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Port of Larnaca (Cyprus) - Port Information (ID: 35465)
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LARNACA.htm Larnaca Cyprus Cyprus Larnaca Port Information Selections Port Map Geographic Location Harbor as Haven Currents and Tides Visibility Hazardous Conditions Spring Summer Autumn Winter Protective or Mitigating Measures Moving to a new Anchorage Sortie or Remain in Port Scheduling Harbor Protection Local Hazardous Weather Conditions Wind Chill Table Heat Index Table Return To Ports List December, 1999 Larnaca Area Map Geographic Location Geographic Location Coordinates: 34deg/56min N 33deg/39min E Cyprus: located at north-eastern end of Mediterranean basin at adistance of 240 miles north of Egypt, 64 miles west of Syria, and 44 milessouth of Turkey. Area:3572 sq miles The Port of Larnaca is located on the southeast coast of the island of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Larnaca is situated about 12 n mi west of Cape Pyla and 7 n mi north-northeast of Cape Kiti. Population60,000. The Port of Larnaca is located on Larnaca Bay. The port is composed of two sections: a marina with limited facilities, and a newer, larger harbor which can accommodate larger vessels. It is located north of the smaller facility, and is entered between two breakwaters. The channel of the approach to the new harbor is dredged to a depth of 42 ft and has a maximum width of 390 ft at the entrance. It can accommodate vessels to 820 ft in length which draw no more than 37 feet of water. Smaller ships (less than 328 ft long) can berth at the central pier. Fleet landings have been established at two locations in the harbor. Maximum permissible draft at the North Quay: 29 feet;South Quay: 37 feet; Central Pier: 18 feet. Port operating hours: 0730 - 1430 normal working hours. 0600 - 0730, 1430 - 2400 overtime is charged 0000 - 0600 emergency only Pilot pickup area is 1 n mi southeast of the fairway bouy. There are two anchorage areas. One north of 34deg/56min N, about1.5 n mi. northeast of the harbor. The second area is bounded to the northby the harbor southern breakwater and bounded to the south by the marinabreakwater. This is the preferred Navy location. Local Weather Resources: 518kHz NAVTEX broadcast (twice per day) VHF channel 16. One can request local forecasts and warnings fromCyprus Radio to be broadcast on channel 26 or 27. Contact the Cyprus weather office at Larnaca airport 04-630-794/728.Ask for forecast for the Gulf of Larnaca. Cyprus Coastal Waters Warnings are issued for Beaufort > 7 and arebroadcast over Cyprus Radio on VHF channel 26. Marine Gale Force Warnings for the East Med are available overNAVTEX. A British Sovereign Base is located along the north coast of LarnacaBay out to Cape Pyla. British international waters extend from the northcoast seaward for 3 nautical miles. Anchoring in this area willrequire clearance from the U.S. Defense Attache Office. Harbor as Haven Harbor as Haven With the exception of the anchorages, which are located outside the protection of the breakwaters, the port provides excellent protection from hazardous wave conditions. Northeast through southeast winds bring swell into the harbor, but have never closed the port. The maximum swell in the harbor is limited to just over 3 ft. There is little reflection of wave action due to absorption by rocks in the breakwaters. The anchorages are exposed to wave action. The maximum swell experienced at the anchorage is 10-14 ft and normally lasts 2 to 3 days. Anchor dragging by vessels with poor ground tackle is possible in winds of 22 kt or greater. South and southeast gales usually shift to the southwest, and if vessels drag, they usually do so parallel to the shore. Due to the topography of the island, the port is well protected from northerly winds. Small boat operations can continue in winds up to 25 kt, while pilot boats operate in winds up to 34 kt. Small boat operations are canceled on an average of 2 to 3 days per month during afternoons in winter. Southeast winds are the most dangerous for the area. These windscan cause the highest swell that can last for 2 days evenafter winds have subsided. Currents and Tides Currents and Tides According to local authorities, tidal range is 1 ft. Currents vary according to prevailing winds. A wind of 22-33 kt can generate a 0.5 to 0.8 kt current. Strong northeast winds will lower the water level in the harbor 0.5 feet. Visibility Visibility Visibility restriction is generally not a problem at the Port of Larnaca and causes no significant problems with operations except for occasional morning fog experienced in spring and fall. On these occasions visibility is reduced to near zero, but clears by 0800-0900L. Dust haze occurs in July and August in combination with south to southwest desertwinds and can reduce visibility to 3 n mi. During May and June, morning fog will occur 4 - 5 times per monthduring calm humid