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Port of La Spezia (Italy) - Port Information (ID: 35538)
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LASPEZIA.htm La Spezia Italy Italy La Spezia 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 Untitled Document Geographic Location Geographic Location Coordinates: 44deg/05min N 09deg/51min E The Port of La Spezia is located on the northeast shoreline of the Ligurian Sea near the eastern limit of the Gulf of Genoa. The spacious port is situated at the head of Golfo di La Spezia (Gulf of La Spezia), and is protected from most hazardous weather conditions. It is constructed around a natural inlet which has approximate dimensions of10,000 ft wide by 15,000 ft long. It can easily accommodate over 40 medium- to deep-draft vessels. The Port of La Spezia is divided into an outer harbor and inner harbor bytwo breakwater systems. The outer breakwater, Diga Foranea, the surface of which is awash, is 7,218 ft long, and forms the southern limit of the outer harbor. Two entrances to the harbor exist, with one at each end of Diga Foranea. The western entrance has a depth of 44 ft and is most oftenused. The eastern entrance has a depth of 37 ft, but is often congested with drydock activity and moored tankers. The inner harbor, Darsena DucaDegli Abruzzi (Porto Militare--the Italian Navy Base) is formed by the second breakwater system in the northwestern part of the port. Small surface ships (frigate size or smaller) and submarines can 'Med-moor' in the inner harbor. Entrance depth to the inner harbor is 36 ft, but is subject to silting. (In 1987 a U.S. submarine scraped bottom while entering the basin.) Fleet landing is in the Duca Degli Abaruzzi at the Bachino di Revello. Other facilities located inside the outer breakwater include commercial facilities along the north and east perimeters, and Seno Della Grazie, a cove located northwest of the western entrance to the outer harbor. Seno Della Grazie is used as a berthing place for small passenger liners. Several anchorages exist at La Spezia. One protected anchorage is locatedin the outer harbor approximately 2,000 yd northwest of Diga Foranea in a depth of 34.5 ft. Holding is rated good on a mud bottom. Two open sea (unprotected) anchorages are located outside the breakwater. One is located 2 n mi south (depth 86 ft) and 0.6 n mi east (depth 66 ft) of Tino Island. The anchorages have good holding qualities on mud bottoms. Harbor as Haven Harbor as Haven The Port of La Spezia is effectively protected on three sides by steeply rising terrain. Elevations westward of the port commonly exceed 1,500 ft, with Mt. Verrugoli reaching 2,444 ft. East of the port, elevations are somewhat lower, but some peaks exceed 1,000 ft and one peak, Mt. Rocchetta, reaches 1,352 ft. The terrain protects the port frommany high wind situations, but valleys which penetrate the mountainous areas allow some wind events to reach the harbor. Anchorages in the harbor and berths in the Italian Naval Base are relatively safe. According to local authorities, ships have never had to be moved due to bad weather, and boating has never been canceled inside the breakwater. Anchorages outside the breakwater are exposed, however, and evasion at sea is recommended in heavy weather. Water taxis will not go to the outside anchorages when winds are force 6 (22-27 kt) or greater. The inner and outer harbors are well protected from significant wave action with the exception that strong northerly winds raise a sea which reflects off the north face of Diga Foranea and causes uncomfortable, though not dangerous, motion to ships anchored nearby. Currents and Tides Currents and Tides Most currents are wind generated. Local authorities state that a weak counter-clockwise current exists in the harbor. Similarly, Mediterranean Pilot states that normally the same current exists in the whole of Golfo di La Spezia, but the current is strongly influenced by the prevailing winds. Tides within the harbor are minimal, with a maximum range of about 20 inches. Visibility Visibility Visibility is normally good all year, but salt haze reduces visibility to5 or 6 n mi during summer. A review of visibility statistics for the period 1951-1979 reveals that visibility restricted below 2.5 mi has the highest frequency of occurrence during the months of October through May. Hazardous Conditions: Spring Hazardous Conditions: Spring The spring season is characterized by periods of stormy, winter-type weather which alternates with a number of false starts of relatively settled summer-type weather. The more unsettled periods occur during March and April, when low pressure systems develop in or pass through theGulf of Genoa. After April, the transition to settled weather proceeds more smoothly. Although strong