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Port of Gaeta (Italy) - Port Information (ID: 35535)
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GAETA.htm Gaeta Italy Italy Gaeta 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 February 2003 Untitled Document Geographic Location Geographic Location Coordinates: 41°13' N 013°34.7' E Location: 70 nm (130 km) southeast of Rome on Italy's west coast. Positioned on west side of Bay of Gaeta at the north end of the Gulf of Gaeta. Gulf of Gaeta: Ill defined boundaries. Prominent land marks: Mt Petrella (5036 ft) 8 nm northeast of Punta dello Stenardo. Mt Redentore (4108 ft) near Mt Petrella. Orlando Tower (551 ft) located west-southwest of Punta dello Stenardo. Port of Gaeta: Surrounded on three sides by terrain or man-made structures: East side: Long breakwater. West side: Mainland Italy. South side: Promontory of Punta dello Stenardo. North side: 4-5 nm away, mainland Italy borders the harbor. U.S. Navy Ships use the finger piers along the east breakwater.Maximum ship length is 750 ft (250 m), maximum draft is 29 ft (9.5 m). There are two mooring bouys near the piers that have been reset with new anchors in 2001. Ships will refuel at the fuel pier to the north. Tugs Gaeta port has one 1900 HP tug and one 2300 HP tug available. With a 24hr advance notice, additional 4000 HP tugs areavailable from Naples. Minimum time on station is 4 hrs. Dunlop protective barriers are becoming commonplace at many of the ports.In Gaeta, they surround the finger piers. Width of the entrance gate is 360 ft (120 m). There is less room available for manuevering of ships and tugs. Wind and wave conditions must be considered as to how to open the gates. The presence of barriers will require more time to implement severe weatheremergency measures. The senior pilot indicated that with winds greater than 20 knots, he feels unconfortable about moving ships in and out with the current protective barrier configurationaround the finger piers; more so, with larger sail area ships. The barriers are difficult to see at night. A Remote Automated Weather System is located at the base of the finger pier to provide real-time wind and temperature readings. Additional links: Marine Bulletins in English from the Italian Military Weather Service are available at 00Z, 06Z, 12Z, and 18Z. Marine forecasts can be found at Italian Coast Guard Site General weather information is provided via the CONNESSIONI METROPOLITANE S.R.L. Harbor as Haven Harbor as Haven Gaeta Harbor is used as a storm haven on the west coast of Italy. Well Protected. Gulf of Gaeta south of Punta dello Stenardo is exposed to winds and waves from southeast clockwise through the west. Gulf of Gaeta north of Punta dello Stenardo is exposed to winds and waves from northeast through southeast. Inner Harbor: Protected on east by a breakwater which limits exposure to waves. Anchorages: Mud and silt bottom has limited holding qualities. Located east of breakwater. Promontory of Punta dello Stendardo provides protection from most swell. While the Harbor has many haven qualities, caution should be exercisedwhen arriving and departing the finger piers at the end of the breakwater in strongwind conditions. For example, in 1981, the USS Puget Sound could not be controlledby tugs and went aground to the west of the finger piers in the Inner Harbor. In1995, the USS Guadalcanal also went aground as it arrived and was approaching thefinger piers bow in. The bow line broke and the ship damaged a tug as well. Bothof these incidents occurred in strong NE wind conditions. Currents and Tides Currents and Tides Corrente del Pontone: South moving current. Sets along western shore of Bay of Gaeta during southerly winds. When wind veers northwesterly, current changes to north-moving. Current less than 1/2 knot regardless. Tides at Port of Gaeta: Generally negligible. Tidal range below 1 foot (0.3 m). Visibility Visibility Haze 0600 - 0900 LST. Visibility reduced to 3-4 nm during Spring, Summer and early Autumn (Mar-early Oct). Often makes horizon and coastal features indistinguishable. While minimum visibilities less than 2 nm are rare, the following incidents were documented by Navy ships: There was a report that early morning fog made locating navaids difficult. However, after 0900, the fog lifted and visibility was no problem. Another ship reported fishing vessels working near the entrance to the Bay in the early morning hours and patches of fog made spotting them difficult. Hazardous Conditions: Spring Hazardous Conditions: Spring Climatology: Through April, periods of stormy weather alternate with false starts of summer-type weather. Wind chill a factor until May when more summer-like weather appears. Prevailing Winds: Easterly during March. Become westerly from April on. Winter-like