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Port of Livorno (Italy) - Port Information (ID: 35540)
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LIVORNO.htm Livorno Italy Italy Livorno 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: 43deg/33min N 10deg/19min E The Port of Livorno is located on the west coast of the ItalianPeninsula. It is on the eastern shore of the Ligurian Sea, about 50 n mi northeast of Corsica. The port is situated about 6 3/4 n mi south of the mouth of the Arno River on a wide plain which is backed by hills. The western, seaward side of the harbor is protected by a series of breakwaters: Diga Marzocco, which forms the western limit of the northernportion of the harbor; Diga Meloria and Diga Curvilinea, which are joinedand form the major western limit of the harbor; and Diga Della Vegliaia, which is relatively short and affords limited protection to the southern entrance to the harbor. The harbor at the Port of Livorno is divided into4 primary sections: 1) Avamporto, which is entered through the southern entrance and lies between Diga Curvilinea and Molo Mediceo; 2) Bacino San Stefano, which is formed on the west by Diga Meloria, onthe north by Diga Marzocco, and on the southeast by Diga Rettilinea; 3) Porto Nuovo, which lies northeast of Bacino San Stefano; and 4) Porto Vecchio, which consists of Porto Mediceo and BacinoCappellini. Two main entrances exist at the port. The north entrance is 361 yd wide between the southern end of Diga Marzocco and the eastern side of DigaMeloria. The narrower south entrance lies between the south end of Diga Curvilinea and shallow water produced by a shoal bank which extends west from the east side of the port. U.S. Navy ships mooring at Livorno usually utilize Porto Mediceo, where 'Med-mooring' is used for ships 525 ft or smaller with drafts of 28 ft orless. The fleet landing is also in Porto Mediceo. Secondary berths are available at Darsena No. 1, for ships with drafts to 27 ft. The containerterminal in Darsena Toscana, where ship size and draft is unlimited, can also be used if available. Anchorage is available anywhere between 1 and 1.5 n mi from thebreakwater. One anchorage, situated 3,600 yd from the south breakwater and 3,000 yd from the nearest land, has a bottom composed of mud, stone, and kelp in 13 to 20 fm. Interviews with local authorities indicate that a large anchorage area is approximately 1 n mi south of the breakwater, 3/4 to 1 n mi from the coast. Water depth varies from 16 to 93 fm withgood holding on a bottom composed of mostly mud. The anchorage at Livornois considered dangerous because high winds can produce hazardous small boat conditions and cause larger vessels to drag anchor. Harbor as Haven Harbor as Haven The portion of the Port of Livorno located inside the protective breakwater system is well protected from waves. Strong outbreaks of wind,primarily from the southwest, locally called Lebeccio, bother ships with large sail areas to the extent that it is advisable to double mooringlines. According to Mediterranean Pilot, Volume 1, published by the Hydrographerof the Navy, London, England in 1965, strong southeasterly winds, which last about 3 days in winter, generate a swell that reaches Livorno which may make it impossible for large vessels to enter the harbor. Vessels at anchor outside the breakwaters are exposed to the strong southwesterly Lebeccio winds and the accompanying waves. When winds are forecast to exceed 45 kt, the Port Captain will order vessels which are not berthed to sortie and protect at sea. The anchorage at Livorno isconsidered dangerous because high winds can produce hazardous sailingconditions and cause larger vessels to drag anchors. Small boats will normally continue to operate until winds exceed force 4 (11-16 kt). Because of the protective effects of the shallow water over Secche Della Meloria, boats making runs to/from the harbor and theanchorages may find it less hazardous to use the northern harbor entrance. Currents and Tides Currents and Tides Currents within the confines of the harbor are usually negligible except as noted below. Outside the breakwaters, the current is generally wind driven, withpersistent northwesterly winds during summer resulting in a strong south-moving current between Secche Della Meloria and the coast. Secche DellaMeloria is a shallow shoal area located about 1 n mi seaward from thenorth end of Diga Meloria. The shoal area is about 1/2 n mi wide(east-west) and 1 n mi long. The current also affects Avamporto as the current flows in through thenorth entrance to the harbor, and out the south entrance. Winds fromsoutheast through southwest produce a north-moving current betweenSecche Della Meloria and the coast. Maximum tidal range is about 1.5 ft. a southerly (southeast to southwest)wind can raise the water level in the harbor by up to 3 ft. Visibility Visibility Visibility at Livorno is generally good, but it is occasionally reduced. Early morning land breezes tend to blow smoke and industrial haze from the city towards Secche Della Meloria, with the result that landmarks aredifficult to distinguish. During late winter and spring, fog will reduce visibility to near zero onabout 6 to 7 days per year. The reduction normally lasts less than 4 hours. Hazardous Conditions: Spring Hazardous Conditions: Spring The spring season in the central Mediterranean Sea is characterized by periods of stormy winter-type weather associated with a continued high frequency of Genoa lows, which alternate with a number of false starts ofrelatively settled-summer type weather. Although Genoa lows can develop during any month, the strongest spring systems occur in March