Grimsby

Size limits

LOA 175m, draught 7.1m, beam 29.2m, 14,353DWT

Water density

1018.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Mean spring range 7.0m, mean neap range 5.6m.

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

Approach

Approach and entry: Grimsby is approached through Bull Channel and an approach fairway lying to the SE of Grimsby Roads. It is entered through one of two entrance locks, depending on the vessel's berth.

From a position (53°35.2'N 000°00.1'E) in the channel S of Grimsby Middle, the route leads W for 2.5nm through the fairway, which has an approx width of 0.35nm, to the harbour entrance, passing (with positions from harbour entrance):

S of Lower Burcom Light Float, marking the SW side of the channel to Immingham, then to the harbour entrance.

Royal Dock entrance lock: Is approached through the Tidal Basin, with an entrance width of 76m between the W Pierhead and a dolphin. The entrance lock has a length of 85m, width 21.3m and a depth over the sill of 8.2m at MHWS and 6.8m at MHWN. The lock normally operates from 3.5 hours before HW to 2.5 hours after HW, depending on draught. Lock is operated on the level from 1.5 hours to HW. The Royal Docks have a dredged depth of 6.8m, Alexandra Docks dredged to 6.6m.

Fish Dock entrance lock: Is to the E of the Royal lock. The approach is between Fish Dock East Pierhead and Middle Pierhead, to the lock which has a length of 21.4m, width 13m and a depth over the sill of 8.2m MHWS and 6.8m at MHWN.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Traffic signals: Main signals No 2 and No 4 of the International Port Traffic Signals are exhibited from a mast close W of the entrance lock to Royal Dock.

Anchorages

Vessels of light draught can obtain an anchorage in Grimsby Roads (53°35.5'N 000°03.5'E). Anchoring is prohibited in the fairway approaching Grimsby.

Restrictions

Entry on and around HW. Vessels over LOA 81m can only enter the locks on the level.

Tugs

Available, Humber Tugs Ltd, Immingham Dock, 24 hours notice is required.

Mooring

Mooring services provide by licensed operators.

Charts and publications

BA 1188, 8046. Admiralty Pilot NP54, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels are requested to give at least 2 hours notice before entering or departing the port and obtain permission by VHF before entering the lock. Amendments to ETA must be reported. Request for an authorised pilot must give at least 12 hours advance notice via 'Agent Online' to VTS Humber with ETA at the seaward limit of the Humber Pilotage area. Confirmation of ETA on VHF Ch 14 should be sent 2.5 hours prior to arrival at Spurn Light Float.

Communications

VHF: Humber Pilots: Ch 14 (Outer), 12 (Inner), Intership Ch 13. Tel: +44 1482 212191. Fax: +44 1482 218773. Email: [email protected].

Humber VTS: Ch 14 (Outer), 12 (Inner). Tel: +44 1482 212191. Fax: +44 1482 218773. Email: [email protected].

Grimsby Docks Radio: Ch 74, 18, 79.

Masters are reminded that communication with Humber Pilots Ltd is not to be construed as communication with VTS Humber who must be contacted directly.

Health

Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

Notices and regulations

A minimum of 2 hours notice must be given to the Dock Master's Office on VHF Ch 09 prior to a vessel entering or sailing from the port.

Dangerous substances:

The Dangerous Substances in Harbour Area Regulations require vessels carrying dangerous substances into the Humber harbour area to:

Give 24 hours notice of the entry of dangerous substances into the harbour area, but when this is not possible notice must be given before the vessel navigates the Humber.

Display a red flag by day and an all round red light by night, which requires that other vessels keep a safe distance. These signals are not to be exhibited when a vessel is underway.

Maintain VHF watch. Be in a state of readiness to be moved at any time, tidal conditions permitting.

Possess the appropriate and valid Certificate of Fitness.

Report untoward incidents immediately.

These regulations apply equally to vessels sailing from any berth within the Humber Harbour Area.

VTS Humber should be given notice of cargoes of dangerous substances at the time of ordering a pilot and at 2 hours to the estimated time of departure.

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. Divers available.

The port have spent $1.85 on the refurbishment of the East Slipway to accommodate vessels up to 600t with a new 200t hoist to handle larger vessels.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Most grades of oil available.

Medical

Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby. Hospital with helicopter landing site.

Transport

Nearest airport: Kirmington, South Humberside (24km).

Nearest railway: Grimsby Town Station.

Working hours

Normally Mon-Fri 0800-1700hrs. Shifts 0600-1400hrs and 1400-2200hrs plus 24 hour working available on request.

Where it is

Grimsby is situated on the S bank of the River Humber, 9.5km from the open sea.

The port

Grimsby port annual traffic figures merged with Immingham. Grimsby is favourably sited for its long standing trade with Scandinavian and N European countries. Excellent road and rail communications enhance the modern port facilities. The main commercial docks are Alexandra and Royal Dock, and there is also the regenerated Fish Dock. Main exports at the commercial docks are: Iron and steel, chemicals, vehicles and manufactured goods, while imports mainly consist of food products, iron, steel, vehicles and manufactured goods.

Traffic

Approx 44,000,000t of cargo handled at both Grimsby and Immingham and only 1,100,000t of cargo handled annually at Grimsby.

What are the pilot arrangements at Grimsby?

Compulsory by Humber Pilots.

What time zone is Grimsby in?

Local time at Grimsby 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 Grimsby?

The deepest berth listed is at Grimsby River Terminal: 7.10 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Grimsby?

1018.

Which load line zone is Grimsby 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 Grimsby?

Port State Control at Grimsby: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Grimsby?

The UN/LOCODE of Grimsby is GBGSY.

What crews who called at Grimsby 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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