winds are not the rule at La Spezia, a potential for damaging winds exists. This possibility is evidenced by thefact that the climatology record from Palmaria Island indicates speeds of99 kt have been recorded during April, and 62 kt during May. The direction was not specified in either instance, but the existence of sucha wind in the past indicates the possibility of a similar event in the future cannot be discounted. Northerly Tramontana winds are possible throughout the season, but are strongest early in the period because the high pressure systems over northern Italy become less strong as the season progresses. Southeasterly winds are also experienced throughout the season, and like the Tramontana, are strongest early in the season when Genoa lows are thestrongest. Scirocco events are possible early in the season and can bring dust and/or 'red rain' to La Spezia. Prevailing night and early morning winds are northerly, but southwesterly winds are the rule by mid-afternoon as a sea breeze regime becomes evident on warm days early in the season. Precipitation amounts remain near the wintertime levels through March, but decrease thereafter. Temperatures warm throughout the season as summer approaches. By May, themean daily maximum temperature has risen to 67 deg F, while the minimum has risen to 55 deg F. Wind chill factor is a consideration until late April. Hazardous Conditions: Summer Hazardous Conditions: Summer Summer is a period of relatively warm, settled conditions at La Spezia. Strong winds are uncommon, but velocities of 60 kt have been recorded during August, and 55 kt during September. Night and early morning winds are normally from the north, with southwesterly winds common during the afternoon. Warmest temperatures areobserved during July and August, with a mean daily maximum of 79 deg F. Precipitation is at its yearly minimum in July, when less than 1 inch of rain accumulates during an average year. The monthly total increases to almost 3 inches by September. La Spezia experiences scattered thunderstorms during the summer. Small waterspouts and tornadoes have also been reported. Hazardous Conditions: Autumn Hazardous Conditions: Autumn Autumn usually lasts for the single month of October and is characterizedby an abrupt change to winter-type weather. The possibility of stronger northerly Tramontana wind increases as influxes of cold air begin to invade Europe in advance of the winter season. Similarly, the threat of stronger southeasterly winds increases as cyclonic activity in the Gulf of Genoa starts to become more common. Temperatures decrease from those of summer, with a mean maximum of about 67 deg F and mean minimum of 55 deg F normal for October. Precipitation amounts increase from those of September, with an average accumulation of3.76 inches occurring on about 7.5 days during the month. Thunderstorms occur on an average of 3 days during October, the greatest frequency of the year. Hazardous Conditions: Winter Hazardous Conditions: Winter Although northerly Tramontana winds are experienced during all seasons ofthe year, they are most frequent and stronger during winter. Maximum velocities are normally force 6 to 7 (22-33 kt). The winds have no effectat dockside due to the excellent protection afforded by the surrounding mountainous terrain. Ships anchored north of and near to Diga Foranea, the breakwater which defines the southern limit of the outer harbor, experience uncomfortable, though normally innocuous, vessel motion as northerly wind waves reflect off the north side of the breakwater. StrongTramontana winds are the result of building high pressure over northern Italy as a low pressure center moves southeastward from the Gulf of Genoa. Southeasterly winds are also experienced year round, but the highest speeds are observed during winter. Although locally referred to as Scirocco, most are not of true Scirocco origin, but are instead caused bylow pressure systems developing in or moving into the Gulf of Genoa. Speeds of force 7 to 8 (28-40 kt) can be expected 3 or 4 times per year, with late winter episodes likely. Although such occurrences are relatively strong, wave heights inside the breakwater are limited to near3 ft. The infrequent strong events may last up to 3 days, but the usual duration is a day or less. True Scirocco winds are infrequently observed at La Spezia and are normally accompanied by dust and/or 'red rain' as wind-borne particles from North Africa reach the area. Wind speeds are usually not strong. Westerly wind regimes are experienced in the port area as southwesterly. Speeds up to force 5 (17-21 kt) occur as the winds funnel through two valleys that penetrate the steep terrain west of the Port. Effect on the Port is minimal. Precipitation is common during winter. November has the