and April. By May, the transition to the more-or-less settled weather of summer proceeds more smoothly. Strong winds are possible throughout the season, with velocities of 65 kt being recorded at Gorgona Island (about 18 n mi west-southwest of Livorno) during March and April, and 58 kt during May. Southwesterly Lebeccio winds are possible throughout the season as low pressure systems move into or develop in the Gulf of Genoa. Strongestwinds are to be expected in March and April. Since late winter and early spring is the period of maximum Mistral frequency and strength in theGulf of Lion, Lebeccio winds at Livorno which result from an eastwardspreading of Mistral winds would also be more frequent and stronger during the same period. In either case, strong Lebeccio winds would be rare and of short duration by the end of May. Springtime precipitation is at a maximum during March, when an average of3.2 inches falls. Monthly totals decrease through April to May, when about 2.5 inches can be expected during an average month. Snow has been recorded during March, but is a very rare occurrence. Thunderstorms are possible, and are most probable with the development and movement of a strong Genoa low and its associated frontal system through the Livorno area. An increase in temperature occurs throughout the season. By May the mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures are 70 deg and 57 deg F respectively. Wind chill should be considered for personnel working outdoors in exposed locations through mid-April. Hazardous Conditions: Summer Hazardous Conditions: Summer The summer season brings warm relatively settled weather to Livorno. Lebeccio events are rare and of short duration. A sea/land breeze regime is evident, with most early morning winds being from northeast and east, and afternoon winds from west and northwest. Speeds are light, however, and have negligible effect on harbor operations. Precipitation reaches its minimum during mid-summer with an average accumulation during July, the driest month, of about 0.8 inch. August is nearly as dry, but the monthly total increases to almost 3.5 inches in September. Thunderstorms may occur during late summer, but are usually widely scattered. July and August have the highest average temperatures of the year, with 82 deg F and 68 deg F being the mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures during those months. Hazardous Conditions: Autumn Hazardous Conditions: Autumn The autumn season lasts only for the single month of October, and is characterized by an abrupt change to winter-type weather. The transition to winter-type weather brings an increase in frequency andintensity of Genoa cyclogenesis, and attendant Lebeccio winds at Livorno. Precipitation amounts continue to increase from the relatively low totalsof summer with 3.9 inches being recorded during an average October. Temperatures decrease from those of late summer, but are still moderate, with 68 deg F and 55 deg F being the mean daily maximum and minimum figures for the month. Hazardous Conditions: Winter Hazardous Conditions: Winter The most persistent and strongest wind at Livorno is from the southwest. Locally called Lebeccio, the wind has two major causes: (1) The circulation associated with a Genoa low, and (2) Mistral winds which spread eastward from the Gulf of Lion. The winds which are caused by Genoa low formation are the most common. In winter, the Lebeccio averages force 6 to 7 (22-33 kt), but may reach force 8 to 9 (34-47 kt) for periods lasting up to 12 hours. Associated waves at the anchorages during Lebeccio conditions will be 10 to 13 ft. Swell waves to 10 ft may last for 12 to 24 hoursafter Lebeccio winds abate at Livorno. The northerly Tramontana winds which are common at other ports along the coast occur only infrequently at Livorno and have little effect on the harbor area due to fetch limitation. Precipitation is common during this season, with November's 4.4 inches being the greatest average monthly accumulation of the year. While not commonly seen, occasional snowfalls are recorded at Livorno, with Januaryand February having the highest probability of occurrence. The snowusually melts quickly as temperatures return to their normal range withina day. The months of January and February are the coldest of the year, with a daily minimum of about 41 deg F being normal for the period. The median high for the same period is near 52 deg F. Because of the relatively low temperatures that are common at Livorno, wind chill (the effect oftemperature combined with wind) should be considered when personnel are required to work outside in exposed locations. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Moving to a New Anchorage Protective/Mitigating Measures: Moving to a New Anchorage Anchored vessels should be able to remain in the anchorage unless thewind is forecast to exceed 45 kt. If so, the Port Captain will ordervessels not berthed to sortie to the open sea. The anchorage north ofthe outer breakwater at La Spezia would afford better protection fromsouthwesterly waves than would the other anchorages. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Sortie/Remain in Port Protective/Mitigating Measures: Sortie/Remain in Port Vessels moored in the inner harbor should be able to remain. Lines shouldbe doubled if strong winds are forecast, especially for vessels with largesail areas. