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Port of Naples (Italy) - Port Information (ID: 35546)
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NAPLES.htm Naples Italy Italy Naples 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: 40deg/50min/19sec N 14deg/15min/36sec E Location: 117 nm (188 km) southeast of Rome on Italy's west coast. Situated on north end of Bay of Naples which is located in northern section of Gulf of Naples. Dimensions of Gulf of Naples: 14 nm northwest-southeast 9 nm northeast-southwest Open to the southwest between coastal islands of Capri and Ischia. Bay of Naples: Protected from the west clockwise through east-southeast by themainland of Italy. Port of Naples: Located in northeast sector of Bay. Mt Vesuvius (4203 ft/1281 m) is about 8 nm east of the port. Inner harbor is largely protected by a detached breakwater DigaForania Emmanuele Filiberto Duca d'Aosta and an attached breakwaterMolo San Vincenzo. Entire harbor is bordered on west clockwise through east by mainland Italy. Outer harbor is protected from the open sea waves except from south clockwise through west-southwest. Harbor as Haven Harbor as Haven Protected from northerly winds. Northeasterly winds are fetch limited and seldom generate seas high enough to hamper boating. Southwesterly winds: Moderate winds may generate high waves in Naples harbor. Inner harbor generally protected by breakwaters, however, south-westerly generated swell can enter western portion of inner harbormaking entry, berthing, and cargo handling unsafe. May cause significant problems for vessels anchored in the outerharbor. Waves reflecting off Molo San Vincenzo anchorage create a hazardous confused wave pattern in the area making it dangerousfor small craft to operate to and from ships. Abandon the anchorage at first appearance of bad weather from thesouth. If wind and swell directions are out of phase, i.e., differentdirections, the vessel may start to roll, creating dangerousconditions for combined operations involving small craft and largevessels. Currents and Tides Currents and Tides Ocean currents in the Gulf of Naples are not considered a hazardto fleet operations. Tides are minimal and do not exceed 1.5 ft (0.5 m). Visibility Visibility May be reduced by industrial/automotive pollution especially whendominated by warm, stagnant air mass. 0800 LST visibility at USNAF Naples is 2-5 nm about 50% of the timeall year round. Jan/Feb have a 4% occurrence of visibility in the 0-0.5 nm range. Poor visibility caused by haze generally improves rapidly 1-6 hoursbefore the passage of a cold front. Sirocco's warm, dust laden winds from North Africa can reduce visibilityto 1-2 nm. These winds occur most frequently from March through June. Hazardous Conditions: Spring Hazardous Conditions: Spring Unsettled weather persists until about mid-May, then generally goodweather lasts until mid-September. Worst weather during spring is same as winter. Strong southwesterly winds and waves resulting from southwardmoving low pressure systems and associated fronts and troughs. Cyclonic activity is less frequent after April and pleasant weatherbegins to prevail. Tramontana: May occur through April. Poses wind chill hazard to personnel working in exposed locations. Thunderstorms occur on an average of 3 days/month: Early in the season associated with passing fronts or troughs. In May, either frontal-type or orographically produced resulting from the moist southerly flow being forced over the Apennine Mountains or Mt Vesuvius. Associated gusts: 40-45 kt. Mean speed: 20-25 kt. Visibility: Seldom reduced below 1 nm. Worst conditions observed in the early morning between 0600-0800 LST. Haze that obscures mountains and coastal features from seaward, usuallypersists from late spring through summer. Hazardous Conditions: Summer Hazardous Conditions: Summer Until mid-September, relatively stable conditions and light winds. Significant wind and wave activity decreases. Precipitation decreases with July being the driest month. Temperatures increase through August, the warmest month of the year. By mid-September: Temperatures show significant decreases. Cloudiness and precipitation increases. Incidence of north-northwest wind of autumn increases by the endof the month. Boating conditions in the outer harbor deteriorate because of moreinclement weather. Thunderstorm