Appeal to Mariners, Harbour Masters and Ship Owners

Home , Daina (Lithuania), Engure Municipality, Freeport of Riga, Gulf of Riga, Irbe Strait, Kihnu

Appeal to Mariners, Harbour masters and Ship Owners

Report to Maritime Administration of Latvia if: - information provided in this book does not correspond with the real-life situation; - mistakes or inaccuracies have been found in this book; - there is information regarding real or suspected new dangers to navigation.

Maritime Administration of Latvia contacts

Trijādības Street 5, Rīga, Latvia, LV-1048 Phones: +371 67 062 101 e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] www.lja.lv www.lhd.lv

ISBN 978-9984-628-72-1

Published by Maritime Administration of Latvia, 2002 The contents of this publication are protected by copyright and without special permission or agreement must not be reproduced in any way, shape or form.  Maritime Administration of Latvia, 2021

Translation provided by Daina Gross, 2014.

Updates: September 2021 Notices to Mariners: 2021: 103, 212, 243, 244, 245

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ...... 3 PART A ...... 5 Preface ...... 5 A.1. Sources ...... 6 A.2. General Information ...... 7 A.3. List of Abbreviations ...... 8 A.4. MAL Nautical Charts and Publications ...... 9 A.5. Aids to Navigation ...... 9 A.6. European Vertical Reference System ...... 10 A.7. Maritime Safety Information ...... 10 A.8. Search and Rescue at Sea ...... 11 A.9. Radiolocation ...... 13 A.10. Latvian Ports ...... 13 A.11. International Conventions and Regulations of the Republic of Latvia ...... 14 A.12. Chapter Index Diagram ...... 16 PART B ...... 17 B.1. Profile of Latvian Coastline ...... 17 B.2. Seabed Topography and Depths ...... 18 B.3. Seabed Composition ...... 19 B.4. Geomagnetism ...... 20 B.5. Climate Profile ...... 20 B.6. Sea Level ...... 31 B.7. Coastal Sea Level Observation Stations ...... 32 B.8. Sea Currents ...... 33 B.9. Wave Formation ...... 36 B.10. Sea Water Temperaure, Salinity and Density ...... 37 B.11. Water Clarity and Colour ...... 45 B.12. Hydrobilogy ...... 45 B.13 Ice Conditions ...... 46 PART C ...... 52 C.1. Ports of Latvia ...... 52 Gulf of Riga ...... 53 C.2. Ainaži – Kuiviži ...... 53 C.3. Port of Kuiviži ...... 54 C.4. Port of Salacgrīva ...... 56 C.5. Salacgrīva – Port of Skulte ...... 59 C.6. Port of Skulte ...... 60 C.7. Port of Skulte – Riga ...... 64 C.8. Freeport of Riga ...... 65

C.9. Riga ...... 73 C.10. Port of Jūrmala...... 74 C.11. Jūrmala – Engure ...... 76 C.12. Port of Engure ...... 77 C.13. Engure – Mērsrags ...... 79 C.14. Port of Mērsrags ...... 80 C.15. Mērsrags – Roja ...... 83 C.16. Port of Roja ...... 84 C.17. Roja – Kolkasrags cape ...... 86 Irbe Srait ...... 87 C.18. Irbe Strait ...... 87 C.19. Irbe Strait recommended tracks ...... 88 Central Baltic Sea ...... 89 C.20. Irbes Strait – Ventspils ...... 89 C.21. Freeport of Ventspils ...... 90 C.22. Ventspils – Pāvilosta ...... 97 C.23. Port of Pāvilosta ...... 98 C.24. Pāvilosta – Liepāja ...... 100 South-eastern Baltic Sea ...... 101 C.25. Port of Liepāja ...... 101 C.26. Liepāja – Pape ...... 108

PART A PART A Preface

Publication Baltic Sea Pilot. Latvian coast (hereinafter referred to as Pilot) is intended as guide to mariners and an additional source of information to nautical charts. The Pilot covers waters that fall under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Latvia in the Gulf of Riga and in the Baltic Sea Central and South-Eastern part and Latvian ports. Part A provides general information and explanatory notes. Part B contains information about natural conditions and weather in the territory of Latvia and the Baltic Sea. Part C contains information on Latvian ports and shipping routes. The description of Latvian waters and ports is arranged in east – west directions, starting with Ainaži. The 4th edition of the Pilot has been compiled using latest the information available to Maritime Administration of Latvia as well as in consultation with the Port Authorities. When sailing in Latvian waters the waters it is important to note that the international maritime boundary agreement between the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Lithuania has been drafted but not ratified in the Latvian Saeima (Parliament). Maritime boundary between the Republic of Latvia and the Kingdom of Sweden exists in accordance with the maritime boundary agreement made between the former USSR and Sweden in 1988.

This edition supersedes the 3rd edition of the Baltic Sea Pilot. Latvian coast published in 2014.

PART A A.1. Sources

Maritime Administration of Latvia publications: Nautical charts. Notices to Mariners. www.lhd.lv Publication No. 01 List of Aids to Navigation in the Waters of the Republic of Latvia. www.lja.lv

Sources for information about natural conditions: 2013 statistics from “Procesu analīzes un izpētes centrs” (Process Analysis & Research Centre). Eberhards G., Lapinskis J. Baltijas jūras Latvijas krasta procesi. (Baltic Sea Latvian coastal processes) Rīga: LU izdevniecība, 2008. Znotiņa V. Jūras biotopi (Sea biotopes) 2013, http://latvijas.daba.lv/biotopi/

Port regulations: Port of Salacgrīva Regulations, 2010, www.salacgrivaport.lv Port of Skulte Regulations, 2006, www.skulteport.lv Freeport of Riga Regulations, 2020, www.likumi.lv Port of Mērsrags Regulations, 2014, www.mersrags.lv Port of Roja Regulations, 2013, www.rojaport.lv . Freeport of Ventspils Regulations, 2020. www.likumi.lv Port of Pāvilosta Regulations, 2008, www.pavilostaport.lv Port of Liepāja Regulations, 2018 www.likumi.lv

The authors and sources of the visual materials are indicated below the tables and graphics.

PART A A.2. General Information

The Pilot is updated with Maritime Administration of Latvia monthly publication “Notices to Mariners”. Temporary (T) and preliminary (P) notices to mariners are not applicable for this publication. Geographical positions are given in the WGS84 system with accuracy to a tenth of a minute. Geographical names are given in Latvian or transliterated. If a feature has two official names, the description contains both of them. A name in the language of origin appears in brackets. Distances are expressed in nautical miles (1 international nautical mile = 1852 m), cables (1 cable = 0.1 nautical miles = 185.2 m) or metres. Depths are in metres and refer to the Mean Sea Level in 1977 Baltic height system (BHS-77). Heights (of hills, islands, etc.) are expressed in metres above the Mean Sea Level. Heights of structures are provided in metres above the ground level. True directions, bearings and light sectors (referring to a compass) are given in degrees, reckoned clockwise from N. Directions of leading lines and recommended tracks are shown from seaward to the coast. Time. Latvia is located in the Eastern European time (EET) zone (UTC +2 in winter, UTC +3 in summer). Summer Time (UTC+3) starts on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October. Wind. Wind speed is measured in m/s. In some cases wind speed is measured using the Beaufort wind force scale. Wind direction – which direction the wind is blowing from. An useful landmark can be either a natural feature or a man-made feature that is clearly visible in the surroundings and. is easy to identify and visible to mariners from a distance even in variable lighting conditions. Electricity supply. In Latvia the power supply is ~220V/50Hz (single-phase power), ~380V/50Hz (three-phase power). European standard 50 Hz power plugs. Public holidays – official holidays in the Republic of Latvia: January 1 New Year’s Day; Different date every year: Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday; May 1 Convocation of the Constitutional Assembly of the Republic of Latvia. Labour Day; May 4* Restoration of Latvian Independence Day; June 23 - 24 Summer solstice; November 18* Day of Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia; December 24 Christmas Eve; December 25-26 Christmas; December 31 New Year’s Eve. * If May 4 or November 18 fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the following working day is a public holiday.

PART A A.3. List of Abbreviations

ABS absolute (value) SBRS shore-based radar station AIS Automatic Identification System SE south-east approx. approximately SSN Safe Sea Net ASL Above Sea Level SSW south-southwest cm centimetre SW south-west cm/s centimetres per second t tonne, tonnage E east UTC Universal Time Coordinated EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone V volt GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System VHF very high frequency GRT Gross Registered Tonnage VTS Vessel Traffic Service GT gross tonnage W west h hour WSW west-southwest HMO Harbour Master`s Office WSW west-southwest hp horsepower s second HS Hydrographic Service SBRS shore-based radar station Hz hertz SE south-east IALA International Association of Marine Aids to SSN Safe Sea Net Navigation Lighthouse Authorities IHO International Hydrographic Organization SSW south-southwest IMDG code International Maritime Dangerous Goods SW south-west Code IMO International Maritime Organization kHz kilohertz km kilometre kn Knot LOA length overall LVĢMC Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre m metre m/s metres per second MAL Maritime Administration of Latvia max maximum mbar millibar min minute (of time) MRCC Latvian Naval Forces Coast Guard Riga Service Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre MSI Maritime Safety Information N north NE north-east NM Nautical mile NNE north-northeast NNW north-northwest NS observation station NtM Notices to Mariners NW northwest p. page RS Radar station S south s second

PART A A.4. MAL Nautical Charts and Publications

MAL Hydrographic Service publishes and updates the following navigational charts and publications: Standard nautical charts; Electronic navigational charts (ENC); Chart collection Leisure Craft Charts. Baltic Sea. Latvia; Monthly publication Notices to Mariners; Shipping Regulations; Publication No 01 List of Aids to Navigation in the Waters of the Republic of Latvia Publication No 02 Catalogue of Navigational Charts and Publications; Publication No 03 INT 1. Symbols, abbreviations and terms used on charts.

Nautical charts published by the MAL cover the territorial sea of the Republic of Latvia, the Exclusive Economic Zone and Latvian ports. Nautical charts are used for route planning, coastal navigation, as well as entering and leaving of ports. Nautical charts that cover waters of other countries are compiled using data from corresponding countries National Hydrographic Services. Charts can be ordered and purchased from the Maritime Administration of Latvia or using www.lja.lv/mapshop, or from the distributors listed in www.lja.lv. Nautical publications are available free of charge in digital format at www.lja.lv and www.lhd.lv.

A.5. Aids to Navigation

The IALA International Maritime Buoyage System: Region A. Navigation in the Gulf of Riga and in the open waters of Baltic Sea is aided by coastal and floating aids to navigation and lighthouses with overlapping light sectors. Dangers to navigation near recommended tracks and fairways are marked off with buoys. Port fairways may be equipped with leading lines, sector lights, breakwater light beacons and buoyage. Detailed information about floating and fixed aids to navigation can be found in the MAL publication No 01 List of Aids to Navigation in the Waters of the Republic of Latvia. When navigating in Latvian waters be aware, that during the winter or ice navigation period floating aids to navigation (buoys, spar buoys) may be withdrawn, out of position or damaged.

PART A A.6. European Vertical Reference System

Until now nautical charts have been compiled using Baltic normal height system 1977 (BHS-77), which is referred to the Kronstadt tide gauge. New - European vertical reference system is referred to Amsterdam Ordnance Datum (NAP) and as a result depths on charts will be reduced on average by 15 – 18 cm Gradually depths in charts will be recalculated, but during the transition period MAL will use two vertical reference systems. On charts which are compiled using BHS-77 vertical reference system depths can be reduced to new vertical reference system using values that are given in chart notes. New charts and chart editions will have reference to Baltic Sea Chart Datum 2000LAS-2000.5” (BSCD2000LAS-2000.5). Full transition to European Vertical Reference System is planned to complete by 2025. Information about water level observation stations can be found on www.meteo.lv. Information on the actual water level in the port should be requested from the relevant port authority.

A.7. Maritime Safety Information

Information about ship routes and fairways, anchorages, former mined areas, dumping grounds and other information important for safe navigation can be found in the annual edition of the publication Shipping Regulations as NtM 001 (in digital format and available free of charge at www.lja.lv and www.lhd.lv, under Notices to Mariners). Requirements for navigation in ports are outlined in the regulations of the relevant port.

PART A A.8. Search and Rescue at Sea

Search and rescue operations in Latvia are carried out by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of the Latvian Naval Flotilla Coast Guard Service (MRCC Riga). The area of responsibility for Latvian search and rescue is determined in accordance with Cabinet Regulation No 299, adopted on May 29, 2018 “Regulations for search and rescue at sea in the area of responsibility of the Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in the event of a maritime and aviation accident”. Latvia is within Sea area A1 and A2 of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). MRCC Riga is the national coordinator for COSPAS-SARSAT (International Satellite System for Search and Rescue). MRCC Riga provides daily VHF MSI and weather forecasts at 07.03 and 15.03 (Local Time). Mobile rescue units are situated in Rīga, Kolka, Ventspils, Jūrmalciems and Pāvilosta.

Reporting on marine accidents All marine accidents in Latvian waters must be reported immediately to one of the following services:

1. Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of the Latvian Naval Flotilla Coast Guard Service (MRCC Riga):

Address Meldru Street 5a, Riga, Latvia, LV-1015 Phone 115 (emergency) +371 67 323 103 (emergency) +371 29 476 101 +371 67 082 070 Fax +371 67 320 100 +371 29 270 690 INMARSAT-C 581 427502310: MRCC / ISPS / MAS In COSPAS-SARSAT system MRCC Riga fulfills SPOC Latvia obligations. Registeret Inmarsat RescueNet user. E-mail [email protected], [email protected] Web page www.mrcc.lv Radio communication VHF channel 16, 2182 kHz frequency Guard 24 / 7 Call sign “Riga Rescue Radio” DSC MMSI Nr. 002750100 uz VV2187,5 kHz un VHF DSC channel 70

2. VTS of nearest port. Contact information of port VTS is available in Notices to Mariners first notice Shipping Regulations.

PART A

Graph.1. MRCC RIGA area of responsibility. MAL data.

PART A A.9. Radiolocation

RACONs operate on the X-band (9 GHz; 3cm wavelength) and S-band (3 GHz; 10 cm wavelength) marine radar band, they receive radar pulses and respond with encoded Morse characters. The accurate location of the ship can be determined using the bearings and distance. Racon’s accuracy is never below 99.6% and it may be used for the following purposes: - to identify aids to navigation (AtoN); - to identify coastline, areas and objects that could be hazardous to navigation; - to indicate turning points in ship routes; - to indicate bridge pylons; - as leading radar transponder beacons.

The region has standard radiolocation throughout the year. The best conditions for radiolocation are during the daytime.

A.10. Latvian Ports

There are three large ports in Latvia: Rīga, Ventspils and Liepāja and eight small ports: Kuiviži, Salacgrīva, Skulte, Jūrmala, Engure, Mērsrags, Roja and Pāvilosta located along the Latvian coastline. The large ports are primarily specialized for reloading transit cargo – approximately 80% of cargo that’s in transit through Latvia is reloaded in these ports, most of which are oil products, coal, timber and cargo containers (Ministry of Transport, Statistics. 2013). The small ports are primarily used for reloading timber and landing fish products, during summer they serve as yacht harbours. The small ports currently play an important role in the Latvian economy and have developed into centres for regional economic activity. Historically the smaller ports have been and still remain the place for the docking and unloading of fishing boats. Fisheries in the ports and nearby contribute to the export of the bulk of processed Latvian fish products. Various types of wood products are handled at the ports: pulpwood, timber, cellulose and fuel chips, as well as peat. Approximately 10% of wood products exported from Latvia are transported from the smaller ports.

PART A A.11. International Conventions and Regulations of the Republic of Latvia

List of international maritime multilateral agreements ratified by the Republic of Latvia. International conventions currently in force. UNCLOS: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982. IMO: Convention on the International Maritime Organisation, 1948. IHO: Convention on the International Hydrographic Organisation, 1967. SOLAS: International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 and its Protocol of 1988, as amended. MARPOL: International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 and its Protocol of 1978, as amended. STCW: International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended. MLC: Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended. AFS: International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, 2001. ARREST: International Convention on Arrest of Ships, 1999. BUNKERS: International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001. BWM: International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004. CLC: Protocol of 1992 to amend the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969, as amended. COLREG: Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended. CSC: International Convention for Safe Containers, 1972. C108: Convention (No. 108) concerning Seafarers' National Identity Documents, 1958. FAL: Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965, as amended. FUND: Protocol of 1992 to amend the International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage, 1971, as amended. FUND: Protocol of 2003 to the International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage, 1992. INMARSAT: Convention on the International Maritime Satellite Organization, 1976, as amended. INTERVENTION: International Convention Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Oil Pollution Casualties, 1969 and its Protocol of 1973, as amended. LL: International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 and its Protocol of 1988, as amended. LLMC: Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976 and its Protocol of 1996, as amended. NUCLEAR: Convention relating to Civil Liability in the Field of Maritime Carriage of Nuclear Material, 1971. OPRC: International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990. PAL: Protocol of 2002 to the Athens Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea, 1974. SALVAGE: International Convention on Salvage, 1989. SAR: International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979, as amended. STCW-F: International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995. SUA: Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, 1988 and Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf, 1988. SUA: Protocol of 2005 to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, 1988 and Protocol of 2005 to the Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf, 1988. TONNAGE: International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969.

PART A

Laws and Regulations of the Republic of Latvia Port regulations are available on the relevant port websites. The laws and regulations of the Republic of Latvia can be accessed via the website www.likumi.lv. This site contains the most current information on amendments to laws and regulations. The site shows the current status of legislation with links between pieces of legislation and links to their translations.

PART A A.12. Chapter Index Diagram

Graph 2. Chapter index direction. MAL data.

PART B PART B B.1. Profile of Latvian Coastline

Gulf of Riga coast The E coast of the Gulf of Riga near Ainaži is low and covered in grasslands. Coastal meadows (randu meadows) lies S of Ainaži. Coastal dunes are mostly covered with pine forests. Stony beaches stretches from Salacgrīva to Saulkrasti. Larger boulders are located near Tūja and Dunte. Gulf or Riga Southern coast from Saulkrasti to Engure is mostly covered in sandy beaches. Dunes are overgrown with pine forests. Low and grassy seashore stretches from Engure to Mērsrags. Near the Bērzciems village beach and shallow coastal waters are overgrown with reeds. The area near Mērsrags has both – low, grassy seashore and rocky, sandy beaches. From Mērsrags to Roja low, sandy beaches is alternating with stony beaches. The coastline stretch from Roja to Kolkasrags cape is mainly a sandy shore; the seashore near Kaltene and Roja is rocky but from Mērsrags to Kaltene the seashore is sandy. Almost all cast of Gulf of Riga is exposed to wave erosion. Accumulation of sediments is observed only near Ainaži and in Southern part near River Gauja, River Daugava and River Lielupe. The coastline of the Gulf of Riga does not have a distinct headlands. The most prominent is Mērsrags cape on the W coast; less distinct are Ķurmrags and Rankuļrags on the E coast. The largest rivers that flow into the Gulf of Riga: Daugava, Gauja and Lielupe, less significant rivers – Salaca, Aģe and Roja. The largest coastal lakes: Engure, Babīte and Ķīšezers.

Irbe Strait coast Irbe Strait covers area between Kolkasrags cape in the E and Ovišrags headland in the western part. To the North Irbe Strait continues to Sõrves peninsula, Estonia, but southern border stretches from Kolkasrags cape to Ovišrags headland for approx. 31 M. Northern coast of the strait within the Estonian waters is surrounded by rocky shoals. Kolkasrags cape is low, with sandy beaches. Area around the Kolkasrags cape is affected by wave erosion, especially during storms. With prolonged W winds navigation the Irbe Strait could become difficult as currents change direction. Coast from Kolkasrags cape to Ovišrags headland is low and sandy, dunes are covered in forests. Accumulation of sand and sediments can be observed around the Ovišrags headland. Largest river flowing in the Irbe Strait – Irbe.

Central Baltic Sea Eastern coast The E Baltic coastline is moderately indented. Eastern coast is subject to wave erosion. Shore erosion is most noticable near Užava, Jūrklane, Saraiķi. Some parts of the coastline have steep slopes, for instance the Jūrkalne seashore bluffs that are up to 18 m high. The coastline from Pāvilosta to Liepāja is dominated by sand dunes. From Liepāja to the Lithuanian border the E coast of the Baltic Sea is low and flat. Most prominent headlands: Ovišrags, Akmensrags. The largest rivers that flow into the Baltic Sea – Venta, Saka. The biggest coastal lakes: Būšnieku, Liepāja, Tosmare.

PART B B.2. Seabed Topography and Depths

Baltic Sea is shallow, partially enclosed inner sea.The Oviši – Sõrve threshold forms a natural border between the Gulf of Riga and the Baltic Sea. The shoal depths here are less than 10 m and in the middle of the threshold, there is a 20-22 m deep ravine in the NW section of the waterway on the Irbe Strait. The Irbe Strait deeper water zone with a depth of over 25 m is located E of the Ovīši – Sõrve threshold within the Irbe Strait territory. Most of the Gulf of Riga is occupied by the Central Depression with a rather flat seabed and average depth of 40 m. The deepest part of the Gulf of Riga - Mērsrags trough (depth 66 m) is located in the W part of the depression, approximately 7 M N of Mērsrags. The rift is approximately 50 m wide and 2.4 M long with a steep slopes, approx. 20 m in height. In the Central part of the Gulf of Riga in NW-SE direction stretches Central elevation – Gretagrunda shoal. Roņu (Ruhnu) Island is located in the northern part of this shoal. To the W of Ovišrags headland and in the Irbe strait lies numerous shoals. NW from Ovišrags cape lies Bezimjannaja and Vinkova shoals. There is a relatively shallow stretch of water from the Ovīšrags headland to Pape lighthouse on the E coast of the Baltic Sea. The 20 m depth contour is located approximately 1.8-8 M from shore. After the 20 m depth contour the depth increases to 50-90 m, but approximately 45 M W, SW of Ovīšrags headland is the location of the Gotland depression where the depth is over 200 m. The areas on the E coast of the Baltic Sea that are dangerous to navigation are primarily located near the shore, on average within the 20 m depth contour range.

PART B B.3. Seabed Composition

The Baltic sea bed is primarily covered with a layer of sand, occasionally there are stones, pebbles, grit and cockleshells in the shallow waters. A layer of mud (pelite and fine-grained aleirite) with organic remains settles in the deeper spots where the current is slow. Sand washes off and band clay is exposed on slopes where the current is faster. Middle-Devonian exposures can be found on the shoals around Roņu (Ruhnu) Island, as well as the underwater slope between Skulte and Tūja (Gauja sandstone series), between Ragaciems and Jaunķemeri (Pļaviņu dolomite series) on the Gulf of Riga coast. Muddy sand can be found in some areas in the N part of the gulf and S of Kolkasrags. Most of the central part of the gulf after the 20 m depth contour is covered with a layer of mud. The Gretagrunda Shoal was formed by accumulated sand with scattered boulders – the remains of the ice age, Roņu (Ruhnu) Island is located in the N part. The density of quaternary silt deposits usually never exceeds 10 m. A number of regions on the Gulf of Riga coast contains a large amount of rocks (between Mērsrags and Engure, between Tūja and Ainaži). See graph. 3.

