ITALY AND SLOVENIA – THE GULF OF TRIESTE AND THE ISTRIAN PENINSULA SECTOR 2

Plan. – This sector describes the N coast of Italy on the Adriatic Sea, including that bordering the N side of the Gulf of Trieste. It also describes the coast of Slovenia (formerly Yugoslavia), which forms the E side of the Gulf of Trieste. The descriptive sequence is E and SE from Punta del Tagliamento to the NW approaches of Porto di Trieste, and then N and NE from Rt Marlera to and including Porto di Trieste.

General Remarks

20.1 Regulations. – Tanker vessels of 1,600 grt and over entering or leaving Italian ports and carrying, or with uncleaned tanks which last carried, petroleum, gas, or chemical products should report to a shore station before entering Italian territorial waters off Italian ports. For further details, see Pub. 140, Sailing Directions (Planning Guide) North Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, North Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Caution. – Vessels have been advised to avoid some of the ports and territorial waters of the former Yugoslavia. There have been reports of port blockades, vessels being fired upon, and indiscriminate minelaying.

Punta del Tagliamento to Porto di Monfalcone

20.2 Punta del Tagliamento (45°38'N, 13°06'E) is a low point of land forming the S side of the mouth of Fiume Tagliamento which is obstructed by shoals. A light is shown from a prominent structure, 21m high, standing on the point.

A large tank and several buildings are situated 2 miles N of the light and are conspicuous from seaward. A small pier, with a depth of 2.5m at its head, is situated 2 miles NNE of the light and fronts a resort area.

Punta del Tagliamento bearing N

Porto Lignano (45°42'N, 13°09'E), a small harbor, consists of a channel, 1 mile long, which extends N into Laguna di Marano. This harbor is fronted by a sand bar and is mostly used by light-draft vessels, small craft, and yachts. An obstruction light marks a tall building, 60m high, which stands 1.5 miles SW of the harbor. Vessels can anchor, in a depth of 10m, mud, about 2 miles SE of the entrance.

Caution. – An outfall pipeline extends 4 miles SE from a point on the shore, 1.8 miles SW of the entrance. Anchoring and fishing are prohibited in its vicinity.

An outfall extends 3.6 miles SSE from a point on the S shore of Isola di Sant’Andrea. The seaward end is marked by a lighted buoy. Anchoring and fishing are prohibited in the vicinity of the piping.

20.3 Porto Buso (45°43'N, 13°15'E) lies at the confluence of two rivers, which form two inland waterways. The entrance is marked by lighted and unlighted beacons; the narrow channel leads between shallow shoals. The buildings of the village stand on both sides of the mouth which is protected by two small breakwaters. Small coasters, with local knowledge, use this entrance and proceed to Porto Nogaro, a small harbor basin, lying 4 miles inland. A local pilot is available; pilotage is required for vessels over 500 gross tons. The pilot may be contacted on VHF channel 12. Vessels up to 80m in length and with a maximum draft of 5m can be handled.

20.4 The Gulf of Trieste (Trscanski Zaliv) (45°40'N, 13°35'E) is entered between Grado and Rt Gornja Savudrija, 11.5 miles SSE. The N side is low and is backed by lagoons. The NE side is high, precipitous, and is backed by mountains. The SE side is deeply indented and is backed by moderately high hills.

Grado (45°40'N, 13°23'E), a small town and resort, stands on a low and flat islet which faces the sea. The town is connected to the mainland N of the lagoon by a causeway which carries a roadway and forms the E side of Canale di Belvedere. A bridge, with a moveable span, connects the town and the causeway. There are numerous beach villas and hotels situated in the vicinity of the town.

A dredged entrance channel leads W of the town and affords access to a small harbor at Grado and to the channels of the lagoon. This channel is marked by dolphins and masts and an outer approach lighted buoy is moored about 2 miles SW of the town. It is reported (1988) to have a least depth of 3m, but it is subject to silting. It has been reported (1994) that these dolphins no longer mark the channel, and those that remain are poorly maintained. The port monitors VHF channels 4 and 16.

Winds from the S quadrant, which are predominant in fall and spring, cause a very rough sea in the entrance.

