Boulogne-sur-Mer

1. Boulogne pilot boarding Pilot boards50°44.8′N 001°31.0′E

Size limits

Max LOA 230m, beam 28.6m, draught 9.3m, 37,317DWT.

Water density

1026.

Load line zone

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

Tides

The tidal currents are strong due to the close proximity to the Dover Strait. Located 0.52nm W of the head of Digue Carnot the flood current runs N and approx 1 hour 50 mins beofre HW it will begin. The current gains a max spring rate of 4.8kts approx 1 hour before HW. The ebb current on the other hand runs S and approx 30 mins after HW it will begin. The current gains a max spring rate of 4.2kts.

Tidal Ranges

HAT: 9.6m

MHWS: 8.8m

MHWN: 7.2m

MSL:4.91m

MLWN: 2.6m

MLWS: 1.1m

LAT: 0.4m

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

Approach

Boulogne Leading Lights are exhibited for the entrance to Avant-port: The front light from a lantern mounted on a mast (triangular topmark, point down) at the NW extremity of the spur at Gare Maritime (50°43.7'N 001°35.7'E). The rear light from a grey metal framework tower, with a red top on a building, 43m in height, standing on Quai Gambetta, on the SE side of Port de Maree, 0.3nm SE of the front light. These lights in line bear 123°. Traffic signals are exhibited from the vicinity of the front light.

Buoyage: "RC1" Lightbuoy and "RC2" Lightbuoy mark the approach to Darse Sarraz-Bournet.

Port limits

For vessels anchoring on arrival, 4nm from breakwaters and for vessel entering, on passing the breakwaters.

Traffic schemes and VTS

The Dover Strait is under full radar surveillance and operates a traffic separation scheme (TSS) - see entry for further information.

Anchorages

Outer anchorage: There is an anchorage, depth 14m-16m, for large vessels in between the gap in Bassure de Baas and Digue Carnot on the S side of the harbour entrance, but clear S of the tanker channel. If the outer anchorage is unsuitable due to bad weather, it is advisable to seek shelter off the English Coast.

Restrictions

Recommended times for entry:

Outer harbour: Vessels with draught over 9.0m should enter around HW or within 2 hours either side of HW. However, because the tidal streams are so strong, vessels exceeding LOA 180m, depending on their draught should enter either about 3 hours before or about 1 hour after HW.

Inner harbour: Best time to enter the harbour is 2 hours before HW. The tidal stream sets SW between 1kt and 1.5kts outside the main entrance between the two breakwaters, making it difficult for vessels over LOA 100m.

Vessels wanting to enter on a given tide should arrive no later than 3 hours before HW. The inner channel is dredged to 5.0m, berths 11.0m, accessible for vessels up to 230m in length and a draught of 9.3m.

Basin Napoleon: It is accessible during the 2 hours before HW. Within the Loubet Basin Vessels < 100m may be locked at regular times. Vessels 100m-120m locked for 2 hours 30 mins before HW to 1 hour after HW. Vessels 120m-135m only enter close to HW when both lock gates are open.

Basin Loubet: It is accessible at any time of the tide for vessels up to 125m in length, 25m wide and with a draught of 7.6m and is accessible during the 2 hours before HW to vessels with LOA 100-130m.

Regulations:

It is prohibited for vessels to stop or anchor in the approach channel. Instead, vessels may use the approach channel leading E from the Dover Strait TSS. Vessels from Calais or Dunkirk must use this section of the approach lying E of Boulogne Lighted Buoy and notify the port on approach through VHF Ch 12. If for any reason the vessels on this approach have limited manoeuvring abilities then they must show appropriate lights.

Restrictions: It has been reported that a shoal lies on the N side of Rade Carnot and as a result vessels must stay S of this alignment. There are numerous wrecks on the approach to the port due to its close proximity to the Dover Strait as well as high speed ferries. There is also an area between Digue Nord and the shore which is specifically reserved for pleasure craft, due to the marinas in the vicinity.

Tugs

There are 3 tugs of 1,500hp available, including 1 fire fighting tug.

Mooring

Mooring operations are performed by Boulogne Calais Port.

Charts and publications

BA 438, 1892, 2451. French SH 6735, 7323, 7247, 7085. Admiralty Pilot NP28, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should also contact the harbour master 12 hours in advance of ETA in the Port Roads (Rade), confirming 2 hours prior to arrival. The message should include vessel's particulars, last port of call and pilotage requirements.