Graph. 3. Chart of bottom sediments of the Gulf of Riga1

1 Stiebriņš O. and Väling P. Bottom Sediments of the Gulf of Riga: Explanatory Note to the Bottom Sediments Map, Scale 1 : 2 000 000. Geological Survey of Latvia, 1996. 19

PART B

B.4. Geomagnetism

Calculated magnetic declination for 2020 is East and it varies from approximately 7° in southwest to 9° in northeast (UK/US World Magnetic Model – Epoch 2020, Main Field Declination (D)). The magnetic declination is E 8'-11' per year. The Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga contain large number of regions with magnetic anomalies and smaller local magnetic anomalies. The most distinct anomalies are located near the E coast of the Gulf of Riga and near Port of Skulte. There lies large magnetic anomaly area which is not resurveyed, but it is reported that declination can vary from 6°W – 17°E

B.5. Climate Profile

Latvia is located in a temperate climate zone characterised by minimal changes in the average daily (measured over a 1-month period) temperature and annual temperature, a high level of air humidity, significant cloud cover and frequent rainfall. Winters are comparatively mild with predominantly cloudy weather and frequent precipitation. Extreme cold is rare and lasts for a short period of time. Storms during the cold season cause thawing. Winds are predominantly S, SW and W and bringing storms and blizzards. Spring is usually cool and long with less precipitation than during the winter season. Changing winds and frequent fogs are typical for this time of the year. Storm activity subsides. Summer is mostly cool with frequent cloudy periods. It is rarely hot and then only for a short time. Winds are mainly N and NW. There is more frequent precipitation at the end of summer, primarily heavy showers. Autumn is usually reasonably warm. The weather is variable, often overcast with rain and fog. Autumn usually starts with an Indian summer however end of autumn is characterised by strong winds and frosts. Current weather forecasts can be found on the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC) website www.meteo.lv Marine data portal https://marine.meteo.lv/ provides local information about winds, waves, water level, currents, ice and other information.

Air Temperature and Humidity The coldest winter month in the coastal areas is February when the average temperature on the coast is –2.5°C ...– 4.5°C while in January it is –2.0°C...–4.°C. The warmest summer month is July, the average temperature is similar all along the coast – around +16°C... +17°C. On some days it may reach +31°C...+34°C. Relative humidity is highest in the winter months (from November to February) 85–90% and lowest in the summer months (from April to August) 75–80%. In summer, relative humidity changes significantly over the course of a 24-hour period – it is the highest around sunrise but decreases significantly in the afternoon. In winter relative humidity does not change much over 24 hours. See graph. 4 – 7.

PART B

Graph. 4. Average temperature in May 2

Graph. 5. Average temperature in July. 2

2 BaltAn65+ reanalysis: Luhamaa A., Kimmel K., Mannik A., Room R. High resolution re-analysis for the Baltic Sea region during 1965–2005 period. Clim Dyn (2011) 36: 727–738.

PART B

Graph. 6. Average temperature in October 2

Graph. 7. Daily course of relative humidity in May and December. Liepāja weather station. LVĢMC data

PART B Winds S, SW are the prevailing winds on the Latvian coast over the course of the year. Average monthly wind speed at the height of 10–12 m is around 3 m/s on the coast, around 6 m/s in the Gulf of Riga and up to 10 m/s in the open sea. Gusts of wind can reach a speed of 30–35 m/s. There are seasonal variations in wind speed – the months with the highest average monthly wind speed are the winter months – December and January but the months with lowest average monthly wind speed are April to August – in spring and summer. SW, W winds reach a maximum wind speed but NE winds have minimum wind speed. In the summer months winds have a distinct daily course. The calmest time of day is night and the morning hours; winds increase during the day, in the afternoon in particular. Winds usually reach force 7–8, sometimes force 9–10 on the Beaufort scale. It is possible that some years the strongest storms have not been recorded. Similar to the average monthly wind speed, strong wind gusts are more common in late autumn or early winter – from October to January, but in summer (from May to August) strong wind gusts are rare. Storm winds are usually W and SW but can also be S, SE winds. Storms usually last around 24 hours but on the rare occasion a storm can continue for two, three days. Wind lulls are rare. Lull frequency is 1–3 % in winter, up to 6% in the summer months. Land-ocean interaction creates sea breezes in the Gulf of Riga and on the Baltic Sea coast. When there is a wind lull or slight wind on land then during the day the wind will blow from the sea – a sea breeze, but at night it is the opposite – a land breeze. Breezes can be detected on the Latvian coast from April to September, most frequently in June and July. The average wind speed for both sea and land breezes is 2–4 m/s however in some cases they reach a speed of 9 m/s. See graph. 8-14.

Graph. 8. Course of daily wind speed in July and November. Ventspils weather station, LVĢMC data

PART B

Graph. 9. Average monthly wind speed and direction in March. Graph. 10. Average monthly wind speed and direction in July. 3 3

Graph. 11. Average monthly wind speed and direction in Graph. 12. Average monthly wind speed and direction in 3 September. December . 3

3 BaltAn65+ reanalysis: Luhamaa A., Kimmel K., Mannik A., Room R. High resolution re-analysis for the Baltic Sea region during 1965–2005 period. Clim Dyn (2011) 36: 727–738.

PART B

Graph. 13. Average no. of days in the month where Graph. 14. Average no. of days in the month where maximum maximum wind gusts have exceeded 13,9 m/s (force 7). wind gusts have exceeded 13,9 m/s (force 7). Rīga, 1980–2005, Ventspils, 1980–2009, LVĢMC data LVĢMC data

Fog and Visibility An average of 20 – 40 days per year in the Gulf of Riga are foggy but near the shores of the open waters of the Baltic Sea approximately 50 days are foggy. Occasionally there is fog in the SE part of the gulf but more frequently in the N part and the Irbe Strait. An average of four, six days per month are foggy. Fog occurs least frequently in July – September, when the total number of hours of fog add up to less than 80 hours per month. Fog occurs most frequently in the colder months (November – March) totalling up to 175 hours per month. Average annual number of days with fog observed in all weather stations is 208 hours, this ranges from 94 hours in Skulte to 276 hours in Liepāja. See Tables 1 and 2. When the weather is fine visibility at sea is over 5 NM. Visibility is best from July to August while in September and October it declines. Visibility is poorer during the colder months than the warmer months. The possibility that visibility will be less than 2 M is approximately 10%, in comparison, during the warmer months the likelihood is around 5%. Visibility at sea in winter is reduced by fog, frost, heavy snow and snowstorms but in spring and autumn – fog, haze and rain. Near the cities visibility is reduced because of air pollution.

PART B

Table 1. Meteorological Table FOG 1961 - 2000

AINAŽI SKULTE RĪGA MĒRSRAGS

Number of Number of Number of Number of Duration of Duration of Duration of Duration of days with days with days with days with fog fog, hours fog, hours fog, hours fog, hours fog fog fog Months

Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum

Average monthly Average monthly Average monthly Average monthly Average monthly Average monthly Average monthly Average monthly Average I 10 3 100 13 11 1 72 8 11 3 59 14 8 2 90 14 II 13 4 116 21 12 2 96 13 13 3 79 16 13 3 122 17 III 13 4 86 23 8 3 69 14 9 4 80 18 11 4 105 24 IV 11 4 74 27 8 3 49 11 9 3 47 13 10 4 80 26 V 10 3 55 18 7 2 53 11 7 3 31 9 14 3 77 17 VI 6 1 27 4 3 1 8 2 5 2 22 4 4 2 19 5 VII 5 2 31 5 4 1 17 2 9 3 30 7 7 2 30 6 VIII 8 2 29 6 5 1 17 4 10 3 45 11 9 3 32 10 IX 8 2 70 9 5 1 24 4 12 4 71 16 8 3 44 11 X 13 3 62 14 7 2 42 11 10 4 81 21 9 3 98 19 XI 8 2 55 13 7 2 41 8 9 4 64 23 9 3 67 17 XII 12 3 33 10 9 2 42 6 11 4 115 22 6 2 63 12

Table 2. Meteorological Table FOG 1961-2000

KOLKA VENTSPILS PĀVILOSTA LIEPĀJA

Number of Number of Number of Number of Duration of Duration of Duration of Duration of days with days with days with days with fog fog, hours fog, hours fog, hours fog, hours fog fog fog Months

Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum

Average monthly Average monthly Average monthly Average monthly Average monthly Average monthly Average monthly Average monthly Average I 12 3 138 22 10 4 59 16 14 3 90 16 13 4 83 18 II 13 4 139 27 11 4 93 20 11 4 102 22 17 5 103 25 III 20 6 175 46 12 6 106 36 13 6 129 39 13 6 103 40 IV 14 6 144 46 14 7 91 41 13 6 99 41 14 7 98 42 V 12 5 114 36 13 6 110 35 12 5 109 29 17 7 118 32 VI 11 2 81 11 12 5 154 23 13 4 141 23 13 5 74 21 VII 10 2 52 8 13 4 66 14 10 4 56 16 9 3 54 13 VIII 9 2 34 8 8 3 31 10 10 3 46 15 10 3 40 13 IX 11 2 78 11 9 2 46 10 8 3 50 13 8 3 38 11 X 11 3 140 19 10 3 85 17 10 4 77 24 12 4 73 23 XI 8 2 83 14 7 3 52 14 10 3 61 17 9 3 57 16 XII 8 2 74 12 8 3 83 15 10 3 75 17 11 5 84 22

PART B Precipitation The different forms of precipitation are primarily caused by aberrations in atmospheric circulation. Essential preconditions for precipitation above the Baltic Sea are frontal processes associated with the cyclone movement from North Atlantic to E and NE. Their position changes throughout the year, the least amount of precipitation occurs in February and March – when the monthly amount of precipitation is 30–40 mm and most precipitation occurs from August to October: 65– 80 mm. The maximum recorded monthly amount of precipitation along the shore has been 290 mm. Rainfall typically averages 600–650 mm throughout the year with a minimum of 586 mm in Riga and a maximum of 723 mm in Pāvilosta. See Meteorological Tables 3 – 9. Table 3. Meteorological Data AINAŽI 1970-2010 Probability of Wind distribution, % Wind speed, m/s decreased visibility, Precipitation, mm Air temperature, °C %

Wind direction

Months km 3 km 2 km 1

minimum

average

gusts

speed

N NE E SE S SW W NW total Monthly

Less than Less than Less than Less

Monthly Monthly average Monthly

Calm

Absolute minimum Absolute

Absolute maximum maximum Absolute maximum Absolute maximum Absolute

Monthly total Monthly

Monthly total maximum total Monthly I 8 6 11 15 23 17 12 8 2 4,9 17 25 10 7 7 41 107 5 8.1 -4,1 -35,7 II 10 8 12 16 24 13 8 7 1 4,6 14 21 13 12 9 29 73 7 10.8 -4,6 -33,4 III 9 7 13 13 22 13 11 10 2 4,4 14 21 12 9 9 32 61 10 18.3 -1,3 -28,8 IV 9 9 14 13 15 12 13 12 2 4,1 13 20 12 11 9 36 137 1 25.3 4,4 -15,3 V 8 7 11 11 13 14 18 16 2 3,9 14 21 8 6 6 41 86 9 29.5 10,2 -6,0 VI 8 6 10 8 12 15 22 17 3 3,7 13 20 8 6 6 61 161 12 32.4 14,5 -1,3 VII 8 5 12 12 12 15 17 15 4 3,6 15 18 8 5 5 59 132 8 32.2 16,9 0,0 VIII 7 8 15 14 11 16 14 13 3 3,7 13 19 7 6 6 73 200 0 33.0 16,3 0,0 IX 8 8 14 16 15 18 11 9 2 4,3 16 19 10 9 9 71 163 4 30.0 11,9 -4,8 X 10 8 12 17 19 15 9 8 1 4,8 18 24 10 8 8 78 157 9 22.0 7,2 -13,8 XI 7 6 13 23 23 13 8 6 1 5,0 15 26 12 11 11 69 127 5 15.4 2,1 -18,7 XII 8 5 13 20 22 11 10 9 1 5,0 16 24 8 7 6 53 106 14 10.1 -1,7 -37,1 Year 8 7 12 15 17 15 13 11 2 643

Table 4. Meteorological Data SKULTE 1971-2010

Probability of Wind distribution, % Wind speed, m/s Precipitation, mm Air temperature, °C decreased visibility, %

Wind direction

Months

total

gusts

speed

N NE E SE S SW W NW Monthly

Less than 3 km 3 than Less km 2 than Less km 1 than Less

Monthly average Monthly average Monthly

Calm

Absolute minimum Absolute

Absolute maximum maximum Absolute maximum Absolute maximum Absolute

Monthly total minimum total Monthly

Monthly total maximum total Monthly I 8 7 11 18 22 17 7 7 2 3,7 17 22 7 5 1 41 90 6 8,4 -4,1 -32,7 II 9 11 13 21 19 14 5 7 2 3,4 20 34 12 11 4 33 69 6 11,0 -4,1 -31,2 III 9 10 14 17 16 14 7 11 3 3,3 18 28 10 8 4 34 72 9 19,0 -0,6 -25,4 IV 9 11 15 13 11 11 7 18 5 3,1 10 20 6 6 3 39 117 5 26,1 5,0 -10,8 V 10 9 12 12 9 13 8 23 4 2,9 12 23 4 4 1 45 108 16 30,1 10,6 -5,1 VI 10 9 10 8 8 16 10 25 4 2,9 14 20 1 1 0 63 226 14 33,0 14,8 -2,3 VII 9 8 14 11 9 15 9 21 5 2,9 10 21 1 1 0 74 179 4 32,3 17,1 0,0 VIII 7 9 16 14 10 15 9 15 4 2,9 18 24 1 1 0 77 275 0 33,4 16,5 0,3 IX 6 11 15 17 14 17 6 10 4 3,3 12 24 2 2 0 68 143 0 30,2 12,1 -4,3 X 8 10 13 21 21 13 6 7 2 3,6 20 24 5 5 2 70 195 0 21,9 7,2 -12,2 XI 6 8 13 27 25 10 5 5 1 3,8 20 34 6 6 3 63 112 0 15,0 2,0 -17,7 XII 7 7 13 22 24 10 7 7 1 3,7 14 24 6 6 2 52 87 0 11,2 -1,8 -32,7 Gadā 8 9 13 17 16 14 7 13 3 657

PART B

Table 5. Meteorological Table RĪGA 1971-2010 Probability of Wind distribution, % Wind speed, m/s decreased visibility, Precipitation, mm Air temperature, °C %

Wind direction

Months km 3

gusts

speed

Monthly total Monthly

N NE E SE S SW W NW than Less km 2 than Less km 1 than Less

Monthly average Monthly average Monthly

Calm

Absolute minimum Absolute

Absolute maximum maximum Absolute maximum Absolute maximum Absolute

Monthly total minimum total Monthly

Monthly total maximum total Monthly I 6 5 6 13 29 20 13 7 2 4,0 22 30 33 81 11 9,8 -3,6 -33,7 II 9 7 6 11 29 16 10 10 2 3,7 16 22 28 88 3 13,5 -3,4 -34,6 III 13 6 7 11 22 15 11 13 2 3,7 19 22 28 75 8 20,5 -0,2 -23,3 IV 20 9 8 15 13 10 8 14 3 3,5 15 24 35 117 4 27,9 5,1 -11,1 V 19 5 8 12 14 11 10 18 3 3,3 13 19 42 104 8 30,4 10,6 -5,1 VI 19 6 8 11 13 12 10 18 3 3,2 15 26 58 135 20 32,5 14,3 -1,2 VII 16 5 6 12 17 14 10 16 3 3,0 15 23 69 150 16 34,1 16,1 0,0 VIII 13 7 9 14 17 16 10 12 3 2,9 15 20 68 242 8 33,6 15,4 0,0 IX 11 8 9 12 22 20 8 8 3 3,3 16 18 65 152 21 29,4 11,1 -4,1 X 8 8 8 16 26 16 9 7 2 3,7 17 20 63 176 18 23,4 6,5 -8,7 XI 5 5 8 20 34 14 8 4 2 4,0 20 31 53 113 8 17,2 1,8 -18,9 XII 6 5 8 15 32 18 9 6 2 3,9 20 23 43 92 18 10,8 -1,9 -31,9 Gadā 12 6 7 13 22 15 10 11 2 586

Table 6. Meteorological Table MĒRSRAGS 1971–2010 Probability of Wind distribution, % Wind speed, m/s decreased visibility, Precipitation, mm Air temperature, °C %

Wind direction

Months

gusts

speed

N NE E SE S SW W NW total Monthly

Less than 3 km 3 than Less km 2 than Less km 1 than Less

Monthly average Monthly average Monthly

Calm

Absolute minimum Absolute

Absolute maximum maximum Absolute maximum Absolute maximum Absolute

Monthly total minimum total Monthly

Monthly total maximum total Monthly I 7 5 4 7 20 30 19 5 2 3,8 15 21 13 9 4 41 90 10 10,7 -2,9 -33,7 II 9 8 6 9 19 23 15 7 4 3,5 13 21 9 7 3 29 57 3 13,6 -3,4 -36,2 III 10 8 10 9 13 21 16 8 6 3,4 13 19 9 7 4 33 76 6 20,8 -0,6 -28,9 IV 13 12 14 10 8 16 12 8 8 3,3 13 20 7 6 5 39 93 3 27,0 4,3 -16,2 V 14 11 14 7 7 16 14 9 7 3,2 12 21 2 2 1 42 97 9 31,6 9,9 -4,2 VI 11 10 11 6 6 21 18 10 7 3,1 10 19 1 1 1 63 184 11 34,6 14,5 -2,2 VII 11 9 12 8 8 22 14 7 9 2,9 10 17 1 0 0 74 163 9 34,4 16,7 0,0 VIII 7 9 13 9 8 26 14 6 8 2,8 11 20 1 1 1 74 184 9 33,8 16,2 0,0 IX 6 9 10 7 11 31 16 4 6 3,2 14 16 4 3 2 64 158 19 29,1 12,0 -3,9 X 7 6 8 8 19 29 14 4 5 3,4 16 20 9 7 6 69 157 11 24,9 7,2 -7,1 XI 5 5 5 9 29 28 13 3 3 3,6 14 21 18 16 12 60 133 7 15,5 2,5 -18,1 XII 6 4 5 9 25 28 17 4 3 3,7 18 19 11 10 5 46 88 14 12,4 -0,9 -25,6 Gadā 9 8 9 8 14 24 15 6 6 633

PART B

Table 7. Meteorological Table 7 KOLKA 1971–2010 Probability of Wind distribution, % Wind speed, m/s decreased visibility, Precipitation, mm Air temperature, °C %

Wind direction

Months

gusts

speed

N NE E SE S SW W NW total Monthly

Less than 3 km 3 than Less km 2 than Less km 1 than Less

Monthly average Monthly average Monthly

Calm

Absolute minimum Absolute

Absolute maximum maximum Absolute maximum Absolute maximum Absolute

Monthly total minimum total Monthly

Monthly total maximum total Monthly I 9 6 6 8 18 24 20 7 2 4,4 16 26 4 4 0 41 88 9 10,0 -2,1 -28,0 II 8 9 8 12 18 19 18 6 2 4,0 16 27 6 5 1 30 71 6 12,8 -3,0 -31,5 III 9 9 7 10 13 18 23 11 1 3,7 17 23 6 5 2 33 66 6 19,1 -0,7 -22,4 IV 8 12 9 13 12 13 20 11 2 3,3 14 25 8 7 4 34 83 1 23,5 3,5 -15,1 V 10 11 10 9 11 12 23 13 1 3,2 14 22 2 2 1 34 81 6 28,0 8,9 100 VI 8 8 9 8 8 15 27 15 1 3,2 12 22 2 2 1 52 146 2 31,2 13,6 -1,6 VII 10 9 10 10 10 17 20 12 2 3,2 14 21 1 1 0 71 201 2 30,6 16,5 4,2 VIII 9 9 11 11 11 21 17 9 1 3,2 14 21 0 0 0 68 179 7 31,3 16,3 1,0 IX 8 8 8 9 15 26 17 9 1 3,7 18 20 1 1 1 62 138 15 25,4 12,4 -3,2 X 10 7 7 8 19 26 14 9 1 4,1 18 26 2 2 0 67 166 14 21,5 7,9 -5,8 XI 7 7 7 7 26 25 14 7 1 4,2 18 29 3 3 1 62 127 6 13,5 3,2 -15,5 XII 8 7 6 7 22 26 15 8 1 4,4 17 24 3 3 0 47 104 18 12,2 0,1 -19,7 Gadā 9 8 8 9 15 19 18 9 1 602

Table 8. Meteorological Table VENTSPILS 1971–2010 Probability of Wind distribution, % Wind speed, m/s decreased visibility, Precipitation, mm Air temperature, °C %

Wind direction

Months

gusts

speed

N NE E SE S SW W NW total Monthly

Less than 3 km 3 than Less km 2 than Less km 1 than Less

Monthly average Monthly average Monthly

Calm

Absolute minimum Absolute

Absolute maximum maximum Absolute maximum Absolute maximum Absolute

Monthly total minimum total Monthly

Monthly total maximum total Monthly I 7 6 7 17 16 24 14 9 1 5,2 21 32 8 8 3 55 115 11 8,9 -1,8 -24,9 II 9 11 10 18 15 22 9 7 0 4,8 18 28 8 8 4 34 80 8 14,2 -2,3 -26,5 III 12 10 10 14 12 23 9 8 1 4,8 18 27 9 8 5 39 86 9 18,6 0,3 -19,0 IV 16 12 11 14 9 23 6 8 1 4,6 18 31 8 8 5 34 78 3 25,0 4,6 -7,8 V 19 9 10 11 8 27 8 8 1 4,4 17 23 5 5 3 34 69 9 29,5 9,6 -1,8 VI 17 6 7 7 11 28 12 10 1 4,3 16 26 4 4 3 43 113 2 33,1 13,7 0,0 VII 16 7 8 11 11 27 11 8 1 4,3 19 27 2 2 1 57 245 2 33,8 16,7 0,0 VIII 13 9 11 14 10 21 12 9 1 4,4 18 24 1 1 1 57 202 0 34,4 16,8 0,0 IX 10 10 11 16 11 21 12 8 1 5,0 21 27 2 2 1 65 170 15 29,5 13,0 -1,0 X 7 9 10 19 15 18 13 8 1 5,3 22 29 4 4 3 69 181 15 22,6 8,4 -7,5 XI 6 7 10 25 18 14 11 8 1 5,4 23 36 9 8 4 73 133 4 15,1 3,6 -14,2 XII 7 7 9 22 16 16 12 11 1 5,4 22 31 8 8 3 64 145 14 10,2 0,3 -25,0 Gadā 11 9 10 16 13 22 11 8 1 623

PART B

Table 9. Meteorological Table LIEPĀJA 1971–2010 Probability of Wind distribution, % Wind speed, m/s decreased visibility, Precipitation, mm Air temperature, °C %

Wind direction

Months

gusts

speed

N NE E SE S SW W NW total Monthly

Less than 3 km 3 than Less km 2 than Less km 1 than Less

Monthly average Monthly average Monthly

Calm

Absolute minimum Absolute

Absolute maximum maximum Absolute maximum Absolute maximum Absolute

Monthly total minimum total Monthly

Monthly total maximum total Monthly I 10 8 8 10 13 19 20 9 3 5,1 20 29 13 11 6 52 105 10 9,0 -2,1 -29,3 II 12 9 10 9 13 16 20 10 2 4,7 18 28 17 15 9 34 79 7 15,5 -2,4 -30,5 III 10 8 13 13 13 15 17 8 3 4,6 18 22 11 10 6 37 81 10 18,6 0,3 -22,9 IV 12 11 15 11 12 15 14 8 3 4,3 18 22 11 10 6 32 86 2 25,4 5,2 -8,0 V 9 9 12 13 14 15 18 8 2 4,0 14 17 5 4 3 34 107 6 29,3 10,4 -2,8 VI 8 7 10 16 13 15 19 9 2 3,9 14 22 3 3 2 44 110 9 33,0 14,4 1,4 VII 10 13 11 14 8 19 13 9 3 3,9 20 22 2 2 1 61 152 2 32,6 16,9 0,0 VIII 9 10 8 15 9 20 15 10 5 3,9 17 27 1 1 1 66 290 16 30,7 16,8 0,0 IX 7 9 10 16 11 21 13 10 3 4,4 19 21 2 2 1 66 193 20 30,0 13,0 -1,7 X 10 10 8 13 11 21 13 10 3 4,8 20 25 7 6 3 73 192 21 23,0 8,4 -7,3 XI 9 13 13 16 9 17 12 9 2 5,3 24 28 12 10 4 70 202 15 15,4 3,6 -17,5 XII 8 8 10 14 10 25 14 9 2 5,1 19 24 14 12 6 57 119 8 10,5 0,2 -25,8 Gadā 9 10 10 14 11 19 15 9 3 626

Meteorological phenomena Refraction is the deviation of light from a straight line as it passes through the atmosphere due to the variation in air density. Objects appear to be elevated, magnified, the shore appears to be closer than it really is. But at greater distances this phenomenon could have the opposite effect that objects appear further away that they actually are. Thunderstorms typically forms in summer in hot weather, when rapid evaporation is taking place. As warm air moves upward, it cools, condensates and forms cumulonimbus clouds. In summer thunderstorms brings heavy rainfall, hail and wind gusts, but in winter thunderstorms can be observed during snowstorms. Storms are most frequent from April – May till September, but can form also in winter. Thunderstorms are recorded on average 10 to 23 days a year. Whirlwind is a weather phenomenon in which a vertically oriented rotating column of air forms due to instabilities and turbulence created by heating and current gradients. Wind speed can reach 50 – 100 m/s. Swirling motion around a vertical axis can be either clockwise or anticlockwise. Whirlwinds usually are dark and funnel-shaped and formed by cumulonimbus clouds in unstable atmospheric conditions. They move with an average speed of 10 m/s and usually last a few minutes. Waterspout is columnar vortex that occurs over a body of water. Waterpouts mostly occur in summer during the warmer part of the day. Waterspouts can cause damage to the boats and yachts. Snowstorms occur mostly in the winter months of January and February but can also occur in other months between November and April. Snowstorms reduce visibility and may bring lot of precipitation. They usually do not last longer than 24 hours. On average there are 15–20 days with snowstorms a year.