winds can occasionally be a hazard in April - theninfrequent until autumn. Sea Breezes: Become a more regular occurrence as spring progresses. Usually west-northwesterly wind of about force 3 (7 - 11 kt). Pressure rise west of Italy can enhance sea breeze and increase it to force 5 (17 - 21 kt). Enhanced sea breezes can impact vessels moving in/out of nest. Best to perform nesting maneuvers during morning hours in latespring. Hazardous Conditions: Summer Hazardous Conditions: Summer Climatology: Relatively settled, warm, dry weather. Occasionally interrupted by Gulf of Genoa low. Prevailing winds: Westerly June through August. Easterly in September. Winds generally light. Sea Breezes: Afternoon sea breezes are the rule. Usually west-northwesterly wind of about force 3 (7 - 11 kt). Pressure rise west of Italy can enhance sea breeze and increase it to force 5 (17 - 21 kt). Enhanced sea breezes occur approximately twice per month. Enhanced sea breezes can impact vessels moving in/out of nest. Best to perform nesting maneuvers during morning hours in latespring. Hazardous Conditions: Autumn Hazardous Conditions: Autumn Climatology: Temperatures decrease but wind chill is not signficant. Short autumn season: mid September - October. Abrupt change to winter-type weather. Hazardous Conditions: Winter (Nov - Mar) Hazardous Conditions: Winter Climatology: Cool temperatures. Frequent precipitation. Relatively strong wind conditions. Unsettled weather due to proximity of Gulf of Genoa, an active region of cyclogenesis. Tramontana Wind: A cold wind from the northeast or north, particularly on the west coast of Italy and Northern Corsica. It is associated with the advance of an anticyclone from the westfollowing a depression over the Mediterranean. Known locally as Garigliano. Most common weather problem. Cold wind blowing down Cassino Road Pass reaches Gaeta as east-northeasterly wind (060deg - 075deg). May reach force 8 (35 - 40 kt) or stronger during night to mid-morning. Maximum at sunrise. Decreases to force 5 (17 - 21 kt) during the afternoon. Effects on Vessels: Vessels moored to piers may require tug assistance to remain secure to their berths, since the Tramontana will tend to force them off the piers. Moored ships should put on extra mooring lines during these extreme off-setting winds. Evade worst wind effects by moving to an area 2 nm ESE of Formia in the lee of the Apennine Mountains. Tramontana wind can raise 4-6 ft wind waves in the anchorage area and disrupt boating operations throughout the harbor. While the Tramontana is the most frequent event, the local senior pilot indicatedthe most difficult conditions exist during strong SE wind events. Known locally as the Scirocco. Most significant weather problem. With the port open to the SE, the waves cause lateral movementof moored ships, probably due to refraction and reflection of entering waves. 2m waves occur in the anchorage areas. In extreme cases (1/year) up to 3m waves occur. Significantly impacts small boat operations. Conditions occur 1 - 2 times a month with a duration of 2 - 3 days. The local pilot also indicated that SW winds were a problem. Known locally as Labachia. The refraction and reflection of entering waves cause lateral movementof moored ships. An indicator is foam and surf seen against the rocks 3 - 4 nm E of Formia,near Promontorio Di Scauri. Mistral Wind: A strong, cold, downslope wind which blows from the north down the Rhone Valley south of Valence, France and into the Gulf of Lion. Rare, potential hazard. Starts as gap wind flowing through Rhone Valley into Gulf of Lion. Strong Mistral may extend through the Strait of Bonifacio(between Corsica and Sardinia) affecting Gaeta as 30-35 kt westerly wind for 24 hours. Postfrontal winds may be westerly but they are not Mistrals. Temperature: Lowest recorded temperature 25deg F (-4deg c). Wind chill can be very cold. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Moving to a New Anchorage Protective/Mitigating Measures: Moving to a New Anchorage 4 normal anchorage areas are as follows: G1 41° 13.05N 013° 35.1E G2 41° 13.25N 013° 35.6E G3 41° 13.7N 013° 35.4E G4 41° 14.1N 013° 35.9E Anchorage bottoms in mud and silt have limited holding capabilities. When local Tramontana winds occur, to avoid dragging anchor, one can evade worst wind effects by: Moving NE to an area 2 nm ESE of Formia in the lee of the Apennine Mountains. Moving southwest around Punta dello Stendardo to an area 3 nm west of the Point. In an emergency, the region between the fuel pier and the anchorage prohibitive zone has been dredged and offersgood holding on a hard-packed bottom. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Sortie/Remain in Port Protective/Mitigating Measures: Sortie/Remain in Port Sortie is usually not required due to protection in port. If a vessel is to sortie, it would probably be under conditionsduring strong southerly winds and waves. Under these conditions,2m waves have been observed in the anchorage areas. In extreme cases (1/year) up to 3m waves have been observed. The following precautions should be taken for vessels remaining in Gaeta when high Tramontana winds are expected: Moored/nested vesssels may need tug assistance and/or doubling of lines to remain at their moorings. Firmly secure small boats. Routine operations may be curtailed. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Scheduling Protective/Mitigating Measures: Scheduling Avoid problems with the wind by: Scheduling arrivals, departures and nesting operations during early morning hours during summer or the other seasons when the Tramontana is not occurring and when wind velocities are at their daily minimum. During Tramontana wind velocities are at a minimum in the afternoon, but may still impact ship movement and small boating operations. An enhanced sea breeze (force 5) may affect nesting operations during late spring and summer. Pressure rise west of Italy can enhance sea breeze and increase it to force 5 (17 - 21 kt). Enhanced sea breezes occur approximately twice per month. Harbor Protection Harbor Protection Wind and Weather: Terrain north of harbor affords significant protection from the wind. Apennine mountains serve as effective barrier to unrestricted northerly wind flow. However, the Cassino Valley funnelling causes enhanced northeast winds at the port. Gulf of Gaeta north of Punta dello Stenardo is exposed to windsfrom northeast through southeast. Enhanced westerly sea breezes occur twice a month in late spring and summer. Waves: Gulf of Gaeta south of Punta dello Stenardo is exposed to waves from southeast clockwise through the west. Gulf of Gaeta north of Punta dello Stenardo is exposed to waves from northeast through southeast. The inner harbor is protected from swell by the Promontory of Punta dello Stendardo and the east breakwater. With southerly winds and waves, the entering swells cause lateral movementof moored ships, probably due to refraction and reflection. 2m waves occur in the anchorage areas. In extreme cases (1/year) up to 3m waves occur. Wave Data Uses and Considerations: Local wind waves build and subside rapidly with the wind. Period and length of wind waves is generally short so the water is choppy. When wind waves are superimposed on deep water waves which havepropagated into shallow water, the waves may become quite complex and confused. Under these conditions, tending or joint operations may be hazardous even if the individual wave train heights are not significantlyhigh. Most of the bothersome wind waves occur in the anchorages and are greatly modified in the inner harbor. The following table provides the shallow water wave conditions at the three designated port map points when deep water swell enters the harbor. An example follows the tables. Table 1 Shallow water wave directions and relative height conditions versus deep water period and direction. FORMAT: Shallow Water Direction/Height Ratio GAETA POINT 1: Deep Water Period (sec) 6 8 10 12 14 Direction (deg) 180 115 0.5 110 0.4 110 0.4 110 0.4 100 0.6 210 110 0.3 120 0.3 115 0.3 110 0.4 110 0.6 GAETA POINT 2: Deep Water Period (sec) 6 8 10 12 14 Direction (deg) 180 180 0.8 180 0.8 180 0.9 180 0.9 180 0.9 210 210 0.8 210 0.8 210 0.9 210 0.9 200 0.9 240 240 0.8 240 0.9 235 0.9 235 0.9 235 0.9 GAETA POINT 3: Deep Water Period (sec) 6 8 10 12 14 Direction (deg) 180 175 0.5 165 0.5 160 0.7 165 0.8 160 0.7 210 165 0.3 160 0.3 165 0.3 170 0.3 160 0.3 240 175 0.2 180 0.2 180 0.2 180 0.2 180 0.2 Example: For a deep water wave condition of: 6 feet, 12 seconds, from 210deg The approximate shallow water wave conditions are: Point 1: 2-3 feet, 12 seconds, from 110deg Point 2: 5-6 feet, 12 seconds, from 210deg Point 3: 2 feet, 12 seconds, from 170deg Table 2 The following table presents shallow water climatology as determined from deep water wave propagation. Percent occurrence, average duration or persistence, and wave period of maximum energy for wave height ranges of greater than 3.3 feet and greater than 6.6 feet by climatological season. GAETA POINT 1: >3.3 Feet (1m) WINTER NOV-APR SPRING MAY SUMMER JUN-SEP AUTUMN OCT Occurrence (%) Average Duration (hrs) Period Max Energy (sec) 11 12 6 6 11 6 2 21 6 10 11 6 >6.6 feet (2m) NOV-APR MAY JUN-SEP OCT Occurrence (%) Average Duration (hrs) Period Max Energy (sec) 2 8 9 0 NA NA 0 NA NA 2 9 9 GAETA POINT 2: >3.3 Feet (1m) WINTER NOV-APR SPRING MAY SUMMER JUN-SEP AUTUMN OCT Occurrence (%) Average Duration (hrs) Period Max Energy (sec) 15 12 10 9 13 8 4 9 8 13 11 10 >6.6 feet (2m) NOV-APR MAY JUN-SEP OCT Occurrence (%) Average Duration (hrs) Period Max Energy (sec) 4 8 14 1 9 12 