Port of Šibenik

Šibenik is big and one of the best protected ports in Croatian Adriatic (43° 44’ N, 15° 53’ E). It is situated in an inundated estuary of the Krka River, which with its 75km long flow and 360m of total fall, creates a unique natural reserve.

The port is naturally protected from the influence of wind and waves. The ships sail into the port through the channel of St. Anthony (2.700 m long and 120-300 m wide), which is easily navigable for ships up to 50.000 DWT. The port is 10 km long, 300 – 1200 m wide, and 8-40 m deep.

Weather conditions: gale-force winds can be bura (north-eastern wind) and jugo (south wind). Bura is the strongest in the north-western part of the port, and the weakest in the part of the coast from the Cathedral to the Krka pier. Jugo creates high and short waves.

Sea currents: in the area southwest from the entrance in the channel of St. Anthony outgoing current prevails. Its speed goes from 0,5 knots when the river flow is low, to 3 knots when river flow is strong. In the area southwest of the entrance in the channel of St. Anthony, the currents are weak, up to 0,4 knots. In case of gale-force jugo, the speed of NW current along the coast is 0,5 knots.

Sea level: average amplitudes of tides are from 0,2 – 0,4 m. Longstanding gale-force winds and abundant precipitations can rise the sea level up to 1,0 m (cyclonic jugo) and lower it for 0,4 m (anticyclonic bura).

Sea density: in the surface layer (depth 1-3 m) density ranges from 1.010,0 kg/m³ (during strong river flow) to 1.025,0 kg/m³ (during the dry season). Deeper than 3m, density ranges from 1.023,0 – 1.028,0 kg/m³.

Anchorage: anchorage is possible in the port area with the approval of the Harbour Master’s Office in extraordinary conditions. The best places for anchorage are WSW and SSW from the cathedral.