activity averages 3 days per month in June and July and increases in August and September. South-southwest to west sea breezes during the period 1000-1700 LSTare the daily norm, seldom exceeding force 3-4 (7-16 kt). Smooth wave conditions prevail in the outer harbor during July andAugust except for a light chop produced by sea breeze. Visibility: Worst of year; most restricted between 0600-0800 LST. Seldom below 1 nm. Visibility less than or equal to 300 m occur 3-5 times a year. Haze frequently obscures the horizon, coastal landmarks andterrain features of the mountains. Reduced to 1-2 nm during a Sirocco. Hazardous Conditions: Autumn Hazardous Conditions: Autumn Abrupt change to winter-type weather. Mean temperature drops to 62 deg F (17 deg C). Precipitation increases to an average of more than 4 inches for the month. Increase in cyclogenesis and associated frontal activity with frontalpassage every 4-6 days. Wind velocities increase and are accompanied by an increase in waveheights in the outer harbor. Most hazardous weather comes from the southwest as in winter and spring. Thunderstorms, frequently accompanied by hail, are relativelycommon (average of 5 days during the month). Associated peak gusts are normally about 40-45 kt. Mean speed: 20-25 kt. Temperature decreases from summer but wind chill is not a problem. Hazardous Conditions: Winter Hazardous Conditions: Winter Cool temperatures, frequent precipitation and strong winds. Because of the proximity to Gulf of Genoa, an active area forcyclogenesis, unstable weather conditions prevail. Most hazardous winter weather comes from the southwest: Southward moving low pressure systems increase the pressure gradient along Italy's west coast which results in southwesterlywinds and high waves near Naples. Stagnant or slow moving low can cause strong southwesterly windsto persist for 2-3 days. Steady 10-15 kt wind can produce a 4 ft swell in Naples harbor,adversely affecting small boating in the anchorage. Southwesterly waves impact and reflect from Molo San Vincenzocan raise a chaotic, amplified wave condition that frequentlyprohibits small boat operations to and from the anchorages. Southwesterly swell builds up slowly but it is also slow to stop. Swell from fast moving trough will diminish about 12 hours after trough passage. Swell from southwesterly wind that have continued for 2 days or more will persist for 2-3 days after wind has subsided. Secondary shortwave troughs intensifies southwesterly wind andprolong and increase wave heights. Ships are not safe in the anchorage if south-southwest windexceed force 5 (17-21 kt). Best to leave the port to ride out the storm or to move to theGulf of Pozznoli where the anchorage is more protected. If winds are southwesterly, move the ship toward Castellammareor Sorrento. After a strong front or trough passes Naples, wind shifts to west ornorthwest will cause anchored vessels to take a heading perpendicularto the southwesterly swell. The beam swell can cause significant rolling and create hazardous conditions for small boat operations at the anchored vessels. Dangerous to bring a tender or CV into the inner harbor if southwestwinds are greater than 20 kt. CV's should leave the inner harbor if winds greater than force 5 (17-21 kt) are forecast. Tramontana: Cold, dry wind caused by strong north-south pressure gradient thatoccurs when a cold high pressure system enters northern Italy. Funnels through mountain passes to the west coast of Italy. Because it's an offshore wind it doesn't raise bothersome seas in the harbor, but wind velocities can reach dangerous levels. Boating in the anchroage can be adversely affected. Helicopter operations may be curtailed because of the occurrenceof turbulence from the surface to 10,000 ft altitude. To estimate winds at Naples, if surface pressure at Venice minusthe surface pressure at Corfu is 12 mb or more, then gale forcewinds are expected in Naples. Onset of gale force winds will be about 6 hours after they occuralong the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea (check Split data). Thunderstorms occur year-round, but occur over water most often during winter in association with passing cold fronts and troughs. Hail is common. Boating can be disrupted for 1-2 hours. Associated peak gusts normally about 40-45 kt with mean speeds of20-25 kt. Lowest recorded surface temperature is 24 deg F (-4 deg C) but the wind chill can be much colder. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Moving to a New Anchorage Protective/Mitigating Measures: Moving to a New Anchorage If a relatively high wind from southeast clockwise through southis forecast, a more favorable anchorage may be found southeast ofNaples, on the lee of the mountains near Sorrento or Castellammare. If winds are force 5 (17 - 21 kt) or greater, it is best to leavethe designated Naples anchorage and move to the Gulf of Pozzuoli. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Sortie/Remain in Port Protective/Mitigating Measures: Sortie/Remain in Port If winds greater than force 5 (17 - 21 kt) are forecast, local portauthorities recommend that aircraft carriers leave the inner harbor. If southwest winds are greater than 20 kt, it is dangerous tobring an aircraft carrier or tender in/out of the inner harbor. Complete sortie prior to onset of 20 kt winds. Instances have occurred where Med-moored auxiliary type ships haveworked bollards loose during high winds. See NAVSUPPACTNAPLESINST 5000.1 (series) for precautionary actions. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Scheduling Protective/Mitigating Measures: Scheduling These is no available information about scheduling ship movements. Harbor Protection Harbor Protection Protected from wave action from west-southwest clockwise to east-northeast. East-northeast clockwise to south, the effects of wave action are mitigated by a relatively short fetch area between Naples harborand the coastline surrounding the Gulf of Naples and Capri Island. Harbor area is vulnerable to winds and waves from the south through the west-southwest. Wind and Weather: Port of Naples, including anchorage, is protected from northerlywinds. Worst weather comes from the southwest quadrant. Tramontana winds can reach 55 kt or more, but no significantwave related problems are generated because of the lack of fetch. Small boat operations are usually not restricted. On the average winds are not strong. Exceptions are associated with a passing low pressure systemor an intense anticyclone over central or eastern Europe. Sea breeze during day and land breeze at night are pronounced inwarmer months and noticeable during the cold season. Prevailing wind directions are predomately between south and southwest. Frequently in winter and occasionally in summer, a northwestwind continues steadily for some length of time - weak in Bay ofNaples, but fresh outside islands of Ischia and Capri. Waves: Any southwest wind of force 4 (11 - 16 kt) or greater can raisewaves which will adversely affect harbor operations, especiallyin the anchorage. Waves greater than 4 ft are considered cause for cancellationof boating. Southwesterly swell will sometimes persist 2-3 days after localsouthwesterly winds have subsided. Seas resulting from winds from west-southwest clockwise to east-northeast will not cause a disruption in harbor operations (fetch limited). Winds from east clockwise through south may generate bothersomeseas if the winds exceed 20-25 kt. Inner harbor operations should not be hampered. The following table provides the shallow water wave conditions at the four 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 NAPLES POINT 1: Deep Water Period (sec) 6 8 10 12 14 Direction (deg) 210 210 1.0 205 1.0 205 1.0 200 0.9 200 0.9 240 220 0.4 220 0.8 230 0.7 230 0.4 220 1.2 NAPLES POINT 2: Deep Water Period (sec) 6 8 10 12 14 Direction (deg) 210 210 0.9 205 0.8 205 0.8 200 0.8 200 0.9 240 210 0.3 210 0.3 220 0.2 220 0.4 210 0.5 NAPLES POINT 3: Deep Water Period (sec) 6 8 10 12 14 Direction (deg) 180 180 1.0 180 1.1 180 1.3 180 1.3 180 1.3 210 205 0.8 195 0.9 195 0.9 200 1.1 190 1.1 240 230 0.7 230 0.7 210 1.1 200 1.1 195 1.2 NAPLES POINT 4: Deep Water Period (sec) 6 8 10 12 14 Direction (deg) 180 180 1.0 175 0.8 180 0.9 165 1.0 165 1.0 210 180 1.0 170 0.9 160 0.6 160 0.6 160 0.6 Example: For a deep water wave condition of: 8 feet, 12 seconds, from 210deg The approximate shallow water wave conditions are: Point 1 : 7 feet, 12 seconds, from 200deg Point 2 : 6 feet, 12 seconds, from 200deg Point 3 : 9 feet, 12 seconds, from 200deg Point 4 : 5 feet, 12 seconds, from 160deg 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. NAPLES POINT 1: >3.3 Feet WINTER NOV-APR SPRING MAY SUMMER