PART B B.6. Sea Level

Baltic Sea water level is monitored at seven observation stations on the Gulf of Riga coast (Salacgrīva, Skulte, Daugavgrīva, mouth of Lielupe River, Mērsrags, Roja, Kolka) and two observation stations on the E coast of the Baltic Sea (Ventspils, Liepāja), making use of the Baltic Sea depth level monitoring gauge – the Kronstadt tide gauge zero-point. From 2016 water level is expressed in European Vertical Reference System (EVRS) which is referred to Amsterdam Ordnance Datum. Realisation of EVRS in the territory of Latvia is called LAS-2000.5. Detailed information about sea level reference systems can be found on www.meteo.lv. The water level regime in the Gulf of Riga depends primarily on the water circulation patterns between the gulf and the Baltic Sea. This water circulation in turn depends on the geographical distribution of air pressure that influences wind direction and speed, in other words, the type of synoptic processes. Wind activity also influences the water level regime of the Gulf of Riga. The water level is similar at all observation points – it decreases from January to May, increases in July, fluctuates slightly from August to October but in November and December it increases significantly. The greatest sea level fluctuations have been observed in autumn and winter. Not only are spring and summer the seasons with the least flooding, these floods are also much smaller in volume than autumn and winter floods. The maximum water level recorded in the Gulf of Riga since 1970 was +227 cm in Skulte on 9th January 2005 while in the Baltic Sea the highest level was +146 cm in Liepāja on 14th January 1993. The minimum water level in the Gulf of Riga was –117 cm in Salacgrīva on 15th October 1976 while in the Baltic Sea the minimum level was –91 cm in Ventspils on 1st January 1979. See hydrological tables in chapter Sea water temperature, salinity and density.

PART B B.7. Coastal Sea Level Observation Stations

Graph 15. Coastal water level observation stations chart. MAL data.

PART B B.8. Sea Currents

Currents that occur along the Latvian coast of the Baltic Sea are not continuous but wind direction-dependent. If the wind blows from NE, N or NW then the current along the W coast of Kurzeme will be flowing N to S but if the wind is from the SW, S or SE, the current will be flowing S to N. With a westerly wind the surface current will be flowing towards the Kurzeme coast whereas with an easterly wind – from the coast. The strongest current on the coast occurs with N and W winds, the weakest – with S and E winds. Currents can be fast-flowing with the current velocity near the entrance to the Irbe Strait reaching two knots. There are no strong continuous currents in the Gulf of Riga either as they depend on wind velocity and atmospheric pressure above the water surface. Water circulation through the straits and river runoff both influence water circulation in the Gulf of Riga. The densest water inflow into the deepest layers of the Gulf of Riga flows in a southerly direction along the Kurzeme coast (anticlockwise). The less dense mass of salty water derives from the southern part of the gulf which contains a large concentration of river (Daugava River, Lielupe River, Gauja River) runoffs into the Gulf of Riga. This water mass flows primarily in the surface layer in an S to N direction along the Vidzeme coast. The direction of the current in the surface layer of the Irbe Strait runs parallel to wind projection to the axis of the Strait. If there is a significant water level gradient between the Gulf of Riga and the open waters of the Baltic Sea this can produce currents in the demersal layer of the Irbe Strait that flow in the opposite direction. Calm weather or weather conditions with a slight wind may lead to the formation of a two-layer current where the water flowing into the Gulf of Riga flows along the Latvian coastline along the lower layer but the outflow flows along the Sõrve peninsula along the upper layer. Standard types of surface current velocities influenced by prevailing winds from various directions are shown in the next few illustrations – the data source is the Baltic Sea operational model of the Danish Meteorological Institute. In calm weather a small inertial eddy current may form in the Gulf of Riga. Along the entire Latvian coastline whenever a large wave formation occurs it is accompanied by a longshore current. A longshore current forms where the waves break and its velocity can exceed a few metres per second. The direction of longshore currents is determined by the line of vector projection to the shore of incoming waves.

Graph. 16. Surface current in N wind Graph. 17. Surface currents in NE wind

PART B

Graph 18. Surface currents in E wind Graph. 19. Surface currents in SE wind

Graph. 20. Surface currents in S wind Graph. 21. Surface currents in SW wind

Graph. 22. Surface currents in W wind Graph. 23. Surface currents in NW wind

PART B

Graph. 24. Vertical distribution of currents by layer 1–4 (11th April, 2009) (Illus. 27 in section “Sea water temperature, salinity and density”)

Graph. 25. Currents in the Gulf of Riga during calm weather

PART B B.9. Wave Formation

Wave characteristics in the Gulf of Riga and the open waters of the Baltic Sea will be discussed separately. Wave height in the Gulf of Riga usually (95% probability) does not exceed 2 m. The sea is most restless from November to January when there is a probability of 2–4% of encountering waves 2 m in height or more, during the rest of the year waves of this height occur rarely (<1%). Wave height with a probability of 80% does not exceed the 1 m mark. In the open waters of the Baltic Sea wave height over the course of the year is similar. However it differs from the Gulf of Riga in that the restless period is from October to February when waves exceeding 2 m in height have been recorded (~10%) but the possibility of exceeding 3 m (~2.5%) and in extreme conditions (~0.1%) exceeding even 5 m. During the rest of the year waves exceed the 2 m mark about 3% of cases. On average 70% of the cases throughout the year wave height will not exceed 1 m. Detailed information about wave formation at the coastal weather observation stations can be found in the section Sea water temperature, salinity and density in Hydrological Table 10-19.

Graph. 26. Wave height probability distribution during months with storms in the Gulf of Riga and the open waters of Baltic Sea. Danish Meteorological Institute operational wave model data (Sep-2004 / Feb-2013)

Graph. 27. Wave probability distribution in the calmer months in the Gulf of Riga and open waters of the Baltic Sea. Danish Meteorological Institute operational wave model data (Sep-2004 / Feb-2013)

PART B B.10. Sea Water Temperaure, Salinity and Density

Water temperature The water temperature regime in the Gulf of Riga and along the Latvian coast of the Baltic Sea is influenced by a number of physical geographic factors – primarily the heat balance of the gulf and sea surface and water dynamics (mainly – vertical mixing) of the gulf and the regions near the Baltic Sea. Changes to water surface temperature in the course of a year are similar to air temperature changes during this period but the range of fluctuations in water temperature is much smaller than the range of fluctuations in air temperature. In winter the water surface temperature is close to zero. The absolute minimum temperature of the water surface in the Gulf of Riga ranges from –0.18°C to –0.45°C and in the sea it ranges from –0.4°C … –0.6°C. The water starts to warm up in April (sometimes in March). The highest monthly average temperature is in July – +16°C ...+ 18°C. The maximum water surface temperature is reached two weeks after the maximum air temperature has been reached. The absolute maximum water surface temperature in the Gulf of Riga can reach +26°C…+28°C, usually in July but on the Baltic Sea coast (Liepāja) – in August. The water cools down at the end of August and continues to cool to the first decade in December, reaching +1°C…+3°C. The annual water temperature cycle relates to all depths. The average annual temperature in the deepest layers is lower than on the surface and the maximum is reached approximately two months after the surface maximum has been reached. In the winter months (November to March) there is an almost homogeneous vertical distribution of water temperature (and other parameters). During the other months the temperature distribution on the surface is homogeneous followed by a layer with a sharp temperature change (this layer is called thermocline) followed by a gradual temperature decrease down to the seabed.

Water salinity The hydro chemical regime of the Gulf of Riga is largely determined by water salinity. As the water circulates the salty waters of the Baltic Sea flow into the gulf. The largest inflow of water from the Baltic Sea occurs via the Irbe Strait at the end of spring and beginning of summer when the horizontal (spring floodwaters flowing in from the rivers) and vertical (formation of surface homogeneous layer) heterogeneity in the gulf and sea water density area is most pronounced, as are currents of significantly high density. These water-exchange currents are common during periods of prolonged easterly reflux wind activity when a compensatory counter-stream from the sea to the gulf is formed and intensified with the distribution of heterogeneous vertical water temperature and salinity in the Irbe Strait. Similarly a notable water exchange occurs during periods with strong autumn and winter winds. The salinity of the coastal waters in the gulf varies quite considerably. Monthly fluctuations can reach 3.5–5.5‰ near river estuaries. In some cases salinity varies by 2–3‰ in a 24 hour period. Sudden variations in salinity are related to the inflow of water from the Baltic Sea, the rising of ground waters to the surface during reflux winds or river runoffs in their peak periods – especially the spring meltwater period. The graphics show the horizontal (water surface) and vertical distribution of salinity, using the Danish Meteorological Institute Baltic Sea operational model.

Water density Sea water density is approximately 1005–1010 kg/m3. Maximum water density can be observed at +4oC. See sea water temperature, salinity and density graphics and tables.

PART B

Graph. 28. Typical surface salinity distribution in spring (15th April, 2009)

Graph. 29. Typical vertical distribution of salinity in spring by layer 1-4 (15th April, 2009)

PART B

Graph. 30. Typical surface salinity distribution in winter (15th December, 2009)

Graph. 31. Typical water salinity vertical distribution in winter by layer 6-5 (15th December, 2009)

PART B

Table 10. Hydrological Table SALACGRĪVA 1971 - 2010 Maximum wave height distribution, % Water

Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰ Wave height, m

Months

min. min. min.

max. max. max.

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

......

0 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

olute olute olute

olute olute olute olute

– – – – – – – –

0 2 5 0 5 0 0 0

......

0 0 0 1 1 2 3 5

Abs Abs Abs

Monthly mean Monthly

Abs Abs Abs

Monthly average Monthly average Monthly

I 0,1 75,4 15,8 7,6 0,7 0,3 0,0 0,1 180 13 -88 II 0,0 79,1 15,9 5,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 111 2 -98 III 1,0 84,6 9,4 3,7 1,3 0,0 0,0 0,0 144 -6 -82 IV 2,0 92,1 4,7 1,0 0,2 0,0 0,0 0,0 85 -11 -70 V 2,3 90,0 6,1 1,6 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 48 -15 -79 VI 1,8 88,6 7,9 1,7 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 78 -4 -50 VII 2,2 90,3 5,7 1,7 0,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 88 7 -40 VIII 3,1 84,1 9,6 3,1 0,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 90 6 -44 IX 1,2 83,7 11,0 4,1 0,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 103 8 -74 X 0,2 81,6 12,8 5,1 0,3 0,0 0,0 0,0 135 8 -116 XI 0,2 82,7 11,5 5,0 0,2 0,4 0,0 0,0 158 14 -80 XII 0,2 76,9 14,4 7,3 1,2 0,0 0,0 0,0 135 16 -84 Yearly 1,3 84,7 9,9 3,7 0,3 0,1 0,0 0,0

Table 11. Hydrological table SKULTE 1971 - 2010 Maximum wave height distribution, % Water

Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰ Wave height, m

Months

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

......

0 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

– – – – – – – –

0 2 5 0 5 0 0 0

......

Absolute min. Absolute min. Absolute min. Absolute

Monthly mean Monthly

Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute

0 0 0 1 1 2 3 5

Monthly average Monthly average Monthly

I 0,0 54,7 36,4 7,7 0,8 0,4 0,0 0,0 5,8 1,0 -0,6 227 18 -106 II 0,0 65,1 29,1 5,1 0,6 0,0 0,0 0,0 3,6 0,4 -0,3 132 5 -90 III 0,0 69,7 25,5 4,8 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 5,1 0,8 -0,3 163 -1 -74 IV 0,9 81,0 16,6 1,5 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 14 6,2 0,2 92 -5 -54 V 0,4 72,9 23,7 2,7 0,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 20,8 11,5 4,9 59 -9 -73 VI 0,7 70,1 26,5 2,4 0,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 23,1 15,8 7,5 98 1 -49 VII 0,2 77,4 20,6 1,8 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 25,1 19,3 12,2 118 9 -76 VIII 0,6 72,5 23,6 2,8 0,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 23,4 17,6 8,4 93 10 -42 IX 0,0 71,7 25,8 2,2 0,3 0,0 0,0 0,0 18,1 14,3 9,3 116 14 -74 X 0,7 68,6 25,5 4,7 0,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 16,6 9,6 2,1 135 13 -109 XI 0,0 64,9 28,4 5,2 1,5 0,0 0,0 0,0 7,4 4,0 0,1 166 18 -93 XII 0,0 54,0 37,7 6,2 2,2 0,0 0,0 0,0 7,7 2,4 0,1 167 18 -89 Yearly 0,4 70,3 25,4 3,4 0,5 0,0 0,0 0,0

PART B

Table 12. Hydrological table DAUGAVGRĪVA 1971 - 2010 Maximum wave height distribution, % Water

Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰

Wave height, m

Months

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

......

0 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

– – – – – – – –

0 2 5 0 5 0 0 0

......

Absolute min. Absolute min. Absolute min. Absolute

Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute

0 0 0 1 1 2 3 5

Monthly average Monthly average Monthly average Monthly

I 0,0 43,5 35,5 14,0 3,0 3,5 0,5 0,0 3,3 1,0 -0,5 208 19 -102 II 0,0 38,8 44,1 15,8 1,3 0,0 0,0 0,0 1,5 0,0 -0,4 131 9 -77 III 0,0 49,7 39,8 9,9 0,6 0,0 0,0 0,0 3,2 0,4 -0,3 167 1 -77 IV 1,1 64,2 26,9 7,4 0,0 0,3 0,0 0,0 8,2 3,7 0,2 87 -2 -53 V 0,4 68,2 25,2 5,8 0,2 0,0 0,2 0,0 18,9 10,9 1,2 59 -5 -67 VI 0,2 70,9 22,7 5,5 0,0 0,8 0,0 0,0 21,2 17,5 13,1 96 6 -48 VII 0,0 69,2 25,3 4,6 0,4 0,5 0,0 0,0 23,8 19,8 16,4 111 15 -34 VIII 0,0 63,9 27,3 5,8 2,0 1,0 0,0 0,0 22,1 19,1 14,4 78 13 -39 IX 0,0 62,6 25,9 8,8 2,4 0,3 0,0 0,0 19,5 15,8 11,8 121 16 -76 X 0,0 47,0 36,5 14,4 2,2 0,0 0,0 0,0 15,4 11,0 6,3 135 15 -107 XI 0,0 41,2 44,1 8,1 2,9 3,7 0,0 0,0 8,9 5,3 0,8 172 20 -87 XII 0,0 47,9 40,0 9,1 1,8 1,2 0,0 0,0 5,0 2,5 0,0 164 22 -91 Yearly 0,2 61,1 29,2 7,6 1,1 0,7 0,1 0,0

Table 13. Hydrological table LIELUPES GRĪVA 1971 - 2010 Maximum wave height distribution, % Water

Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰

Wave height, m

Months

min.

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

......

0 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

– – – – – – – –

0 2 5 0 5 0 0 0

......

Absolute Absolute min. Absolute min. Absolute

Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute

0 0 0 1 1 2 3 5

Monthly average Monthly average Monthly average Monthly

I 6,2 69,8 17,4 5,6 0,9 0,1 0,0 0,0 5,6 0,4 -0,4 195 16 -96 11,51 5,18 0,97 II 6,8 70,3 18,4 4,2 0,3 0,0 0,0 0,0 5,3 0,3 -0,3 130 4 -75 7,20 4,26 0,25 III 7,5 73,6 17,1 1,7 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 7,7 0,8 -0,4 151 -2 -74 6,78 3,84 0,16 IV 9,2 77,8 12,0 0,8 0,0 0,0 0,1 0,0 17,1 4,2 -0,1 93 -1 -57 7,75 3,70 0,07 V 7,2 76,3 14,1 1,9 0,2 0,2 0,1 0,0 23,0 10,2 1,6 52 -8 -66 8,94 4,16 0,17 VI 5,8 76,2 14,6 2,5 0,8 0,0 0,0 0,0 25,0 15,3 1,9 92 3 -50 7,41 4,50 1,22 VII 9,8 74,9 13,1 1,5 0,4 0,3 0,0 0,0 27,3 18,1 6,8 107 12 -39 7,65 4,82 2,02 VIII 8,5 73,9 14,6 2,5 0,2 0,2 0,0 0,0 26,2 17,6 8,2 75 11 -42 6,62 4,94 1,84 IX 7,6 74,7 14,6 2,5 0,2 0,4 0,0 0,0 22,1 13,4 5,0 114 13 -62 6,46 5,03 0,82 X 4,8 71,0 17,7 5,2 1,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 17,0 8,4 0,4 133 13 -107 7,25 5,15 1,11 XI 6,3 75,0 14,3 3,4 0,8 0,3 0,0 0,0 10,0 4,1 -0,2 166 18 -92 7,89 5,11 1,13 XII 8,0 71,8 15,8 3,7 0,6 0,0 0,0 0,0 7,7 1,3 -0,4 177 20 -81 7,21 5,18 1,87 Yearly 7,4 74,1 15,1 2,8 0,5 0,1 0,0 0,0

PART B

Table 14. Hydrological table MĒRSRAGS 1971 - 2010

Water Maximum wave height distribution, % Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰

Wave height, m

Months

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

......

0 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

– – – – – – – –

0 2 5 0 5 0 0 0

......

Absolute min. Absolute min. Absolute min. Absolute

Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute

0 0 0 1 1 2 3 5

Monthly average Monthly average Monthly average Monthly

I 0,0 40,6 56,3 3,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 190 8 -77 II 0,0 53,1 40,6 6,3 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 95 -3 -68 III 0,0 78,2 21,8 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 83 -15 -79 IV 0,8 85,2 13,3 0,8 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 51 -15 -68 V 0,8 85,4 12,3 1,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 37 -17 -64 VI 0,4 90,7 9,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 47 -5 -41 VII 0,7 90,2 9,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 72 5 -37 VIII 5,6 86,6 7,8 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 133 4 -46 IX 3,8 79,4 13,1 3,8 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 83 6 -52 X 3,8 74,3 20,7 1,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 137 4 -89 XI 0,0 61,6 35,4 3,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 136 11 -70 XII 0,0 50,0 50,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 107 13 -75 Yearly 1,9 83,6 13,5 1,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0

Table 15 Hydrological table ROJA 1971 - 2010

Water Maximum wave height distribution, % Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰ Wave height, m

Months

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

......

0 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

– – – – – – – –

0 2 5 0 5 0 0 0

......

0 0 0 1 1 2 3 5 min. Absolute min. Absolute min. Absolute

Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute

Monthly average Monthly average Monthly average Monthly

I 0,0 81,7 13,1 2,3 2,0 0,7 0,3 0,0 6,0 0,6 -0,4 167 9 -89 II 0,0 75,5 21,6 1,4 1,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 6,0 0,3 -0,3 97 1 -73 III 0,0 81,6 12,3 4,3 1,8 0,0 0,0 0,0 7,0 0,6 -0,3 104 -9 -78 IV 0,6 84,5 12,7 1,8 0,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 11,6 3,1 -0,3 53 -14 -56 V 0,5 87,9 10,4 0,7 0,5 0,0 0,0 0,0 20,8 8,8 0,0 39 -18 -69 VI 0,4 91,0 8,5 0,2 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 24,2 13,9 4,1 60 -7 -53 VII 0,2 91,0 8,3 0,6 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 28,0 16,6 4,4 65 3 -39 VIII 1,3 85,4 12,4 0,6 0,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 25,4 16,7 5,4 57 2 -46 IX 0,2 77,9 14,7 5,3 1,9 0,0 0,0 0,0 21,0 12,6 5,0 80 3 -56 X 0,3 76,0 20,5 2,0 1,3 0,0 0,0 0,0 15,1 8,1 0,1 101 4 -86 XI 0,0 77,2 19,4 2,0 1,1 0,3 0,0 0,0 9,4 4,1 -0,4 130 9 -69 XII 0,0 82,7 16,7 0,6 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 7,4 1,7 -0,4 100 11 -72 Yearly 0,4 83,7 13,4 1,7 0,8 0,1 0,0 0,0

PART B

Table 16. Hydrological table KOLKA 1971 - 2010

Water Maximum wave height distribution, % Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰

Wave height, m

Months

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

......

0 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

– – – – – – – –

0 2 5 0 5 0 0 0

......

Absolute min. Absolute min. Absolute min. Absolute

Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute

0 0 0 1 1 2 3 5

Monthly average Monthly average Monthly average Monthly

I 0,9 80,9 14,0 3,6 0,5 0,1 0,0 0,0 2,2 0,2 -0,5 161 10 -77 8,15 5,87 2,27 II 0,1 88,6 8,2 2,7 0,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 1,8 0,0 -0,5 100 5 -67 7,09 5,57 0,32 III 0,3 90,5 7,7 1,6 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 3,9 0,5 -0,3 105 -5 -78 8,35 5,50 0,68 IV 1,1 91,4 6,6 0,8 0,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 9,6 2,7 -0,3 48 -11 -57 7,16 5,88 2,20 V 1,1 93,6 4,7 0,5 0,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 15,9 8,0 0,5 42 -16 -59 7,32 6,02 4,20 VI 0,2 96,6 2,8 0,4 0,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 21,5 13,8 4,9 42 -5 -39 8,20 5,99 4,30 VII 1,3 91,2 6,8 0,6 0,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 20,6 16,2 6,5 69 5 -30 8,20 5,92 4,31 VIII 0,7 89,4 8,0 1,5 0,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 22,1 15,7 7,5 55 4 -51 8,00 5,92 4,07 IX 0,5 85,8 10,5 2,4 0,7 0,1 0,0 0,0 19,4 13,5 6,9 83 7 -51 8,01 5,97 4,33 X 0,0 80,1 13,6 5,7 0,6 0,0 0,0 0,0 13,0 8,8 3,5 102 7 -68 7,41 6,01 4,00 XI 0,0 75,7 18,0 4,9 1,0 0,3 0,0 0,0 8,3 4,7 -0,3 111 13 -113 8,48 6,01 4,20 XII 0,2 82,2 12,6 3,7 1,0 0,3 0,0 0,0 4,6 1,4 -0,5 105 13 -77 6,96 5,92 4,60 Yearly 0,6 88,0 8,9 2,1 0,4 0,1 0,0 0,0

Table 17. Hydrological table VENTSPILS 1971 - 2010

Water Maximum wave height distribution, % Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰

Wave height, m

Months

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

......

