Calais

1. Calais pilot boarding Pilot boards50°59.6′N 001°45.1′E

Size limits

Max LOA 245m, beam 43.0m, draught 11.5m and 80,000DWT.

Water density

1020-1027.

Load line zone

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

Tides

At vicinity of the jetty heads, the in going stream runs ENE end the out going stream runs WSW. At springs, the maximum rate is 3kts on the in going stream and 2kts on the out going stream.

Within range of the jetty heads the slack water periods, occurs 2hrs and 30mins after HW at the port and 3hrs 30mins before HW. It is worth noting that these times may be advanced by as much as 30mins during strong W'ly winds and subsequently delay by 30mins during E'ly winds.

The current is rectilinear with little or no current between the jetties or within the harbour.

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

Approach

Regulations concerning entry:

The approach channel is recommended for all vessels, but is mandatory for tankers and vessels carrying dangerous cargoes, approaching:

From W, along an approach channel running 4nm E, almost parallel to the coast, to the entry channel, which lies between breakwaters or

From N, of the Ridens de Calais.

Vessels without pilots must request permission to proceed in the buoyed fairway when passing Calais Approach Buoy, or, in the case of ferries, on passing "CA2" Lightbuoy. Tankers within the channel are regarded as vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre and should show the appropriate shapes and lights.

All vessels are prohibited from anchoring or stopping in the approach channel.

The approach channel: Extends 4nm W to the entrance of Calais (depth greater than 10.0m) virtually parallel to the coast. The N limit of the fairway is delimited by the E breakwater head, "CA6", "CA4" and "CA2" Buoy.

Calais Harbour entrance: From a position close NW of the harbour entrance (50°58.4'N., 001°50.5'E) the route leads SE through the harbour entrance, lying between the heads of Jetee Est and Jetee Ouest, converging jetties 230m apart at the entrance, depth 9.0m low tide and 16m at high tide. Ships with a deep draught may only use it at slack water.

From Avant-port there is direct access to Bassin Henri Ravisse to the E, the ferry berths grouped around the Quai de la Maritime to the S and to Arriere-port. The line of bearing 142° of Calais Main Light and seen between the light towers at the heads of the jetties, leads through the entrance to Arriere-port, which is dredged to 7.2m.

For access to the Carnot wet basin, ships may enter from 3 hours before until 2 hours after high water according to their draught. Ships greater than LOA 115m may only enter (lock gates opened) from 1 hour 30 minutes before until 1 hour after high tide. The basin is maintained at a depth of 7.6m and vessels with beams between 16m and 19.5m may enter with draughts up to 5.9m.

Note: The most favourable time to enter harbour is at slack water. When entering the channel between the jetties, allowance should be made for the cross tidal stream so that when the bows are in the shelter of the jetties, the influence of the tidal stream on the stern of the vessel will align the vessel with the axis of the channel.

The Carnot wet dock:

Capacity: Lock dimensions length 113.5 m, width 21 m and depth 1.8m over the sill..

Traffic schemes and VTS

Vessel Traffic System (VTS) operates in the approach to the port (call sign: Calais Port Control).

Inbound vessels to send their ETA to the harbour master at the roadstead 48hrs prior. The information required must include the nature and quantity of dangerous goods onboard. Vessels are to then confirm their ETA 12hrs prior to the harbour master providing their ETA at Calais Approach Lighted Buoy. The following information must be provided: LOA, beam, draught, last port of call, whether fitted with bow or stern thrusters or other manoeuvring aids, and whether a pilot is required. Notice must be made 2hrs prior to arrival on VHF Ch 17 confirming their ETA, this will allow the vessel to be given their advised berth, time of entry and anchorage (if required).

All vessels must maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Ch 17.

It is worth noting that vessels without the use of pilots must request permission to enter the Approach Channel when passing Calais Approach Lighted Buoy. All vessels over 1,600GT carrying hydrocarbons or dangerous substances should call Calais Port Traffic on VHF Ch 17 before entering the access channel and then maintain a listening watch on Ch 17. The aforementioned vessels are advised to consider the Approach Channel leading SE from the Dover Strait TSS and E toward the port entrance to be a Mandatory Access Channel. The same vessels may not enter the channel to the E of the meridian of Calais Approach Lighted Buoy without a pilot and must show appropriate lights and shapes. They are then required to use the designated Waiting Area (anchorage).

Anchorages

Anchorage bottom is sand and shells, providing good holding for anchoring in depths of 15.0-19.0m, sheltered from winds from SE to WSW. Ships (except for tankers) of less than LOA 100m may anchor between Buoys "CA2" and "CA4", in fine weather and wind from the S. Other ships anchor 1.6nm to the NNE of Buoy "CA4".

Tankers and vessels carrying dangerous cargoes waiting to enter Calais are required to anchor in the S part of the waiting area, which is 4nm NW of Calais and shared with Dunkerque. This anchorage is recommended for other large vessels also.