Vessels are advised to use the channel only in calm weather and to proceed with caution at a speed not exceeding 7 knots, because when exceeding this speed they may have difficulty maneuvering in the shallow and confined waters. The banks are affected by freshets from the lagoons and by strong winds from seaward and the depths are liable to change. Local pilots are available. The port monitors VHF channel 16. The channel is used by small craft, pleasure craft, and small coasters. Large vessels can anchor offshore to the SSE of Grado. The holding ground of sand and mud is good.

The campaniles standing at Grado and at Aquileia, 5.5 miles N of Grado, are prominent from seaward.

Between Grado and Punta Sdobba, 7 miles ENE, the coast is fronted by shoals, with depths of less than 5m, which extend up to 1.8 miles offshore. Banco Mula di Muggia, most of which dries, forms the W part of these shoals and is marked by a lighted beacon situated about 2.3 miles SE of Grado. This drying shoal is reported to be extending to the E.

Caution. – An outfall extends 3 miles SE from a point on the coast about 3 miles NE of Grado. Anchoring and fishing are prohibited in the vicinity of the outfall.

A circular prohibited area is located adjacent to and SW of the outfall. This area is dangerous due to the probable presence of bottom mines.

An outfall pipeline extends 2.5 miles SE from a point on the shore at the E end of Banco Mula di Muggia.

20.5 Punta Sdobba (45°43'N, 13°33'E), a low and sandy point, is formed at the confluence of several rivers. Drying sandbanks extend up to about 0.7 mile E from this point. A coastal bank, with depths of less than 5m, extends up to about 0.9 mile from the point and is marked by a lighted beacon situated on its SE side. It is reported that less water than charted may exist in this vicinity and vessels should give this area a wide berth. A small craft channel, marked by piles, leads through the shoals and drying flats to the river entrance.

Golfo di Panzano, the shores of which are low, lies between Punta Sdobba and Duino, 3.4 miles NE. Duino consists of a close group of yellowish -colored houses and a very conspicuous castle. This small town is fronted by a small harbor which is protected by two moles and is used by fishing boats and pleasure craft.

Porto di Monfalcone (45°47'N, 13°33'E)

World Port Index No. 40790

20.6 The port of Monfalcone lies in the NW corner of Golfo di Panzano and is approached through a dredged channel. The harbor has commercial facilities for mostly bulk cargo and a shipyard.

Poro di Monfalcone Home Page       http://www.porto.monfalcone.gorizia.it

Tides – Currents. – Tides rise about 0.9m at springs and 0.6m at neaps.

Depths – Limitations. – The entrance channel, which is 4,500m long and 170m wide, was dredged to a depth of 10.5m (1993). The main commercial quays include Portorosega Quay, with 1,000m of total berthing space and depths of 7.5 to 9.5m alongside; Cereal Quay, 120m long, a depth of 10m alongside; and an ENEL power station quay, 330m long, with a depth of 9.5m alongside. There are facilities for tanker and bulk vessels. Vessels up to 180m in length and 10.2m draft have been handled at HW.

Aspect. – The town of Monfalcone, situated 1.5 miles inland, is mostly obscured by the shipyard and port installations. Prominent landmarks include the castle at Duino; several resort buildings standing on the shore of the bay to the NW of the harbor; a group of silos situated at the head of the harbor; and a tall chimney standing at the power station in Monfalcone.

The entrance channel is marked by lighted buoys and beacons. An outer approach lighted beacon is situated about 1.5 miles SSW of the castle at Duino.

Pilotage. – Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 500 grt and is available during daylight hours only. Pilots can be contacted on VHF channel 14 and board 1 mile off the port entrance.

Regulations. – Vessels carrying polluting or dangerous cargo must report to the harbormaster 24 hours in advance.

A speed of 5 knots is not to be exceeded in the entrance channel or harbor.

Anchorage. – Large vessels may anchor, in depths of 10 to 12m, about 1.6 miles SSE of the castle at Duino.

Caution. – A submarine water pipeline, which stands 2m above the sea bottom and constitutes a permanent obstruction, extends SE between Duino and Porto di Trieste and may best be seen on the chart. Anchoring and fishing are prohibited in its vicinity.

A fishing prohibited area extends W from the pipeline and its associated restrictions and may best be seen on the chart.

A submarine pipeline extends SSE from Golfo di Panzano and is best seen on the chart.