0 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

– – – – – – – –

0 2 5 0 5 0 0 0

......

Absolute min. Absolute min. Absolute min. Absolute

Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute

0 0 0 1 1 2 3 5

Monthly average Monthly average Monthly average Monthly

I 0,0 31,1 30,4 18,4 8,5 8,2 3,4 0,1 6,0 0,4 -0,6 135 15 -76 II 0,5 31,0 32,6 20,7 6,8 6,8 1,6 0,0 5,1 0,3 -0,7 110 7 -54 III 0,2 43,5 31,0 13,9 5,9 4,8 0,7 0,0 6,3 1,0 -0,5 107 1 -62 IV 0,0 50,0 32,1 11,8 3,0 1,8 1,3 0,0 12,9 4,8 -0,1 54 -11 -49 V 0,1 48,0 37,7 10,2 2,3 1,7 0,0 0,0 18,1 1,.3 2,7 33 -13 -54 VI 0,1 43,8 39,1 11,8 3,2 1,8 0,2 0,0 21,1 13,8 5,1 53 -3 -48 VII 0,0 46,6 36,2 11,5 3,6 2,1 0,0 0,0 25,5 16,7 8,1 45 4 -32 VIII 0,1 49,1 30,4 12,6 5,8 2,0 0,1 0,0 24,0 17,0 7,5 56 6 -30 IX 0,2 39,8 32,4 14,5 7,4 4,4 1,2 0,0 21,6 14,0 6,9 58 6 -45 X 0,0 30,8 31,5 20,1 9,1 6,4 2,2 0,0 16,4 9,2 1,8 104 4 -55 XI 0,2 37,0 34,5 14,4 5,9 5,4 2,5 0,1 9,8 4,4 -0,3 92 9 -62 XII 0,0 32,8 29,5 17,5 9,1 8,8 2,3 0,1 5,6 1,3 -0,8 94 10 -57 Yearly 0,1 41,7 33,4 14,1 5,5 4,0 1,1 0,0

PART B

Table 18. Hydrological table PĀVILOSTA 1971 - 2010

Water Maximum wave height distribution, % Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰

Wave height, m

Months

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

......

0 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

– – – – – – – –

0 2 5 0 5 0 0 0

......

Absolute min. Absolute min. Absolute min. Absolute

Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute

0 0 0 1 1 2 3 5

Monthly average Monthly average Monthly average Monthly

I 119 11 -75 II 103 2 -64 III 108 -8 -71 IV 52 -12 -50 V 30 -16 -53 VI 49 -6 -42 VII 51 4 -33 VIII 60 3 -40 IX 65 6 -47 X 86 5 -69 XI 104 11 -54 XII 82 13 -87 Yearly

Table 19. Hydrological table LIEPĀJA 1971 - 2010

Water Maximum wave height distribution, % Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰

Wave height, m

Months

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

......

0 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

– – – – – – – –

0 2 5 0 5 0 0 0

......

Absolute min. Absolute min. Absolute min. Absolute

Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute max. Absolute

0 0 0 1 1 2 3 5

Monthly average Monthly average Monthly average Monthly

I 1,3 16,5 30,8 19,8 18,1 13,4 0,0 0,0 -0,9 0,7 4,7 146 12 -86 10,63 6,70 3,48 II 0,8 18,6 25,4 22,9 21,7 10,7 0,0 0,0 -0,4 0,5 6,2 113 2 -61 11,88 6,82 3,22 III 0,2 24,8 33,8 19,8 14,5 6,9 0,0 0,0 -0,7 1,3 9,0 105 -7 -74 10,63 6,57 2,05 IV 0,4 36,4 38,0 14,5 8,5 2,3 0,0 0,0 -0,4 5,3 14,9 65 -11 -54 10,46 6,59 3,78 V 0,5 34,8 42,0 14,9 6,9 1,0 0,0 0,0 3,6 10,4 21,1 37 -14 -53 9,67 6,90 3,12 VI 0,2 24,3 45,1 21,2 6,8 2,5 0,0 0,0 6,1 14,1 22,8 64 -4 -40 9,39 7,06 4,70 VII 0,6 28,6 39,7 18,8 10,6 1,7 0,0 0,0 8,1 17,2 24,8 57 5 -34 9,06 6,97 4,89 VIII 0,5 32,3 32,8 19,7 11,6 3,0 0,0 0,0 10,8 17,8 26,0 79 5 -35 8,46 6,90 4,60 IX 0,0 29,4 32,3 20,7 13,3 4,2 0,1 0,0 1,2 14,4 22,9 81 7 -46 9,15 6,84 4,83 X 0,2 22,2 27,7 21,4 17,3 11,2 0,0 0,0 -0,4 9,6 17,4 76 6 -70 10,20 6,66 4,16 XI 0,0 25,5 31,5 21,3 13,2 8,2 0,2 0,0 -0,4 5,0 10,5 102 13 -65 10,41 6,61 3,95 XII 0,1 22,0 27,5 20,6 19,3 10,5 0,0 0,0 -0,6 1,9 6,9 143 14 -65 10,77 6,57 3,84 Yearly 0,4 27,2 34,8 19,4 12,7 5,6 0,0 0,0

PART B B.11. Water Clarity and Colour

Water clarity can only be measured in the daytime with the condition that wave height does not exceed 1 m. The transparency of water in the Baltic Sea depends on its capacity to absorb and reemit light which is measured by weighing the amount of particulate organic and inorganic matter. The clearest water can be found in the central and northern regions of the Baltic Sea. Closer to the shallow waters near the shore and the large river estuaries, water clarity decreases, the average depth of a transparent water layer is 10 m. In spring (May) water clarity in the open regions in the sea ranges between 9 to 14 m and the water is green or greyish. Muddy waters mixing with sea water decreases coastal water clarity. In the meltwater period the water clarity in the large river (Venta) estuary regions can decrease to 1–2 m. In summer when plankton growth peaks minimum water clarity has been measured at 6–8 m. Water clarity reaches its peak in summer when it reaches 12 m in the open sea. In autumn when plankton growth decreases, water clarity increases to 9–11 m and a maximum of 14 m in the open sea. Water clarity peaks at 18 m in the winter months. Water clarity in the Gulf of Riga is relatively low – 4 to 5 m on average. This is because the Gulf of Riga is isolated from the open sea and there are a number of coastal watercourse runoffs. Water clarity is also influenced by water depth and density, the type of sea-bed, phytoplankton, wave formation and currents. Water clarity increases when heading from the shore to the central part of the gulf. Water clarity is influenced by wave formation as well as intensive phytoplankton reproduction in the shallow waters of the coastal region. In the river estuary regions – river silt. Consequently in the southern part of the gulf where the Gauja River, Daugava River and Lielupe River discharge into the gulf, water clarity is 1–2 m. Water clarity in the Gulf of Riga peaks in June while the minimum clarity has been observed in April and November.

B.12. Hydrobilogy

Bioluminescence. Diffusive, shimmering and flashing glowing has been observed. Diffusive glowing is caused by the glowing of sea bacteria. It is uniform in colour and if the glowing is intense then large segments of the surface water are bluish green or milk-white, less frequently orange. Mechanical influence (wave formation, a ship passing etc.) does not affect glow intensity. Diffused glowing can frequently be observed in river estuaries and ports with stagnant and polluted water. A shimmering glow is caused by flashes of microscopic and small sea organisms (peridinium) and it looks like flashes of the same color. Mechanical influence on this type of glowing increases it’s intensity and can be observed mostly in August and September. This type of glowing occures in coastal regions and in the open sea. A flashing glow is a series of separate flashes of light emitted by larger glowing sea organisms, like jellyfish. Glowing flashes can most frequently be observed in coastal regions in spring and summer. Sea bloom. Sea bloom is caused by a large concentration of phytoplankton and zooplankton in the surface waters. Water clarity decreases sharply during the blooming period and the water colour changes. Water colour becomes yellow, dark brown, green and reddish. Blooming can primarily be observed in river estuaries in spring and autumn. Aquatic plants and animals. The low biodiversity in the Baltic Sea is due to low salinity and the features of the seabed. There are no large aquatic carnivores in this region. Common seaweed can be found in areas with a sandy sea-bed, in depths of 1 to 4 m on average. Most of the aquatic plants are algae with the most common - green algae that grows in rocky areas close to the shore, and brown algae (bladder wrack) which grows in deeper water. The most widespread living organism is zooplankton, consumed by herrings, but the most common aquatic carnivores are cod, salmon and other fish species (www.latvijasdaba.lv). The submerged parts of a ship tend to foul by sea organisms mainly in spring and summer.

PART B B.13 Ice Conditions

Formation of first ice Information about the current ice conditions in the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga can be found at https://marine.meteo.lv/, www.baltice.org and http://www.bsis-ice.de/ The freezing of the Gulf of Riga usually starts from the Gulf of Pärnu with the appearance of ice in the middle of December. The ice-covered area then spreads to the north-eastern coast of the Gulf of Riga then it gradually extends from this coast from W to SW. In mid-January the width of this band of ice extends an average of 5–6 M. Finally ice starts forming also on the southern and western shores. Intense ice formation occurs in February and entire gulf can be covered with ice. In the middle of February to the E of the Irbe Strait drift ice carried in by currents freezes over and forms an immobile ice jam between Kolkasrags and Abruka Island and the ice band on the S and W shore and near Ruhnu Island expands. During this time intense ice formations occur in the rest of the gulf. In moderate winters towards the end of February the Gulf of Riga and the Irbe Strait are covered with immobile ice. In severe winters all of the Gulf of Riga territory usually is covered with ice in mid-January but during mild winters the gulf does not freeze over the whole winter. Pack ice usually starts to form near the shore and continues to form parallel to the shoreline. Pack ice movement around the edges is irregular, indicating changes caused by periods of frosts and thaws. Pack ice reaches its maximum volume in late February and early March. In severe or moderate winters pack ice completely covers the Gulf of Riga and the Irbe Strait. Port of Ventspils and port of Liepāja are primarily ice-free ports as the port aquatorium is covered by a layer of ice only in the most severe winters. Ice is usually forms a thin layer and is easily broken by ships and if there is a favourable wind the ice is quickly carried out from the port into the open sea. Table 20. Date of first appearance of ice Salacgrīva Skulte Daugavgrīva Jūrmala Kolka Ventspils Liepāja Mean dec. 26 dec. 25 jan. 03 dec. 30 dec. 28 janv. 14 dec. 29 SD 29 23 24 24 26 28 26 Earliest nov. 02 nov. 05 nov. 10 nov. 13 nov. 04 nov. 12 nov. 12 10% nov. 20 nov. 28 dec. 05 nov. 30 nov. 27 dec. 12 nov. 22 Median dec. 22 dec. 29 jan. 03 dec. 29 dec. 25 jan. 11 dec. 28 90% feb. 03 jan. 23 feb. 01 feb. 02 feb. 06 feb. 16 feb. 06 Latest mar. 12 feb. 15 mar. 08 feb. 15 feb. 18 mar. 24 feb. 17

Table only shows years when ice has been recorded: SD – standard deviation; 10% – 10% of winter’s ice has begun to form before the specified date. Median – 50% of the time ice has begun to form before the specified date. 90% – 90% of winter’s ice has begun to form before the specified date.

Clearance from ice The breakup of the ice cover in the Gulf of Riga usually begins in the W (Irbe Strait) and progresses in an E direction. Following the breakup of the ice, ice in the Gulf of Riga begins to disappear in a SW to NW direction. Ice disappears first in the Irbe Strait followed by the W part of the gulf and the final regions to be ice-free are the regions surrounding Kihnu Island, Suur Strait and Hari Strait and the Bay of Pärnu. In late springs there may be slight variations to the usual course for ice disappearance. In this situation ice disappears sooner in the N part of the gulf as it warms up faster in the shallow waters and a contributing factor is the discharge of warm water from the Pärnu River. Chunks of floating ice also remain longer in the central part of the gulf SE of Ruhnu Island where the water is colder. It is important to note that there are significant fluctuations in ice formation and thickness, depending on the severity of the winter.

PART B

Table 21. Date of complete disappearance of ice

Salacgrīva Skulte Daugavgrīva Jūrmala Kolka Ventspils Liepāja Mean apr. 07 apr. 05 apr. 03 mar. 23 mar. 31 mar. 22 mar. 11 SD 27 30 26 31 28 27 26 Earliest jan. 15 dec. 26 jan. 11 dec. 06 dec. 31 jan. 10 dec. 07 10% feb. 27 feb. 28 feb. 24 feb. 09 feb. 08 feb. 10 jan. 27 Median apr. 13 apr. 13 apr. 06 apr. 01 apr. 06 mar. 27 mar. 19 90% may 06 may 04 may 01 apr. 19 may 03 apr. 18 apr. 05 Latest may 06 may 19 may 20 may 04 may 11 may 14 may 08

Table only shows years when ice has been recorded SD – standard deviation; 10% – 10% of winter’s ice disappearance has been observed before the specified date. Median – 50% of the time ice disappearance has been observed before the specified date. 90% – 90% of winter’s ice disappearance has been observed before the specified date.

Ice longevity The longest ice cover duration occurs in the Gulf of Pärnu and the S coast of the Gulf of Riga – an average of 145 days (approximately five months) with ice. The shortest ice duration occurs in the SW part of the Gulf of Riga, the Irbe Strait and the E coast of the Baltic Sea and it usually does not exceed two months. For example, in the Kolka region and the S part of the Gulf of Riga the ice cover lasts for three months. Table 22. Number of days with ice Salacgrīva Skulte Daugavgrīva Jūrmala Kolka Ventspils Liepāja

Mean 103 103 89 83 93 69 74 SD 45 40 38 41 45 42 36 Least 6 7 1 2 3 1 1 10% 38 49 33 21 12 7 17 Median 117 105 91 80 103 71 81.5 90% 144 159 132 136 146 121 120 Most 196 174 168 161 163 182 145

Table only shows years when ice has been recorded: SD- Standard deviation; 10% – 10% of winter’s ice has been observed less than the specified number of days. Median – 50% of winters ice has been observed less than the specified number of days. 90% – 90% of winter’s ice has been observed less than the specified number of days.

Extent of ice cover One of the main indicators of ice regime is the extent of ice cover i.e., the level of ice distribution in a certain time period. The extent of ice cover is indicated as a percentage comparing the area covered with ice with the total area of the sea basin. Research of variations in ice cover usually studies the areas that are ice-covered during peak ice periods. Winter ice cover in the Baltic Sea ranges widely from 52 to 420 thou. km2 when the entire sea is covered with ice. The large degree of variation in ice cover in the sea has led to the need for a classification system for the severity of winters. This system is closely related to the maximum expanse of ice taking into account the distribution of ice thickness and number of days with ice cover per year. All winters from years 1912 to 2011 can be placed into five categories: - very severe – 7 winters;

PART B

- severe – 12 winters; - moderate– 46 winters; - mild – 23 winters; - very mild – 12 winters. In most winters the Baltic Sea is frozen over an area up to 200 thou. km2 and only rarely does it freeze over in larger areas. See Table 23 and Illus. 31 to 34. Table 23. Maximum extent of ice cover in Baltic Sea aquatorium in winter from 1901 to 20114 Area; Area; Area; Year Winter class Year Winter class Year Winter class x 1000 km2 x 1000 km2 x 1000 km2 1901 Moderate 180 1940 Extr. severe 420 1979 Severe 319 1902 Severe 360 1941 Severe 371 1980 Moderate 261 1903 Mild 92 1942 Extr. severe 420 1981 Moderate 206 1904 Moderate 176 1943 Mild 84 1982 Moderate 237 1905 Mild 134 1944 Very mild 64 1983 Mild 135 1906 Mild 85 1945 Mild 109 1984 Moderate 198 1907 Mild 139 1946 Moderate 215 1985 Severe 369 1908 Moderate 235 1947 Extr. severe 420 1986 Severe 334 1909 Moderate 181 1948 Moderate 201 1987 Extr. severe 407 1910 Very mild 81 1949 Very mild 62 1988 Moderate 153 1911 Mild 110 1950 Mild 113 1989 Very mild 60 1912 Moderate 161 1951 Moderate 149 1990 Very mild 70 1913 Mild 118 1952 Mild 120 1991 Mild 126 1914 Mild 127 1953 Moderate 153 1992 Very mild 74 1915 Moderate 183 1954 Moderate 272 1993 Very mild 98 1916 Severe 330 1955 Moderate 152 1994 Moderate 221 1917 Very severe 400 1956 Very severe 398 1995 Very mild 76 1918 Moderate 161 1957 Moderate 169 1996 Moderate 265 1919 Moderate 150 1958 Moderate 196 1997 Mild 129 1920 Moderate 151 1959 Mild 90 1998 Mild 130 1921 Mild 125 1960 Moderate 228 1999 Moderate 157 1922 Moderate 260 1961 Very mild 66 2000 Mild 96 1923 Severe 330 1962 Moderate 180 2001 Mild 129 1924 Severe 280 1963 Severe 329 2002 Mild 102 1925 Mild 85 1964 Moderate 185 2003 Moderate 233 1926 Severe 382 1965 Moderate 211 2004 Moderate 153 1927 Mild 126 1966 Severe 343 2005 Moderate 178 1928 Moderate 180 1967 Moderate 204 2006 Moderate 211 1929 Extr. severe 390 1968 Moderate 213 2007 Moderate 140 1930 Very mild 58 1969 Moderate 241 2008 Very mild 49 1931 Moderate 175 1970 Severe 314 2009 Mild 110 1932 Moderate 148 1971 Moderate 186 2010 Moderate 244 1933 Moderate 148 1972 Moderate 194 2011 Severe 309 1934 Mild 110 1973 Mild 91 1935 Mild 90 1974 Mild 96 1936 Moderate 148 1975 Very mild 75 1937 Moderate 161 1976 Moderate 196 1938 Very mild 70 1977 Moderate 205 1939 Very mild 61 1978 Moderate 215

4 Jouni Vainio. Finnish Meteorological Institute (updated from Seinä and Palosuo 1996; Seinä et al. 2001). European Environment Agency: http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/maximum-extents-of-ice-cover

PART B

Graph. 32. Histogram of annual maximum ice cover in the Baltic Sea: number of years (vertical axis) with maximum ice cover in Baltic Sea in a definite time interval (horizontal axis). Data from 1912 to 2011.

Graph. 33. Possibility of ice forming in Gulf of Riga. Mild Graph. 34. Possibility of ice forming in Gulf of Riga. Moderate winter. winter

PART B

Graph. 35. Possibility of ice forming in Gulf of Riga. Severe winter

Icing of ships Ships navigating in the waters of the Baltic Sea in winter are susceptible to icing. A layer of ice forms on those parts of the ship that are above the water line. Ice thickness on ships can exceed 200 mm. Vessel icing is caused by fog, rain, wet snow, flooding and ships being splashed with sea spray. The most dangerous of these is superstructure icing, caused by flooding of the deck and sea spray. Icing intensity depends on water and air temperature, wind speed, height of the wave and the ship’s course. Severe icing on smaller vessels (for example, small and medium-sized fishing vessels and similar vessels) can start with air temperatures –8 to –10°C and winds with the force seven on the Beaufort scale. Larger ships are susceptible to icing at lower air temperatures and stronger winds. Severe icing has been observed if wave direction is 25° to 300° in relation to the ship’s diametric plane. Icing can result in greater ship displacement, a decrease in freeboard height, a rise in the centre of gravity, a significant increase in the surface area of the iced superstructure (mast, rigging, antennae). This all contributes to decreased buoyancy, reduces original stability and stability in situations with a significant angle of list. As ice covers the ship’s superstructure and rigging unevenly this leads to list and trim and the ship reduces level of stability. Some ships lose stability when the mass of ice reaches 2% of the displacement while buoyancy is lost if the mass of ice reaches 15 to 40% of displacement. If the vessel capsizes because of icing, usually the crew dies as the ship turns over unexpectedly and very quickly. It is nearly impossible to deploy ice-covered life-saving equipment even if there is time to do this. Severe icing of ships occurs from November, December through to March, April. Extremely severe icing has been observed in the SE part of Latvian waters in January and February. Icing intensity is classified as: slow, fast and very fast icing. The following intensity classification refers to ships with small (300–500 t) displacement. Slow icing – the rate of ice “build-up” is less than 1.5 t/h. This has been observed: - when the air temperature is –1C to –3C, any wind speed, splashing caused by sea spray or any one or more of these weather conditions: precipitation, fog, sea water evaporation; - when the air temperature is –4C and lower and wind speed is up to 9 m/s, splashing caused by sea spray or any one or more of these weather conditions: precipitation, fog, sea water evaporation. Fast icing – rate of ice build-up on the ship is 1.5–4.0 t/h. Observed at air temperatures of 4C to –8C and wind speeds 10–15 m/s. Very fast icing – rate of ice build-up on the ship is more than 4 t/h. Observed at: - an air temperature of –4C and lower and wind speed of 16 m/s or more; - an air temperature of –9C and lower, wind speed of 10–15 m/s. During the icing period ice build-up depends on the frequency of sea-spray splashing onto the ship, while splashing is dependent on wind speed, wave height and formation as well as the ship’s course and speed compared to the

PART B direction of the wind and waves. The most intense splashing and therefore most intense icing under the same hydro meteorological conditions would occur when wind and wave comes against ships course of less than 45. Icing intensity is also influenced by ship and rigging construction, the type and location of cargo on board. Icing is especially dangerous to ships with low freeboard height. In the event of icing it is suggested that: - all means for combating the ice, as well as life-saving equipment should be ready for use; - de-icing is begun immediately on the appearance of the thinnest layer of ice and ice sludge; - the ship’s course is changed to reduce the frequency of splashing; - the dangerous area is left if possible, the ship enters an ice region or is steered into waters with warm air or currents.

PART C PART C C.1. Ports of Latvia

Graph 36. Latvian ports. MAL data.

PART C. Ainaži - Kuiviži Gulf of Riga C.2. Ainaži – Kuiviži

Ainaži lighthouse (001; C3590) 57°47.39′N 024°21.04′E is located 0.5 M from Latvia – Estonia border. Ainaži – town near the border with Estonia, former fishing port. There is still visible 200 m long breakwater N of Ainaži lighthouse. 4 cables off the coast there is 410 m long submerged remains of breakwater, stretching in SW - NE direction. 2 wind turbines are located near Ainaži. Dangerous wreck with depth of 13 m above it located 5.2 M WNW from Ainaži lighthouse. Petrova shoal with a minimum depth of 6m located 3.8 M NW of Ainaži lighthouse. Pikola shoal with a minimum depth of 6.6m located 4.3 M to WNW from Ainaži lighthouse Shoals with minimum depths 4.1 m and 4.7 m are located 3 M - 3.8 M WSW of Ainaži lighthouse. Randa shoal with a minimum depth of 1.6 m located on a coastal sand bank 3.8 M SW of Ainaži lighthouse. Tālais shoal with a minimum depth of 6.8 m located 6 M SW of Ainaži lighthouse. A spoil ground area with a radius of 0.2 M is located 2.2 M NW from the port of Kuiviži. Daragana shoal with a minimum depth of 5.4 m located 5.2 M SW of Ainaži lighthouse. Caution. When navigating near the coastline it is important to avoid fishing nets. Most of fishing nets are found in 3 M wide area near the coast.

PART C. Port of Kuiviži C.3. Port of Kuiviži

57°47.4′N 024°21.0′E Charts 3505 INT 12734 (Plan A), 1011, 1251

Description Fishing Port with a yacht club. Located in the mouth of Krišupīte, Kuiviži, Salacgrīva municipality, 4.6 M to S of Ainaži lighthouse

Breakwaters and moles North breakwater – 345 m. South breakwater – 224 m. Distance between breakwater head – 35 m.

