PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
King's Lynn
Pilot
updated Sep 2019- King's Lynn 'Freebridge' – northern boarding limit / pilotage area limit Pilot52°44.3′N 000°23.2′E
- King's Lynn pilot boarding area – close East of 'No.1' Lightbuoy Pilot boards52°56.0′N 000°21.5′E
Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over LOA 35m and request to be made 24 hours in advance.
Pilot boards in position E of Lighted Buoy No. 1 (52°56.0'N 00°21.7'E) from 2 hours before HW.
Key data
updated Oct 2019Size limits
Max draught 6.0m, LOA 140m, beam 20m, 5,500DWt.
Water density
Varies.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Tides
Tides rise 6.8m at springs, 5m at neaps.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside Quay | 6.00 m | 140 m | 2 |
| Alexandra Dock | 5.50 m | 119 m | 5 |
| Bentinck Dock | 5.50 m | 119 m | 8 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Oct 2019Approach
King's Lynn is approached from the Wash through Bull Dog Channel, entered about 4nm SSE of Roaring Middle Light Float (52°58'N 0°21'E) which leads to Lynn Cut. The approach is navigable by sea going vessels from 2hrs before HW to 2hrs after HW.
From pilot boarding area position, E of Light Buoy No. 1 (52°56.0'N 000°21.7'E), the channel leads 2nm S'ly to entrance of Bull Dog Channel (No 5 E cardinal by 52°54.2'N 000°23.4'E) then SSW'ly and S'ly 4nm towards Lynn Cut. The channel leading to Lynn Cut is marked by lightbuoys which are subject to frequent change as the channel itself changes. The final 2.5nm of the channel is bounded on the W side by a training wall marked at its N end by West Stones Light Beacon (N cardinal) and at its S end by West Bank Light Beacon (yellow pile, tide gauge, 10m in height) (52°47'N 000°22'E). There is a shorter training wall extending 1nm NNW on the E side of the channel and the W wall is marked by beacons and light beacons. The channel up the river then leads to the port.
Port limits
The port limits extend over the SE half of the Wash.
Anchorages
Area within Southern Wash between "Roaring Middle" Light Float (52°58'N 000°21'E), Seal Sand N cardinal (52°56'N 000°20'E) and Sunk Buoy W cardinal (52°56.290'N 000°23.400'E).
Restrictions
There are depths of 1m within the river channel and vessels cannot enter at LW. The fairway in Lynn Cut is limit to a vertical clearance of 46m from the overhead cables. Vessels in excess of LOA 80m should notify the Conservancy Board's Harbour Master who will advise on suitability. Vessels up to length 119m, max draught 5.5m, regularly enter on suitable tides. Enclosed dock are entered through an entrance lock 15.2m wide with beam restriction up to 13.8m.
Tugs
Tugs are available.
The attendance of a tug is compulsory for tankers over LOA 73m.
Vessels of LOA 100m or over without a bow thruster are required to have 2 tugs in attendance. Vessels with a bow thruster will only require one tug.
A tug to swing the vessels is required for the vessels arriving and departing Riverside Quay .
Mooring
All vessels alongside at Riverside Quay shall be secured with the minimum number of 3 Head lines, 3 Stern lines, Forward and Aft Spring lines.
Charts and publications
BA 1200. Admiralty Pilot NP54, NP286(1).
Reporting before arrival
updated Sep 2019ETA and pre-arrival notices
Notify ETA 48, 24 and 12 hours, with any amendments up to 6 hours prior to arrival.
Communications
VHF: Pilots & Port: Ch 16, 14, 11, 9. Call "King's Lynn Harbour Radio". Vessels to maintain a listening watch and report movements on Ch 14.
Pilots: Fax: +44 1553 763431, Email: [email protected].
Port: Tel: +44 1553 773411, Email: [email protected].
Health
Renewal of Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificate possible.
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 Sep 2019Repairs
Available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available by road tanker only.
Crew change
Available.
Transport
Nearest airport: Norwich (International), 65km.
Nearest railway: King's Lynn (passenger), 2km.
Working hours
Normally 0745-1200hrs to 1300-1715hrs. Flexible working hours can be arranged.
About King's Lynn
updated Sep 2019Where it is
King's Lynn is located 2nm SSE of the entrance to Lynn Cut, which is the artificially straightened mouth of the River Great Ouse, at the S end of the Wash.
The port
The port area covers 39ha and consists of 2 interconnected docks and riverside quay providing more than 1,300m of quay accommodation.
King's Lynn Conservancy Board is responsible for the conservancy and harbour management. The Riverside Quay (NAABSA), Alexandra and Bentinck Docks are owned and operated by Associated British Ports (ABP).
The port handles agribulks, grain, forest products, aggregates, scrap metal, steel and breakbulk cargoes.
Traffic
Approx 382,000t of cargo and 170 vessels handled annually.
Questions about King's Lynn
Where does the pilot board at King's Lynn?
The pilot boards at King's Lynn 'Freebridge' – northern boarding limit / pilotage area limit, 52°44.3′N 000°23.2′E. King's Lynn has 2 pilot boarding places.
What time zone is King's Lynn in?
Local time at King's Lynn 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 King's Lynn?
The deepest berth listed is at Riverside Quay: 6.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at King's Lynn?
Varies.
Which load line zone is King's Lynn 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 King's Lynn?
Port State Control at King's Lynn: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of King's Lynn?
The UN/LOCODE of King's Lynn is GBKLN.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at King's Lynn 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.