Porti di Monfalcone to the Northwest Approaches of the Gulf of Trieste

20.7 Sistiana (45°46'N, 13°38'E) (World Port Index No. 40800), a small town, is situated at the head of an inlet which is surrounded by a chain of hills with luxurious vegetation. It is easily identified by the open limestone quarries situated on the surrounding hills. The town is fronted by a small harbor which is protected by two breakwaters. There are 200m of berthing space with depths of 4 to 4.9m alongside. The harbor is mostly used by small craft, pleasure craft, and local ferries.

Between Sistiana and Miramare, a rocky projection located 5.5 miles SE, the coast is high and steep. A conspicuous castle stands on Miramare and a conspicuous water tank, with bricked up window-like openings, is situated on the cliff edge, 1 mile SE of Sistiana. The prominent aqueduct of Aurisina is situated 1 mile SE of the water tank and a tower stands close inland of it. A small boat harbor, formed by a short breakwater and a mole, lies close SE of the aqueduct. The small and prominent town of Santa Croce di Trieste stands on a hill, close inland of this boat harbor.

Valle Grignano, a small craft harbor, lies in a small bay on the NW side of Miramare. It is formed by a short breakwater and a mole. There are depths of 2 to 6m in the harbor which is mostly used by pleasure craft.

Barcola, a small harbor, lies in the NW approaches to Trieste, 2.2 miles SE of Miramare. It is protected by an angled breakwater and a mole. There are depths of 2.5 to 3.5m in the two basins of the harbor and they are mostly used by pleasure craft.

Rt Marlera to the Southeast Approaches of theGulf of Trieste

20.8 Rt Marlera (44°48'N, 14°00'E) is the E point of the S extremity of Istria, a mountainous peninsula, which separates the Gulf of Venice from the Gulf of Kvarner. This cape is 21m high, bare, steep-to, and projects 1.7 miles SE from the peninsula. A light is shown from a structure, 9m high, standing on this cape.

The W side of Istria, extending N and NE to Trieste, has an irregular shoreline which is mostly bare except for a sprinkling of low, green bushes. The land rises gradually from the shore in undulating hills on which there are situated numerous scattered villages, vineyards, and olive and cedar groves. These hills terminate in a dominating mountainous ridge.

The W side of Istria is fronted by numerous islands, and rocks and shoals extend up to 2 miles offshore in places.

20.9 Rt Kamenjak (44°46'N, 13°55'E), the S extremity of Istria, is a narrow and hilly point of land, 46m high. This point is not defined, except in very clear weather, and vessels approaching from the E will first sight the bell towers of several hilltop villages and the light structure at Hrid Porer. The prominent village of Premantura is situated 2.5 miles N of the extremity of the point. A signal station and a radiobeacon are situated on the point.

Hrid Porer, a rock 7m high, lies near the outer end of a reef which extends up to 1.3 miles SW from the W face of Rt Kamenjak. A light is shown from a structure, 31m high, standing on this rock. A racon is situated at the light structure.

Plicina Albanez, a rock, lies 1.5 miles SSE of Hrid Porer. It has a depth of 2.7m and is surrounded by dangers. A light is shown from a structure, 15m high, standing on this rock. When this light is extinguished, a light is shown from a structure, 2m high, standing on the S end of the dangers around Hrid Porer.

Medulinski Zaljev, entered between Rt Marlera and Rt Kamenjak, is divided into inner and outer bays by Rt Kasteja, the extremity of a low peninsula which projects S from the NE side. The outer bay contains several islets and rocks. Otocic Finera, the outermost islet, is marked by a beacon. Small vessels, with local knowledge, can anchor, in a depth of 16m, mud, about 0.2 mile NNW of this islet.

The coast between Rt Kamenjak and Rt Kumpar, 8 miles NW, consists of an irregular and hilly shoreline which is indented by many small coves. Rt Verudica, located 5.5 miles NW of Rt Kamenjak, is surmounted by a hotel and a ruined convent. A light is shown from the point.

A conspicuous signal station is situated at a fort surmounting a hill, 0.7 mile SSE of Rt Kumpar.

Luka Pula (44°53'N, 13°48'E)

World Port Index No. 40960

20.10 Luka Pula, which is essentially a naval base, is an almost landlocked basin surrounded by hills. It is entered between Rt Kumpar and Rt Kristo, 0.9 mile N.