Harbour Master’s Office Phone: +371 29 256 812; +371 64 071 111 E-mail: [email protected] Address: Ostas Street 6, Salacgrīva, Salacgrīva municipality, LV- 4033

Salacgrīva Port Authority Administration Phone: +371 64 071 111 E-mail: [email protected] Address: Ostas Street 6, Salacgrīva, Salacgrīva municipality, LV- 4033

Yacht club Kuiviži Phone: +371 29 390 312 E-mail: [email protected] www.kapteinuosta.lv

Communication channels (VHF, call signs) Reporting channel VHF 12.

Restrictions Vessels should enter or leave harbour strictly on alignment of the leading lights and orienting by safe water light buoy because of fishing nets located near port of Kuiviži shipping channel. Shipping is allowed only during daytime.

PART C. Port of Kuiviži

Local weather conditions Winds Prevailing are SW – NW winds. Navigation is allowed if wind speed doesn’t exceed 8 m/s.

Currents Location Direction Velocity (knots) Notes Port aquatory Southern 0.2 The current is dependent on river runoff and sea level fluctuations

Ice conditions In severe winters port may be covered in ice.

Entrance channel, fairways Shipping channel - 30 m wide at the water level mark 0.00 m; - 3500 m long. Randgala leading line - direction 078.4°–258.4°; - leading lights: front (005; C3588) 57°47.39′N 024°21.04′E, light description 2F.G (vert), rear (006; C3588.1), 57°47.40′N 024°21.14′E, light description 2F.R (vert). Breakwater light beacons - N breakwater light beacon (007; C3587.6) 57°47.35′N 024°20.57′E, light description Fl.R.3s. - S breakwater light beacon (008; C3587.4) 57°47.32′N 024°20.57′E, light description Fl.G.3s. During the navigation season breakwater light beacon lights and leading lights are shown 24 h. Port of Kuiviži reception safe water light buoy ′K′ (002) 57°46.95′N 024°17.10′E is located 1.9 M from port entrance, light description Mo(A)10,2s.

Information for entering the port All vessels should comply with Salacgrīva Port regulations when navigating within the port.

Depths, berths and basins Depths Depths in the entrance to the port may change due to silting, particularly during autumn and winter storms. Dredging works ar carried out occasionally. Latest information about depths and berthing is available in the Harbour Master’s office.

Berths No. / Name Length (m) Max lenght of vessel Berth type, function (m) Yacht club Kapteiņu osta 30 Berth for fishing boats 120 Berths for wooden fishing boats 70 Berth for fishing vessels 50

PART C. Port of Salacgrīva C.4. Port of Salacgrīva

57°45.3′N 024°21.0′E Charts 3505 INT 12734, 1011, 1251

Description Commercial, fishing, yacht port. Port of Salacgrīva lies in the mouth of the Salaca River, town Salacgrīva, 6.8 M S from Ainaži lighthouse.

Breakwaters and moles North breakwater – 720 m. South breakwater – 380 m. Distance between breakwater heads – 310 m.

Harbour Master’s Office Phone: +371 29 256 812, +371 64 071 111 E-mail: [email protected] Address: Pērnavas Street 3, Salacgrīva, Salacgrīva municipality, LV-4033

Salacgrīva Port Authority Phone: +371 64 071 111 E-pasts: [email protected] Address: Ostas Street 6, Salacgrīva, Salacgrīvas municipality, LV- 4033 https://salacgrivaport.lv/

Communication channels (VHF, call signs) Reporting channel VHF 12.

Restrictions Maximal sizes of ships allowed in the port: length 115 m, width 20 m. Maximum authorized drought is 5.8 m.

Local weather conditions Wind Prevailing are SW, W and NW winds. If wind speed exceeds 14 m/s entering of the port may become difficult.

Currents Location Direction Velocity (knots) Notes Port aquatory Southern 0.2 The current is dependent on river runoffs and fluctuations in water levels

PART C. Port of Salacgrīva

Ice conditions In severe winters port may be covered by ice. Decision regarding navigation during ice period is made by Harbour Master.

Pilotage and tugboat services Pilotage Pilotage is mandatory for all ships with length exceeding 60 m when entering, leaving or manoeuvring within the port. Pilot boarding place is at safe water reception light buoy ′P′ (012). Tugboat services A 300 Hp tug is permanently available at the port.

Anchorage No. / Name Location Depths Seabed Functions 1. 57°44.40′N 024°15.00′E 10–15 m Sand, pebbles Dry cargo 57°44.40′N 024°17.00′E 57°43.20′N 024°17.00′E 57°43.20′N 024°15.00′E

Entrance channel, fairways Port of Salacgrīva shipping channel - 3300 m long; - 70 m wide at the water level mark 0.00 m; - latest information about depths - on request at the Port Authority. Port of Salacgrīvas leading line - Direction 072.3°–252.3°; - leading lights: front (010; C3587) 57°45.38′N 024°21.16′E, light description: Iso.R.2s; rear (011; C3587.1), 57°45.43′N 024°21.41′E, light description: Iso.R.4s. Leading lights are shown 24 h. Port of Salacgrīva reception safe water light buoy ′P′ (012) 57°44.80′N 024°17.78′E located 1.5 M from port entrance, light description: Mo(A)10.2s.

Information for entering the port Information about the estimated time of arrival of the vessel, except local fishing vessels, must be submitted 72 hours before the arrival with repetition 48 h and 24 h prior arrival. The master of the vessel or ship’s agent inform the Harbour Master about exact arrival time 2 hours before arriving at the reception safe water light buoy ′P′.

Useful landmarks Chimney; Water tower; Tower.

Depths, berths and basins Depths Depths in the channel and at the entrance to the port are subject to change. Latest information about depths in the port and allowed droughts – in accordance with the Harbour Master’s orders.

PART C. Port of Salacgrīva

Berths No / Name Length of berth (m) Maximum length of Berth type, functions vessel (m) 1. 80 115 Cargo 2. 145 Fishing 3. 157 Fishing 4. 70 115 Cargo 5. 81 Cargo 6. 100 Cargo Yacht harbour, 36 and 36 Capacity - 40 yachts* floating berths Located in the Central part of Salacgrīva

*Capacity of yacht harbour can change. Latest information available at Harbour Master’s office.

Basins Turning basin is located between the berths No. 2 and No. 3.

PART C. Salacgrīva – Port of Skulte

C.5. Salacgrīva – Port of Skulte

Spoil ground with radius of 0.2 M lies 3.1 M West of Port of Salacgrīva entrance. Grīntāls lighthouse (040; C3585) 57°38.34′N 024°22.73′E is located 7 M South of Port of Salacgrīva. Lāču beacon (045) 57°26.59′N 024°23.29′E is located 6 M South of Ķurmrags cape, 7.5 M North of Port of Skulte.

PART C. Port of Skulte C.6. Port of Skulte

57°19.0′N 024°24.2′E Charts 3310 INT 12731, 1012 INT 1273, 1251

Description Commercial and Fishing port with leisure craft mooring facilities. Located in the mouth Aģe River, Zvejniekciems, Saulkrasti municipality, 26 M South of Port of Salacgrīva.

Moles and breakwaters Northern mole – 130 m. Southern mole – 521 m. Distance between mole heads – 104 m.

Port aquatory Outport, lies between the N and S moles; Aģe River from the Outport to the bridge over river; Outer roadsted: 57°20.0′N 024°24.3′E 57°18.0′N 024°24.5′E 57°18.0′N 024°20.0′E 57°20.0′N 024°20.0′E

Harbour Master’s Office Phone: +371 29 262 891 (24/7) – Harbour Master E-mail: [email protected] Address: Upes Street 41, Zvejniekciems, Saulkrasti municipality, LV-2161 https://skulteport.lv/

Port of Skulte Pilot Service Phone: +371 26 337 621 (24/7) – Pilot on duty E-mail: [email protected] Address: Upes Street 41, Zvejniekciems, Saulkrasti municipality, LV-2161

Communication channels (VHF, call signs) Service Call sign Channel

Harbour Master’s office Skultes osta 12

PART C. Port of Skulte

Restrictions Authorized dimensions of vessels:

LOA = 140 m; Bmax = 18 m, Dmax = 7.0 m or on request at the Harbour Master’s office.

The movement of ships in the port is prohibited if: - visibility is less than 0.5 M; - N or S wind speed exceeds 9 m/s or W and E wind speed exceeds 12 m/s; - current velocity in the outer entrance channel exceeds 1 knot; - ship traffic can be restricted during intense river ice breakup in spring.

Local weather Waves With prolonged periods of NW, W winds wave height can reach: near port entrance 2.0 m, in Outport – 0.5 m.

Water level fluctuations Increase of water level Decrease of water level Wind direction (referenced to the station zero level) (referenced to mean sea level) SW and NNW Up to 1.0 m E by 0.3 m strong W or NW winds over 2.0 m During drought and E winds by 0.7 m

Currents Location Direction Velocity (knots) Notes Outport Affected by Aģe River 0.5 – 0.7 Velocity increases in spring and during prolonged rainfall

Ice conditions

In severe winters if daily average temperature stays below -15°C for a lengthy periods, the port can be closed by ice. During ice navigation period tugboat–ice breaker service is available.

Pilotage and tugboat services Pilotage Pilot boarding place is near the reception safe water light buoy ′S′. Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels with a tonnage exceeding 200 GT or LOA = 70 m. Pilotage is available 24 h a day if a master of the vessel apply for a pilot service at least 1 h before receiving the service. Permission to enter the port without using pilot services can be issued to Vessel’s Master if vessel is less than 90 m long, width is less than 15 m and a maximum draught does not exceed 5.5 m and after visiting Port of Skulte for 7th time within calendar year. Tugboat services Permanent services of a 2450 Hp tugboat is available. Tugboat service is mandatory for all vessels if: - the length of the vessel is more than 125 m; - vessel isn’t equipped with bow thrusters or bow thrusters doesn’t work; - maximum wind speed and current velocity restrictions are in force; - barges are being towed.

PART C. Port of Skulte

Anchorage No. / Name Coordinates Depths Seabed Function

Port of Skulte 57°18.5’N 024°21.0’E 16 - 18m Sand, For ships designated by the Radius 5 cables pebbles Harbour Master

Entrance channel, fairways Port of Skulte reception safe water light buoy ′S′ (052) 57°19.20′N 024°21.81′E is located 1.18 M from port entrance. There are shoals in front of port entrance. For safe navigation ship channel is established from safe water reception light buoy ′S′ to port entrance. Shipping channel: - 72 m wide; - 800 m long; - Marked with light buoys. Mole head light beacons - North (059; 3580.3) 57°19.06′N 024°23.98′E; - South (060, C3580.2) 57°18.99′N 024°23.98′E. - Port of Skulte directional light - Directional sector light (050, C3580.15) 57°18.99′N 024°24.35′E, white sector 097.5°- 099.5°, sector axis is 098.5°. Total angle of the light sectors (red, white, green) is 6°. The angle of each of sector separately is 2°. All three lights are shown continuously. Depths in shipping channel are surveyed on regular basis, dredging works are carried out periodically. Ships with a maximum draught of 5.7 m or more must remain within shipping channel and keep close to the white leading light sector axis. Ship traffic in the shipping channel is in one direction. Ships must give the way to the ships leaving the port.

Information for entering the port Information about the estimated time of arrival of the vessel must be submitted 24 h before the arrival. Ship’s agent must send the notice of arrival to the Harbour Master’s office using Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Data Exchange System – the National SSN/ SKLOIS system, arrival information can be duplicated via other electronic communication equipment. Vessels should notify the Harbour Master’s Office of the exact arrival time by phone:

- 2 h before arriving at the reception safe water light buoy ′S′ (052) or - Abeam of Kolka lighthouse. VHF channels are used only for communication with vessels entering or leaving port of Skulte.

On arrival at port entrance, vessel’s speed should not exceed five knots. The speed must be maximally reduced when navigating within the port territory. Anchorage in the Outport or Aģe River must be coordinated with the Harbour Master.

Useful landmarks Metal SBRS tower; Chimney; Water tower.

PART C. Port of Skulte

Depths, berths and basins Depths Latest information about maximum authorized draughts and depths in port in accordance with the Harbour Master’s orders.

Berths Length of Max length of No. / Name Cargo type, function quay (m) vessel (m) Cargo Harbour Northern No. 1 (EMU-1) 100 140 Cargo Assistance of tugboat is mandatory if restrictions due to wind speed comes in force. Northernu No. 2 (EMU-2) 100 140 Cargo Assistance of tugboat is mandatory if restrictions due to wind speed comes in force. Southern No. 1 (DP-1) 73 115 Cargo Southern No. 2 (DP-2) 140 140 Cargo Assistance of tugboat is mandatory if restrictions due to wind speed comes in force. Fishing Harbour Fishing vessels technical (ZKT) 200 Fishing vessels. Docking with Harbour Master’s permission only. Fishing vessels No. 1 (ZK-1) 50 Coastal fishing ships and boats. Fishing vessels No. 2 (ZK-2) 145 30 Fishing vessels, leisure craft Fishing vessels VARITA (VARITA) 109 30 Fishing vessels. With Comapany “VARITA” permission only. Fishing vessels No. 3 (ZK-3) 90 30 Fishing vessels, leisure craft Fishing vessels No. 4 (ZK-4) 40 Closed Leisure craft No. 1 (AK-1) 40 8 Leisure craft Docking with Berth Supervisor permission only.

Basins Turning basin in the Outport has been designed for ships with the dimensions:

LOA = 140 m; Bmax = 18 m; Dmax = 7.0 m. Turning basin in Aģe River for ships with draught to 2.7 m.

Repairs ASK Enterprise small and leisure craft repair and storage.

PART C. Port of Skulte – Port of Riga C.7. Port of Skulte – Riga

Military practice area M1 lies in the Central part of the Gulf of Riga. Former minded area, opened for navigation is located in Southern part of the Gulf of Riga between port or Skulte and Port of Riga. Spoil ground with the radius of 2.3 cables lies 3 M Northwest of the Port of Skulte entrance. Ladiņu beacon (070) 57°11.66′N 024°21.14′E is located 7.5 M SSW off Port of Skulte. Gauja River flows into the Gulf of Riga approx. 10.5 M SSW of the Port of Skulte. Depths in the mouth of the river is subject to changes due to flux / reflux currents. Wreck showing parts of hull above the water line is located 1 M NE from the Daugavgrīva lighthouse. Spoil ground with the radius of 0.5 M, centred on 57°07.00′N 024°02.00′E lies approx. 3 M NE of Port of Riga entrance. Disused spoil ground with the radius of 0.5 M centred on 57°07.77′N 023°59.90′E lies approx. 3.7 M N off the Port of Riga entrance. Underwater obstructions lies in close proximity to Daugavgrīva leading line centreline. Wreck with a depth 4.4 m lies 0.11 M NE from the Port of Riga E breakwater.

PART C. Freeport of Riga C.8. Freeport of Riga

57°02.0′N 024°05.0′E Charts 2102 INT 1168, 2103 INT 1169, 2253 INT 1162, 1012 INT 1273, 1251

Description Multifunctional port. Port is located in Southern part of the Gulf of Riga, in the mouth of Daugava River. Port territory stretches in Riga for about 15 km along both riversides. Riga is the capital of the The Republic of Latvia.

Moles and breakwaters Western mole – 885 m. Eastern mole – 1010 m. Distance between mole heads is 400 m.

Port aquatory Freeport of Riga consists of: Daugava River basin up to Suspension bridge; Outer roadstead, with area limits: Coastline / 023°53.00′E 57°07.00′N 023°53.00′E, 57°07.00′N 024°05.0'0′E; Coastline / 024°05.0'0′E Following historically evolved areas and basins falls within area the Port of Riga: - Daugavgrīva and Bolderāja Ship Repair Yard; - Mangaļsala; - Audupe River; - Fishing harour; - Mangaļi Ship Repair Yard; - Vecmīlgrāvis; - Jaunmīlgrāvis and Rīga Shipyard; - Sarkandaugava; - Kundziņsala; - Pīļumuiža; - Eksportosta; - Andrejsala and Andrejosta; - Sea Passenger Terminal with Customs quay; - Ķīpsala ar Roņu dīķi; - Voleri; - Krēmeri; - Krievu sala.

Harbour Master’s Office Freeport of Riga Harbour Master’s Office Phone: +371 67 082 000 Fax: +371 67 322 750 E-mail: captain@rop.lv Address: Meldru Street 5a, Riga, LV-1015 https://rop.lv/lv

PART C. Freeport of Riga

Vessel Traffic Service Phone: +371 67 082 032; cell phone +371 20 264 379 Fax: +371 67 323 117 E-mail: [email protected]

Communication channels (VHF, call signs) No. Service Port areas in which vessels must Call sign Channel maintain continuous radio communication

1. Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Outer roadstead 16 and 9

2. Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) In port, vessel in motion 9 and 16

3. Reserve channel 14

4. Vessels carrying out dredging 9 and 16 operations in port basin

5. Traffic regulation channel 9

6. Pilot Service channel 6; 11; 67, 14

7. Ice-breaker Varma Varma 9; 13

8. Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Riga Traffic 9; 14; 16

9. Maritiome Rescue Coordination Centre Riga Rescue 16; 71; DSC 70 (MRCC) Radio No. 002750100

Restrictions Sailing restrictions and information on vessel parameters at specific berths can be found on the Freeport of Riga website www.rop.lv. The movement of ships in the port area without VTS permission is prohibited.

Local weather Water level fluctuations During strong NW and W winds the water level in the Daugava River can rise by 2 m and more. With continuous E and NE winds in summer the water level in the river can drop by 1 m and below.

Currents Location Direction Velocity (knots) Notes Lower reaches of Daugava River 0.5–1.5 Affected by hydro electrical power plants on river

Entering / leaving or turning of some vessels depending on their size and weather conditions in Eksportosta basin, Pīļumuiža basin, Krēmeru basin, Fishing harbour and Daugavgrīva harbour the may be restricted if current rate in Daugava river exceeds 1.5 knots.

Ice conditions Location Type of ice Period Daugava River Permanent ice cover Mid-December – mid-April

PART C. Freeport of Riga

Winter and ice navigation Restrictions to navigation in the port area and its approaches during the ice navigation period are determined by the Harbour Master of Freeport of Riga.

Anchorages, outer roads No. / Name Position Depth Seabed Function Outer roadstead 57°08.82′N 023°51.60′E 27 – 36 m Mud, sand 57°06.28′N 023°56.01′E 57°05.08′N 023°53.71′E 57°07.61′N 023°49.29′E

Strong N – NW winds can cause high waves in the outer roadstead. With increasing wind speed it is recommended that vessels heave the anchor. Vessels are forbidden to anchor in the following areas of the port: - closer than 100 m to floating docks, underwater cables and underflows; - within the fairways and shipping channels; - in places that have been signposted on the shore. The magnetic deviation of a ship’s compass can be determined in the outer roadstead.

Spoil grounds - Spoil ground with the radius of 0.5 M centred on 57°07.00′N 024°02.00′E. - Disused spoil ground with a radius of 0.5 M centred on 57°07.77′ N, 023°59.90′ E

Pilotage and tugboat service Pilotage According to the regulations of the Freeport of Riga, for all commercial vessels with a length of 50 m or more, pilotage is compulsory when navigating in the port or entering and leaving the port. The pilotage is in operation round-the-clock. Pilot boarding place is in the outer roadstead by reception safe water light buoy ′B′ (084). Tugboat services Tugboat services are available, with a tugboat engine power of 220 kW to 3650 kW. Tugboat use is regulated by Freeport of Riga regulations and the Harbour Master’s orders.

Entrance channel, fairways, channels within port Daugavgrīva lighthouse (075; C3526) 57°03.57′N 024°01.30′E is located on the left bank of Daugava River. Reception safe water light buoy ′B′ (084) 57°06.51′N 023°56.97′E located 3.2 M NW of port entrance. Mole heads light beacons - E mole (104; C3529) 57°04.10′N 024°00.89′E - W mole (105; C 3528) 57°03.92′N 024°00.63′E.

Main shipping channels Latest information about depths and authorized draughts is available at Harbour Master’s office. Entrance channel to mouth of the Daugava River –120 m wide, from safe water reception light buoy ”B” (084) to Suspension bridge. Mīlgrāvja channel – 80 m wide, dredged to 10 m (2019). Sarkandaugava channel – 90 m wide, dredged to 10 m (2019).

Shipping channels in accordance with Freeport of Riga regulations Annex 2 (April, 2020) From safe water reception light buoy ′B′ to the berth No. ZO-18, width 100 m. From berth No. ZO-18 to berth No. KRS-4, width 100 m. From berth No. KRS-4 to berth No. KS-29, width 100 m.

PART C. Freeport of Riga

From berth No. KS- to berth No. EO-14, width 100 m. From berth No. EO-14 to entrance to mouth of Eksportosta, width 120 m. From entrance to mouth of Eksportosta to berth No. MK-4, width 120 m. From Sakandaugava to berth No. JM-26/RKR-7. Sakandaugava channel up to berth No. SD-3 – 80 m. Depth in channels are subject to changes, dredging works are carried out periodically.

List of leading lines Daugavgrīva leading line - direction 141°–321°; - leading lights are located on the left bank of Daugava River: front (080; C3530) 57°03.61′N 024°01.30′E, rear (081; C3530.1) 57°03.38′N 024°01.65′E; - leading line leads through the Entrance channel up to entrance to the port. Rīnūžu leading line - direction 128.4°–308.4°; - leading lights are located on the right bank of the Daugava River 2.2 M SE of port entrance: front (100; C3532) 57°02.39′N 024°04.57′E, rear (101; C3532.1) 57°02.19′N 024°05.02′E; Kara harbour leading line - direction 168.5°–348.5°; - leading lights are located on the left bank of the Daugava River: front (133; C3536.2) 57°03.05′N 024°01.88′E, rear (134; C3536.201) 57°03.01′N 024°01.90′E. Mangaļsalas leading line - direction 073°–253°; - leading lights are located on the right bank of the Daugava River: front (154; C3537.2) 57°03.38′N 024°03.24′E, rear (155; C3537.21) 57°03.39′N 024°03.28′E. Mīlgrāvja leading line - direction 116.7°–296.7°; - leading light: front (195; C3545.4) 57°01.31′N 024°07.12′E, rear (196; C3545.41) 57°01.22′N 024°07.44′E. Jaunmīlgrāvja leading line - direction 223.7°–043.7°; - leading lights: front (240; C3545.1) 57°01.28′N 024°06.97′E, rear (241; C3545.2) 57°01.26′N 024°06.93′E. Sarkandaugavas leading line - direction 164.8°–344.8°; - leading lights: front (212; C3544.2) 57°00.59′N, 024°07.13′E, rear (213; C3544.21) 57°00.48′N 024°07.19′E. Baltās baznīcas leading line - direction 356.9°-176.9°; - leading lights are located on the right bank of Daugav River N of Kundziņsala: front (250; C3547) 57°01.94′N 024°05.26′E, middle (251; C3547.1) 57°02.05′N 024°05.24′E, rear (252; C3547.2) 57°02.20′N 024°05.23′E.

Information for entering the port The formalities relating to arrival and departure of ships shall be completed using the national, unified information system “SafeSeaNet”. Vessel traffic within the port is coordinated by VTS and ship movements are only allowed with a permission of VTS. When the ship enters or departs the port and crosses the border of the VTS area of responsibility (radius of 10 M, sector 270°–020° from the Daugavgrīva lighthouse), it must inform VTS on VHF channel 16 or 9, the call sign “Riga Traffic” or “Satiksme”. Orders of the Harbour Master relating to navigation safety measures are mandatory for all ships. Warning! Fishing nets are laid in Daugava River. Positions of fishing nets are not shown on navigational charts or included in other MAL publications.

