Dunkirk

1. Dunkerque boarding, near E12 Lighted Buoy Pilot boards51°07.6′N 002°30.5′E
2. Dunkerque boarding, vessels of 100m loa and over Pilot boards51°03.9′N 002°21.3′E
3. North Ruytingen buoy pilot station (route des bancs de Flandres) Pilot51°13.2′N 002°10.3′E

Size limits

Max LOA 400m, beam 61.30m, draught 20.50m and 221,322 DWT.

Water density

1016-1025.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Tidal currents are practically reciprocal in direction and follow the line of the main channels in an area of the off-lying banks. The current turns away from the land at the end of the flood and then to the land at the end of the ebb in the vicinity of the harbour entrances. It is worth noting that the duration of the flood current is considerably less than the duration of the ebb current as well as being stronger.

The current may attain a max rate of approx 2.5kts where the banks are close together. The current is weaker, 1.5-2.0kts, to the E off Bray-Dunes and slightly stronger, 1.7-2.2kts, to the W off Gravelines. In the aforementioned location, the E'ly flood current may attain a max rate around local HW whereas the W'ly ebb current attains a max rate approx 5hrs before local HW. Meteorological conditions impact the tidal currents.

The predicted strength of the tidal currents may be exceeded by 25% at springs and then the predicted strength of the tidal currents may be exceeded by 40% at neaps.

NE'ly winds may impact the predicted tidal height and reduce them by up to 0.3m, whereas, winds from the opposite direction may cause them to increase from up to 0.5m.

Slack water develops 2hrs before local HW and then 4hrs after local HW. The duration of slack water is approx 15mins and occasionally 10mins during strong W'ly winds. The time may increase to 20mins during E'ly winds.

There are two moored buoys, located 0.9nm WNW of the head of West Port W jetty and 0.4nm WNW of the head of East Port W jetty, which indicate the direction of the tidal current. Whilst being viewed from the N, the buoys present a black side by day and a white light over an orange light at night when the E'ly flood current is running. In contrast the buoys will present a white side by day and two white lights at night when the W'ly ebb current is running.

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

Approach

There are three approach routes to Dunkirk. The main approach is from the W, through the "Passe de l'Ouest" which leads to the entrance to Port Ouest. There is a coastal route which approaches Dunkirk from the E, through the "Passe de Zuydcoote". Finally there is an approach route to the port from the NE, known as the "Bancs de Flandre" route, which should only be used by vessels which have a pilot embarked.

APPROACH FROM THE WEST:

Sangatte to Dunkerque Port Ouest: From a position NW of Sangatte (50°57.0'N., 001°45.0'E) the route runs 7.5nm NE to a position S of Dyck Lightbuoy (port hand), when the route runs 10nm E through the Passe de l'Ouest, following the buoyed channel for the latter part, to a position NW of the harbour entrance. There are a number of wrecks in the fairway.

APPROACH FROM THE EAST:

From the position at the SW end of Westdiep close E of "E12" Lightbuoy (S cardinal) (51°08.0'N 002°31.0'E) the route, which is buoyed, leads 3.5nm SSW through the Passe de l'Est to a position N of the entrance to Port Est within the Rade de Dunkirk.

APPROACH FROM THE NORTH EAST:

From a position about 3nm SE of Westhinder Light (51°23.0'N., 002°26.0'E) and clear of the West Hinder TSS, the route leads 26nm in a generally SW direction through the Bancs de Flandre to a position at the W end of the buoyed approach channel, through the Passe de l'Ouest to join the buoyed channel through the Passe de l'Ouest and continue E, following the Sangatte and Chenal Intermediare to positions off Port Ouest or Port Est as required.

Port limits

The seaward boundaries of the port within which a vessel is considered to be an "arrived ship" are the Dyck Lightbuoy when the vessel comes from the W and in the roads when the vessel comes from the E.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Dunkirk VTS provides an Information Service, Navigation Assistance Service as well as traffic regulation and planning in the port area. The VTS includes a main centre, Dunkirk VTS, and a secondary centre, Dunkirk West. The secondary centre is more focused with vessels heading to or from the West Port.

Vessels between the Dover Strait TSS and the Dunkirk VTS area are subject to the SURNAV system and are required to maintain a continuous watch with the Gris-Nez Traffic on VHF Ch 13 and Dunkirk VTS on VHF Ch 73.

