Region North

The most important task for Loodswezen Noord is to ensure safe and efficient shipping traffic in and out of port. It also goes without saying that the company strives to protect the environment in all its activities.

Every year, the Noord region pilots around 1650 vessels on the Eems, destined for the ports of Delfzijl and the Eemshaven. 650 voyages are also destined for the Harlingen area. The pilots are transferred to and from ship from Eemshaven and Harlingen with pilot tenders. The coordination centre in Eemshaven is responsible for the coordination and planning of these activities.

Training
The pilots are regularly sent on courses in order to ensure that the quality of pilotage is maintained at a high level. This is achieved by regular training on the radar simulator in the Maritiem Simulatie Centrum Nederland (MSCN) in Wageningen, where complex manoeuvres are recreated. We also regularly attain information concerning the maximum draught in the ports, as well as information concerning dredging activities that are implemented to keep a constant depth within the port itself.

Projects
We are also involved in a number of different projects, such as securing the ship whilst it is subject to current (on buoys), approach lights (leading lines), LNG transport to Eemshaven, transportation of pipes from Delfzijl, the passing of narrow bridges in port and passenger ships from Papenburg to Eemshaven. Vessels with a length of less than 90 meters are able to determine for themselves whether to use a pilot. The compulsory piloting on the Eems complies with the system used on the Germen side of the river. These changes are also anticipated in Harlingen and, in such a situation we will do all within our power to guarantee satisfaction to our customers.

District North Pilots’ Coordination Centre

This is the first contact that our customers have with the pilots’ organisation. They receive your request for a pilot and include it in the schedule. They maintain close contact with ships and their agents, pilots and pilot tenders. If necessary they will ask you to adjust your ETA/ETD in order for it to fit into the schedule.

This ensures that the 24 hour service, along with lower fees, goes hand in hand with maximum quality and efficiency. Thus, a close bond with our customers has a positive effect on both parties.