Communications

Port Boulogne Calais contact info

Telephone: +33 3 2146 9821

Email: [email protected]

Port of Boulogne Harbour Master's Office contact info

Telephone: + 33 3 2110 3547

Facsimile: + 33 3 2110 3584

Port Authority contact info

VHF: Ch 12, operates throughout 24 hours and should be contacted for berthing authorisation.

Telephone: +33 3 2100 3520

Facsimile: +33 3 2100 3548

Email: [email protected]

Control Tower contact info

VHF: Ch 12

Call sign: Boulogne Port or Boulogne Dispatching

Telephone: +33 3 2180 3467

Facsimile: +33 3 2180 3470

Email: [email protected]

Boulogue Pilots contact info

VHF: Ch 12

Telephone: + 33 3 2196 4018

Facsimile: +33 3 2197 7764.

Email: [email protected].

Division of Boulogne sur Mer Customs office

Telephone: + 33 3 2131 2036

Facsimile: + 33 3 2180 7617

Email: [email protected]

Documents

The Inward Declaration should be delivered by pilot when boarding.

Health

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates issued.

Customs and immigration

A customs office is located within the port area - Division of Boulogne sur Mer.

Notices and regulations

All vessels must contact Boulogne Port on VHF Ch 12 on arrival in the Port Roads (Rade). They will be given berth number, time of Pilot boarding, or where they must anchor. If contact with Port Boulogne Calais cannot be made, vessels must not enter the fairway without permission.

The approach channel extends 4.5nm WNW from Boulogne Harbour entrance to the W boundary of the French Inshore Traffic Zone. The N limit of the channel is the line of bearing 287° from the light at the head of Digue Nord and the S limit is the line of bearing 277° from the light at the head of Digue Carnot.

All tankers over 1,600GT must use this channel, except that tankers coming from Dunkerque or Calais are only required to use that part of the channel to the E of a line between Boulogne Approaches Lightbuoy, 1.5nm S. Tankers must report before entering the access channel and maintain VHF watch thereafter.

Vessels are prohibited from anchoring or stopping in the approach channel.

Port State Control here: Paris MOU, Indian Ocean 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

Position: Head of Sea Defense.

Address: 22 Rue Monge, Paris, F-75005, France

Tel: +33 01 40 81 85 30

Fax: +33 01 40 81 70 53

Mob: +33 06 17 15 01 80

Email: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Available and provided by Socarenam. The Boulogne-sur-Mer site became the head office of the company in 1969 and is dedicated for the construction of vessels including fishing, fireboat and patrol. (max LOA 110m).

Medical

Nearest hospital: Boulogne-sur-Mer Hospital Centre (3.5km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Le Touquet, (23.7km, UK and Charter), Paris Beauvais Airport (145km) and Saint-Gatien Airport (184km).

Nearest railway: Gare de Boulogne Tintelleries (1km). A railway line runs throughout the port area however this has been discontinued and fallen into disrepair.

Nearest highway: The port has access to major roads surrounding the port that lead to Calais in the N, Lens to the E and Amiens to the S.

Nearest public transport: Bus route throughout Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Boulogne-sur-Mer is located on the N coast of France close to the Dover Strait.

The port

Boulogne-sur-Mer, operated by Port Boulogne Calais, is one of the leading fishing ports in France. The port offers complete fishing activities within the harbour area including catching, processing, marketing and retailing. A vast refrigerated storage area is available to cater for the fishing activities as well as numerous slipways and vessel storage. The well-sheltered port can also cater for dry cargo and pleasure craft.

Socarenam ship repairs and builders have their head office within the port; the Boulogne-sur-Mer site offers repairs, shipbuilding and storage.

Traffic

Approx 36,700,000t of cargo inclusive off cross-channel and 5,000,000 passengers inclusive off cross-channel handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Boulogne-sur-Mer?

The pilot boards at Boulogne pilot boarding, 50°44.8′N 001°31.0′E.

What time zone is Boulogne-sur-Mer in?

Local time at Boulogne-sur-Mer is UTC+1. Clocks go to UTC+2 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+1 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Boulogne-sur-Mer?

The deepest berth listed is at Boulogne-sur-Mer Terminal: 9.30 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Boulogne-sur-Mer?

1026.

Which load line zone is Boulogne-sur-Mer 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 Boulogne-sur-Mer?

Port State Control at Boulogne-sur-Mer: Paris MOU, Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Boulogne-sur-Mer?

The UN/LOCODE of Boulogne-sur-Mer is FRBOL.

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