Anchorages

A designated Waiting Area extends SW from the vicinity of Dyck Lighted Buoy (51°03'N., 1°52'E.). All vessels intending to anchor in this area are required to follow the instructions of the Dunkirk pilot station. It is worth noting however that there are wrecks and obstructions within the area and severe caution should be taken. The Waiting Area has depths of 17.0-28.0m and is shared with vessels bound for Calais, which anchor in the S part.

A recommended anchorage berth, for vessels with a draught exceeding 15m, lies approx 15nm WSW of Dyck Lighted Buoy. Vessels with draughts approx 10-15m are required to anchor approx 2-3nm WNW of Dyck Lighted Buoy.

Vessels are required to anchor at slack water and not at HW.

All vessels approaching the port from the E may obtain anchorage within Westdiep (51°09'N., 002°36'E.). Depths at this anchorage is between 9.0-16.0m and prior permission must be obtained. It is understood that submarine cables are present in the vicinity of the anchorage.

Vessels from W or E, before entering Passe d'Ouest should, if possible, inform Radio Dunkirk Port of their characteristics and estimated hour of anchoring. The vessel will then receive full information and instructions.

Subject to contrary instructions, vessel should act as follows:

Vessels drawing 14.0m or more: Anchor 5nm WSW of Dunkirk Lanby.

Vessels drawing between 10.0m and 14.0m: Anchor about 2nm WNW of Dunkirk Lanby.

All other vessels will receive instructions from the Pilot Station, but vessels from W should anchor W of "DW4" Lightbuoy (51°02.7'N., 001°59.3'E) and those from E should anchor E of "E2" Lightbuoy (51°04.4'N., 002°22.4'E).

Restrictions

Large vessels may enter the port at slack tide only.

East Port: Day time: Max vessel handled LOA 292m, beam 45m, draught 14.2m. Night time: LOA 260m, beam 40m, draught 13.5m.

Locks: Charles de Gaulle: Max vessel size LOA 292m, beam 45m, draught 14.2m, the lock can be operated at all states of the tide.

Watier: Channel dredged to 7.0m, max useable length 230m, width 32m, and depth over the sill of 8.0m. The lock can be operated at all states of the tide, however if there are strong NE to NW winds near HW its use may be suspended to avoid scend damage.

Trystram: Has a useable length of 150m, width 23.5m, and depth over the sill of 5.0m, used for smaller vessels and when Watier is not available, however similar weather restrictions apply.

There are Restricted Areas, known as Release Zones, the limits of which may be best seen on the chart, lie approx 2nm NW and 7nm W of the entrance to West Port. Vessels waiting to enter the port can stop or anchor in these areas only with permission of the Harbour Master.

Vessels with draughts over 10m or an LOA exceeding 230m are considered to be constrained. These aforementioned vessels must display the appropriate shapes and lights when transiting the approach channels. Suction dredges operate in the approaches to the port and are required to keep clear of constrained vessels.

Approach: There are numerous wrecks which lie in the approach to the port and may best be seen on the chart. Buoyage marking the approach channels may be missing or changed without notice. In this instance then the vessels are recommended to contact the local authorities for the latest information concerning the routes.

Dumping Areas: Spoil areas are centred approx 1.5nm N and 3.4nm NNW of the entrance to West Port as well as 1.2nm and 2.5nm NW of the entrance to East Port. An explosive dumping ground area is centred approx 2nm NNW of the entrance to East Port.

Weather: Accidents are common within East Port due vessels disregard the effects of the wind on the tidal currents. As a result, caution and due diligence must be taken.

It was reported (1999) that submerged masonry extends up to about 50m seaward from the head of the W jetty at East Port.

Tugs

Six tugs of 40-43t bollard pull are available. The number of tugs used is determined by the pilot after agreement with the vessel's Master.

The use of tugs is compulsory for gas carriers.

Mooring

Generally vessels with an LOA exceeding 300m berth during the day at the West Port, whilst vessels with an LOA exceeding 250m and a beam 40m berth during the day at the East Port. Preferred time for vessels with an LOA exceeding 180m and a draught of 10m to enter the East Port is at slack water at the jetty heads. This is either 3hrs before HW or 2hrs after HW depending on weather conditions and tidal predictions. As a result, these vessels are given priority and may enter/leave the port at anytime.