PART C. Freeport of Riga

Useful landmarks When approaching Port of Riga entrance coastal terrace near Daugavgrīva lighthouse is clearly visible on radar screen from approx. 6 M distance; Water tower and a red tower with a black roof in Daugavgrīva; Suspension bridge pylon; High-rise building in the shape of sail; TV tower.

Depths, berths and basins Depths Latest information and Harbour Master’s orders about berths, authorized draughts, depths in dredged areas, vessel dimensions and restrictions can be found in Freeport of Riga website www.rop.lv.

Berths No. / Lenght Cargo type, function No. / Lenght Cargo type, function Name (m) Name (m) Customs quay Kundziņsala MK-3 240 Passengers, general cargo KS-28 140 Liquid bulk cargo MK-4 222 Passengers, general cargo KS-29 330 Bulk cargo /30 Sea Passenger Terminal KS-32 150 Containers JPS-1 132 Passengers, general cargo KS-33 150 Containers JPS-2 217 Passengers, general cargo KS-34 149 Containers Andrejosta KS-36 210 Bulk cargo (mineral fertilizers) AO-1 65 Not in use KS-36A 119 Bulk cargo (mineral fertilizers) AO-2 135 Not in use Sarkandaugava Andrejsala SD-3 150 General cargo, timber AS-3 120 General cargo, timber SD-4 103 General cargo, timber AS-4 119 General cargo, timber SD-5 220 Liquid bulk cargo AS-5 144 Not in use Daudersala Eksportosta DS-9 105 General cargo, timber EO-6 240 General cargo DS-10 100 General cargo, timber *EO-7 190 General cargo DS-11 85 Closed *EO-8 188,5 General cargo DS-12 150 Closed EO-9 130 Bulk cargo, general cargo Jaunmīlgrāvis EO-10 150 Bulk cargo, general cargo JM-15 181 Liquid bulk cargo EO-11 140 Bulk cargo, general cargo JM-15A 193 Liquid bulk cargo EO-12 159 Bulk cargo, general cargo JM-16 146 Liquid bulk cargo EO-14 210 Bulk cargo, general cargo, containers JM-17 125 Bulk cargo, general cargo EO-15 212 Bulk cargo, general cargo, containers JM-20 60 Pīļumuiža basin JM-22 125 Bulk cargo, general cargo PM-16 145 Bulk cargo, general cargo JM-23 130.5 Bulk cargo, general cargo PM-17 145 Bulk cargo, general cargo JM-25 38.4 Bulk cargo, general cargo PM-18 103 Bulk cargo, general cargo JM-26 100 Liquid bulk cargo PM-19 172 Bulk cargo, general cargo JM-27 58.5 Liquid bulk cargo PM-20 218 Bulk cargo, general cargo JM-29 153 Liquid bulk cargo, general cargo PM-21 350 Bulk cargo, general cargo Pilot berth Pilot 72 VTS

PART C. Freeport of Riga

No. / Lenght Cargo type, function No. / Lenght Cargo type, function Name (m) Name (m) Riga Shipyard Audupe RKR-3 70 Ship repairs AU-1 195 Not in use RKR-4 320 Ship repairs AU-2 87 Not in use RKR_5 265.7 Ship repairs Mangaļsala RKR-6 388 Ship repairs MS-2 100 Bulk cargo RKR- 105 Ship repairs MS-10 229 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo 6A RKR-7 530 Ship repairs MS-11 119 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo RKR-8 184 Ship repairs MS-12 141 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo RKR-9 247.5 Ship repairs MS-13 188 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo Vecmīlgrāvis Roņu pond VM-3 60 General cargo, timber RD-1 159 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo VM-4 154.4 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo RD-2 152 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo VM-5 131 VTS RD-3 145 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo Terminal „Vecmīlgrāvis” (Mangaļi Ship Repair Yard) KPS-16 162 Not in use MKR-1 153 General cargo, timber, passengers Voleri MKR-2 100 General cargo, timber VL-13 151.5 Ship repairs MKR-3 100 General cargo, timber VL-14 65 VVD MKR-4 114 Ship repairs VL-17 - Not in use MKR-5 115 Ship repairs Krēmeri MKR-6 184 Ship repairs KR-21 140 General cargo, timber MKR-7 192 Ship repairs KR-22 71 Not in use MKR-8 191 Ship repairs KR-24 105.3 General cargo, timber Fishing harbour KR-25 101.3 General cargo, timber ZO-1 207 General cargo, timber, containers, bulk Lejas Podrags cargo ZO-2 261 General cargo, timber, containers, bulk LP-27 147 Liquid gas cargo ZO-3 95 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo Daugavgrīva ZO-4 100 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo DG-1 203 Bulk cargo ZO-5 100 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo DG-2 116 Closed ZO-6 100 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo DG-19 150 Ship repairs ZO-7 100 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo DG-20 161 Ship repairs ZO-8 100 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo DG-54 219 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo ZO-9 110 Bulk cargo DG-55 147 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo ZO-10 120 Bulk cargo DG-55A 75 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo ZO-11 105 Bulk cargo DG-56 112 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo ZO-12 230 Bulk cargo Krievu sala ZO-14 148 *KRS-1 166 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo ZO-15 143 *KRS-2 167 General cargo, timber, bulk cargo ZO-17 80 Liquid bulk cargo KRS-3 250 Bulk cargo ZO-18 273 Liquid bulk cargo KRS-4 263 Bulk cargo ZO-19 100 Bulk cargo KRS-5 262 Bulk cargo Ice-breaker Varma berth KRS-6 327 Bulk cargo Varma 69 VTS KRS-7 329 Bulk cargo

Note: short-term, forced or spare berthing places without equipment: Krēmeru basin; DS-11; DS-12; JM-19; JM-20, ZO-14, ZO-15, KPS-16, AO-1, AO-2, KR-22, AU-1. * Large passenger ship berths.

PART C. Freeport of Riga

Basins Daugavgrīva harbour Lies on the left bank of Daugava River. Harbour is protected with breakwater, with breakwater S light beacon (162; C3535). Daugavgrīva harbour contains Winter harbour, Kara harbour and Bolderaja Ship Repair Yard. Mangaļsala basin Basin is located on the right bank of Daugava River, 1.6 M South of port entrance. Basin is protected with a dam, starboard hand light buoy “M1” (158) is located at the end of it. Buļļupe and Loču channel Buļļupe from Daugava River to bridge over it (vertical clearence 7 m) and Pilot canal is part of Freeport of Riga. Entrance to Buļļupe River is marked with Buļļupe light beacon (166; C3538). Audupe Audupe joins Daugava River with Vecdaugava. Entrance to Audupe is protected by a dam. NW part of the dam is ruined and partly submerged. The width of the entrnce is 70 m. Starboard hand light boy ′A1′ (168) marks entrance to Audupe. When entering Audupe vessels must keep closer to the North bank. 6.5 cables from the entrance Audupe flows into Vecdaugava. Fishing harbour Lies on the right bank of Daugava Rive, contains deep water berths. Žurku Island with berths is sheltering Fishing harbour from Daugava River. N entrance is marked by N light beacon (172; C3543) and S light beacon (174; C3543.2). Krēmeri basin Located on the left bank of Daugava River. Entrance is marked with Krēmeri entrance light beacon (278; C3549). Voleri basin Located on the left bank of Daugava River. Entrance is marked with Voleri light beacon (282; C3550.4). Ruined pier is located in N part of entrance to the basin, marked with S light buoy (281). Pīļumuiža basin Pīļumuiža basin lies on the right bank of the Daugava River. EO-15 light beacon (294; C3551) is located S of the entrance to the basin. Eksportosta Eksportosta basin lies on the right bank of Daugava River and is protected with the levee. The head of the dam is marked with Eksportosta levee light beacon (296; C3552). Ķīpsala and Roņu pond Lies on the left bank of the Daugava River. Zunda canal is bordering Ķīpsala Island on W side. Twoo levees lies parralel to river bank in Ķīpsala: - FG levee with FG levee entrance starboard hand light beacon (306; C3558.5) and port hand light beacon (307) at the S end. - CDE levee with Ķīpsala light beacon (310; C3559) marking N end of it. Podraga light beacon (300; C3554) is marking entrance to Roņu pond with starboard hand light beacon (301; C3553) in opposite side; Andrejosta Andrejosta is located on the right bank of the Daugava River and it’s used as yacht harbour. Entrance to the Andrejosta is marked with Sea Passenger Terminal light beacon (303; C3558). 90 m S of Kurpnieku island W light beacon (260; C3548) lies underwater power cable. S of Putnu island light beacon (285; C3550) two underwater pipelines is crossing river bed at a distance of 165 m and 220 m from the river.

PART C. Freeport of Riga

Repairs Ship repair facilities Max length Max draught Notes of ship of ship Bolderājas kuģu remonta rūpnīca 120 m 5.5 m Floating dock 3500 tn. L-118 m, B-28 m. MANGALI SHIPYARD 110 m 4 – 6 m 5 ship repair berths MKR-6, 7, 8 Rīgas kuģu būvētava 250 m 7.7 m Floating dock load capacity

PART C. Riga C.9. Riga

Buļļupe Buļļupe is a branch of Lielupe River which flows into the Daugava River. In Riga, Mīlestības Islande divides Buļļupe in two Branches – Buļļupe and Pilot canal. Buļļupe is approx. 5.2 M long, with maximal width of 400 m. At its narrowest part river is 80 m wide. Buļļupe is shallow with uneven riverbed. 0.9 M South of river entrance to Daugava River is located two parallel bridges (vertical clearance 7.0 m). Hapaka ditch Hapaka ditch borders Krievu Island from W side. Entrance to Hapaka ditch is marked by Hapaka ditch light beacon (254; C3543.5). Warning! High voltage power overhead transmission line with vertical clearance 8.0 m is crossing Hapaka ditch before Beķera branch. Yacht berths near Ķīpsala Riga City Yacht club is located on the left bank of the Daugava River besides the Suspension bridge. From E side yacht club is sheltered with CDE levee. Entrance in yacht marina may be marked with buoys. Suspension bridge is Southern border of Freeport of Riga. Vertical clearence of the bridge is 9.0 m. Āgenskalna bay Āgenskalna bay is sheltered from Daugava River with a 560 m long AB dam. Āgenskalna bay is mainly used for water sporting activities during summer and offers berthing for leisure craft and river boats. Concreted pier (length 107 m, width 6 m) is located on the SE bank of Āgenskalna Bay. Akmens Bridge is about 800 m upstream from Suspension bridge. Vertical clearance of the bridge is 7.0 m. Between Suspension bridge and Akmens Bridge, on the right bank of Daugava River leisure craft berths are located. During summer river boats and leisure craft are operating in the Daugava River and Port of Riga territory. Railway Bridge’s vertical clearence is 7.0 m. Salu Bridge vertical clearence is 7.0 m. Dienvidu Bridge vertical clearence is 8.5 m. Sewer collector output is located SW off Port of Riga entrance. Restricted safety area is established around the output.

PART C. Port of Jūrmala C.10. Port of Jūrmala

57°00.5′N 023°55.2′E Charts 2253 INT 1162, 1012 INT 1273, 1251

Description Port of Jūrmala lies in Southern part of the Gulf of Riga, in the mouth of Lielupe River, in the city of Jūrmala. Port of Jūrmala operates as leisure craft and yacht harbour. Marinas and yacht berths within the Port of Jūrmala territory: Latvijas jahtklubs, Porto Marine, Latvian Motor yacht club Viking, Yacht club Uzvara, Stirnu raga yacht club, Priedaines Jahtklubs and Jūrmalas Zaļais jahtklubs.

Moles and breakwaters Entrance to Lielupe River is not protected with moles or breakwaters.

Port of Jūrmala Authority Dubultu prospekts 11- 2nd floor, Jūrmala, LV2015 Phone 371 26 613 344 E-mail: [email protected]

Communication channels (VHF, call signs) When entering port of Jūrmala VHF channel 12 should be used.

Restrictions Depths in the mouth of River Lielupe is subject to changes due to silting and sand waves.

Local weather Wind Prevailing winds in winter are SE, S and SW, in summer – SW and W winds. Water level With N and NW (12–17 m/s) winds the water level in the port can rise above mean water level by 50 – 70 cm. With continuous N, NW winds high water level can remain for 2 weeks. With S and SE winds and during calm weather, water level decrease below mean level by 50 cm. With continuous S, SE winds low water level can remain for a month. Fog Heavy fogs are common in springs. On average 40 foggy days can be observed in a year. In cold season fogs are more heavy and prolonged.

Anchorages No. / Name Position Depths Seabed Function Port of Jūrmala 57°01.58′N 023°54.20′E 11–17 m Sand, silt anchorage area 57°01.36′N 023°54.54′E 57°01.01′N 023°54.20′E 57°01.36′N 023°53.85′E

PART C. Port of Jūrmala

Information for entering the port

In Lielupe River the use of vessels and waterways is allowed in places where it is permitted in accordance with the regulations published on the port's website and in compliance with the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 92 Regulations on Vessel Traffic in Inland Waters requirements.

For sailing yachts the only waterway for the entrance in the Port of Jūrmala is the mouth of the Lielupe River. The waterway along Buļļupe River is obstructed by a bridge in Bolderāja and a high voltage power transmission line.

Useful landmarks Dubulti church tower; Buļļuciems lighthouse. Depths Maximal depth in the port is 3 m (2020). Consult Port Authority before entering the port.

Dangers to navigation Dangerous wreck with depth 2.2 m – N from mouth of the Lielupe River.

Repairs Not available.

PART C. Jūrmala - Engure C.11. Jūrmala – Engure

Buļļuciema lighthouse (330; C3503) 56°59.64′N 023°53.21′E is located in Southern part of the Gulf of Riga, 13.2 M S of Ragaciema lighthouse. Jūrmala city lies in Southern part of the Gulf of Riga. It stretches along the coast for about 11 M. During summer, Jūrmala is busy with leisure craft and water sports activities. Coast is sandy with dunes covered in pine forests. High-rise hotel buildings and summer houses near the beach are visible from the sea. Ragaciema lighthouse (335; C3502) 57°02.07′N 023°29.16′E is located in Ragciems cape. Fishing villages stretches from Ragaciema lighthouse to Port of Engure. Communication tower is located 2.8 M W of Ragaciems lighthouse. Spoil ground with a radius of 3.5 cables lies approx. 1.5 M S of the Port of Engure.

PART C. Port of Engure C.12. Port of Engure

57°09.8′N 023°14.0′E Charts 1012 INT 1273, 1251

Description Yacht / coastal fishing harbour. Harbour lies 10.7 M SSE of Port of Mērsrags in Engure.

Moles and breakwaters Northern mole – 258 m; Southern mole – 145 m. Distance between mole heads is 214 m.

Harbour Master’s Office Port of Engure Authority Phone +371 29 172 323 Address: Jūras Street 85, Engure, Engure municipality, LV-3113 E-mail: [email protected]

Restrictions Depths in the port entrance are subject to changes due to silting.

Local weather Wind Prevailing are W and SW winds. Water level fluctuations With E winds water level within the port can decrease by 30 cm.

Currents Velocity of the surface currents are affected by fluctuations in the sea water level.

Ice conditions In severe winters harbour may be closed with ice.

Entrance channel, fairways Direction of the leading line 270.2°– 090.2°, Leading line: front beacon (340) 57°09.80′N 023°13.87′E, rear beacon (341) 57°09.80′N 023°13.75′E. Shipping channel in the port is marked with port hand and starboard hand spar buoys. Depths in the port entrance are subject to change depending on season and weather conditions, especially autumn and winter storms.

Information for entering the port All ships must request information from the Harbour Master about the depths on the leading line before entering the harbour. Minimal depth on the leading line is 3.5 m (2019).

PART C. Port of Engure

Dangers to navigation Object type Length Width Location Notes Dam 160 m 70–80 m Stretches northwards from Ruined berths on W side, wooden the S mole dolphins above and below the water line Sandy shoal N of the leading line within Depths 1.0 – 0.1 m, vessels must remain port area strictly on leading line

Useful landmarks Engure lighthouse; Brick chimney; Communication tower (63 m).

Depths, berths and basins Berths No. / Name Length Function Notes (m) Fish loading / unloading 38 Fishing ships and boats Oppsite the harbour entrance Slip 14 Lifting of yachts, leisure craft and boats S of Fish loading / unloading berth Yachts, leisure craft, boats 36 Yachts, leisure craft and boats services S of the slip berth Repairs 80 In SW part of the harbourt Floating berthing places 72 Capacity to accommodate 50 yachts In port aquatorium

Before entering Engure harbour latest information about berths and shipping regulations must be obtained from the Engure Port Authority.

PART C. Engure - Mērsrags C.13. Engure – Mērsrags

Engures lighthouse (345; C3501) 57°09.98′ N, 023°13.73′ E. Communication towers (70 m) in Bērzciems village approx. 5.6 M S of Port of Mērsrags. Spoil ground with a radius of 2.5 cables lies approx. 2.5 M SE of Port of Mērsrags. Dangerous boulder with depth 4.2 m lies 1.65 M E of Port of Mērsrags in Liellaide shoal.

PART C. Port of Mērsrags C.14. Port of Mērsrags

57°20.1′N 23°08.0′E Charts 3531 INT 12733, 1012 INT 1273, 1251

Description Commercial and fishing port with yacht mooring facilities. Port is located 2 M S from Mērsargs cape, in Mērsrags village.

Moles and breakwaters Northern mole – 390 m. Southern mole – 105 m. Distance between mole heads is 150 m.

Harbour Master’s Office Port of Mērsrags Authority Phone / fax + 371 63 235 696 E-mail: [email protected] Address: Lielā Street 62, Mērsrags, Mērsrags municipality, LV-3284

Communication channels (VHF, call signs) VHF channels 16 and 10. Reserve VHF channel – 8.

Restrictions Authorized sizes of vessels: Maximal length 130 m; Maximum draught up to 6.5 m.

Local weather Ship movements in the port are prohibited if: - Wind speed in the port area exceeds 14 m/s. - Visibility is less than 0.5 M.

Ice conditions In severe winters port may be closed by ice cover.

Pilotage and tugboat services Pilotage Pilotage is available round-the-clock. Pilot boarding place is by the safe water reception light buoy ′A′. Pilotage is mandatory for all ships with length over 50 m. Tugboat services Tugboat is constantly operating in the port.

PART C. Port of Mērsrags

Anchorage No. / Name Position Depth Seabed Function Anchorage 57°20.02′N 023°12.04′E 7–10 m Sand, All ships 57°20.02′N 023°14.04′E pebles 57°18.09′N 023°15.04′E 57°18.09′N 023°13.03′E

Entrance channel, fairways Reception safe water light buoy ′A′ (353) 57°20.20′N 023°11.92′E is located 2 M from the port entrance. Shipping channel - 80 m wide; - 3549 m long from reception safe water light buoy to port entrance; - Channel is marked with lateral light buoys. Mērsrags leading line - Direction 266.5°–086.5°’; - Leading lights lies on the left bank of the Mērsrgs canal: front (351; C3495.5) 57°20.07′N 023°08.03′E; rear (352; C3495.51) 57°20.06′N 023°07.79′E. Inner leading line - To approach berths No 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4 or 5 it is recommended to use Inner leading line; - direction 270.1°–091.1°; - leading lights: front (365) 57°20.10′N 023°07.46′E, rear (366) 57°20.10′N 023°07.34′E.

Information for entering the port 24 h and 4 h befpre entering the port Master of the Vessel informs Port of Mērsrags Harbour Master. Movement in shipping chanel is one way regardless ot he vessel size. Movement of vessels in the port without the Harbour Master’s permission is prohibited.

Dangers to navigation Object Depth Location Notes Submerged rock 2.4 m 2.7 cables ESE from the entrance to port 57°20.01′N 023°08.87′E Wreck 4.2 m 3.1 M NE of entrance to port Mazlaides bank 3.6 m 1.4 M ENE of entrance to port Liellaides bank 5.0 m 11.8 M E of entrance to port Sīgrava bank 2.8 m 4.2 cables NE of entrance to port Shoals 1.8 m un 2.6 m 2-3 M from SE of the entrance

Useful landmarks Water tower; Chimneys of the fish factory; Mērsrags lighthouse; Communication tower (66 m); 2 wind turbines S of the port entrance.

Depths, berths and basins Depths Depths in the entrance to the port are subject to change, especially during autumn and winter storms. Dredging works are carried out periodically. Latest information related to depths – on demand in Harbour Master’s office.

PART C. Port of Mērsrags

Berths No. / Name Lenght (m) Maximal length Function of vessel (m) No 1 116.9 111 Fishery No 2 Not in use No 3 40 35 Auxilary fleet

No 4 50.4 111 Cargo

No 5 41.1 25 Fishery No 6 145 130 Cargo Nr. 6A 88 68 Fishery

Nr. 7 164 130 Cargo Nr. 9 55.9 106.86 Fishery Nr. 1A 40 20 Yacht mooring Yacht Centre berths (3 berths) 50 40 Yacht mooring Water intake facilities 13 12 Water supply

Turning basins within the port: - turning basin is near berths No. 6 and No. 7 for vessels with maximum length up to 130 m and a maximum draught up to 6.5 m. - turning basin near berth No. 4 for vessels with maximum length up to 80 m and a maximum draught up to 3.0 m.

Repairs Not available.

PART C. Mērsrags - Roja C.15. Mērsrags – Roja

Mērsraga lighthouse (375; C3494) 57°21.95′N 023°07.19′E is located in Mērsrags cape. Mērsrags cape is low and sandy, covered with forests, located 2 M NW of the Port of Mērsrags. Sandy shoal with boulders encloses the Mērsrags cape. Residential house on artificial island in Kaltene, 57°27.12′N 022°54.14′E. Sometimes is used as private yacht mooring. Spoil ground with a radius of 0.2 M is located 0.6 M to E of Port of Roja.

PART C. Port of Roja C.16. Port of Roja

57°30.5′N 022°48.5′E Charts 3340 INT 12732, 1012 INT 1273, 1251

Description Commercial, fishing and yachting harbour. Port is located in the mouth of Roja River, Roja village, 16.5 M SSE from Kolkasrags cape.

Moles and breakwaters South-eastern mole – 658 m. North-western mole – 430 m. Distance between mole heads is 110 m.

Harbour Master’s Office Roja Port Authority: Port administrator: phone +371 29 238 127 Harbour Master: phone +371 26 434 813 E-mail: [email protected] www.rojaport.lv Address: Ostas Street 1, Roja, LV-3264

Communication channels (VHF, call signs) Channel 10 and 16, call sign “Rojas osta”.

Local weather Wind The prevailing are W and SW winds.

Currents Location Direction Velocity (knots) Notes Within the port 0.1 Velocity of the currents are determined by the Roja River runoffs and fluctuations in the water level.

Ice conditions In severe winters ice can close the port area.

Entrance channel, fairways Approach channel - 60 m wide, - 500 m long. Outport channel - 60 m wide, - 300 m long.

PART C. Port of Roja

Inner channel - 35 m wide, - 200 m long. Port of Roja directional light (390; C3489) 57°30.46′N 022°48.55′E - Located on the right bank of the Roja River and ensures safe entry or departure in the Outport up to the mouth of the river. - The direction of the white sector axis is 215.0°–035.0°. Total angle of the light sectors is 9°. White, red and green light sector angles separately are 3°. All lights are shown without changes. Safe navigation for vessels entering or leaving the port is ensured within the white light sector. Mole head light beacons - NW mole light beacon (396; C3489.3) 57°30.66′N 022°48.74′E. - SE mole light beacon (397; C3489.4) 57°30.62′N 022°48.83′E.

Information for entering the port The port is able to receive and service ships with length up to 116 m.

Useful landmarks Chimney; Water tower; Communication towers.