greatest monthly accumulation of the year, about 4 inches. About 6 days in each month of the season, amounts from a trace (.01 in) to 0.4 in are recorded. Amountsof 0.4 inches or more are normally recorded on approximately 3 days of each month. While not frequently observed, snow is possible during the months of December, January, and February. Temperatures during the coldest month of the season, January, range from a median low of 41 deg F to a median high of 51 deg F. The record low temperature recorded during a 29 year period of record ending in 1979 was20.8 deg F. Because of the relatively cold temperatures that are common at La Spezia, the effect of wind chill (temperature combined with wind speed) should be considered for evolutions requiring personnel to work inexposed locations. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Moving to a New Anchorage Protective/Mitigating Measures: Moving to a New Anchorage Vessels anchored in the harbor should be able to stay; ships have never had to be moved due to bad weather. But because they are exposed to open-sea conditions, ships in the two anchorages outside the breakwater, 0.6 n mi east and 2 n mi south of Tino Island, should evade at sea if heavy weather is forecast. There are no good alternate anchorages near La Spezia in which to seek haven. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Sortie/Remain in Port Protective/Mitigating Measures: Sortie/Remain in Port Vessels at the Italian Naval Base should be able to remain in port. Sortie has never been necessary due to bad weather in the Port of La Spezia. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Scheduling Protective/Mitigating Measures: Scheduling There is no scheduling information available for this port. Harbor Protection Harbor Protection The Port of La Spezia is afforded excellent protection from most wind andwave conditions, but is vulnerable to certain specific events. Also, as detailed below, there are differences in protection enjoyed by vessels inside the breakwaters and those anchored in open sea conditions. Wind and Weather: The inner and outer harbors are bordered on 3 sides (west, north, and east) by steeply rising terrain which serves to block or reduce the speed of many wind regimes. Relatively strong winds reach the port, however, from the southeast, southwest, and north. Anchorages in the harbor and berths in the Italian Naval Base (Darsena Duca Degli Abruzzi) are relatively safe; ships have never had to be moved due to badweather and boating has never been canceled inside the breakwater. However, water taxis will not go to the outside anchorages when winds areforce 6 (22-27 kt) or greater. The harbor affords no effective protection from thunderstorms nor the infrequently seen small waterspouts and tornadoes. Waves: Inside the breakwater, wave action is limited to those which are raised by the local wind. Because the maximum straight line distance across the harbor inside the breakwater (Diga Foranea) is only 2.5 n mi, wave generation is fetch limited. Southerly winds of force 7 to 8 (28-40 kt) only raise a 3 ft sea inside the breakwater, so operations areonly minimally affected. The same situation applies to northerly winds, but with a different result. According to local authorities, northerly waves reflect off the north face of Diga Foranea and cause 'uncomfortable, though not usually damaging', vessel motion to ships anchored near the breakwater. Vessels anchored in the two outside anchorages are exposed to open sea conditions. Consequently, any wave condition which emanates from south through northwest has the potential to reach the anchorages. Local Hazardous Weather Conditions Local Hazardous Weather Conditions The Port of La Spezia affords excellent shelter from most hazardous weather conditions, but it is prudent to be aware of potential hazards and have insight as to when specific conditions may develop. The following guidelines have been extracted from various sources, including on-site interviews with local authorities. They are intended to provide additional insight to the Fleet meteorologists, and enable them to recognize events that indicate changes in weather conditions. Unless otherwise indicated the guidelines have been adapted from Regional Forecasting Aids for the Mediterranean Basin. Genoa Lows, the Primary Cause of Southeasterly Winds at La Spezia. a. Cyclogenesis 1. A lee trough often is present in the Gulf of Genoa when a cold or occluded front is moving into western France. This lee trough remains stationary until the arrival of the front, at which time significant cyclogenesis occurs. 2. A good indication of rapid development of a Genoa low is theappearance of cold air from the northeast in the Po Valley of northern Italy. 