Channel and Bay

Because of its particular physiognomy that offers an excellent refuge to the ships against weather disturbances, and because of the diversity and the quality of its facilities and machinery, Pasaia has become a port that is able to satisfy all the needs of the ships that access it.

The Pasaia Port is a natural port made up of a bay that provides total shelter to the ships. Therefore, the loading and unloading works can be carried out safely during the whole year, whatever the state of the sea may be.

Its channel of entry has a minimum draught of 10 metres in low tide, with a sandy bottom. The bottom preserves itself naturally, with no need to dredge it.

Its docks are almost 4,500 metres long; approximately 1,000 of them are fishing docks, and around 3,250 are trading docks, while the rest is used for the construction and repair of ships and other auxiliary activities. The total land area adds up around 770,000 m². Opposite that area, the total water area adds up 910,000 m².

Access restrictions

MAXIMUM CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SHIPS THAT CAN ACCESS THE PORT

(Extract of article 13 of the Special Rules Attached to the Regulations on Services, Police and Port Regime: USE OF THE PORT, RESTRICTIONS AND CONDITIONS)

Maximum length
Generally, ships up to 185 metres long will be accepted. Ships longer than 175 metres with dangerous goods will not be allowed inside. Ships longer than 150 metres without propulsion and/or steer will not be allowed inside.

Maximum beam
Generally, ships up to 30 metres wide will be accepted.

Maximum draught
The maximum draughts of access to the port will be 29 feet on the stern and 28 feet on the bow, regardless of the restrictions of the destination dock.

Tide conditions
1. Ships up to 130 metres long:
. The ships with up to 25 feet draughts will be able to enter and exit the port 24 hours a day, whatever the tide may be.
. The ships with more than 25 feet draughts will only be able to enter or exit between 4 hours before and three hours after the low tide.
2. Ships longer than 130 metres will only be able to enter and exit during the growing tide.

Night traffic in the channel of access
The only ships allowed to travel through the channel of access during the night will be ships up to 140 metres long, or ships up to 80 metres long with no propulsion and/or steer.