Depths, berths and basins Depths Depths in the entrance of the port are subject to change, especially during autumn and winter gales. Latest information about depths – in accordance with Harbour Master’s orders. Berths No. / Name Length (m) Max length of Max width of Function vessel (m) vessel (m) 1 170 115 16 Fishery, bulk cargo, ship docking 2 50 20 5 Ship docking 2a 30 15 5 Yachts 3 47 20 5 Ship docking 4 64 50 8 Repairs (slip with 250 t lifting capacity, tower crane with 3 t lifting capacity) 5 142 50 8 Fishery, bulk cargo, ship docking 6 92 108 16 Bulk cargo, fishing boats 7/6a 25 20 5 Fishery, bulk cargo, ship docking 8 80 80 16 Fishery, bulk cargo, ship docking 9 114 114 16 Fishery, bulk cargo, ship docking

Repairs Repairs of fishing vessels.

PART C. Roja – Kolkasrags cape C.17. Roja – Kolkasrags cape

Former mined area, opened for navigation lies 11.6 M to SE from the Kolkasrags Cape. Recommended track from Irbe Strait to the Port of Riga starts to the E of the Kolka lighthouse, direction 136.3° – 316.3°. Depths along the recommended track is between 30 m – 40 m. Dangerous wreck with in depth of 22 m is located approx. 4 M to NE of the Kolkasrags Cape, in close proximity of the recommended track. Ģipkas lighthouse (400; C3486) 57°34.19′N 022°39.45′E is located 14 M to S of the Kolka lighthouse. Kolka pier lies 1.2 M S of the Kolkasrags Cape. Length of the pier is 190 m, width - 6 m (18 m at the end of pier), direction is 112°. Sandy shoals with the least depth 1.4 m lies near the pier. The pier can be approached from the E side, using as useful landmark the tall brick chimney and communication tower (63 m). When approaching the pier, watch out for fishing nets that have been cast to the N about 3 to 5 cables from shore in a depth 5–10 m. South of Kolka pier is located ruined wooden pier. Ruhnu Island is located 20 M to E of the Kolkasrags Cape and is within Estonian waters. In SE part of the Ruhnu Island is Ringsu harbour. Ruhnu lighthouse (57°48.08′N 023°15.61′E) is located in the Eastern part of the island, partly obstructed by forest. Navigation dangers near the Ruhnu Island: - Near W coast there are shoals and boulders visible above water and submerged. Rocky shoal with the least depth of 0.6 m is located 250 m SSW of the Ringsu harbour W mole head; - a shoal with a depth of 2.2 m is located 2 M to NW of the N part of the island; - Gretagrunda shoal with the least depth of 2.2 m is located 2.3 NM SSE of Ringsu harbour.

PART C. Irbe Strait Irbe Srait C.18. Irbe Strait

Description Irbe Strait connects the Baltic Sea with the Gulf of Riga. Maritime border between the Republic of Estonia and the Republic of Latvia runs approx. through the middle of the strait. The borders of the Irbe Strait in the West is determined by Ovišrags - Sõrve meridian, in the East it is Kolkasraga Cape meridian; Irbe Strait is Natura 2000 protection area. Irbe Strait and Approaches to the Port of Ventspils falls within Former mined area, opened for navigation. Restrictions to navigation in the mined areas are listed in the MAL publication Shipping Regulations. Local weather Prevailing are S, SW and W winds, which can cause significant wave heights. Fog mostly occurs in spring. Surface currents flows in NE or SW direction, depending on wind direction. Ice conditions Irbe strait freezes over only in severe winters. Most common is drifting ice. Between Koslkasrags cape and Abruka Island, Estonia, fixed ice sheet can form during moderate winters if the wind conditions and currents are favourable. Northern part of the Irbe Strait falls within the Republic of the Estonia territory. The entire N coast of the Irbe Strait is surrounded by stony shoals. Sõrves cape is the tip of the island of Saaremaa. Sõrves lighthouse is located here (57°54.59′N 022°03.32′E), and a few small islands are located nearby in a SSW direction. Dangerous wrecks are located at various distances from Sõrves cape. Fishing (trawling) is prohibited in the Irbe Strait within Estonian waters. Southern shore of the Irbe Strait stretches from Kolkasrags to Oviši cape (31 M). Navigating the Irbe Strait could be difficult as currents are changing direction. Kolkas lighthouse (410; C3478) 57°48.14′N 022°38.04′E is located on the artificial island in the N end of Kolkasraga shoal, 2.7 M to NNE from the coast. Lighthouse serves as a Racon (K). Kolkasraga Cape is low and sandy. During periods of sustained W winds in the Kolkasrags region strong north- westerly currents and wave crossing can be observed. Kolkasraga shoal with a depths of under 1.0 m juts out to Kolkas lighthouse in NNE direction. A wreck of unknown depth is located N of the shoal. Saunagciema beacon (460) 57°43.66′ N, 022°27.07′ is located 5.4 M to WSW of the Kolkasrags Cape. Sīkragciema lighthouse (465; C3477.3) 57°39.46′N 022°12.95′E is located 8.6 M NE of Miķeļbāka lighthouse. Dangerous wrecks lies in close proximity of Irbe Strait recommended track. Wreck with the depth of 13.8 m is marked with special purpose light buoy (450). Miķeļbāka lighthouse (470; C3476) 57°35.99′N 021°58.47′E is located approx. 8.5 M to WSW of Sīkragciems light house. Lighthouse operates as a Racon (M). Irbe Strait Approaches Ovišu lighthouse (475; C3470) 57°34.12′N 021°42.95′E is located in Ovišrags Cape, 11.2 M N off the Port of Ventspils. Ovišu shoal stretches in NW direction for 5 M with depths less than 10 m. A spar buoy (495) marks off the shoal on the N side. On the SW side the shoal is marked off by the West spar buouy (500) that is located 3.6 M to WNW of the Ovišrags cape. There are wrecks and underwater obstructions within the shoal. A wreck, with a depth of 9.5 m above it is located near the recommended track 4.6 M NNW of Ovišrags cape. Shoals with a depth of 8.8 m and 9.4 m are located 5 Cables NNW and 9 Cables E of this wreck respectively.

PART C. Irbe Strait

Irbes lighthouse (480; C3474) 57°45.04′N 021°43.38′E is located in N end of the Mihailova shoal on a man- made foundation, 11 M to N from Ovišrags cape. Lighthouse operates as a Racon (I). There is a helipad on the roof of the lighthouse. Petropavlovskas shoal is located approx. 2.6 M to SW from the Irbe lighthouse with the shallowest depth of 6.4 m in W side. Mihailova shoal is located approx. 2 M to S from the Irbe lighthouse with the shallowest depth of 5.0 m. In the S the shoal is marked off by N spar buoy (483) and E spar buoy (485). Ignatjeva shoal located 4.5 M to S from the Irbe lighthouse with the shallowest depth of 8.1 m. Čaiņikova shoal is located 5.5 M to S from the Irbe lighthouse, least depth is 8.1 m. Vinkova shoal lies 13 M to NW of the Ovišrags Cape. Shoals is marked off by W light buoy (505) and E light buoy (503). Least depth is 7.8 m. Rocky area with boulders forms S margin of the shoal. Bezimjannaja shoal lies W of the Irbe strait and is marked off with W light buoy (510) and E light buoy (508). Least depth is 9.8 m, but shoal is not surveyed with modern equipment and exact depths are not known.

C.19. Irbe Strait recommended tracks

For the purposes of maritime safety recommended tracks have been designated in the Irbe Strait: NW leg of recommended track of Irbe Strait lies to E off Irbe lighthouse. It is designed as two-way shipping route with area marked off by lateral light buoys. All ships are recommended to keep on the starboard side and not to pass beyond the borders of the recommended route. Starting from 57°43.40′N 021°48.28′E it is recommended to keep on the recommended track with direction 141.0°–321.0° which after 2.48 M changes direction to 109.0°–289.0° and in 3.74 M joins Irbe Strait recommended track’s E leg. W leg of reccomeded track of Irbe Strait is two-way track with direction 088.0°–268.0° and length of 13.38 M. Recommended track is marked with safe water light buoys. Track runs through the Čaiņikova shoal. E leg of recommended track of Irbe Strait with a direction 063.0° - 243.0° and length 23.62 M. To the N from Kolka lighthouse the recommended track’s direction changes to 123.8° - 303.8°. Turning point is marked with safe water buoy No. ′8′ (455).

PART C. Irbe Strait - Ventspils Central Baltic Sea C.20. Irbes Strait – Ventspils

Ovišrags headland is located on SW coast of the Irbe Strait. It is low and sandy with a noticeably light colour. Shoals with depths less than 10 m lies 3.5–5 M to WSW from Ovišrags cape. Spoil ground and disused spoil ground is located approx. 2.1 M and 1.7 M to N from Port of Ventspils. Sewer collector output with a protection area lies NE of the Port of Ventspils N mole. Caution. When navigating close to the shore beware of uncharted fishing nets.

PART C. Freeport of Ventspils C.21. Freeport of Ventspils

57º24′N 021º32′E Charts 3720 INT 12735, 2257 INT 1163, 1015 INT 1276, 1014 INT 1275, 1252 INT 1216

Description Multifunctional port. Freeport is located in the mouth of Venta River, in Ventspils, 12.7 M to NE of the Užava lighthouse.

Moles and breakwaters Northern mole – 1490 m Southern mole – 742 m. Distance between mole heads is 310 m.

Port aquatorry - Outer roadstead, that is marked off by lines that connect the following positions: 57°20.9′N 021°29.3′E 57°25.4′N 021°22.6′E 57°32.3′N 021°30.3′E 57°26.3′N 021°36.0′E - Outport; - Venta River shipping channel; - Jaunā zvejas harbour (New fishing harbour); - Vecā zvejas harbour (Old fishing harbour); - Mazā zvejas harbour (Small fishing harbour).

Harbour Master’s Office Freeport of Ventspils Authority Phones: +371 63 621 040, +371 26 329 655 E-mail: [email protected] Address: K. Valdemāra Street 14, Ventspils, LV-3601

Connections in the port (VHF channels, call signs) No. Service Call sign Channels 1. Vessel Traffic Service Ventspils kuģu satiksme 9, 14, 16, 67 2. Port control Ventspils Ostas kontrole 9, 14, 16, 67 3. Tugboats Ventspils Radio 6 9, 14 4. Boatmen Raita-4 9, 14 5. Emergency and rescue Service Krasta apsardze 9, 16 6. Border Guard Tornis 7 9, 16

Restrictions Maximum allowed draughts – on request from the Freeport Authority.

PART C. Freeport of Ventspils

Local weather Wind SW and W winds are prevailing all year round. N and NW winds can reach speed up to 25 m/s during spring. In summer prevailing is S wind with an average speed of 2–3 m/s. From October to January prevailing are N winds with a speed 6–7 m/s. Wave regime Prevailing are waves with a rating of up to 3 on the scale. The average height of waves is 0.75–1.0 m. During autumn – winter seasons with the W wind waves can reach height of 2.0–3.5 m. The maximum wave height is up to 6 m and can occur once or twice a year. Fluctuations in water level With NW and W winds in the autumn and winter period the water level can rise by 1.0–1.2 m. S and SE winds cause on average 12 fluxes and 4 to 5 refluxes up to -0.6 m yearly. Fog From April to June – 15 to 18 foggy days per month. From July to October – 2 to 3 foggy days per month. An average of 50 foggy days per year.

Currents Location Direction Velocity (knots) Notes Approaches to Port of Ventspils N or S 0.2 – 0.9 Depending on wind direction Venta River 0.5 Up to 2 knots in floods or downpours

Ice conditions Ice-free Baltic Sea port. In severe winters drifting, compressed ice can be observed. Location Ice type Hazards Approaches to Port of Ventspils Drifting ice in N or NW winds Ice compression Open seas Drifting ice

Pilotage and tugboat services Pilotage Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels with a lenght over 70 m, tankers and vessels using tugs regardless of their lenght when entering or leaving Freeport as well as moving from one berth to another. These requirements do not apply to Freeport of Ventspils service vessels. Pilot boarding places: - Reception safe water light buoy ′A′ (545) 57°26.28′N 021°24.67′E located at the start of the W shipping channel on the W leading line axis. - Reception safe water light buoy ′B′ (525) 57°28.52′N 021°25.91′E located at the beginning of the N shipping channel on the N leading line axis 5.1 M to NW from the N mole head. In difficult hydro-meteorological conditions, when it is not possible to pick up or transfer a pilot to the said buoys, pilot boarding place may be changed by mutual agreement with the Master of the vessel.

PART C. Freeport of Ventspils

Tugboat services Tugboats are available with a towing tonnage up to 75 t. Use of a tugboat is compulsory for: - Tankers and vessels with dangerous cargo (Class 1 to 9 according to IMDG Code classification) with a lenght over 70 m; - vessels with length over 150 m; - Tankers and vessels with dangerous cargo (Class 1 to 9 according to IMDG Code classification), equipped with a bow thruster with a length that does not exceed 150 m. - For dry cargo vessels equipped with a bow thruster the use or number of tugs may be determined in accordance with the Good Seamanship principles and depending on actual weather conditions and other factors. In the Freeport area, irrespective of the towing method, each tugboat can only pull (push) one vessel. The towing of a self-propelled vessel is coordinated by the Vessel Master, irrespective of whether this ship’s propellers are working or not. In order for a tugboats with the towed vessel, except for tugboats towing barges, to leave the port the following must submitted to the Freeport Harbour Master: - Description of the planned route and a voyage plan; - One-time voyage permit issued by the Maritime Administration of Latvia or authorized vessel classification society.

Anchorage No. / Name Position Depths(m) Seabed Function Anchorage V1 57°29.74′N 021°28.48′E 13–23 Sand, Tankers with liquefied gas and 57°31.52′N 021°30.28′E pebbles chemical cargo 57°30.79′N 021°31.60′E Vessels that are in quarantine 57°29.11′N 021°29.78′E Anchorage V2 57°30.19′N 021°20.90′E 23–35 Sand, Vessels with a draught > 10 m 57°31.51′N 021°22.42′E pebbles 57°31.21′N 021°23.32′E 57°29.58′N 021°22.67′E Anchorage V3 57°26.99′N 021°28.58′E 12–21 Sand, Tankers with oil and oil 57°28.07′N 021°27.03′E pebbles products; 57°29.39′N 021°28.70′E Dry cargo vessels with dangerous cargo 57°27.89′N 021°30.60′E Anchorage V4 57°26.29′N 021°31.00′E 7–13 Sand, silt Dry cargo vessels, with a 57°27.82′N 021°31.00′E draught < 5m 57°27.82′N 021°33.58′E 57°26.29′N 021°33.58′E Anchorage V5 57°26.05′N 021°26.98′E 12–22 Sand, Dry cargo vessels with a 57°26.64′N 021°24.73′E pebbles draught >5m, but < 10m 57°27.97′N 021°26.28′E 57°26.18′N 021°28.71′E

Note: During W storms anchoring in the outer roadstead is dangerous and it is recommended that while waiting for permission to enter the port vessels go drifting or head for cover behind Kolkas cape in the Gulf of Riga or head to Gotland Island. Vessels are not permitted to anchor in the Outport, Venta River or on fairways in Outer roadstead.

PART C. Freeport of Ventspils

Entrance channels, fairways Maximum allowed vessel draughts on request from the Port Authority. Western fairway - Width of the shipping channel is 164 m; - Length - 4.2 M. Dredged section of the fairway begins 0.64 M from safe water reception light buoy ′A′ (545) 57°26.28′N 021°24.67′E. - channel is marked with pairs of lateral buoys. Where Western fairway is intersecting Northern fairway the width of shipping channel is 250–380 m (2012). Light buoys No. ′3′ (536) and No. ′4′ (538) 0.6 NM from the port entrance mark the transition to the wider channel section with a width of 164 m. Information about maintained depths is available on request from the Freeport Authority. Western leading line - direction 109.9°–289.9°; - leading lights: front (540; C3450.5) 57°24.52′N 021°33.72′E, middle (541; C3450.51) 57°24.44′N 021°34.12′E, rear (542; C3450.52) 57°24.35′N 021°34.58′E. Northern fairway - Width of the shipping channel is 130 m; - length 4.09 M. The Northern fairway starts from reception safe water light buoy ′B′ (525) 57°28.52′N 021°25.91′E and leads through natural depths for about 1.35 M. Then channels widens to 130 m and leads 2.74 M through the dredged channel up to intersection with Western fairway. - channel is marked with pairs of lateral buoys. - Information about maintained depths is available on request from the Freeport Authority. Northern leading line - direction 143.7°–323.7°, - leading lights: front (520; C3450) 57°23.68′N 021°32.53′E, rear (521; C3450.1) 57°23.28′N 021°33.08′E. Venta River shipping channel - From Outport to the bridge over the Venta River. - Isolated danger light buoy (530) is located to port from the axis of the Northern fairway 3.5M from N breakwater. It marks off shoal with least depth 13.3 m. Dangerous wrecks lies E of the Northern fairway and between the Northern and Western fairways. Wrecks are marked of with light buoys. Mole head light beacons - N breakwater light beacon (595; C3451) 57°24.49′N 021°31.63′E; - S breakwater light beacon (597; C3452) 57°24.32′N 021°31.48′E; - Breawater light beacon (600; C3451.4) 57°24.33′N 021°31.86′E

Information for entering the port Vessel traffic 1. Simultaneous two-way traffic is prohibited on fairways, in Outport and Venta River shipping channel for vessels longer than 70 m. 2. Vessels in the Outport with length less than 235 m as well as vessels with length not exceeding 185 m and which are planning to move to the berths located in Venta River shipping channel, entering or leaving of the port is allowed if the wind speed does not exceed 14 m/s or visibility is not less than 2 M. 3. Vessels that are longer than 185 m in the Venta River channel and vessels in the Outport that are longer than 235 m, are allowed to enter or leave the port if the wind speed does not exceed 8 m/s or visibility is not less than 2 M. Harbour Master or his authorized person by mutual agreement with the Master of the Vessel can allow these ships to enter or leave the port, if the wind speed does not exceed 14 m/s. During the night-time the Pilot coordinates the entry or exit of these vessels with the Master of the Vessel. 4. Vessel traffic in the Freeport is suspended if the visibility is less than 0.5 M or if the wind speed exceeds 14 m/s. In exceptional cases vessel traffic can be allowed with the permission from the Harbour Master, if the wind speed is more than 14 m/s.

PART C. Freeport of Ventspils

5. Entry or departure of the passenger and cargo-passenger vessels is coordinated between Master of the Vessel and Harbour Master if wind speed exceeds 14m/s. 6. Vessels sailing and hauled in the Outport and on the Venta River shipping channels must be ready to drop the anchor at all times. 7. For sailing ships and yachts entering or leaving the Freeport and sailing in the Venta River shipping channel is allowed only with an engine. Vessels sailing with hydrofoil are allowed to call or clear the Freeport only with fully submerged hydrofoil. Without the permission of the Freeport authority yachts, sports and recreational vessels are allowed to moor only in the New Fishing harbour (Jaunā Zvejas osta). 8. All vessels with a length not exceeding 70 m and with draught less than 4 m, except tankers, vessels carrying gas and chemical cargo, in the Freeport or departing the Freeport must comply with the following: 8.1. give way to vessels moving along the shipping channel (fairway); 8.2. Entry to or exit from the Freeport not using fairways may be permitted by the VTS through the Northern and Southern sectors: 8.2.1. Northern sector has boundaries with coastline and lines that connect: 8.2.1.1. 57°24.8′N 021°31.2′E; 8.2.1.2. 57°29.2′N 021°34.1′E. 8.2.2. Southern sector has boundaries with coastline and lines that connect: 8.2.2.1. 57°24.7′N 021°31.1′E; 8.2.2.2. 57°25.8′N 021°23.4′E. 9. For vessels entering or leaving the Freeport the list must not exceed 3° and pitch difference must not exceed default threshold identified in the vessel’s technical information

Bridges over Venta River in the Port of Ventspils Bridge type / name Position Length Width Bridge Maximum Shipping channel (m) (m) span authorized width whne (m) draught (m) bridge is opened (m) Vertical-lift bridge for 57°23,3′N 021°35,3′E 281 19 3.0 (closed) 31 roads 7.0 (opened) Detour bridge 57°23,1′N 021°36,0′E 174 12 Railway bridge 57°23,1′N 021°36,1′E 174

Useful landmarks Chimney; TV tower.

Depths, berths and basins Depths Latest information about depths in the port in accordance with the Harbour Master’s order.

PART C. Freeport of Ventspils

Berths No. / Length Max.lenght Cargo type, function No. / Length Max.leng Cargo type, function Name (m) of vessel Name (m) ht of (m) vessel (m) Venta River shipping channel 52 119 1 204 230 Dry cargo 53 160 105 2 85 230 Dry cargo 60 Not constructed (1+2) 204 + 85 230 Dry cargo 61 90 3 174 240 Dry cargo 62 203 (2+3) 96 + 174 240 Dry cargo 63 Not constructed 4 295 230 Dry cargo Outport 4A 356 240 Dry cargo 27 95 80 Port auxiliary vessels 5 413 170 Dry cargo, auxiliary vessels 28 358 275 Dry cargo 6 151 Coastal fortification 29 312 180 Liquid cargo 7 150 Coastal fortification 30 344 228 Liquid cargo 7A 288 240 Dry cargo 31 344 228 Liquid cargo 8 150 200 Dry cargo 32 360 275 Liquid cargo 9 150 200 Dry cargo 33 360 275 Liquid cargo (8+9) 34 + 150 200 Dry cargo 34 190 165 Liquid cargo 9A 78 Port auxiliary vessels 35 Not constructed 10 287 230 Dry cargo 35A 230 195 Liquid cargo 11 294 205 Liquid cargo 36 296 250 Liquid cargo 12 321 240 Dry cargo 37 107 180 Reserve, repair, auxiliary vessels 13 97 70 Dry cargo 37A 78 Port auxiliary vessels 13A Not constructed 38 172 100 Dry cargo 13B 100 39 Not constructed 14 140 150 Dry cargo 40 80 15 299 240 Dry cargo 40A Not constructed 16 256 240 Ro-ro, ferries, dry cargo New Fishing Harbour 16A 139 140 Ro-ro, ferries, dry cargo 1 200 Fishing vessels 17 40 200 Ro-ro, ferries, cargo 2 230 Fishing vessels 18 100 Ro-ro, ferries, cargo 3 107 Yachts 19 86 Ro-ro, ferries, cargo 4 100 Yachts (17+1 226 Ro-ro, ferries 5 100 Fishing vessels 8+19) 20 251 Ro-ro, ferries, cargo 6 107 Fishing vessels 21 250 Port auxiliary vessels, cargo- 7 230 Fishing vessels passenger 22 160 Port auxiliary vessels, cargo- Old Fishing Harbour passenger 23 360 25b 110 (R. d.) 24 55 25b 42 (A. d.) 25 261 25A 24 26 183 125 Dry cargo 26A 151 125 Dry cargo 26B 55 225 Dry cargo 26C 288 225 Dry cargo 50 150 51 150

PART C. Freeport of Ventspils

Basins There are two turning basins in the Freeport of Ventspils:  Outport turning basin for vessels with length not exceeding 270 m and draught not exceeding 15.0 m;  Venta River turning basin is located between berths No. 5 and No. 16 for vessels with length less than 240 m and draught not exceeding 13.2 m.

Repairs Port provides vessel repairs. Detailed information about the services in the port can be found in Ventspils Freeport Regulations available on the internet.