Depths – Limitations. – The entrance is narrowed to a width of about 450m by a breakwater which extends NNW from Rt Kumpar. The harbor is divided into outer and inner part by two islets, Otocic Sveta Katarina and Otocic Sveti Andrija, and by Poluoticic Sveti Petar, a low projection surmounted by a cement factory. The inner harbor is divided into two parts by Otocic Uljanic and has a marina, a naval base, and several commercial facilities.

Depths in the outer harbor vary from 37m at the entrance to 22m close S of Otocic Sveti Andrija. The passage for large vessels leads S and E of the above island and has depths of over 18m. Depths in the middle of the inner harbor decrease from 27 to 9m.

An oil pier is situated on the E side of the outer harbor, 1 mile SE of Rt Kristo. It is 100m long and has a depth of 8.5m at the head. Several oil storage tanks are situated near the root of the pier.

Poluoticic Sveti Petar, Rijeka, and Ugljan Quays have 900m of total berthing space, with depths of 4 to 9m alongside.

The quayed berths fronting the town have depths of 3 to 6.1m alongside and are used by ferries, fishing vessels, and coasters.

Vessels up to 18,000 dwt and 7m draft have been accommodated.

Aspect. – The land in the vicinity of Luka Pula is not high and the only prominent points near the entrance are Rt Kumpar and a steep point, 81m high, located 1 mile SSE. Conspicuous forts stand on the summits of the hills which surround the harbor. The Roman amphitheater, having high and preserved walls, is conspicuous on the close approach to the harbor.

Pilotage. – Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 500 grt. Pilots can be contacted on VHF channel 9 or 12 and board vessels near the breakwater entrance. Vessels should send an ETA 48 hours and 24 hours in advance. Pilot services should be requested 24 hours in advance.

Anchorage. – The harbor is of sufficient size to afford several anchorage berths, in depths of 11 to 35m, mud. A large number of small ships can also be accommodated. There are several mooring buoys situated in the outer and inner harbors. Permission for anchorage should be obtained from the naval authorities.

Caution. – Anchorage is prohibited in an area, which may best be seen on the chart, lying between Otok Veli Brijun and the mainland and in the outer part of Luka Pula.

Several submarine cables are laid in the vicinity of the harbor and may best be seen on the chart.

A restricted area, which may best be seen on the chart, lies centered 3 miles SW of Rt Kumpar. Anchoring and fishing are prohibited within the restricted area due to the presence of explosives scattered on the bottom.

20.11 Brionski Otoci (44°55'N, 13°45'E) is separated from the coast by Fazanski Kanal and consists of a group of islands which are composed of marble and covered with thick bush and low trees. Numerous islets, rocks, and reefs extend up to 1.5 miles W and NW of the two principal islands, Otok Veliki Brijun and Otok Mali Brioni.

Otok Veliki Brjun, the S island, is 58m high and has a conspicuous fort situated on its summit. A light is shown from a structure, 15m high, standing on Rt Peneda, the S extremity of the island.

View, in two parts, of the coast in the vicinity of Luka Rovinj

Otok Mali Brioi, the N island, has a prominent stone quarry situated on it. Reefs extend up to 1.3 miles NW of the NW extremity of this island and are marked by a lighted beacon.

Caution. – A prohibited area, which may best be seen on the chart, extends up to 1.6 miles seaward of the W side of Brionski Otoci.

20.12 Fazanski Kanal (44°53'N, 13°48'E), a channel, lies between the mainland and Brionski Otoci and extends between Rt Kristo and Rt Barbariga, 6.4 miles NE. Otok Sveti Jerolim, Otocic Kozada, and Plicina Kozada lie in mid-channel at the S part of the passage. The best route leads to the W of these three islands.

A least depth of 10.4m exists in the fairway of the narrowest part of the channel, which is about 300m wide, but with extreme care a least depth of 11.9m can be maintained.

The E side of the channel is bordered by a narrow, shallow reef and indented by a number of small and shallow coves. Otok Sveti Jerolim consists mainly of two hills, the higher and NW one being 17m high. A conspicuous quarry, with steep sides, is situated on the island. A short pier, with a depth of 40m at its head, projects from the NW side of the island.

