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Port of Messina

ITMSN🇮🇹Italy

Port Location

About Port of Messina

Also known as: Messina Harbour

This harbor serves Messina, Sicily, handling a variety of vessels including container ships, tankers, and passenger ferries. It is a significant Mediterranean hub, particularly for cruise ship traffic, and features mobile, fixed, and floating cranes for cargo operations.

Background
Port of Messina is a port serving Messina, Sicily, Italy. The port has seen a significant growth in traffic in the 21st century, and is now one of the largest and most important in the Mediterranean for cruise ships, growing from 260,000 passengers in 2006 to 405,000 in 2009.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
8.23m
Channel Depth
23ft
Tidal Range
1ft
Elevation
1m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile, Floating
Drydock
M
Repair Code
A

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
40100 →
GeoNames ID
11154360 →
Wikidata
Q3909251 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
ITMSN
Country
🇮🇹Italy
Time Zone
UTC+1
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal breakwater
Shelter
Excellent

Region

Area
West Mediterranean
Sub-area
Tyrrhenian Sea
Latitude
38.2003°
Longitude
15.5635°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Messina?+
The controlling depth at Messina is 8.23 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Messina?+
The approach to Messina is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Villa San Giovanni (Molo de Ponente) Lighthouse at 3.3 NM to the ENE. Other aids include Messina Cable Tower (5.7 NM NE), Reggio Calabria Molo de Ponente (5.9 NM SE), Torre degli Inglesi (Torre di Capo Peloro) (5.9 NM NE), Reggio Calabria Molo de Sottoflutto (6 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Messina?+
The Port of Messina is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Messina?+
You can track vessels near Messina (ITMSN) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for ITMSN on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Messina?+
The Port of Messina operates in the UTC+1 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Messina?+
MESSINA (UN/Locode: ITMSN), Italy is a seaport located at approximately 38.20026° N, 15.56347° E.
Where is the Port of Messina located?+
Coordinates: 38.20026° N, 15.56347° E. Nearby terminals/ports:VILLA SAN GIOVANNI — UN/Locode: ITVSG — 38.22216° N, 15.63337° EREGGIO — UN/Locode: ITREG — 38.12500° N, 15.65029° EMILAZZO — UN/Locode: ITMLZ — 38.21801° N, 15.25929° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Messina?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Breakwater and Small. Cranes: mobile cranes, fixed cranes and floating cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, anchorage loading/offloading and good holding ground. Depths: channel depth 23.2m - OVER; anchorage depth 11m - 12.2m; cargo pier depth 7.1m - 9.1m; oil terminal depth 7.1m - 9.1m and maximum draft approx. 8.23 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Messina?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Messina?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: not available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: available and first port of entry: available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Messina?+
Vessel types historically calling: Container, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Pleasure Craft, Special Craft, Tanker and Tugs Harbor Craft.