Charts and publications

BA 323, 1350, 8163. Admiralty Pilot NP28, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Masters of all vessels are required to pass to Dunkirk Pilot Station, via Radio Boulogne, the following information: LOA and draught on arrival. Estimated time of arrival at vicinity of Dunkirk "Lanby" (Dyck Lightbuoy), or vicinity of "E12" Lightbuoy (51°08.0'N., 002°31.0'E).

This message should be passed at least 12 hours before arrival at the point indicated or when the vessel leaves the previous port. Amendments to ETAs of more than 2 hours should be notified 6 hours in advance. ETA at Dunkirk "Lanby" should be confirmed 4 hours in advance and for other points 2 hours in advance.

There are penalties if the above details are not given within the time indicated. If a vessel does not arrive within 2 hours of the signalled time of arrival, the information given is considered null and void. Vessels not subject to compulsory pilotage should give their estimated time of arrival stating whether they require a pilot or not.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered in accordance with the Charter Party.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowances: For each crew member 200 cigarettes and 1 bottle of spirits.

New Customs Forms to be completed for vessels sailing between 2 French ports.

Immigration may require Crew List and valid passports to be shown.

Notices and regulations

Conditions for access to be checked on the special notice, "Avis Aux Navigateurs A 675".

Vessels are more often than not prohibited from stopping, fishing, or anchoring, except in emergency or with permission, within the approach channels (Passe de l’Ouest, Passe Est, Westdiep, Passe de Zuydcoote, and Chenal Intermediaire) and roadsteads of Dunkirk. This regulation also applies to the four dumping ground areas lying N of the approach channels.

Signals: In the event that dredgers are operating on the S side of the approach channel then they will display a black cone during the day and then a green light at night. In contrast, dredgers operating on the N side of the approach channel, then they will display a red cylinder during the day and then a red light at night.

All movement signals for mariners for entry to the port are shown from the ends of the three locks at East Port. A green fixed light and a green flashing light indicate that vessels are to enter the lock and secure to the side with the flashing light. On the other hand, two red lights indicate that entry is prohibited. When permission to enter the lock is to be given, the red light situated on the side of the lock to which the vessel should secure starts to flash.

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at each quay.

Bunkering: All grades of bunkers are available by barge or road tanker. LNG bunkering available via LNG vessels at Terminal Flanders (Terminal des Flandres).

Medical

Nearest hospital: Hospital Alexandra Lepeve Hospital Center De Dunkerque (3.25km)

Transport

Nearest airport: Aerodrome du Grand Calais (30km) and Paris Beauvais Airport (177km).

Nearest railway: Dunkirk (2km).

Nearest highway: Port has direct access to European Route E40. E40 is the longest European route and runs 8,641km W-E from Calais, France to Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Dunkirk.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Dunkirk is situated on the N coast of France, near the Belgian border.

The port

The Port of Dunkirk, situated on the northern shores of France, is a vital maritime gateway that spans 17km of coastline, divided into the East and West Port. The East Port, accessed through a series of three locks, features six wet docks and 16km of quays across 385ha. It serves as a vital conduit for diverse cargoes, including grain, mineral ore, sugar, aggregates, LPG, breakbulk and liquid cargo.

Meanwhile, the West Port operates as a tidal port with 2km of quays set within a 560ha harbour area, designed to handle containers, coal, and iron ore, along with facilitating cross-channel ferry services. Enhancing its capabilities, the port features a shipyard and repair facilities

Traffic

Approx 44,000,000t of cargo, 747,000TEU, 6,000 vessels and 1,400,000 passengers, 3,000,000t of coal and 2,200,000t of grain handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Dunkirk?

The pilot boards at Dunkerque boarding, near E12 Lighted Buoy, 51°07.6′N 002°30.5′E. Dunkirk has 3 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Dunkirk in?

Local time at Dunkirk 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 Dunkirk?

The deepest berth listed is at Petrolier des Flandres: 20.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Dunkirk?

1016-1025.

Which load line zone is Dunkirk 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 Dunkirk?

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

What is the UN/LOCODE of Dunkirk?

The UN/LOCODE of Dunkirk is FRDKK.

What crews who called at Dunkirk 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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