Brightlingsea

1. Brightlingsea (River Colne) pilot boarding Pilot boards51°46.9′N 001°01.2′E

Size limits

Max LOA 100m (Spring Tide), beam 15.0m, draught 15.4m and 4,000DWT.

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

Spring Tides two sets per month period lasting approx 7 days. The Low Tidal period separates Spring Tides are Neap Tides and are lower in water depth for a period of approx 7 days.

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

Approach

Front light (white square topmark, red stripe, on post) (51°48'N., 001°01'E).

Rear light (white square topmark, red stripe, on post) (50m NE).

The alignment of these lights leads through the entrance to Brightlingsea Harbour, passing with positions from Bateman's Tower from which a light is exhibited, (51°48'N., 001°00.7'E).

SE of Brightlingsea Spit (0.25nm S), which extends 0.2nm S from Westmarsh Point, the NW entry point to Brightlingsea Creek. The spit is marked on its SE side by Brightlingsea Lightbuoy (S cardinal). Then NW of St Osyth Stone Point (0.5nm ESE), the SE entry point of the creek. Then the channel leads to the E passing between 2 lightbuoys (port and starboard hand) (0.3nm SES), then N of the lighted beacon (N cardinal) on Fisherman's Trot and S of the lighted beacon on Town Hard Causeway (0.5nm E) with a yacht club close E before making the final approach to the wharf.

Port limits

The port limits extend from Brightlingsea Creek, E of a line between Bateman's Tower to Martello Tower (point clear).

Anchorages

Brightlingsea anchorage is E of Mersea Island, in the River Colne.

Restrictions

As per bye-laws. The max permitted speed limit anywhere within the harbour is 4kts.

Tugs

Available, by arrangement.

Mooring

NAABSA Berth. It is recommended that low loaded vessels of up to 3,500DWT berth on Spring Tides, however, if the cargo is of light density then 4,000DWT can be accommodated. Vessels with an LOA 100.00m may moor at the berth on Spring Tides.

Charts and publications

BA 1975, 3741. Admiralty Pilot NP28, NP286(1).

Communications

VHF: Ch 68. Port radio service is maintained during office hours and at other times by arrangement.

Health

As per UK Health Regulations.

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.

Bunkering: Available by road tanker.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Clacton & District Hospital (8.65km).

Transport

Nearest airport: London Southend Airport (35km), London Stansted Airport (54.65km) and London City Airport (75km).

Nearest railway: Alresford Station (5.8km).

Nearest highway: The A133 merging into the A120 and eventually the A12.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Brightlingsea.

Working hours

Mon-Fri 0700-1600hrs and Sat 0700-1200hrs (by arrangement at overtime costs).

Where it is

Brightlingsea stands on the N shore of Brightlingsea Creek, England.

The port

The Port of Brightlingsea, which commenced commercial operations in 1982, stands as a vital link in the Short Sea Coaster Trade, facilitating maritime transport across Europe, the Baltics, and Scandinavian territories. The port, owned by Olivers Wharf Limited and operated by Essex Cement Limited, is characterised by its Spring Tidal NAABSA (Not Always Afloat But Safely Aground) designation, allowing it to accommodate a variety of vessels and cargo types, even during low tide conditions. Port entry permitted on all tides.

Brightlingsea's operational focus is on handling a diverse array of cargoes, making it an essential hub for regional trade. The port is equipped to manage bagged cement, fertilisers, scrap metal, aggregates, biomass and wood chips. Furthermore, the port handles Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF), aligning with modern waste management and energy recovery initiatives.

Traffic

Approx 56,000t of cargo and 1 vessel handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Brightlingsea?

The pilot boards at Brightlingsea (River Colne) pilot boarding, 51°46.9′N 001°01.2′E.

What time zone is Brightlingsea in?

Local time at Brightlingsea 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 Brightlingsea?

The deepest berth listed is at Commercial Terminal: 5.40 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Brightlingsea?

1025.

Which load line zone is Brightlingsea 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 Brightlingsea?

Port State Control at Brightlingsea: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Brightlingsea?

The UN/LOCODE of Brightlingsea is GBBLS.

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