PART C. Ventspils - Pāvilosta C.22. Ventspils – Pāvilosta

Ventspils skiing resort with aero navigational lights 57°20.44′N 021°29.36′E, light description Aero Fl.WRG is located in SW part of Ventspils city. Shoals with least depth of 9.8 m is located 6.9 M to SW from Port of Ventspils Somniteļnaja shoal with the least depth 10.0 m is located 8.2 M SW of the Port of Ventspils. Užavas lighthouse (650; C3448) 57°12.55′N 021°24.88′E located 9.7 M S of Ventspils. The shoreline near Užava lighthouse is fortified with tetrapods. Shoals with least depth 9.6 m is located 2.5 M to W, NW from Užava lighthouse. Explosives dumping ground lies 5 M to W from Užavas lighthouse. Spoil ground lies 3 M to NE from the Port of Pāvilosta. Wreck with a depth 20.4 m above it is located 4.2 M NW from the entrance to Port of Pāvilosta. Underwater obstruction with depth of 14.8 m above it lies 3.7 M to NE from the entrance to Port of Pāvilosta. Underwater rock with known depth of 10.4 m lies 0.8 M N of the entrance to Port of Pāvilosta.

PART C. Port of Pāvilosta C.23. Port of Pāvilosta

56°53.5’N 021°10.0’E Charts 3370, 1015 INT 1276, 1016 INT 1277, 1253 INT 1217

Description Fishing and yacht port. Port is located in the mouth of Saka River, Pāvilosta village, 20 M to SSW from the Užavas lighthouse and approx. 5 M to NE from the Akmeņraga lighthouse.

Moles and breakwaters Northern mole – 375 m. Southern mole – 354 m. Distance between moles 45-52 m.

Harbour Master’s Office Port of Pāvilosta Authority Phone: +371 29 463 351, +371 29 104 444 E-mail: [email protected] Address: Dzintaru Street 2A, Pāvilosta, LV-3466

Connections in the port (VHF channels, call signs) VHF 12 (reserve channel VHF 10).

Restrictions Maximum authorized sizes of vessels – available on request from the Pāvilosta Port Authority.

Local weather Wind Vessel traffic in the port is allowed in winds speed does not exceed: - E and S winds 14 m/s - N and W winds 10 m/s. Silting W winds create silting in the port area.

Ice conditions Ice-free port. Average length of ice period in severe winters - 1.5 months in a year.

Pilotage and tugboat services Not available.

PART C. Port of Pāvilosta

Anchorage Anchorage in the port approaches is permitted at a depth of over 10 m and not closer than 0.5 M to the leading line and 1.0 M from the moles. Seabed: sand, pebbles.

Entrance channel, fairways Entrance leading line - direction 144,2°; - leading lights are located on the left bank of the Saka River: front (660; C3443) 56°53.28′N 021°10.33′E and rear (661; C3443.1) 56°53.21′N 021°10.42′E. Mole head light beacons - N mole light beacon (670; C3443.5) 56°53.55′N 021°10.01′E. - S mole light beacon (675; C3443.4) 56°53.69′N 021°09.88′E. Main shipping channel - Channel for entering the Port of Pāvilostas (from mole heads up to last berth or bridge over Saka River).

Information for entering the port Reception safe water light buoy ′P′ (665) 56°54.34′N 021°08.94′E, light description: Mo(A).W10s, is located on the leading line 1.1 M from mole heads. Port is approached on alignment of the leading lights. It is important to keep on the leading line axis as there are shoals and sand waves on either side of leading line. When entering Saka River it is recommended to stay in the middle of the river.

Useful landmarks Brick chimney; Water tower; Communications tower.

Depths, berths and basins Depths Silting is possible. Latest information about depths in the port in accordance with the Harbour Master’s order.

Berths No. / Name Lenght (m) Max. vessel Cargo, function length (m) Pāvilosta Marina (on the left bank of the Saka River) 125 20 Yachts, motor yachts Yacht Marina (on the right bank of the Saka River) 100 15 Yachts, motor yachts, motor boats Fishing berth (on the right bank of the Saka River) 120 15 Small fishing vessels, motor boats Multifunkcional berth (S on the right bank of the 90 30 Large fishing vessels, passenger Saka River) ferries, yachts, motor yachts

Basins The turning basin in the port: 50 m.

Repairs Yachts, motor yachts, small boats, motor boats.

PART C. Pāvilosta - Liepāja C.24. Pāvilosta – Liepāja

Akmensrags headland is located 5 M to SW from Port of Pāvilosta. Coast of the Akmensrags cape is clearly visible on the radar screen while the cape itself is a useful radar landmark. Akmeņraga lighthouse (680; C3442) 56°49.91′N 021°03,43′E, located on Akmensradgs cape. Wreck with a depth of 3.8 m is located on a shoal 0.75 M W of Akmeņraga lighthouse. Shoals with a least depth 17.4 m lies approx. 3 M to the W of the Akmensragas cape. Shoals have steep slopes. Former mine laying area is located approx. 20 M to the W of Akmeņraga lighthouse. Former mined area opened for navigation lies on S from Akmensrags cape and stretches almost to the waters of the Republic of Lithuania. Military practice area M2 lies S of Akmensrags cape. Sewer output with protection area is located approx. 2.7 M N of the Port of Liepāja Northern mole. Disused spoil ground is located to the NW of Liepāja sewer output. Wind turbine near the Port of Liepāja 56°35,46′N 021°00,96′E. Liepāja Norther forts – ruined concrete fortifications, partially collapsed into the sea. Explosives dumping ground – adjoins Norther mole of the Port of Liepāja. Area closed to navigation – lies within the explosives dumping ground, adjoining Port of Liepāja N mole. Spoil ground lies to the N of L2 anchorage area. Disused spoil ground lies to the NE of L2 anchorage area.

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PART C. Port of Liepāja South-eastern Baltic Sea C.25. Port of Liepāja

56°32.0′N 020°59.0′E Charts 3700 INT 1166, 2259 INT 1165, 1016 INT 1277, 1253 INT 1217

Description Multifunctional port. Liepāja Special Economic Zone. Port lies on the Easter coast of the Baltic Sea, in the city of Liepāja, 18.5 M S of Akmensraga cape.

Moles and breakwaters Northern mole – 1650 m long, protruding in WSW direction. Norther breakwater – 1690 m. Southern breakwater – 760 m. Southern mole – 1440 m lond, protruding in NW direction.

Port aquatroy - Outer roadstead; - Outport (inner roads); - Freeport; - Winter harbour (Ziemas osta); - Trade (Tirdzniecības) canal up to Tram Bridge; - Karosta canal and Tosmare basin.

Liepāja SEZ Harbour Master’s Office The Harbour Master’s orders regarding procedures of safety of navigation are compulsory for all vessels. Harbour Master: Phone: +371 63 424 721 Fax: +371 63 481 451 E-mail: [email protected] Vessel Traffic Service (VTS): Phone: +371 63 425 180 Fax: +371 63 401 700 E-mail: [email protected] Port Control Service Phone: +371 63 426 127 Fax: +371 63 484 903 E-mail: [email protected] https://liepaja-sez.lv/ Address: Liepāja, Vecā Ostmala 59, LV-3401

Connections in the port (VHF channels, call signs) No. Service Call sign Channels

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PART C. Port of Liepāja

1. Port Control Liepāja 5 11 2. VTS Liepāja radio 1 11, 16 3. Pilot service Gamma 11 4. MRCC Riga Riga Rescue Radio 16

Local weather Wave regime Location Wind Wind speed Wave height (m) Wave length (m) direction (m/s) Inner breakwater area N > 1.5 Coast to the N of the dividing mole NW 25 1.3–1.4 12–16 Freeport S part 1.0 / spray 5–6 Opposite the Northern and Southern 0.6–0.7 entrances

Water level fluctuations With NW and W winds the water level can rise by 50–60 cm maximum, but with the wind speed 30 m/s or more the water level can rise by 1.0 m. The water level decreases with E and SE winds.

Currents Location Direction Velocity (knots) Notes Approaches to the Port of Liepāja N or S 3 – 4 Affected by strong winds

The currents are particularly dangerous for navigation when the wind speed has decreased, but water is flowing into or out of the port.

Ice conditions Ice-free port, however in the most severe winters it is covered with a thin layer of ice that vessels can easily break During ice navigation period traffic in the Port of Liepāja is organized in accordance with the Harbour Master’s orders.

Pilotage and tugboats service Pilotage Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels with a maximum length exceeding 60 m or GT exceeding 700 GT, tankers and vessels with hazardous cargo regardless of their size, when entering and leaving the port or navigating in the port, as well as making compass swings. The pilotage in the Port of Liepāja operates round-the-clock. Pilot boarding place is at the reception safe water light buoy ′A′ (725) 56°30.39′N 020°49.78′E, but in the case of difficult hydro-meteorological conditions the boarding place may be changed by mutual agreement with the Harbour Master and the Pilot. Tugboat services Sea and port tugboats are operating in the port. Port tugboats provides towing of vessels in the port.

Anchorages Outer roads

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PART C. Port of Liepāja

No. / Name Location Position Depths Seabed Functions Anchorage for 2.5 M SW of Vidējie 56°30.00′N 020°53.00′E 10–15m sand For small vessels small tonnage (Central) gate 56°30.00′N 020°56.00′E vessels L1 56°30.20′N 020°53.00′E 56°31.00′N 020°56.00′E Anchorage for W of Vidējie (Central) 56°31.20′N 020°50.00′E 10–15m sand, For vessels with a medium tonnage gate 56°31.00′N 020°52.00′E pebbles draught up to 6 m vessels L2 56°33.00′N 020°50.10′E 56°33.00′N 020°52.00′E Anchorage for W of Ziemeļi 56°30.00′N 020°43.20′E 20–25m sand, For all vessels medium tonnage (Northern) gate 56°31.00′N 020°48.00′E pebbles vessels L3 56°33.20′N 020°44.80′E 56°33.20′N 020°48.00′E

Entrance channel, fairways, leading lines Allowed vessel dimensions and maximum authorized draughts when entering and leaving the port and navigating within in the port are determined by the Liepāja Harbour Master’s orders and Liepāja SEZ Port regulations.

Navigation in the Port of Liepāja Central fairway Leads into the port along the Central leading line through the Middle entrance. Shipping channel begins 4.9 M SW of the Middle entrance. Channel leads through the natural depths for about 2.65 M, and then leads through dredged channel – 140 m wide and 2.25 M long up to Middle entrance. Reception safe water light buoy ′A′ (725) 56°30.39′N 020°49.78′E is located at the beginning of the shipping channel, 4.9 M from Middle entrance. The shipping channel is marked by pairs of lateral light buoys. Central leading line - Direction 067.7°–247.7°; - Leading lights: front (720; C3396.2) 56°32.69′N 020°59.88′E, rear (721; C3396.21) 56°32.89′N 021°00.77′E is located on the Karosta canal N bank. Dredging works are carried out on regular basis. Southern fairway Southern fairway leads into the port along the Southern leading line through South entrance. Southern fairway begins 0.64 M before the Middle entrance. Dredged channel is 140 m vide. Dredging works are carried out on regular basis. Southern leading line - Direction 112.4°–292.4°; - Leading lights: front (750; C3397) 56°31.36′N 020°59.67′E is located on the S bank of the Freeport, rear (751; C3397.1) 56°31.27′N 021°00.05′E is located in the SE end of the Winter harbour. Northern fairway Northern fairway leads into the port along the axis of the directional light through the North entrance. Shipping channel begins 1.2 M NW of the North entrance and leads through the natural depths. On the sea side channel is marked off by pairs of lateral buoys. Outport dividing breakwater directional light (852) 56°32.09′N 020°59.61′E is located on the N bank of the Freeport. Safe navigation is provided within the white sector with axis direction 144.0°–324.0°. The total angle of the leading light sectors is 6°. Angle of the white sector is 4°, the angle of red and green light sector is 1°. Any movement of ships in the Port of Liepāja without the permission from VTS is prohibited.

Entering the port through the Middle entrance Port is approached from reception safe water buoy ′A′ (725) 56°30.39′N 020°49.78′E on the alignment of the Central leading line, direction 067.7°. Continue along the leading line between light buoys ′1′ (729) and ′2′ (731),

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PART C. Port of Liepāja leaving light buoys ′11′ (782) and ′1D′ (741) to the starboard up to Outport through the Middle entrance. When navigating in this fairway it is important to keep strictly on the leading line. Entering the Karostas canal Navigate through the Middle entrance. 3.6 cables from the entrance at the Outport S light buoy (773) take the course 050°. In approaches to the Karosta canal entrance breakwaters the Outport N light buoy (775) is located 1.5 – 2.0 cables from the Entrance to Karosta canal. Leave the N boy behind and turn to starboard so that vessel is in the middle of the Karosta canal and proceed along the middle axis. Entering Freeport through the South entrance From the intersection of the Central and Southern leading lines continue on alignment of the Southern leading line, direction 112.4°, leaving light buoys ′11′ (782) and ′1D′ (741) to the starboard but Port of Liepāja W light buoy (745) on the port side and continue to the Outport strictly on the leading line through the South entrance. Then proceed to Freeport between Outport inner breakwater N light beacon (844) and Outport inner breakwater S light beacon (845; C3397.7). Entering the Winter harbour and Trade (Tirdzniecības) canal Proceed on the alignment of the Southern leading line, direction 112.4° for 550 m and starting from the South entrance, gradually veer to starboard aiming at the Outport W light buoy (794) and leaving it to the port side and aligning with the Pilot (Loču) leading line, direction 153.4°. Continue on the Pilot leading line to the Trade canal and proceeding further on the leading line you can approach the Winter harbour. When navigating, keep in the middle of the Trade canal. Entering Freeport and Trade (Tirdzniecības) canal through Middle entrance Approach Middle entrance on the alignment of the Central leading line, direction 067.7°, then turn to starboard so that you navigate through light buoys ′13′ (742) and ′16′ (787) and enter the white sector of the Port of Liepāja directional light (780; C3397.5), white sector centre axis direction 170.7°. Continue along the axis staying within the white light sector and leaving on your port side Outport S light buoy (795) and then light buoy ′22′ (791) up to Pilot (Loču) leading line. Afterwards proceed on the Pilot leading line as described in the paragraphs above. To approach the Freeport turn to port with the assistance of the white sector axis at the intersection with the Southern leading line and continue on the Southern leading line. Outport Mole heads light beacons Entrance name Position Loaction Middle entrance N (755; C3396.7) 56°32.30′N 020°57.91′E N breakwater S head Middle entrance D (756; C3396.6) 56°32.18′N 020°57.94′E S breakwater N head Southern entrance N (765; C3396.5) 56°31.78′N 020°58.05′E S breakwater S head Southern entrance D (766; C3396.4) 56°31.66′N 020°58.08′E S mole N head Northern entrance W (761) 56°33.14′N 020°58.03′E N mole W head Northern entrance E (760) 56°33.22′N 020°58.27′E N breakwater N head

Port of Liepāja directional light (780; C3397.5) 56°31.37′N 020°58.69′E is located on the S mole near the entrance to Trade canal. It leads through N part of the Outport and Outport channel, beginning from the axis of the Central leading line opposite the Middle entrance up to axis of the Southern leading line opposite the entrance to the Freeport. Shipping channel is 140 m wide. The direction of the white sector axis is 170.7°–350.7°. Total angle of the leading light sectors is 6°. The angle of each separate white, red and green light sector is 2°. Shipping channel is marked off by light buoys. Vessels can anchor in the Outport only in emergency situations. Karosta canal - 50 m wide; - 3027 m long (from Outport to Tosmare basin). - Karosta canal N light beacon (800; C3399.2) 56°32.82′N 020°59.55′E is located on N mole head. - Karosta canal S light beacon (802; C3399) 56°32.76′N 020°59.55′E is located on the S mole head. Karosta Canal may be entered or exited when the Karosta canal swing bridge is open. The opening of the bridge and navigation in the channel must be approved by VTS. The bridge is opened according to established schedule. The width of the bridge span – 10.0 m, height of the bridge span – 7.2 m.

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PART C. Port of Liepāja

Karosta canal leading lines Leading line Direction Length Lights No. 1 097.5°–277.5° 724 m green No. 2 113.8°–293.8° 819 m red

Karosta canal directional light Directional light (835; C3396.35) 56°32.50′N 021°01.37′E is located on the S bank of the canal near the berth No. 30. The direction of the white sector axis is 271.0°–091.0°. Total angle of the leading light sectors is 5°. The angle of white sector is 1°. The angle of each separate red and green light sectors is 2°. Turning basin for vessels with a length not exceeding 165 m is located in the crossing of the Karosta canal and Tosmare basin. Freeport Two entrances are located S and N of the Inner breakwater. A turning basin for vessels with length not exceeding 230 m is located near the entrance to Freeport. Trade (Tirdzniecības) canal Pilot (Loču) leading line - direction 153.4°; - leading lights: front (855; C3397.8) 56°31.22′N 020°58.99′E; rear (856; C3397.81) 56°31.21′N 020°59.00′E, located on the S mole by the entrance to Trade canal; - lead from Outport to the entrance of Trade canal. Bridge over Tirdzniecības Canal Bridge Width of bridge Height of bridge Max. Bridge Width of bridge length span span draught Notes Tram bridge 281 m 8.5 m 6,4 m 2.45 m

Vessels with a length less than 60 m may use the Trade canal turning basin. Trade canal N light beacon (860; C3398.2) 56°31.31′N 020°58.96′E is located in the NW corner of the dam by the entrance to Trade canal. Winter (Ziemas) harbour Ziemas Harbour is a man-made water body with granite embankments and is located on the NE side of Trade canal about 3 cables from the entrance. Ziemas Harbour is connected to a railway network. A turning basin for vessels with length not exceeding 150 m (2011) is located at the intersection of Trade canal and Winter Harbour. Fishing (Zvejas) harbour Fishing harbour is located near the S embankment of Trade canal opposite Winter Harbour. Fishing harbour is divided from Tirdzniecības Channel by a mole. The port embankment walls are equipped for the mooring of fishing boats.

Information for entering the port The formalities for vessels entering the port are regulated by legislation that covers the formalities regarding port entry. All vessels with a tonnage of less than 700 GT, including fishing vessels, must apply for a permit at least 3 M from the Port of Liepāja. Vessels entering the Liepāja VTS controlled area, but are not heading to the port must report to Liepāja VTS on VHF channel 11 in accordance with IMO SRS (ship reporting system) reporting positions: Alpha, Charlie, Lima, Papa.

Useful landmarks

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PART C. Port of Liepāja

Liepāja lighthouse; Wind turbines; TV tower; Ortodox church dome.

Depths, berths and basins Depths Latest information about depths in the port – in accordance with Harbour Master’s order.

Berths Berth Berth length Max. Cargo, function Berth No. Berth length Max. length Cargo, function No. (m) length of (m) of vessel vessel (m) (m) 5 127,6 130 Dry cargo 61 214,0 140 General cargo 12 98,5 / 83,8 110 / 100 Coal 62 145,0 140 General cargo 14 106 / 102 100 Cement 63 145,0 140 General cargo 16 97,7 / 100 100 Coal 64 176,9 140 17 183,5 150 Repairs 65 12,7 120 General cargo 18 213,4 165 Repairs 66 120,0 120 General cargo 19 381,7 165 Repairs 67 120,0 120 Dry cargo 20 83,8 165 Repairs 68 120,0 140 Dry cargo 21 103,5 100 Repairs 69 120,0 140 Liquid cargo 22 180,3 165 Repairs 70 120,0 120 Liquid cargo 25 89,5 150 Liquid cargo 71 120,0 120 Coal 26 45,7 – – 72 120,0 120 Coal 27 35,2 50 Water treatment equipment 73 101,0 120 SEZ, port vessels 28 32,5 135 Liquid cargo 74 134,0 120 General cargo 30 89,6 100 General cargo 75 134,0 120 General cargo 30 A 80,0 80 General cargo 76 134,0 120 General cargo 40 171,0 170 General cargo 80 137,0 30 Yachts 41 171,0 170 General cargo 81 94,0 60 Yachts 42 172,4 170 Dry cargo 82 118,0 100 Training ships 43 412,0 230 Dry cargo 83 144,0 80 Fishing boats 44 180,0 230 General cargo 84 150,0 120 Navy vessels 45 189,7 230 General cargo 85 52,0 50 Fishing vessels 46 Z 204,5 180 Ro-Ro, passenger ferries 86 26,0 50 Fishing vessels 46 D 181,0 170 Ro-Ro, passenger ferries 87 144,0 50 Port vessels

50 180,0 150 88 140,0 50 Port vessels 51 165,0 230 Coal 89 132,0 100 Navy vessels 51 A 118,30 176 Coal 90 100,0 100 Repair vessels 54 120 / 270 240 General cargo 91 100,0 50 Fishing vessels 56 105,0 115 Dry cargo 92 103,0 50 Fishing vessels 57 151,0 140 General cargo 93 179,0 50 Fishing vessels 58 153,0 140 General cargo 93 A 45,0 50 Liquid cargo 59 153,0 130 General cargo 94 104,0 50 Fishing vessels

60 198,0 130 General cargo

Repairs

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PART C. Port of Liepāja

Two ship repair and construction yards are located in the Port of Liepāja, offering a wide range of ship repairs and vessel construction services.

Dangers to navigations Navigation Position Depth hazards above Distance and direction Notes hazard Wreck 1.2 m 1 M N of the Northern entrance to the port Shoal 3.6 m 1.1 M N of the Northern entrance to the port Wreck 6.5 m 0.47 M from the Middle entrance N light beacon in direction 342° Spoil ground 56°33.22′ N, 020°49.26′ E centre is located 4.3 M NW of Northern area 56°35.02′ N, 020°50.86′ E entrance, direction 280° 56°34.79′ N, 020°51.73′ E 56°33.00′ N, 020°50.16′ E Spoil ground 56°36.19′ N, 020°57.48′ E centre is located 3.5 M N of Northern area 56°37.17′ N, 020°55.78′ E entrance, direction 357° 56°37.17′ N, 020°58.58′ E 56°36.19′ N, 020°58.58′ E Spoil ground 56°33.04′ N, 020°52.09′ E centre is located 2.6 M NW of Northern area 56°34.24′ N, 020°55.29′ E entrance, direction 285° 56°34.56′ N, 020°54.91′ E 56°33.36′ N, 020°51.71′ E

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PART C. Liepāja - Pape C.26. Liepāja – Pape

Liepājas lighthouse (700; C3396) 56°31.01′N 020°59.54′E is located in the Port of Liepāja Southern part, 380 m from the shoreline near the Fishing harbour. Lake Liepāja is shallow coastal lake accessible to motorboats with a draught up to 0.5 m. Depths in the middle of the lake is 1 – 3 m, but closer to shore only 0.5 – 0.6 m. A number of small islands have been formed in the lake. Salty sea water often is driven into the lake with W winds. Explosives dumping ground is located 12 M SW of Port of Liepāja. Explosives dumping ground 5 M to S from Port of Liepāja. Bernātu lighthouse (885; C3390) 56°22.94′N 020°58.90′E is located W of Bernāti village. Bernātu shoal is a stony shoal with depths less than 10 m and stretches 3 M W of the shore opposite Bernāti village. Least depth of 4.0 m can be found on the shoal between the 5 m and 10 m depth contour. Jūrmalciems is located 4.8 M S of Bernāti. One of the unique features of this coastline is the large piles of algae that cover the rocky seabed at a depth of 6 – 20 m and stretch up to 10 km into the open sea. Various types of algae are found here in various stages of growth, but the most common algae is furcellaria. Military aviation polygon Jūrmalciems lies approx. 11.5 M S of the Port of Liepāja. Wrecks are located S of Bernāti village 9.4 M from shore, in a depth of 1.8 m. To SE and NE of these there are wrecks two more wreck with parts visible above the water. The area around the wrecks is closed to navigation. Underwater obstruction with a depth of 9 m is located approximately 2 NM NW of Pape lighthouse and has a depth of 7.8 m approximately 0.8 NM SW of Pape lighthouse. Pape lighthouse (890; C3386) 56°09.29′N 021°01.40′E is located 13.8 M S of Bernāti lighthouse. Pape village is a former fishing port. Breakwaters have collapsed, only a few posts remain visible in the place of the former N mole.

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