Klaipėda Roadstead
Klaipėda roads · Klaipeda outer anchorage
55°43.2'N 21°06.0'E
Depth
7–14m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
120m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
120m
120m radius for sand/mud bottom in 7–14m. Exposure to westerly Baltic swells requires a well-set anchor and large radius. In W winds above F5, conditions can deteriorate quickly. Proceed into Klaipėda Strait or Curonian Lagoon for shelter.
About This Anchorage
Klaipėda Roadstead is the primary staging anchorage for vessels approaching Lithuania's only seaport, lying just north of the busy ferry terminal where DFDS routes to Kiel (Germany) and Stena Line to Karlshamn (Sweden) depart daily. The roadstead sits on the exposed Baltic coast, open to westerly and northwesterly swells, making it suitable primarily as a waiting anchorage in moderate conditions before entering the Klaipėda Strait. Depths of 7–14m over sand and mud give reliable holding, but the combination of ferry wash and Baltic swell requires an anchor set with care and a generous alarm radius. The Curonian Spit stretches to the south — its high sand dunes, rising to 60m, are visible from the anchorage and give some psychological shelter from southwesterly winds without providing meaningful sea protection. For overnight anchoring, vessels are strongly advised to proceed through the Klaipėda Strait into the sheltered Curonian Lagoon, where conditions are calm and holding excellent.
Protected From
E · SE · NE
Exposed To
W · NW · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Stay outside marked shipping lanes and ferry approach corridors. Maintain AIS. Heavy ferry traffic on Klaipėda–Kiel and Klaipėda–Karlshamn routes.
Hazards
- !Heavy ferry traffic — DFDS and Stena Line large ferries departing multiple times daily; maintain AIS
- !Exposed to W and NW Baltic swells — anchorage untenable in W winds above F5
- !Shipping lanes to the port — do not anchor in marked channels
- !Ferry wash from nearby terminal can drag poorly set anchors
Skipper's Tips
- →Use the roadstead as a waiting anchorage before entering Klaipėda — aim to transit the strait at slack water
- →Proceed into the Curonian Lagoon for overnight anchoring — far better shelter and holding
- →Call Klaipėda Port Control on VHF Ch 16 before approaching the harbour entrance
- →The Curonian Spit's sand dunes visible to the south are a UNESCO World Heritage landmark — a striking arrival
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Klaipėda (1.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
Jun–Aug sailing season. Baltic tideless. Open roadstead unsuitable in westerly gales. Best as day anchorage or brief staging stop.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 120m
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