Blyth

Size limits

Draught 9.3m

Water density

1018-1022.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Range 4.32m springs, 2.14m neaps.

Tidal heights are increased by strong N winds and decreased by strong S winds.

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

Approach

Approach channel has a depth of 8.5m LAT, entrance and lower river channel, depth 7.6m LAT, S harbour and remainder of navigable channel, depth 6.7m LAT.

Directions: Front Leading Light (orange diamond on framework tower) (55°07.4'N 001°29.8'W).

Rear Light (orange diamond on framework tower) (180m NW of front light).

From a position approx 0.2nm SE of the harbour entrance the alignment (324°) of the Blyth outer leading lights leads through the approach channel and harbour entrance to a position 0.3nm inside the entrance, passing (with positions from the entrance):

SW of Fairway Lightbuoy (starboard hand, 0.55nm SE).

Through the harbour entrance, which has a width of 180m, facing SSE and lies between East Pierhead on which stands the lighthouse and West Pierhead on which stands a light (white tower 4m in height).

There is a turning basin to the W of Battleship Wharf, the NW limits being marked by four beacons.

Port limits

The port limits extend up to 1.2nm from the entrance, covering the port and the immediate approaches.

Anchorages

Anchorage can be obtained in a position approx 0.15nm E of E Pierhead in depths of 17.0m.

Restrictions

The channels dredged depths, which are subject to silting, are given as a guide and are not guaranteed.

Caution: Dredging operations are carried out, usually by day, in the vicinity of the entrance. The signals shown by the dredgers conform to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

Tugs

Tugs ordered from River Tyne. Harbour tug "Blyth Endeavour" available for pushing 600hp 6t bollard pull. Larger tugs are available from Svitzer Marine subject to prior notification.

Charts and publications

BA 1626, 1192. Admiralty Pilot NP54, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should send ETA by fax 24 hours, or as soon as possible, in advance with the LOA, beam, draught, cargo onboard and last port information. VHF contact should be made when 2 hours and 1 hour from the port.

Communications

VHF: Pilots & Port: Ch 16, 12 and 11, call "Blyth Port Control". Email: [email protected].

Pilots: Tel: +44 1670 352678.

Customs and immigration

Contact Customs at North Shields.

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

Available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available from shore hydrants.

Bunkering: Available via road tanker by prior arrangement.

Medical

Blyth Community Hospital, 3.5km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Newcastle International Airport, 26km.

Nearest railway: Europcar Newcastle Railway Station, 23km.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1700hrs weekdays, shift work on bulk cargoes all year round. Overtime and shift work as required.

Where it is

Blyth is situated on the Northumberland coastline, N of Tyne and Wear, on NE coast of England.

The port

Historically a coal port but, after extensive capital development over recent years, the port also specialises in forest products, aluminium, raw materials, grain, specialised project cargoes including wind turbines and containers. Recent imports include sawdust pellets, animal feedstuffs, peat moss and domestic coal. Exports include woodchips and forestry products. Development of new windfarms offshore, has led to an increase in economic activity at the port, with the handling of project materials at custom-made berths for windfarm construction vessels.

Traffic

Approx 640,000t of cargo and 870 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Blyth?

Pilotage shall be compulsory for those vessels over 50m in length navigating within the Blyth Pilotage District.

What time zone is Blyth in?

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

What is the water density at Blyth?

1018-1022.

Which load line zone is Blyth 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 Blyth?

Port State Control at Blyth: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Blyth?

The UN/LOCODE of Blyth is GBBLY.

What crews who called at Blyth 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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