3. If Genoa cyclogenesis is predicted, the following rules can be used to decide whether it will occur in the Gulf of Genoa orto the east in the Gulf of Venice: a. If large amounts of cold air penetrate the Po Valley from the northeast, cyclogenesis can be expected in the Gulf of Genoa. This cyclone generally will move southeastward along the west coast of Italy. b. If little cold air penetrates the Po Valley from the northeast while a strong push is observed in the Gulf of Lion, cyclogenesis will probably take place in the Gulf ofVenice. This cyclone occasionally may move southeast through the Adriatic Sea. 4. Genoa lows occur almost simultaneously with the onset of theMistral in the Gulf of Lion, and invariably form when conditions are right for the Mistral to occur. 5. Complex low pressure systems with multiple centers at the surface are a common event in the western Mediterranean Basin. One center usually can be found in the Gulf of Genoa, while another is found over North Africa; a weak pressure gradient exists between the two systems. Which of these lows will develop depends greatly on the movement of an upper-level (500 mb) short wave trough. If the trough moves to the North Africancoast, for example, the low center in that region will develop rapidly, increasing the pressure gradient and causing easterly gales over the southern Tyrrhenian Sea. b. Associated Wind and Weather 1. Weak to moderate Genoa cyclogenesis causes important variations in the weather along the west coast of Italy. When analyzing these cases, the resolution of the 500 mb analysis should be fine enough to support tracking of the weak short wave troughs associated with increased shower activity. 2. Convective activity associated with a Genoa low has a periodicity of about 18 hr, starting with the initial cold frontal passage. The periodicity is most pronounced with a stationary low. The most intense convective activity occurs at 36 hr intervals. 3. Strong westerly winds associated with Mistral conditions rarely reach the west coast of Italy. Winds usually will not reach gale force until after the associated Genoa low moves offto the southeast. Under these conditions gale force northeasterly winds occur along the west coast of Italy. 4. Strong northerly winds can be expected in the Gulf of Genoa within 6-8 hr if (1) the 1034 mb isobar is present along the crest of the Alps north of the Gulf of Genoa and (2) increasing northerly winds are observed at Milan (16080). c. Miscellaneous 1. A residual low pressure trough generally remains over the Gulf of Genoa even after the primary low has moved well out of the region. The trough can remain for several days. 2. Centers of Genoa lows can be poorly organized; strong pressure gradients, associated with a lee trough south of the Alps, frequently are found far from the low's geographic center. Sirocco: During Sirocco periods over the Mediterranean, a low-level jetis likely to exist just below the top of the very marked temperature inversion common during the Sirocco. Wind speeds reaching 70-80 kt, withheavy turbulence associated with the strong vertical wind shear, have been observed in the jet. Sirocco winds usually will increase gradually, so ample advance warning is provided by the time taken to develop a full Sirocco situation. Clouds forming on the southeast slope of Mount Parodi (northwest of La Spezia) may indicate the beginning of a Sirocco. Past experience indicates that the reliability of hourly reporting stations along the Italian coast is questionable, especially during the night. During periods of southerly surface flow in the central Mediterranean, convergence zones between southeasterly and southwesterly winds are frequently observed. These convergence zones result in heavier precipitation and lower visibilities. Fronts are not associated with thisphenomenon initially, but may develop later. During the winter half of the year along the west coast of Italy, maximumoccurrence of convective activity is in the early morning (0300-0800L) and minimum occurrence is in the late afternoon and early evening. In themountains to the east, however, this diurnal variation is reversed. Dry, moderate-to-strong (15-25 kt), north-to-east winds during the winterhave produced steam fog along the Italian coast from Genoa to Pisa, out to 35 n mi offshore. Visibilities in this fog are reduced to 1-2 n mi although the dewpoint-temperature spread measured at an aircraft carrier's flight deck level may exceed 4 deg F. Local authorities state that clouds forming on the southeast slope of Mount Parodi (northwest of La Spezia) may indicate the beginning of a period of bad weather and rain is about to start. The Port of La Spezia is located on the northeast shoreline of the Ligurian Sea near the eastern limit of the Gulf of Genoa. Port of La Spezia (Italy) - Port Information