conditions. Visibility restriction occurs at 0600L andends around 0900L. Hazardous Conditions: Spring Hazardous Conditions: Spring Weather during March and the first part of April is similar to that of winter, but spring is noted for periods of unsettled winter-type weather associated with increased occurrences of desert depressions (North African cyclones):Limassol, located about 34 n mi west-southwest of Larnaca, experiences precipitation on an average of 7 days during March, 4 days during April, and 3 days during May. Larnaca's precipitation frequency would likely approximate that of Limassol. The Port of Larnaca experiences fog during the spring season. On occasion, fog may reduce the visibility to near zero, but it usually clears by 0800-0900L. At some distance from the African coast, which includes the island of Cyprus, southwest to south desert winds (Scirocco) occur most frequently during March - April. Extreme anomalous radar and radio propagation are likely because of strong low level inversions. Desert depressions (North African cyclones) develop over the desert region south of the Atlas Mountains, and are more likely to occur during spring than any other month. These systems usually move northeastward upon reaching the Tunisia/Gulf of Gabes region, but may continue moving eastward just south of the North African coast. Since various tracks are possible, it can be very difficult to forecast when and if a North African cyclone will affect the eastern Mediterranean. Of special concern to the forecaster in the eastern Mediterranean are the desert depressions that move eastward just south of the North African coast during spring. These systems are hard to track because of the scarcity of timely surface data over North Africa. If the depressions deepen, they are likely to move northeastward. If a North African cyclone moves out over the water, the Scirocco becomes the primary weather phenomenon associated with it. Anomalous radar and radio propagation are likely because of strong low level inversions. Hazardous Conditions: Summer Hazardous Conditions: Summer Summer is characterized by settled and dry weather with persistent daytime westerly winds. This is due to the monsoonal effect where a heat trough over southern Asia extends westward over Turkey. Higher pressure persistsover the relatively cooler sea surface of the Mediterranean. Even thoughmost of the more hazardous weather conditions are prominent during theother seasons, some may occur during the summer months. Precipitation statistics indicate that rainfall is unlikely during thesummer. A local daytime, moderate, southwesterly wind occurs along the coast.The wind is a result of cyclonic flow over the Cypriot coastline from a mesoscale thermal low near the island center, formed from daytime heating.The winds can reach near gale in afternoon before dimishing by sunset.The port and anchorages, being sheltered to the southwest by land, will havereduced winds and waves. Haze is a problem for flight operations over the East Med. The problemis most prevalent during summer and early autumn. Hazardous Conditions: Autumn Hazardous Conditions: Autumn The autumn season in the Mediterranean area is short, usually lastingonly for the month of October. It is characterized by an abrupt change from the relatively subdued summer weather to the unsettled weather of winter. By the end of the month, the extratropical storm track has moved southward from its summertime location over Europe, and extratropical storms again transit the Mediterranean region. The threat of strong northeast, clockwise, to southeast winds increases as the month progresses. Hazardous weather conditions which may be expected by the end of the month are described in the winter section. Precipitation frequency starts to increase by the end of the month. Records for Limassol, located about 34 n mi west-south-west of Larnaca indicate that rain can be expected on an average of 3 days during the month of October. The Port of Larnaca experiences fog during the autumn season. Hazardous Conditions: Winter Hazardous Conditions: Winter During the winter season the Eurasian land mass north of the eastern Mediterranean Sea is very cold in comparison to the sea surface temperature near Cyprus. Upper level westerlies are often found over the Mediterranean during this period, resulting in frontal activity, unsettled weather and strong winds. Local authorities state the most common hazardous weather condition during the winter season is caused by high pressure over Turkey and low pressure to the south near Egypt. The resultant pressure gradient brings northeast to southeast winds to the Larnaca area. On average, thunderstorms occur 2 - 3 times per year. Gale forcewinds occur 1 - 2 times per winter. Scirocco is a name given to southeasterly to southwesterly winds over theMediterranean Sea which originate over North Africa. The air's source regions are desert, consequently the Scirocco is extremely dry at its