Tankers anchorage for ships loaded with oil is to the N of the 'Ridens de Calais'.

Prohibited Anchorage: Anchoring is prohibited in the buoyed fairway extending 1nm W of the harbour entrance and turning area.

For vessels waiting to enter Calais an anchorage may be given between Ridens de Calais and Ridens de la Rade, and between the meridians of 1°47'E and 1°48'E. A designated Waiting Area is lies centred 5nm NNW of the port entrance. This anchorage area has depths of 17 to 28m and is shared with the port of Dunkerque. Vessels waiting to enter Calais may anchor in the S part of the aforementioned area.

Restrictions

Vessels carrying hydrocarbons or dangerous substances should not enter the channel to the E of the meridian through Calais Approach Lightbuoy (50°58.9'N,. 001°45.2'E).

It is reported that following recent French surveys, depths are generally less than charted on the N side of the port approach channel (on Ridens de la Rade). As a result, vessels are advised not to sail closely along the N edge of the Approach Channel. It is also advised that vessels proceeding in the channel between the jetties at the port entrance must allow for the strong cross tidal current.

Fishing and anchoring is strictly prohibited in an area which extends up to 1nm W of the port. Whilst an explosives dumping area lies approx 1.4nm N of the port entrance, at the N side of Ridens de la Rade.

A spoil ground and additional dumping area lies approx 1.2 miles NW of the port entrance, at the N side of Ridens de la Rade.

Tugs

Not compulsory. Two tugs are available, one with twin Voith Schneider (2,250hp) and the other with Schottel (3,100hp) twin engine and equipped for firefighting.

Mooring

Ferry terminals operate throughout 24hrs.

Charts and publications

BA 323, 1351, 8164, 1892. Admiralty Pilot NP28, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should confirm the above information on VHF Ch 17 to Calais Port Control 2 hours prior to arrival at the roads when they will be advised of berth, time of entry and anchorage, if appropriate.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered in accordance with the Charter Party.

Documents

For tankers, certificate of cargo specification and certificate of vessel's suitability to transport inflammable liquids in bulk are required.

Health

Request for pratique to be made on arrival at the pilot station. Ship Sanitation Control and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

No limit for alcohol, cigarettes for foreign ships, but the quantity must be declared on the Crew Effects List.

Immigration authority requires Identification Cards and Seamen's Books.

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

Major repairs can be carried out.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Supplies by hydrants on wharves.

Bunkering: Most grades of fuel and diesel oil are available by barge or road tanker.

Stores: Available by truck alongside berth.

Note: Pilot vessel can meet vessels in the roads for transfer of foreign pilots, crew members, provisions or give medical assistance.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Calais Hospital Center (3.4km).

Crew change

Crew change is possible in accordance with ISPS regulations.

Transport

Nearest airport: Calais–Dunkerque Airport (5km), Aeroport de Lille (98km) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (223km).

Nearest railway: Calais-Ville-Station and Calais-Frethun-Station (high speed lines). TGV to Paris travel time 90 mins. Viia Britanica Rail Terminal line links the port of Boulogne Calais to Le Boulou loacted at the Franco-Spanish border.

Nearest highway: The Calais Ferry terminals provide direct access to the A16 and A26 highways.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Calais.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1200hrs and 1400-1800hrs. Shift work, 0615-1215hrs, 1400-2000hrs. Sugar terminal, 0615-1215hrs, 1400-2000hrs and 2100-0300hrs or 0600-1200hrs, 1200-1800hrs and 1800-2359hrs. Ferry terminals workout throughout 24hrs 7 days a week.

Where it is

Calais is located on the N coast of France, on the SE side of the Dover Straits.

The port

Calais Port, located on the northern coast of France, is the foremost cross-Channel ferry terminal on the French side of the Dover Strait. The port specialises in servicing Ro-Ro vessels, ensuring swift and efficient transport of vehicles and freight between France and the UK. Complementing its primary function, Calais Port boasts facilities capable of handling general cargo, freight, and bulk carriers, thereby serving a diverse range of shipping needs. Furthermore, The port boasts a robust connection to the national and European waterway systems through a canal capable of accommodating 300t barges, enhancing its logistical capabilities. With its efficient infrastructure and vital role in cross-Channel trade, Calais Port remains a crucial gateway for commerce between the UK and mainland Europe.

Traffic

Approx 37,000,000t of cargo and 7,000,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Calais?

The pilot boards at Calais pilot boarding, 50°59.6′N 001°45.1′E.

What time zone is Calais in?

Local time at Calais 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 Calais?

The deepest berth listed is at Basin President Henri Ravisse (BPHR): 11.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Calais?

1020-1027.

Which load line zone is Calais 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 Calais?

Port State Control at Calais: Paris MOU, Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Calais?

The UN/LOCODE of Calais is FRCQF.

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