JUN-SEP AUTUMN OCT Occurrence (%) Average Duration (hrs) Period Max Energy (sec) 23 12 10 11 10 10 6 11 10 22 14 10 >6.6 feet NOV-APR MAY JUN-SEP OCT Occurrence (%) Average Duration (hrs) Period Max Energy (sec) 5 11 11 3 8 11 1 12 11 5 12 11 NAPLES POINT 2: >3.3 Feet WINTER NOV-APR SPRING MAY SUMMER JUN-SEP AUTUMN OCT Occurrence (%) Average Duration (hrs) Period Max Energy (sec) 7 11 9 2 8 12 1 10 9 5 11 9 >6.6 feet NOV-APR MAY JUN-SEP OCT Occurrence (%) Average Duration (hrs) Period Max Energy (sec) 1 9 12 <1 6 12 <3.3 Feet WINTER NOV-APR SPRING MAY SUMMER JUN-SEP AUTUMN OCT Occurrence (%) Average Duration (hrs) Period Max Energy (sec) 32 12 8 17 11 9 10 18 8 32 16 8 >6.6 feet NOV-APR MAY JUN-SEP OCT Occurrence (%) Average Duration (hrs) Period Max Energy (sec) 13 9 11 4 9 11 2 8 11 11 11 9 NAPLES POINT 4: >3.3 Feet WINTER NOV-APR SPRING MAY SUMMER JUN-SEP AUTUMN OCT Occurrence (%) Average Duration (hrs) Period Max Energy (sec) 10 12 9 0 NA NA 2 132 9 7 12 9 >6.6 feet NOV-APR MAY JUN-SEP OCT Occurrence (%) Average Duration (hrs) Period Max Energy (sec) <1 8 12 0 NA NA 0 NA NA 0 NA NA Local Hazardous Weather Conditions Local Hazardous Weather Conditions These conditions pose the greatest potential for problems in Naples: 1. Southwesterly winds and waves caused by a transient Genoa Low and its associated front/trough.2. Southeasterly winds and waves.3. Northeasterly winds of Tramontana origin.4. The Sirocco which leads to reduced visibility. Southwesterly Winds and Waves Most commonly caused by a southerly moving low pressure center thathas been generated in the Gulf of Genoa. Indicators of developmentare: Cold air advection southward at 850 mb and 700 mb during the period September to May. A 16 mb or more difference between locations in northwest Italy (Genoa, Milan, Turin) and southern stations (Brindisi,Taranto, Reggio) with lower pressure in the north indicates the possibility of strong southwesterly flow in Naples if a steepening gradient is forecast. If the wind increases from the southwest at Isola di Ponza (about 60 nm west-northwest of Naples harbor), Naples will have strong southwest wind 3-6 hours later. If winds at Isola di Ustica (about 135 nm south-southwest of Naples harbor, north of Sicily) increase from the southwest, watch for strong winds at Naples. When windat Ustica shifts to west or northwest, southerly wind will decrease in Naples about 3 hours later. Naples' wind will increase when the steepest gradient moves into the region. Although post-frontal wind can be strong, the wind will generally be strongest in advance of the trough. Wind at Naples' Capodichino Airport can be misleading. Increasing southwesterly wind is generally 10-15 kt less than at the anchorage while northeasterly wind is stronger. If the pressure difference between Ustica and Rome is 4 mb (Ustica - Rome = 4 mb), then southwesterly wind of gale force (greater than or equal to 34 kt) will occur in Naples. Watch hourlies. After southwesterly wind shifts to west or northwest following a trough passage, southwesterly waves will normally decrease within12 hours. If the low/trough was slow moving, southwesterly waves may persist at Naples for 2-3 days. Thunderstorm development overSardinia and Corsica often indicates a secondary trough which canbring renewed southwesterly flow problems to Naples with a 4-6 hourlag time. Southeasterly Winds When Comiso, Sicily (near the southeast tip of Sicily near CapoPassero) has a southerly gale, Naples will have a southeasterlygale within 6 hours. Northeasterly Winds (Tramontana) When northeasterly winds increase at Split (LYST) or Novodovno, Yugoslavia (LTDW), Naples will get them 6 hours later. When the pressure difference between Corfu, Greece (LGKR) and Venice, Italy (LITA) is 12 mb or more (Venice - Corfu = 12 mb),then Naples will get gale force northeasterly winds. Orographic clouds on the north slope and over Mt Vesuvius are indicators of potential northeasterly winds. Sirocco Although a Sirocco occurrence is not in itself considered hazardousweather, it does bring an invasion of warm, moist air to the regionand reduces visibility below desirable limits. One sign of anapproaching Sirocco is a thin yellow colored streak across thesoutheast sky with a darker tone on top. NAPLES.htm 117 nm (188 km) southeast of Rome on Italy's west coast. Port of Naples (Italy) - Port Information