source, warm in winter, and hot in spring and summer. In the eastern Mediterranean, the Scirocco originates over the deserts of Libya and Egypt as well as over the Arabian desert. When the source of the Scirocco is the Arabian desert, the direction of the winds is often southeasterly. Weather associated with the Scirocco is highly variable depending on the modifications that have occurred over the relatively cool water. By the time the Scirocco reaches the northern portion of the eastern Mediterranean, the air has cooled and collected moisture in its lower layers; thus low stratus, fog and drizzle with reduced visibility are common. Because of a strong surface inversion produced over the water, extremely anomalous radar and radio propagation are likely. Heavy rain is likely near frontal boundaries and along topographical barriers. Such barriers would likely include the mountains of Cyprus. The Cyprus depression develops in the lee of the Taurus Mountains of Turkey in the general region from the Gulf of Antalya to Cyprus. These cyclones are usually most intense during the period of November through April. Weather conditions to the west of a Cyprus depression are typical for the classic case of cold air moving over relatively warm water, i.e., strong-to-gale-force, squally winds with heavy showers. Scirocco conditions may occur ahead of the developing low if desert air from the south or southeast is drawn into the circulation. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Moving to a New Anchorage Protective/Mitigating Measures: Moving to a New Anchorage Although ships have never had to move from the anchorage due to windsand/or seas, when they are expected to increase from the east, Cape Pyla, approximately 10 n mi east of the port, would provide better shelter from both. The most dangerous conditions are winds from the southeast in winter.These winds can cause swells over 10 feet. Swells can sustain even after windshave shifted. There are no protected areas to move to under these conditions. Do not anchor outside the harbor entrance in an area south of34deg/56min N to north of the southern harbor breakwater. Also, anchoringis not permitted south of the marina breakwater. The anchorages are safe throughout the year for vessels havinggood ground tackle, but the short period sea and heavy swell generatedby southeast winds makes it unconfortable at times. A British Sovereign Base is located along the north coast of LarnacaBay out to Cape Pyla. British international waters extend from the northcoast seaward for 3 nautical miles. Anchoring in this area willrequire clearance from the U.S. Defense Attache Office. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Sortie/Remain in Port Protective/Mitigating Measures: Sortie/Remain in Port The Port of Larnaca is a safe haven from all weather conditions. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Scheduling Protective/Mitigating Measures: Scheduling Some of the strongest winds at Larnaca are from the northeast through southeast during winter. When these winds exist, theyhave a diurnal variability in intensity, generally sustaining 7-14 kt during the night,increasing to 17-25 kt about 0800L, and diminishing to nighttime levels during the evening. If southwest winds in summer pick up by 0900L - 1000L, thenthey will peak up to near gale from 1400L - 1700L. Small boat operations are cancelled on an average of 2 - 3 daysper month in afternoons in winter. Small boat operations are not a problem until winds reach 25 kts.Waves are a consideration. Arriving vessels should be aware that pilot boats from the portoperate until winds increase to gale force (34 kts, Beaufort force 8).Waves are a consideration. Harbor Protection Harbor Protection Wind and Weather Winds from the southeast are the most dangerous. Can cause thehighest swell (over 10 feet). The Troodos Mountains west of Larnaca provide a barrier to westerly winds so that winds from that direction are essentially non-existent at the port. The harbor is also well protected from northerly winds due to the Kyrenia mountain range which extends east-west along the north coast of the island. Winds from northwest and northeast must cross the island of Cyprus to reach the port, so their speed would be reduced due to terrain effects. The port offers little protection from winds from northeast clockwise through west-southwest. However, winds have never closed the port, even when reaching 34-47 kt. The anchorages are fully exposed to the wind. Anchor dragging for ships with poor ground tackle is a concern when the winds reach 22 kt or stronger. South and southeast gales usually shift to the southwest, so if vessels drag anchor, they usually do so parallel to the shore. Small boat operations continue upto about 25 kt. Pilot boat operations continue up to gale force (34 kt). Thunderstorms are relatively rare at the port, occurring only a few times each year. Waves The harbor is well protected from wave and swell