PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Barry
Pilot
updated Jan 2025SE Wales pilotage: Associated British Ports (ABP) provide the pilotage service for Barry.
The pilotage district covers those tidal waters within a limit bounded seawards by straight lines joining Hartland Point Light (51°01'N., 004°32'W) to Lundy Island S Light, then Caldey Island Light to the mainland.
Contact should be made with the pilot vessel by VHF at least 2 hours before arrival and maintained until the pilot has embarked.
Under certain circumstances, arrangements may be made to board vessels further to the W within the pilotage area provided at least 24 hours notice is given to the Severn VTS office, Cardiff.
The pilot vessel, PV Terra Nova is stationed at Barry. There is no cruising or anchored pilot vessel.
Outward bound vessels should send their ETD to the pilot office at least 6 hours in advance
Key data
updated Feb 2025Size limits
Max LOA 178m, beam 23.80m, draught 9.1m and 23,000DWT.
Water density
1012-1018.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigator Terminals Windmill | 9.10 m | 178 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jan 2025Port limits
The port limits embrace an area up to 2nm S of Nell's Point.
Anchorages
Barry Roads, 1nm E of Nell's Point (51°23'N., 003°16'W) affords good anchorage in moderate weather, there are depths of 10.0m, gravel and clay, 0.5nm SE of the entrance to Barry Docks.
An anchorage can also be found in the N part of Barry Roads, out of the strength of the tidal stream, in depths of 7.0m, 0.5nm W of Sully Island.
Breaksea Point (51°23'N., 003°24'W). An anchorage for deep draught vessels can be obtained off the point where there is ample room and deep water.
Explosive Anchorage Areas lie centred 1.8nm SSW, 3.5nm ESE and 4.0nm SE of the port entrance. All vessels using and intending to load/unload explosives in the aforementioned area must inform the port authority 48hrs in advance.
Restrictions
Wrecks with a least depth of 5.9m and 4.7m lie respectively 0.85nm E and 0.4nm ESE of the point. Detached patches, with a least depth of 3.4m, lie 1.75nm E of the point.
An outfall pipeline, marked by a lighted buoy, extends 1.1nm SSE from the W side of Barry Harbour. A seperate outfall pipeline extends 0.5nm SE from a point on the shore, close E of the port entrance.
Vessels navigating in Barry Roads are recommended to give the port entrance a wide berth.
Tugs
Tugs are based at Barry and usually join a vessel in Barry Roads.
Charts and publications
BA 1182. Admiralty Pilot NP37.
Inspections
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.
Port services
updated Jan 2025Repairs
Most kinds of repairs can be carried out and divers are available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available through ship's agents.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Barry Hospital (2.7km).
Crew change
A crew change can be carried out at anchor in roads by use of pilot cutter.
Transport
Nearest airport: Cardiff (6km).
Nearest railway: The Barry Intermodal Terminal. The freight terminal provides direct access to Cardiff and onward direct services to London, Birmingham and New Street.
Nearest highway: Port has direct access to M4.
Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Barry.
Working hours
Normally 0700-1630hrs.
About Barry
updated Jan 2025Where it is
The port of Barry lies on the N shore of the Severn estuary, approx 7nm W of Cardiff.
The port
The Port of Barry, a maritime gateway on the southern coast of Wales, is a hub characterised by its three distinct docks and an expansive water area of 46 hectares. This strategically located port is entered between two breakwaters which is then followed by a lock and tidal basin providing protection and ensure safe navigation for vessels entering its waters. The port is owned by Associated British Ports. Within this dock lies Navigator Terminals Windmill, a specialised facility focused on the handling of chemicals.
Dock No 1 is set to undergo a transformation as outlined in the ports vision. Plans are in place to develop a 400-berth marina, designed around The Mole, which will enhance the port's recreational offerings.
Traffic
Approx 125,000t of cargo and 26 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Barry
What are the pilot arrangements at Barry?
SE Wales pilotage: Associated British Ports (ABP) provide the pilotage service for Barry.
What time zone is Barry in?
Local time at Barry 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 Barry?
The deepest berth listed is at Navigator Terminals Windmill: 9.10 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Barry?
1012-1018.
Which load line zone is Barry 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 Barry?
Port State Control at Barry: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Barry?
The UN/LOCODE of Barry is GBBAD.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Barry 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.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.