1 8 12 4 9 12 GAETA POINT 3: >3.3 Feet (1m) WINTER NOV-APR SPRING MAY SUMMER JUN-SEP AUTUMN OCT Occurrence (%) Average Duration (hrs) Period Max Energy (sec) 13 12 6 8 15 6 4 31 6 14 13 6 >6.6 feet (2m) NOV-APR MAY JUN-SEP OCT Occurrence (%) Average Duration (hrs) Period Max Energy (sec) 3 8 11 0 NA NA <<1 6 11 2 9 11 Local Hazardous Weather Conditions Local Hazardous Weather Conditions Tramontana: 12 to 24 hour advance warning when fresh snow and/or small clouds are first visible on the summit of the mountains to the north of Gaeta. Persistent snow on these mountain tops indicates continued cold northerly flow and locally strong northeast winds. Onset of strong winds may occur before snow is visible. Winter snows and wind conditions occur just after frontal passage. The building of a cold continental high north of the Alps is the prime indicator of Tramontana development. To find out what strength winds to anticipate, subtract the surfacepressure in Brindisi from the pressure in Trieste. If the difference = 8 mb, expected Gaeta wind = 20 - 30 kt; difference = 12 mb, expected Gaeta wind = 30 - 40 kt; difference = 16 mb, expected Gaeta wind = 40 - 50 kt. Wind velocities will start to decrease when the high pressurecenter moves east to 15deg east. Mistral: Watch for wind warnings for the Gulf of Lion and Strait of Bonifacio (between Corsica and Sardinia). Mistrals occur first in the Gulf of Lion, then in the Strait. The Mistral must pass the Strait of Bonifacio before it reaches Gaeta. High winds following frontal passage or the passage of a strong pressure system are not Mistrals, but the effect is the same. Enhanced Sea Breeze: Expect afternoon sea breezes in the late spring and summer. Enhanced sea breezes (stronger than force 3 (7 - 10 kt)) are usually a result of increasing atmospheric pressure to the west resulting in a strengthened pressure gradient over Gaeta. Force5 (17 - 21 kt) level could occur twice a month during late spring and summer. Southerly winds and waves: An indicator is foam and surf seen against the rocks 3 - 4 nm E of Formia,near Promontorio Di Scauri. GAETA.htm Hazardous Conditions: Winter (Nov - Mar) Hazardous Conditions: Winter Climatology: Cool temperatures. Frequent precipitation. Relatively strong wind conditions. Unsettled weather due to proximity of Gulf of Genoa, an active region of cyclogenesis. Tramontana Wind: A cold wind from the northeast or north, particularly on the west coast of Italy and Northern Corsica. It is associated with the advance of an anticyclone from the westfollowing a depression over the Mediterranean. Known locally as Garigliano. Most common weather problem. Cold wind blowing down Cassino Road Pass reaches Gaeta as east-northeasterly wind (060deg - 075deg). May reach force 8 (35 - 40 kt) or stronger during night to mid-morning. Maximum at sunrise. Decreases to force 5 (17 - 21 kt) during the afternoon. Effects on Vessels: Vessels moored to piers may require tug assistance to remain secure to their berths, since the Tramontana will tend to force them off the piers. Moored ships should put on extra mooring lines during these extreme off-setting winds. Evade worst wind effects by moving to an area 2 nm ESE of Formia in the lee of the Apennine Mountains. Tramontana wind can raise 4-6 ft wind waves in the anchorage area and disrupt boating operations throughout the harbor. While the Tramontana is the most frequent event, the local senior pilot indicatedthe most difficult conditions exist during strong SE wind events. Known locally as the Scirocco. Most significant weather problem. With the port open to the SE, the waves cause lateral movementof moored ships, probably due to refraction and reflection of entering waves. 2m waves occur in the anchorage areas. In extreme cases (1/year) up to 3m waves occur. Significantly impacts small boat operations. Conditions occur 1 - 2 times a month with a duration of 2 - 3 days. The local pilot also indicated that SW winds were a problem. Known locally as Labachia. The refraction and reflection of entering waves cause lateral movementof moored ships. An indicator is foam and surf seen against the rocks 3 - 4 nm E of Formia,near Promontorio Di Scauri. Mistral Wind: A strong, cold, downslope wind which blows from the north down the Rhone Valley south of Valence, France and into the Gulf of Lion. Rare, potential hazard. Starts as gap wind flowing through Rhone Valley into Gulf of Lion. Strong Mistral may extend through the Strait of Bonifacio(between Corsica and Sardinia) affecting Gaeta as 30-35 kt westerly wind for 24 hours. Postfrontal winds may be westerly but they are not Mistrals. Temperature: Lowest recorded temperature 25deg F (-4deg c). Wind chill can be very cold. 70 nm (130 km) southeast of Rome on Italy's west coast. Port of Gaeta (Italy) - Port Information