Kyle of Lochalsh

Size limits

LOA 120m (with bow thruster), beam 12m, draught 6.4m.

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

Mean spring range 4.5m, mean neap range 1.7m.

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

Approach

A small town on the N side of the E entrance to Kyle Akin, near to the Skye Bridge, which can be approached from the S through the Sound of Sleat or from the N through the Inner Sound.

Port limits

Kyle of Lochalsh harbour consists of all waters below the level of HW enclosed by a line joining the following positions:

A point on the N shore in position 57°16.8'N 005°43.3'W, then:

SSE for 412m to positions 57°16.5'N 005°43.1'W, then:

E for 620m to position 57°16.6'N 005°42.5'W, then:

NE for 310m to position 57°16.8'N 005°42.3'W, then:

N for 180m to a point on the N shore in position 57°16.48'N 005°42.3'W.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Proposed reporting scheme via Oban coastguard for shipping passing Skye Bridge.

Anchorages

Good anchorage, suitable for coasters, can be obtained on the S side of Lochalsh in position 0.275nm NE of Rubha Buidhe (57°16'N 005°40'W) with Sgeir na Caillich bearing 150° distant 0.47nm, in depths of 13.0-15.0m, sand and mud.

Restrictions

A speed limit of 5kts within the harbour limits.

Tugs

There are 2 tugs available.

Charts and publications

BA 2540, Admiralty Pilot NP66B, NP286(1)

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

A slipway for repairs to vessels up to 60m in length.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available through Highland Council via the Harbour Master. Bunkering of fuel or lubricating oils is prohibited at the MOWI Kyleakin Terminal Pier.

Medical

Bradford, Isle of Skye, (via bridge and 14km by road). There is also local doctor available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Isle of Skye Aerodrome, Broadford, Skye, 14km from Kyle.

Nearest railway: Kyle of Lochalsh, railhead for line from Inverness.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

The Kyle of Lochalsh is situated at Loch Alsh approx 85nm due W of Inverness.

The port

Kyle is strategically placed on the N/S seaway on Scotland's W coast. It plays host to coastal vessels along with a significant fishing trade and an ever growing leisure industry, the harbour is open throughout 24 hours.

Cargo handled: Timber, fish foods and associated products, bulk supplies for the Outer Hebrides.

Traffic

Approx 11,000t of cargo handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Kyle of Lochalsh?

Pilotage is available on request.

What time zone is Kyle of Lochalsh in?

Local time at Kyle of Lochalsh is UTC+0. Clocks go to UTC+1 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+0 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the water density at Kyle of Lochalsh?

1025.

Which load line zone is Kyle of Lochalsh 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 Kyle of Lochalsh?

Port State Control at Kyle of Lochalsh: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Kyle of Lochalsh?

The UN/LOCODE of Kyle of Lochalsh is GBKYL.

What crews who called at Kyle of Lochalsh 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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