Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE PT VDC

Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Portugal · 41.70° N, 8.83° W

The World Port Index classes Viana do Castelo as a coastal harbor with tide gates on the North Atlantic Ocean. It records a channel depth of 7.9 m and a cargo pier depth of 21.6 m. Norfolk is 5,680 km away in a straight line.

5,680 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
7.9 m
Cargo pier depth
21.6 m
From Norfolk
5,680 kmGreat-circle distance
Nearest port guide
Porto de Leixoes60 km away

Depths and vessel limits

Of the 11 ports in Portugal with guides here, Viana do Castelo records the deepest cargo pier in the index.

Channel depth
7.9 m
Anchorage depth
20.1 m
Cargo pier depth
21.6 m
Tidal range
2 m

As recorded in the World Port Index. Gauges run from 0 to 25 m. Confirm current depths and limits with the port before you fix a vessel.

Facilities on record

Arrival and entry

Viana do Castelo is listed as a first port of entry. Pilotage is compulsory.

First port of entry
Yes
Pilotage compulsory
Yes
Pilotage available
Yes
Pilotage advisable
Yes
Tug assistance
Yes
Tug salvage
No
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Shelter afforded
Good
Entrance restricted by tide
Yes
Entrance restricted by swell
No
Entrance restricted by ice
No
Overhead limits
Yes

Cargo handling

The heaviest lift class recorded is 50 to 100 tons.

Fixed cranes
Yes
Mobile cranes
Yes
Lifts of 50 to 100 tons
Yes
Lifts of 25 to 49 tons
Yes
Lifts up to 24 tons
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated moderate.

Repairs
Moderate
Dry dock
Small
Electrical repair
Yes
Fuel oil
Yes
Diesel oil
Yes
Potable water
Yes
Provisions
Yes
Shore electricity
Yes
Medical facilities
Yes
Garbage disposal
Yes
Dirty ballast disposal
Yes
Airport
Yes

US trade with Portugal

US exports, 2025
$2.8BLed by mineral fuels and oils
US imports, 2025
$6.3BLed by pharmaceutical products

Top goods, trade terms and port guides for Portugal

Other ports in Portugal

The nearest is Porto de Leixoes, 60 km away in a straight line.

Sources

  • US trade figures: US Census Bureau, International Trade API, HS2 total exports and general imports for calendar 2024 and 2025, retrieved November 4, 2026.
  • Port data: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, World Port Index (Pub 150), from NGA's UpdatedPub150.csv as captured by the Internet Archive on September 29, 2026.
  • Distances are great-circle distances computed from World Port Index coordinates, not sailing distances.
  • Map: Natural Earth 1:110m land, public domain.