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Scheduling Protective/Mitigating Measures: Scheduling There is no ship scheduling information available for this port. Harbor Protection Harbor Protection That portion of the Port of Livorno inside the breakwaters is wellprotected from wave action, but is exposed to the effects of wind. The anchorages are located outside the breakwaters and are vulnerable to both. Wind and Weather: Ships moored in the harbor, especially those with largesail areas, are affected by strong winds as they are forced on/off their berths. A doubling of lines is generally sufficient to protect the vesselfrom undue motion and shifting. Small boats in the harbor continue normaloperations until the wind exceeds force 4 (11-16 kt). Vessels anchored outside the harbor are exposed to strong winds. The Livorno anchorage is considered dangerous because of anchor dragging induced by strong winds on large vessels. Once the wind reaches 45 kt, the Port Captain will order vessels which are not berthed to sortie to the open sea. Small boat operation to/from the inner harbor and the roadstead will likely be interrupted if winds exceed force 4 (11-16 kt). Small boats may find reduced wave heights by using the northernmost harbor entrance when making runs to/from the roadstead when southwesterlywinds are blowing. Waves: The inner harbor is well protected from waves, so ships mooredtherein should experience no problems related to wave action. Vessels in the roadstead are exposed to the brunt of 10 to 13 ft waves which may accompany a strong Lebeccio outbreak. Such an event may make remaining at anchor inadvisable. According to local authorities, swell east of Secche Della Meloria is lower due to energy lost when crossingthe shallow water. Consequently it may be less hazardous to use thenorthern harbor entrance (between Diga Meloria and Diga Marzocco) forboating operations when a southwesterly swell exists. Also, during and after periods of strong south-easterly winds, a considerable swell is felt in the harbor which at times makes it impossible for large vessels to enter. Local Hazardous Weather Conditions Local Hazardous Weather Conditions The inner harbor at the Port of Livorno is well sheltered from waves, butis vulnerable to the direct effect of strong wind. The roadstead is located outside the protective breakwater system, and is exposed to the effects of specific winds and waves. Consequently, it is prudent to be aware of forthcoming hazardous weather events. The following guidelines have been compiled from various sources: Southwesterly Lebeccio Winds:Genoa lows, the most frequent cause of strong southwesterly winds (Lebeccio) at Livorno. (1) Cyclogenesis (a) A lee trough often is present in the Gulf of Genoa when a cold oroccluded front is moving into western France. This lee trough remainsstationary until the arrival of the front, at which time significant cyclogenesis occurs. (b) A good indication of rapid development of a Genoa low is theappearance of cold air from the northeast in the Po Valley of northernItaly. (c) If Genoa cyclogenesis is predicted, the following rules can be usedto decide whether it will occur in the Gulf of Genoa or to the east inthe Gulf of Venice: 1) If large amounts of cold air penetrate the Po Valley from thenortheast, cyclogenesis can be expected in the Gulf of Genoa. Thiscyclone generally will move southeastward along the west coast ofItaly. 2) If little cold air penetrates the Po Valley from the northeastwhile a strong push is observed in the Gulf of Lion, cyclogenesiswill probably take place in the Gulf of Venice. This cycloneoccasionally may move southeast through the Adriatic Sea. (d) Genoa lows occur almost simultaneously with the onset of the Mistralin the Gulf of Lion, and invariably form when conditions are right forthe Mistral to occur. (e) Complex low pressure systems with multiple centers at the surfaceare a common event in the western Mediterranean Basin. One centerusually can be found in the Gulf of Genoa, while another is found overNorth Africa; A weak pressure gradient exists between the two systems.Which of these lows will develop depends greatly on the movement of anupper-level (500 mb) short wave trough. If the trough moves to theNorth African coast, for example, the low center in that region willdevelop rapidly, increasing the pressure gradient and causing easterlygales over the southern Tyrrhenian Sea. (2) Associated Wind and Weather (a) Weak to moderate Genoa cyclogenesis causes important variations inthe weather along the west coast of Italy. When analyzing these cases,the resolution of the 500 mb analysis should be fine enough to supporttracing of the weak short wave troughs associated with increased shower activity. (b) Convective activity associated with a Genoa low has a periodicity ofabout 18 hr, starting with the initial cold frontal passage. Theperiodicity is most pronounced with a stationary low. The most intenseconvective activity occurs at 36 hr intervals. (c) Strong northerly winds can be expected in the Gulf of Genoa within6-8 hrs if: 1) The 1034 mb isobar is present along the crest of the Alpsnorth of the Gulf of Genoa and 2) Increasing northerly winds are observed at Milan. (3) Miscellaneous (a) A residual low pressure trough generally remains over the Gulf ofGenoa even after the primary low has moved well out of the region. Thetrough can remain for several days. (b) Centers of Genoa lows can be poorly organized: Strong pressuregradients, associated with a lee trough south of the Alps, frequentlyare found far from the low's geographic center. Strong Mistral outbreaks over the Gulf of Lion which, according to local authorities at Livorno, may spread eastward and cause strong southwesterlywinds (Lebreccio) at Livorno. The Port of Livorno is located on the west coast of the Italian Peninsula. It is on the eastern shore of the Ligurian Sea, about 50 n mi northeast of Port of Livorno (Italy) - Port Information