action. The entrance is open to the north-northeast, and the fetch in that direction is limited to only about 5 n mi. Swell waves refracting into the harbor do not pose a problem since their maximum height in the harbor is limited to only about 3 ft. Waves at the anchorage may reach 10-14 ft, and last 2-3 days. This may occur 2 - 3 times a year at these extreme levels. Ships have never had to move from the anchorage, although Cape Pyla, about 10 n mi east of the port would provide better shelter from easterly winds and swell. The harbor and anchorages are relatively sheltered from southwestsummer winds. Local Hazardous Weather Conditions Local Hazardous Weather Conditions Meteorologists should be alert to watch for building high pressure over Turkey with lower pressure over Egypt in order to anticipate the onset of northeast to southeast winds and waves, theworst weather conditions at Larnaca. The Phoenician wind prediction calendar, (at the end) may be of use in anticipating wind events. Winds Southeast desert winds (Scirocco) - a good indication of the start of a Scirocco in the eastern Mediterranean is the development of strong southerly winds at stations along the northeast coast of Libya. If summer winds are prevalent by 1000L, then moderate southwesterlywinds peak from 1400L - 1700L and die down at sunset. If summer winds are calm near Cyprus and stronger winds are sought for carrier operations: a. A day breeze can be found close inshore off Akrotiri (40 n mi west-southwest of Larnaca) even when winds are calm 15 n mi offshore. b. A night wind can be found about 40 n mi southwest of Cape Gata (37 n mi west-southwest of Larnaca). Wind speeds at coastal stations in Israel and Cyprus are not good indicators of the wind strength at sea during periods of strong westerly flow in the eastern Mediterranean. Cyclogenesis Cyprus depressions usually form in the late autumn or early spring when a deep stream of cold air moves toward the eastern Mediterranean from the Balkans or the Black Sea. Cyclogenesis can be expected to begin in the Cyprus area when a cold front approaches the Anatolian Plateau (in central Turkey) from the north. Strong surface ridging eastward across Morocco is an indication that a North African cyclone will move/develop over Tunisia, east of the Atlas Mountains. If surface winds at Algiers shift from southwesterly to northwesterly in association with the ridging, cyclogenesis will occur east of the Atlas Mountains. Cyclones developing on the southern edge of a cold surge over the Aegean Sea may move southward or even southwestward at first, but normally they later will move eastward to the Cyprus area. The strongest winds associated with a deepening desert depression, after the system moves out over the Mediterranean, occur in the northwest sector of the system rather than in the eastern sector. Salt haze is a serious problem for flight operations over the Mediterranean. It is most prevalent during the summer and early autumn. Its color is bluish white, as opposed to the brown of dust haze. Salt haze scatters and reflects light rays much more than does dusthaze. Salt haze sometimes extends to over 12,000 ft and has been reported up to 20,000 ft. Although surface visibility in salt haze may be as high as 4-6 n mi, the slant visibility for a pilot making a landing approach may be near zero, especially if the approach is in the general direction of the sun. Salt haze is sometimes thicker aloft than at the surface. Salt haze is less of a problem after sunset since the poor visibilityis caused partially by scattering and reflection. Salt haze is mostlikely to develop in a stagnant air mass when there is a lack ofmixing. It is especially prevalent when there is a strong ridgepresent at the surface and aloft. It will not completely disperseuntil there is a change of air masses such as occurs with a frontalpassage. Visibility will improve if there is an increase in the windspeeds at the 850 and/or 700 mb levels. Indicators from local mariners When sunrise at 10deg declination is white, expect itto be a windy day. When seagulls are flying high at noon, afternoon winds willincrease. Phonecian Wind Prediction Calendar Approx. Date Local Name Translated Name 27 September El Saleeb Winds Crosswinds 21 October El Saleebesh Crusades 26 November El Mickness Broom Gale* 6 December Kassim Gale 20 December El Fedra/El Saghira Small Feeder Gale 11 January El Fedra Gale* 19 January El Fedra/El Kabira Large Feeder Gale 28 January El Fedra Gale 18 February El Shams/El Saghira Sun Gale* 10 March El Hossum Equinox Gale 20 March El Shams/El Kabira Big Sun Gale* 25 March Hana Wind Gale 29 April Khamseem Winds Sand Laden S/SW Winds * These winds are typically stronger than others. Each episode generally lasts 3 days. Cyprus: located at north-eastern end of Mediterranean basin at a distance of 240 miles north of Egypt, 64 miles west of Syria, and 44 miles south of T Port of Larnaca (Cyprus) - Port Information