Ayr

Size limits

Max LOA 110m, beam 18m, draught 6.2m and 4,000DWT.

Water density

1015 to 1025. Average 1018.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Range 2.7m (springs), 2.2m (neaps).

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

Approach

Approach to Ayr Harbour along the leading lights, on the alignment 098°, is recommended.

The leading lights lead E towards the harbour entrance, passing, S of foul ground (0.45nm NW), S of Saltpan patches with least depth 3.8m over them (1.5nm NW) extending 2nm WNW.

Saltpan Spit (1.75nm N) with depth of less than 2.0m over it, extends 1.75nm WNW from the coast.

S of a lightbuoy (0.9nm NW) marking a diffuser at the W extremity of a storm outfall.

N of a shoal with depths of less than 2.0m over it (0.25nm WSW),

When South Pier Light (55°28.2'N., 004°38.7'W) is distant 0.1nm the entrance channel, which has a width of 60m and a least charted depth over the bar of 3.6m, continues generally E, passing:

S of the head of North Breakwater on which stands a light (white metal framework tower, 9m in height, then:

N of the head of South Pier on which stands a light (white tower, 6m in height) then: Between South Pier and North Pier.

Port limits

The harbour limits extend approx 0.2nm seaward to the harbour entrance.

Anchorages

Safe anchorage during gales from between SW and NW may be obtained in Whiting Bay (55°30'N 055°05'W).

During winds from the E, safe anchorage may be obtained in Ayr Bay.

Restrictions

Ayr Bay, between the Head of Ayr and Troon is strewn with numerous shoal patches and restrictions.

Tugs

Available on request, Tel +44 7836 569 110.

Charts and publications

BA 1866. Admiralty Pilot NP66A, NP286(1).

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

Engine repairs, deck repairs and divers are available. Any repairs done must have granted permission from the Harbour Master.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Diesel and fuel oil bunkers are readily available via road tankers. Pre-bunkering checklist must be completed prior to bunkering activities taking place. Harbour Master must be informed of the bunkering operation before and after it takes place.

Medical

Nearest airport: University Hospital Ayr (5.25km).

Crew change

Possible off the port, via pilot boat.

Transport

Nearest airport: ATC Prestwick Airport (4.9km) and Glasgow Airport (46km).

Nearest railway: Newton-on-Ayr (0.85km), regular services to Glasgow Central. Rail lines are connected to the Griffin Dock however these are no longer in commission.

Nearest highway: Port has access to the M77 which travels to the N for Glasgow, M8 for Edinburgh and M74 which travels S to England.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Ayr.

Working hours

Mon-Thu 0800-1200hrs, 1300-1700hrs. Fri 0800-1200hrs, 1300-1600hrs. Overtime/weekends available.

Where it is

Ayr is located on the W coast of Scotland, approx 26nm SW of Glasgow, Scotland.

The port

The port has facilities for the handling of general and bulk cargoes, with the major cargoes being salt, aggregates, fertiliser, animal feed, coal, forest products, project cargoes, and scrap metals. The port also has facilities to handle passenger vessels, either in dock or by ship's tender. Heavy lifts and wind energy support handling available. Some berths have direct rail access.

Traffic

Approx 301,000t of cargo and 185 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Ayr?

Compulsory for all vessels over LOA 65m.

What time zone is Ayr in?

Local time at Ayr 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 Ayr?

The deepest berth listed is at River Berths: 6.20 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Ayr?

1015 to 1025. Average 1018.

Which load line zone is Ayr 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 Ayr?

Port State Control at Ayr: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Ayr?

The UN/LOCODE of Ayr is GBAYR.

What crews who called at Ayr 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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