Otocic Kozada, 9m high, is surrounded by a narrow reef. A short pier, with a depth of 3m, projects from the NE side of this islet.

Luka Fazana, a small and shallow harbor, fronts the village of Fazana, 2.3 miles N of Rt Kristo. The prominent town of Vodnjan stands on a hill, 135m high, 3 miles NE of the harbor and serves as a good landmark. A reef borders the shore to the S of the harbor entrance and is marked by a buoy.

Rt Mrtulin is located 1.7 miles NNW of Fazana. A reef, with a depth of 3.2m, extends 0.5 mile W from this point and is marked by a buoy. Two conspicuous lime kilns stand about midway between Rt Mrtulin and Rt Barbariga, 3 miles NNW.

Caution. – Passage through Fazanski Kanal is prohibited to all vessels without prior permission.

Submarines exercise frequently in the N entrance to the channel.

Several submarine cables and pipelines cross the S and central parts of the channel.

20.13 Rt Korente (45°04'N, 13°38'E) is located 6.5 miles NW of Rt Barbariga. The coast between is bordered by islets, rocks, and sunken dangers. The outer danger, Plicina Porer, lies about 2 miles offshore and has a least depth of 8.1m.

A chain of islets and rocks extends 1.5 miles SSW from Rt Korente. Hrid Sv Ivan na Pucini is a rocky islet, 9m high, which lies at the SW end of the chain. A light is shown from a structure, 15m high, standing on this rock.

A dangerous wreck is reported to lie about 2 miles NW of the light. Rt Montauro, located 0.4 mile NNE of Rt Korente, is 34m high and the N extremity of a rounded promontory.

Luka Rovinj (45°05'N, 13°38'E)

World Port Index No. 40940

20.14 Luka Rovinj, an industrial town, stands in a bight entered between Rt Montauro and Rt Mucja, 0.8 mile N. This bight is divided into two bays by a small peninsula which projects W and terminates in Rt Sveta Eufemija. The bay to the S of the peninsula contains two coves. The town stands partly on this peninsula and partly on the slopes of the surrounding hills.

Otocic Sveta Katarina, an island, lies 0.4 mile S of Rt Sveta Eufemija and has a conspicuous red-colored building standing near its center. Two small islets lie 0.5 mile W of Rt Mucja. Otocic Banjole, the outer island in the entrance, lies 1 mile SW of Rt Sveta Eufemija and is 15m high and steep-to.

Depths – Limitations. – Depths of 11 to 26m lie in the outer part of the bay, S of Otocic Sveta Katarina. A harbor, protected by breakwaters, provides quays with depths of 2 to 7m along-side. Vessels with drafts up to 6m can be accommodated. There are facilities for general cargo and passenger ferry vessels.

Aspect. – Turnina Vrh, 107m high and surmounted by ruins, stands 2 miles ENE of the town. Sveti Martin Vrh, 230m high, stands 5 miles NE of the town and is also prominent. Other prominent landmarks include a pointed campanile standing near Rt Sveta Eufemija; the ancient quarries on Rt Montauro; and a tower standing 0.7 mile N of Rt Mucja.

Pilotage. – Pilotage is compulsory. Pilots can be contacted by VHF and board close W of Otocic Sveta Katarina. Pilots are provided from Pula and must be requested 24 hours in advance. The port monitors VHF channels 10 and 16.

Anchorage. – Vessels can anchor, in depths of 20 to 24m, about 300m NNW of the pointed campanile near Rt Sveta Eufemija. Anchorage can also be taken, in a depth of 31m, about 600m SW of Otocic Banjole.

20.15 Limski Kanal (45°07'N, 13°36'E) is entered between Rt Kriz, located 2.4 miles NW of Rovinj, and Rt Sjole, 1 mile NNW. The canal is 5 miles long and has steep sides which vary from 61 to 152m in height. Trees and thick bush cover the banks and the canal is exposed to W winds and seas. The depths decrease gradually towards the head of the canal from 33m at the mouth. It has been declared a nature reserve and is only used for fish and shellfish farming. Use of the area for other maritime activities must pose no threat to the natural balance. Navigation and anchorage are prohibited without permission.

Rocky shoals extend up to 1.3 miles SW, W, and NW of Rt Sjole and are marked by buoys and beacons. Plicina Mramori, the outermost rocky shoal, lies about 1.8 miles NW of Rt Sjole and is marked by a lighted beacon.

