Bristol

Size limits

LOA 299.99m, draught 14.5m, beam 41m, 97,557DWT

Water density

1012.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Max range 15m. Avonmouth mean range: 12.3m springs, 6.5m neaps. Tidal streams generally run in the deepwater channel and can reach a max of 5kts.

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

Approach

The recognised position for a vessel arriving at the port from seaward is the Breaksea Lightbuoy. This has the characteristics Fl W 15s Horn (2) 30s Racon.

Passing S of Flat Holm, the deep water route leads to the Bridge, then to the Bristol Deep and on to Kings Road. Vessels of suitable draught can proceed by the channel to the N of Flat Holm to the Bristol Deep. The channel is buoyed and entry to the docks is from King Road. The King Road Leading Lights and the Seabank Leading Lights assist passage into the Avonmouth and Royal Portbury Docks respectively.

Port limits

The port limits embrace the southern section of the Bristol Channel between Avonmouth and Steep Holm. They also include the tidal waters of the River Avon and its tributaries up to Ashton Swing Bridge in the city of Bristol, but do not include Portishead or the city docks in Bristol.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Bristol Channel Vessel Traffic Service Scheme (VTS) operates in the area from a line running south from Nash Point (51°24.1'N 003°33.55'W) to Hurlstone Point (51°13.93'N 003°34.53'W), and a line running through the Lower Shoots Beacon (51°38.85'N 002°42.05'W). It is mandatory for all vessels, 50GT and over, to participate in the scheme.

For details of reporting points and procedures consult Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume NP286(1).

Anchorages

The principal anchorage is at Breaksea (close to Barry) for medium to small vessels, and is also close to the pilot boarding station. The area is not always suitable for larger vessels and better holding ground can be found in the vicinity of Swansea Bay.

Anchorage available 1nm E of Nell's Point (51°23'N 003°28.7'W), in depths of 10.0m, gravel and clay, 0.5nm SE of the entrance to Barry Docks.

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.

Vessels are required to leave adequate sea room for pilot boarding manoeuvring. During the strong ingoing tide vessels are advised not to anchor in the vicinity of the pilot boarding position (51°20'N 003°19'W).

Close to the entrance of the River Avon there is anchorage for small pleasure craft in Portishead Pool (51°29.5'N 002°45.0'W).

Although it is possible to anchor in the Severn Estuary, it is not suitable for tendering passengers ashore due to the large rise and fall of tide and strong currents.

Prohibited anchorages: Vessels are prohibited from lying at anchor, except with special permission, in the approaches to Portishead Dock, Royal Portbury Dock and Avonmouth, in order that the approaches may be kept clear for ships entering or leaving the docks. The prohibited area encloses a sewer outfall E of Portishead Pool.

Prohibition does not cover the use of an anchor as an aid to manoeuvring. A vessel having to anchor in an emergency should report its position through the Vessel Traffic Service.

A wreck, with a least depth of 5.9m, lies 0.85nm E of Nell's Point, and there are detached patches, with a least depth of 3.4m, 1.75nm E of the point.

Restrictions

Both locks are manned from 4.3hrs before to 3.5hrs after HW. These times can be extended by arrangement with prior notice. Cumberland Basin entrance not later than 15 mins after HW.

Tugs

Six tugs available from 2,600-3,740bhp. Many vessels will need to use tugs to enter the docks and they will generally meet vessels in the King Road area where the channel becomes restricted. Deep draught vessels inward and outbound must also take an escort tug to and from the English and Welsh Buoy.

Mooring

Mooring line handlers, Pill Hobblers Ltd, Tel: +44 1275 372133.

Charts and publications

BA 1859. Admiralty Pilot NP37, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should contact Bristol VTS with ETA 24, 12 and 2 hours prior to arrival at Breaksea Buoy.

All vessels carrying dangerous or polluting goods within EU waters are required to report as directed by IMO resolution A.648(16), detailed in the 'Country' section.

Communications

VHF: Bristol VTS Calling and Safety: Ch 16.

Port operations and information: Ch 12.

Low power for immediate port or dock approach: Ch 14.

Alternative working channels: Ch 09, 11.

Tug operations: Ch 08, 10, 72.

Bristol VTS: Tel: +44 1179 822257, Email: [email protected]

Health

Foreign arrivals are required to complete a Declaration of Health and to report to Port Health Authority any sickness prior to arrival if possible, otherwise report on arrival at dock entrance.

Onus of reporting sickness is the personal responsibility of the Master.

All vessels are required to report the presence of animals or birds onboard the vessel and any disease amongst such animals or birds.

Vessels arriving from accepted ports and coastal arrivals need not present a Declaration, but when there is sickness onboard Port Health Authority is to be informed.

Notices and regulations

Vessels entering the port with hazardous goods are to inform the Harbour Master, and on departure, in accordance with the Dangerous Substances in Harbour Regulations.

They are not to anchor or moor at any place other than as directed by Bristol VTS.

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 by arrangement through contractors. Repair work on vessels within the enclosed docks must be authorised by the Port. Hot work is not permitted in the Oil Basin or Royal Portbury Berth 7.

Ship repair berth, consisting of a jetty with two off lying dolphins, lies in the SE part of Avonmouth Docks.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at most berths from standpipe at a rate of 30tph, ordered via agent or Bristol VTS.

Bunkering: Available by road tanker and bunker barge with notice. Bunkering facilities exist at all docks with bunkering methods dictated by the berth type. Contact port agents to confirm availability.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Frenchay Hospital, Bristol (10km), also clinic, dentist and optician are available within 8km.

Crew change

Arranged through ships agent.

Transport

Nearest airport: Bristol (international and domestic) (21km).

Airport facilities: Air freight.

Nearest railway: Avonmouth (passenger) (1km).

Nearest motorway: M5, (1km).

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Bristol is located on the W coast of England at the head of the Severn Estuary.

The port

The Bristol Port Company operates two separate enclosed dock systems serviced by two locks, The Royal Portbury Lock and the Avonmouth Lock. Avonmouth Dock is on the Northern Bank of the River Avon at its confluence with the Severn Estuary. On the South Bank, is the Royal Portbury Dock.

The City Docks, 7nm upstream, are operated by Bristol City Council. The Floating Harbour in the City of Bristol is entered through a set of entrance locks. The harbour is mainly for pleasure craft, however occasional commercial traffic uses the Docks.

A wide range of facilities are available within the port to handle cargoes including dry and liquid bulks, forest products, containers, cars and traditional general cargo including fresh produce.

Traffic

Approx 9,000,000t of cargo, 94,700TEU and 1,380 vessels handled annually.

What time zone is Bristol in?

Local time at Bristol 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 Bristol?

The deepest berth listed is at Royal Portbury Terminal: 14.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Bristol?

1012.

Which load line zone is Bristol 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 Bristol?

Port State Control at Bristol: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Bristol?

The UN/LOCODE of Bristol is GBBRS.

What crews who called at Bristol 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.

Read and add tips for Bristol →