Aberdeen

Size limits

LOA 300m, beam 32.26m, draught 11.30m and 53,857DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Tides

Range, mean springs 3.7m, mean neaps 1.8m.

The tidal stream runs SE/NW across the approach to Aberdeen with a spring rate in each direction of 1.5-2kts, which also applies in the anchorage. Off the entrance the stream is weak.

Within the breakwaters the River Dee runs with considerable strength particularly during periods of high precipitation and may achieve 6kts. The strong outflow may continue even on a flood tide. In tidal harbour there is a weak anti-clockwise current.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

Aberdeen is approached from the NE through Aberdeen Bay and entered via the mouth of the River Dee. The navigation channel has a max designed width 70m with max depth 10.3m. Traffic signals and VHF radio regulate the movement of vessels in the navigation channel.

Approaches: The approach from the N to Fairway Lightbuoy (57°09.3'N 002°01.9'W) is clear. From S do not approach within depths of 22.0m until clear N of Gridlestone (57°08.4'N 002°02.6'W).

Clearing bearing: The alignment, 284°, of the light tower on South Breakwater with the light tower on North Pier passes N of Girdlestone.

From the vicinity of the Fairway Lightbuoy the alignment, 235.8°, of Torry Leading Lights leads in the approach to Aberdeen and the dredged channel, whose limits are indicated by beacons (orange topmarks) in line standing on either side of the front leading light, passing (with positions from the front light):

NW of South Breakwater Light (white tower) (0.7nm ENE). Then SE of North Pier Light (white tower, height 9m) (0.6nm NE). Then NW of Old South Breakwater Light (truncated concrete pillar) (0.5nm ENE). Then NW of South Jetty Light (red column, square topmark, height 3m) (0.3nm ENE). Then SE of Abercromby Jetty Light (green column, triangle topmark, height 3m) (0.3nm NE). Then SE of the Pilot station and signal tower (0.2nm NE).

Once clear of the Pilot station keep in mid-stream for passage to the berth.

Caution: In strong ENE and NE winds the Torry Leading Lights should be in line 1 to 1.5nm from the harbour entrance.

If the wind is SE or S care must be taken to guard against the strong N set around N Pier Head which is particularly pronounced during periods of high precipitation.

When entering Aberdeen in adverse weather from seaward Masters should assess the effects of wind, sea and tidal stream while still to seaward of the Fairway Lightbuoy, using this information to adjust the ship's position so that on entry the vessel will have been set onto the leading line at the Pierheads, or just inside the Pierheads in more severe conditions from a SE direction.

Victoria Dock Entrance: Depth at MHWS 10.3m. Clear width at entrance 42.7m.

A new port area (Aberdeen South) is under construction on the coast, close to the main entrance to Aberdeen Harbour. Entrance Channel has a planned depth 10.5m with a width of 185m. Vessels are advised to check current Approach information and Navigational Notices (http://www.aberdeen-harbour.co.uk/operations/information-for-port-users/navigation-notices/)

Port limits

The port limits are defined by an arc of 2nm radius centred on North Pier Head (57°08.8'N 002°03.6'W). The limits extend from just N of the River Don to the parallel of Greg Ness.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Light signals control shipping movements. The light signals (shown from the Port Control Tower) have the following meanings:

Green light: No entry into the navigation channel for vessels proceeding towards the harbour.

Red light: No entry into the navigation channel for vessels proceeding to sea.

Green and red light: No entry into the navigation channel for any vessel.

There is a Navigation Control Service operating full harbour radar coverage, 24 hours a day.

Anchorages

Aberdeen Bay is free of dangers and anchorage can be made in any part of it. The bay has a regular sandy bottom.

A new port area (Aberdeen South) is under construction on the coast, close to the main entrance to Aberdeen Harbour. Vessels are requested to keep a look out for Project traffic in and out of this port area. Anchorage areas and navigation markers may change in due course. Vessels are requested to consult current Navigational Notices issued by Aberdeen Harbour, before port arrival.