Luka Porec lies 6 miles N of the entrance to Limski Kanal. The coast between is lower than that to the S and is fronted by islets, rocks, and shoals which extend up to 1.5 miles offshore.

Vessels, except those with local knowledge bound for the small harbors along this stretch of coast, should give this part of the coast a wide berth.

20.16 Luka Porec (45°14'N, 13°35'E) (World Port Index No. 40920) lies between a small peninsula, on which stands the town of Porec, and a reef, on which lies the island Otocic Sveti Nikola. Hrid Barbaran, a low lying flat rock, lies on a reef directly N of the entrance. A conspicuous castle is situated on Otocic Sveti Nikola and the church tower and the cathedral, standing in the town, are conspicuous. The town of Porec is an important tourist attraction.

Depths of 5 to 8m lie in the middle of the harbor and a wharf and a pier, which front the town, have depths of 2 to 5.2m alongside. Pilots are provided from Pula and must be requested 24 hours in advance. Large vessels can anchor, as convenient, in a depth of 22m, good holding ground, WNW of Hrid Barbaran. The port monitors VHF channels 10 and 16.

A dangerous wreck is reported to lie about 4 miles WSW of Luka Porec.

Rt Zub (Dente) (45°18'N, 13°34'E), marked by a light, is located 4.3 miles NNE of Luka Porec. The coast between is irregular and is fronted by reefs which extend up to 1.7 miles offshore in places.

	Rt Zub Light

20.17 Luka Mirna (Porto Quieto) (45°18'N, 13°34'E) (World Port Index No. 40900), a bay, is entered between Rt Zub and Rt Lameja, 1.2 miles NNW. Rt Lameja is the extremity of a short peninsula on which stands the town of Novigrad (Cittanova). Fiume Mirna discharges through a prominent valley into the NE part of the head of this bay. The S shore of the bay consists of hills and cliffs, whereas the N shore slopes gently, except at its E end where there are steep and reddish -colored cliffs.

Depths decrease gradually towards the head of the bay from 20m at the entrance. Plicina Val, lying 0.5 mile WSW of Rt Lameja, is the outer danger on the N side of the entrance and is marked by a buoy.

The town of Novigrad, with the dark valley of the Fiume Mirna in the background, is very prominent. A conspicuous chimney stands at the brickworks situated on the N shore of the bay.

Good anchorage can be obtained by vessels of any size in Luka Mirna, sheltered from all but W and SW winds. Vessels of 7,000 dwt and 7.9m draft anchor here and load bauxite from lighters. The best berth for large vessels, in depths of 16 to 18m, lies about 0.5 mile offshore; local knowledge is required.

20.18 Novigrad (Cittanova) (45°19'N, 13°34'E) (World Port Index No. 40890), a small bay, lies close N of the N entrance point of Luka Mirna and is encumbered by shoals. The partially-walled town of Novigrad is built on the peninsula which forms the S side of this bay. A conspicuous campanile stands in the town. A small harbor, protected by a breakwater, fronts the town and is accessible to small vessels with drafts up to 3m.

Caution. – Several wrecks lie up to 8 miles W of Novigrad and may best be seen on the chart. The approach to the harbor is encumbered by several shoals.

20.19 Rt Dajla (45°21'N, 13°32'E) is located 2 miles NNW of Novigrad. The coast between is low and clear of dangers. Luka Dajla, entered between Rt Dajla and Rt Komun, is small in extent and suitable for small vessels. A conspicuous convent stands close E of the S entrance point. A reef extends about 0.3 mile NW from Rt Dajla and its outer extremity is marked by a buoy. A small pier, with a depth of 3.9m at its head, is situated on the NE shore of the bay. Small vessels, with local knowledge, can anchor, in depths of 6 to 8m, close N of the convent.

Luka Umag (45°26'N, 13°31'E) (World Port Index No. 40880), a small bay, lies 5 miles NNW of Luka Dajla. The town of Umag, which is a resort, stands on the S entrance point of the bay, which is suitable for small light-draft vessels. A curved breakwater extends NW from the town and forms a small harbor with a depth of 4m. Pilots are available from Pula with 24 hours notice. The pilot boards about 1 mile SW of the b