Burntisland

Size limits

Max LOA 111.6m, beam 27.0m, draught 5.2m and 5,345DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

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

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

Approach

There is unimpeded access from the Forth deep water channel, which passes 1nm S of the port.

From Forth deep water channel immediately S of Burntisland, the route leads 1.1nm N to the harbour entrance passing (with positions from the harbour entrance): through the Burntisland anchorage (0.5nm S) at reduced speed if required then E of the degaussing ranges, then to the harbour entrance, 76m wide, which lies between pierheads on which stand lights, E pierhead (pole, 5m in height), W pierhead (white tower, 6m in height). A submarine cable runs from W breakwater to the E pierhead.

Vessels bound for West Dock should be under way before half flood and be ready to enter as soon as required, otherwise the Harbour Master must be informed. The West Dock has depths of 6.4m over the gate sill at HWS.

Vessels bound for East Dock are to go through a set of storm gates at the E side of the outer basin. The entrance is 18.29m wide and has a depths of 8.6m over the gate sills at HWS and 7.5m at HWN.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Forth Navigation Service operated by Forth and Tay Navigation Service. All inbound vessels must contact the Forth Navigation Service via email or facsimile 24 hours in advance of their ETA at the E limit of the service area, a line joining North Carr Beacon (56°17.7'N., 2°34.3'W.) and South Carr Beacon (56°03.4'N., 2°37.7'W.) or as soon as possible after departure from the last port if less than 24 hours. Any adjustments to the ETA of 2 hours or more must be reported.

Forth Navigation Service maintains radar surveillance throughout the area. Details of traffic, navigational warnings, and local weather forecasts are available upon request.

Anchorages

There are 3 anchor berths in Burntisland Roads for bulk carriers discharging into barges, B1, B2, and B3, to the SE of the port but N of the deep water channel. These anchorage berths are allocated by (VTS) with depths of 13 to 28m.

Anchorage may also be obtained elsewhere in Burntisland Road clear of the degaussing ranges.

Degaussing range: Lies close W of the harbour entrance.

Restrictions

West Dock: The gate opens 1.5 hours before HW and will be closed at HW. The dock gate is open to vessel with sufficient water and specified UKC.

East Dock: The gate opens 2 hours before HW and will be closed at HW. The dock gate is open to vessels once there is sufficient water for the vessel to berth

safely on the flood tide with the specified UKC. Weather conditions will be put into consideration and the potential for vessel to manoeuvre in the outer harbour.

Vessels are unable to enter the outer tidal basin at LWS.

Wind Speed: Max wind speed permitted for berthing is 35kts

Visibility: Vessels are not permitted to enter or leave the Burntisland when the outer end of the East Breakwater (Fl (2) G sec) are unable be seen from the Harbour Office on the N side of the Dock Gates.

Tugs

Tugs are available if required.

Charts and publications

BA 733, 734, 736. Admiralty Pilot NP54, NP 286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should advise the Forth and Tay Navigation Service of their ETA at the eastern limit of Forth Port Authority 3 days in advance, amending the time if it becomes more than 2 hours in error.

Notices and regulations

Vessels must reduce speed and keep clear of vessels anchored in Berths B2, B4 and B5 if such vessels have barges alongside.

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

Painting or chipping over the side of the vessel is not permitted whilst in port. Hot work or any work that produces a spark, flame or radiated heat is only permitted with prior consent by FTNS. Diving may be permitted with prior consent by FTNS. A diving permit must be completed and requested via email ([email protected]).

All works requiring external contractors must be sorted via local agents to ensure that the works are coordinated through the relevant Port Departments.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available. It is recommended that 24hr notice is given via local agent.

Bunkering: Bunkers (DO and MGO) can be delivered by road tanker WP Group.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Victoria Hospital (8.8km).

Crew change

Available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Fife Airport (14.2km) and Edinburgh Airport (14.6km)

Nearest railway: The port is connected to the main E coast railway line.

Nearest highway: The port has access to A921.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Burntisland.

Working hours

Normally 0730-1630hrs Mon-Wed, 0730-1600hrs Thu-Fri.

Where it is

Burntisland is located on the northern shore of the Firth of Forth on the E coast of Scotland.

The port

Burntisland, recognised as the most natural harbour in the region and one of its oldest maritime locations, is under the stewardship of Forth Ports and features two distinct docking areas—East Dock and West Dock. The aforementioned docks are each accessed through separate locks, facilitating a seamless flow of maritime activities. The East Dock primarily serves general and bulk cargo vessels, whereas, the West Dock is dedicated to offshore activities, catering to the growing demands of clean energy and offshore fabrications.

Looking to the future, Forth Ports has unveiled plans for an offshore wind facility within the port of Burntisland. This project aims to establish a high-capacity floating offshore wind integration facility, aligning with the UK's net zero ambitions. By harnessing the power of the wind, this initiative not only promises to contribute to sustainable energy production but also positions Burntisland as a leader in the transition to renewable energy.

What are the pilot arrangements at Burntisland?

Compulsory for vessels of LOA 45m or more bound for Forth deep water channel, passing W of 03°06.1'W.

What time zone is Burntisland in?

Local time at Burntisland 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 Burntisland?

The deepest berth listed is at East Dock Terminal: 5.20 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Burntisland?

1025.

Which load line zone is Burntisland 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 Burntisland?

Port State Control at Burntisland: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Burntisland?

The UN/LOCODE of Burntisland is GBBTL.

What crews who called at Burntisland 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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