Port info

General Information

Kerch is one of the oldest cities in the Crimea . It is situated on the shore of the Strait of Kerch , which joins the Black and Sea of Azov . In 1874 the Kerch-Yenikalsky Channel was dug through the Strait of Kerch to develop merchant navigation. Besides Port Kerch and Port Krym ( Kerch ferry crossing), there is also a fishery port here. The population of Kerch is approx. 160,000 people. The official date of birth of Kerch Merchant seaport is October 10, 1821 .

The nearest ports are Theodosia; lying in 100 km, port Kavkaz ( Russia ).

Navigational conditions

The port is open to ships all year round. The shifting of ice can be observed during the ice period, due to the constant changes of currents and wind directions. The port is accessible for vessels with draft of up to 8.3 m and length up to 200 m.

The Kerch-Yenikalsky Channel is accessible for ships of up to 215 m in length and up to 8 m in draft. The Harbour Master may permit bigger vessels to enter the channel on case-by-case basis. Ships of over 160 m in length and over 6 m draft should only navigate the channel during daytime.

Pilotage and Tug assistance

Port pilots provide pilotage to port Kerch through the Kerch-Yenikalsky Channel and to all Ukrainian ports of the Sea of Azov . To enable ships to turn safely from the Kerch-Yenikalsky Channel into port Kerch approach channel and vice-versa when leaving the port, tug assistance is compulsory for vessels with draft more than 6.3 m and more than 100 m in length.

Port service

Potable water can be supplied from barge while vessel pier alongside or on roads. Minimum quantity for vessel lying on roads is 20 t. Minimum quantity when supplied on the outer roads is 40 t (anchorage Nos 450, 453). Tariffs for fresh water depends on the quantity and the place of delivery and is 8-14 $/cub.m.

Collection and discharge of oil-polluted and sewage waters from all vessels entering the port or passing through the Kerch Straight can be performed by port services upon master's order and in accordance with standard tariffs. Tariffs for bilge and sewage water carriers and for garbage carriers, depending on the area (port/roads) and the total quantity in tons is 15-30 $/cub.m.