 Vlore (Valona Bay) : Profile
Vlore is about 50NM south of Durres and is Albania's second largest port.
On entering Albanian waters, call the Port Captain on their working channel of VHF 15 or on 16 (he speaks English).
It has been reported as possible to ask the Port Captain at Vlore for permission to proceed directly to the Orikum Marina and deal with the clearance formalities there. Here, they are happy to help and do not require you to use an agent.
Otherwise you will be directed to a berthing point on the commercial dock for clearing in, and requested to come to their office onshore, located between the two jetties, to deal with formalities. Clearance is required with Port Captain and Police. Officials here do prefer you to use the services of an agent.
Last updated September 2010.
Clearance Agent
Tel:+355 6923 75078
Vladimir has been recommended.
Vlore has a well-protected fishing harbour called Triport, now unfortunately badly silted up and impossible to enter by keel boat (advised June 2008). The entrance into nearby Vlore lagoon has also silted up, making access impossible.
Smaller than Durres, Vlore is busy with ferries to and from Italy and affords little shelter. Note that Vlore harbour is orientated around commerce with large rubber tyres as the harbour fenders on the commercial dock. Mooring here for clearance can be difficult due to the steel reinforcements which project from the piers.
In southerly or Westerly winds, it would not be a good place to be for too long.
The Orikum Marina, at the south end of the bay, comes recommended by cruisers. This is part of a new apartment/hotel complex. Entrance into the marina from the north is difficult to visualise as it look as though one is sailing towards a brutish concrete wall, and only a sharp turn to port at the last minute has the marina entrance opening up. It may be advisable to check the entrance out by dinghy first. There is a green flashing light on a pole at the head of the low breakwater and a red flashing light on a red buoy to mark the port side channel limit.
There are restaurants on the beach within walking distance, but the small township for any provisioning is about 3km away.
Last updated March 2010.
Harbour Master's office
Tel:+355 (0)63 24659., VHF Channel 15, 16
Marina di Orikum
Valona, near Vlore
Tel:+355 6840 93801, VHF Channel 15 or 12
marinaorikum@hotmail.it
Lat 40° 20.539’N Long 19° 28.295’E
Staff are friendly and helpful. Moor stern-to. Able to help with clearance.
Toilets and showers, water and electricity. Internet (occasionally). Provisions 1km. Taxi to Vlore 3 euro, local minibus to Vlore 1 Euro.
Berthing Fees 2008: about 40 Euro. The entrance channel is dredged to about 2m.
The manager, Luan, speaks Italian and his wife speaks English.
|
Related ReportsAlbania Entry - Sarande (01 Dec 2011) Proof of Competency for European Countries (04 Nov 2011) Marina Orikum - Vlore (17 Sep 2010) New Publications from Imray (09 Jul 2010) Adriatic Cruise 2009 - Update to Albanian section of Adriatic Pilot (24 Mar 2010) European Regulations Regarding Insurance Cover and AIS Equipment (13 Sep 2009) More from Albania (27 Jul 2008) Sailing Report from Albania (09 Jul 2008) Albania, Saranda (19 Jun 2008) Cruising Report From Albania (11 May 2008) Central Mediterranean Cruising Guide Book Review (01 Nov 2007) Albania Notes – An Update (05 Oct 2006) Albania Visit August 24-26, 2005 (06 Sep 2005) Related NewsSome Good News Regarding the International Certificate of Competence (07 Apr 2011) Noonsite Updates (03 Jul 2008)
|
