of 4.0-6.0m, clay, in which vessels may anchor and secure to dolphins. Anchoring is prohibited in Holmuddsrannan, the dredged channel, as well as Gavle Harbour.

Approach: The harbour is approached from the E side of Gavle Bukten using the E deep water route into Gavle. East deep water route: From a position NE of Bjorn Light (60°38.4'N 017° 59.4'E) the passage leads W passing N of Campsgrund, marked by a buoy (N cardinal) to a position approx 3nm ESE of Eggegrund (60°43.8'N 017°33.7'E). Limo E Leading Lights: Front light (white rectangle, red band, on framework tower, 14m in height) (60°43.8'N 017°22.2'E). Rear light (white rectangle, red band, on framework tower, 21m in height) (0.4nm W of front light). From a position about 3nm ESE of Eggergrund, the alignment of these lights (271.5°) leads to a position S of Grasjalsbadan, passing (with positions from Eggegrund Light (60°43.8'N 017°33.7'E): Between Vaktaren (2nm SE) marked by a buoy (N cardinal) and Grussankan (1.5nm ESE), marked by a buoy (S cardinal). These buoys mark the N and S limits of the deepest water over the elongated shoal which extends for 5nm from Billskaten (60°39.7'N 017°30.9'E) on the mainland to Hansbadan 1nm E of Eggegrund. Then: S of Eggegrund on which stands Eggegrund Light. The sandy islet is approx 5m high and partly wooded. There are some houses near the light. Then: S of Sjalstenarna (2nm W), two treeless skerries surrounded by rocks awash, then: S of Grasjalsbadan (3nm W) a wooded islet. Directions for entering harbour: Leave the E deep water route at a position approx 1nm S of Sjalstenarna (60° 43.6'N 017°29.8'E) and head SW keeping within the white sector (210.5-226°) of Skutskar Light (mast, elevation 10m, at head of W breakwater) (60°39.4'N 017° 23.3'E) bearing 219° ahead.Leading lights: No 1 Light (yellow triangle, point up) (60°39.0'N 017°23.4'E) on roof of building. No 2 Light (yellow triangle, point down) (145m from front) on roof of building. When 0.5nm off the harbour entrance the alignment of these lights (215°) leads through the buoyed channel on the E side of Henrygrund, close N of the W breakwater, into the harbour. Then pass NW of Sjukantsgrundet, a 2.0m deep shoal marked by buoys (lateral) in the middle of the harbour into a basin from where the berths in Harnashamnen can be readily accessed. To reach the berths in Skutskarhamnen vessels must pass W and S of Sjukantsgrundet through a buoyed channel using the leads provided by Nos 3 and 4 Lights (124°) (posts with red triangles) and Nos 5 and 6 Lights (064°) (masts with black round daymarks). Caution: Unless in possession of local knowledge, large vessels should not attempt to enter the harbour after dark.

BA 2338. Admiralty Pilot NP20.

Pilots may be obtained from Gavle pilot station and meet vessels SE of Grasjalbadan. Compulsory pilotage for Category 1 vessels, Category 2 vessels with LOA 80m or beam 15m and over and finally Category 3 vessels with LOA 90m or beam 16m and over. A request must be made at least 24h in advance and then again 5h in advance.

The entrance channel to the port is indicated by a lighted range and marked by buoys as stated in the approach including a light which is shown from a mast standing at the head of the W breakwater. Prominent landmarks can also be seen including a church (conspicuous black pointed spire), tower and spire from the Skutskar Mill and finally a water tower situated at the SE side of the harbour. Skutskar wind farm can be seen as 5 wind turbines line the coast along the breakwaters when approaching the port.

The port is generally closed from the beginning of Jan until the beginning of Apr due to ice. Local knowledge is required and it is noted that large vessels should not enter the harbour during darkness.

Tugs available.

Prevailing winds: Variable. The port is generally closed from the beginning of Jan until the beginning of Apr due to ice.

Gavle pilots station contact information: VHF: Ch 13. Telephone: +46-771-63 06 10 E-mail: northcoastpilot@sjofartsverket.se Wibax AB contact information: Telephone: +46 911 250 236 E-mail: terminal.skutskar@wibax.com Skutskдr Mill - Stora Enso contact information: Telephone: +46 10 46 850 00.