PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Heysham
Pilot
updated May 2010- Heysham pilot boarding place Pilot boards53°58.5′N 003°03.0′W
Compulsory for all vessels over 50m in length except HM vessels and foreign Naval vessels. Pilotage can be obtained from Fernleaf via fax or telephone to port or agents. Notice required for a pilot is 24 hours. Subsequent amendments should be made direct to the pilot station or Port Control.
The pilot boarding position is in the vicinity of Lune Deep Lightbuoy (53°56'N 003°11'W). The pilot boat, black hull and white superstructure, is only on station when vessels are expected.
Key data
updated Apr 2026Size limits
LOA 147m, beam 26.3m, draught 5.6m, 6,592DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Tides
Range 8.6m springs, 4.4m neaps.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Heysham Terminal | 5.60 m | 147 m | 7 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Feb 2015Approach
The approach is through Lune Deep and Heysham Lake, on the leading line passing between N and S Pierheads, with sand banks on both sides of the channel at LW. Water depth at LW is 12.0m, width of port entrance 91.4m.
Approach: From Morecambe Lightbuoy approach can be made through Lune Deep. From a position NW of Fleetwood Fairway Lightbuoy the approach leads a further 5.5nm through Heysham Lake (buoyed channel).
Leading Lights, alignment 102.25°, indicate the centre of the dredged channel which leads from the approaches into the harbour between N and S Piers.
Traffic schemes and VTS
None.
Anchorages
Anchorage is available in the vicinity of Lune Deep Lightbuoy. Vessels less than LOA 50m can use Heysham Lake, 0.5nm WNW of a buoy at position 53°59.6' 003°00.0'W.
Restrictions
Larger vessels enter port on HW.
Tugs
Tugs are available.
Mooring
Arranged through Port Control or agent.
Charts and publications
BA 2010, 1552. Admiralty Pilot NP37, NP286(1).
Reporting before arrival
updated Feb 2020ETA and pre-arrival notices
Notify ETA by fax at least 24 hours prior to arrival to Port Authority and by fax to agents 6 and 2 hours prior to arrival advising length and draught of vessel.
Communications
VHF: "Heysham Port Control" via Ch 14 or Ch 74. Ch 16 is used to begin initial contact.
Heysham Port Operations Control can be contacted through the Duty Managers: +01524 868307
Notice of readiness
NOR to be tendered on arrival.
Inspections
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.
Port services
updated Feb 2020Repairs
Small repairs are possible. Divers available.
Dry docks
There are no docking facilities.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available. Except on the W quay.
Bunkering: Available by pipeline.
Stores: Available.
Medical
Morecombe hospital, Lancaster Royal Infirmary, 11km.
Crew change
Available. There are no restrictions.
Transport
Nearest airport: Blackpool 48km, Manchester 96km.
Helicopter landing site close NE of North Quay.
Nearest railway: The port is rail connected.
Working hours
Ro-Ro: Throughout 24 hours. General: 0800-1800hrs. Overtime available.
About Heysham
updated Jul 2026Where it is
Heysham is situated 1nm SW of Throbshaw Point, in Morecambe Bay on the NW coast of England.
The port
The port mainly handles Ro-Ro and general cargo.
Traffic
Approx 5,600,000t of cargo and 2,100 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Heysham
Where does the pilot board at Heysham?
The pilot boards at Heysham pilot boarding place, 53°58.5′N 003°03.0′W.
What time zone is Heysham in?
Local time at Heysham 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 Heysham?
The deepest berth listed is at Port of Heysham Terminal: 5.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Heysham?
1025.
Which load line zone is Heysham 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 Heysham?
Port State Control at Heysham: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Heysham?
The UN/LOCODE of Heysham is GBHYM.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Heysham 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.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.