Restrictions

Max design width 33.5m. Max designed depth at MHWS 10.3m.

Tugs

Available through private operator.

Charts and publications

BA 1446, 146. Admiralty Pilot NP54, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels requiring a pilot should give at least 1 hour's notice prior to arrival to Port Control, Fax No. +44 1224 584301. Pilots can be ordered in advance through Aberdeen Port Radio. At least 24 hours notice is required by Harbour Master and berth operator if dangerous substances are onboard an arriving vessel. The quantity must be stated.

Communications

Aberdeen VTS can be contacted, as follows:

1. Call Sign: Aberdeen VTS

2. VHF: Ch 12 and 16

3. Telephone: +44-1224-597000

4. Facsimile: +44-1224-597007

Contact Information:

1. Telephone: +44-1224-597000

2. Facsimile: +44-1224-571507

Documents

The above documents are required by HM Authorities not the Harbour Authority.

Port State Control here: Paris MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Transport and Security Directorate (TRANSEC) of the Department for Transport.

Position: Head of Maritime Security Operations.

Address: TRANSEC Department for Transport, 5th Floor, Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6DT, United Kingdom

Tel: +44 207 944 2844 (24 hrs)

Fax: +44 207 944 2175

Email: [email protected]

Recognised Security Organisations:

RSO - ISSC Issue: Transec for passenger vessels. MCA for other vessels

RSO - Security Consultant Services: Transec for passenger vessels. MCA for other vessels.

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) is proposing, in line with EU regulations associated with the ISPS Code, to extend maritime security requirements to ships operating in domestic service and to port facilities serving them. The requirements would be based on those applicable to sea going vessels and generally would apply to domestic ships operating in 'sea areas', and which carry over 12 passengers or are over 500GT. Sea going ships which are certified to carry more than 250 passengers and tankers, especially those carrying oil and gas products, are considered as having the potential to be a target for attack.

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org.

Repairs

The Harbour Board operates a pontoon ship repair facility, 65m in length with lifting capacity of 1,000t.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: All grades of oil available from Esso, BP, etc.

Medical

There is a hospital, clinic, optician and dentist available.

Crew change

Possible, without restriction.

Transport

Nearest airport: Aberdeen (9.6km).

Airport facilities: One terminal, crew change, airfreight, heliport, domestic and international flights, frequent service to London.

Nearest railway: Passenger, Aberdeen (0.4km). Freight, Waterloo Quay Yard.

Nearest motorway: A90, 5km.

Working hours

Normally throughout 24 hours a day. Cargo handling 0800-1700hrs. Full services available outside these hours, overtime 1700-0800hrs.

Where it is

Aberdeen lies at the S end of Aberdeen Bay, at the mouth of the River Dee on the E coast of Scotland.

The port

Aberdeen has over 5km of modern berthage, easily accessible at all states of tide (according to draught). Aberdeen is a well equipped port and the premier offshore support harbour in Europe. A new port area, South Harbour, with four deep water berths in a sheltered inner basin, is currently under construction at Nigg Bay on the coast, just South of the main harbour entrance.

Imports: Woodpulp, pipes, dry and liquid bulk, animal feed, oil well equipment and petroleum products.

Exports: Paper, potatoes, grain, pipes and oil well equipment.

Traffic

Approx 3,000,000t of cargo, 17,000TEU, 6,000 vessels and 267,000 passengers handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Aberdeen?

Vessels requiring a pilot should give at least 1 hour's notice to Port Control.

What time zone is Aberdeen in?

Local time at Aberdeen is UTC+0. Clocks go to UTC+1 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+0 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Aberdeen?

The deepest berth listed is at South Harbour: 11.30 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Aberdeen?

1025.

Which load line zone is Aberdeen in?

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Who carries out Port State Control at Aberdeen?

Port State Control at Aberdeen: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Aberdeen?

The UN/LOCODE of Aberdeen is GBABD.

What crews who called at Aberdeen say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

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