Lancaster

Size limits

Inner: LOA 85m, beam 14m.

Outer: LOA 90m, beam 14m, draught 4.5m.

Water density

1015. Subject to slight seasonal variations and will alter after periods of heavy rain.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Glasson Dock 6.6m springs, 4.4m neaps.

Lancaster 4.3m springs, 2.5m neaps.

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

Approach

Approach is made from Lune Deep and entry through a narrow channel formed by the River Lune.

Directions for entering harbour: Approach: From a position NW of Fleetwood Fairway No 1 Lightbuoy the track leads a further 1.5nm ENE to the vicinity of the pilot boarding position close S of River Lune No 1 Lightbuoy (W cardinal) (53°59.0'N 003°00.0'W).

Channel: From the pilot boarding position, the track leads approx 4.0nm E through a channel marked on both sides by lightbuoys, formed by River Lune, which separates Sunderland Shoulder, a drying sandflat which extends 5.0nm W from the coast encumbering the N side and Bernard Wharf and Pilling Sands, which dry, on the S side, passing:

0.05nm N of Plover Scar, rocks which extend 0.3nm NW from the shore and which are marked by Plover Scar Light .

Caution: The banks and channels at the entrance to River Lune are constantly changing and the buoyage is frequently moved to reflect this.

Entry: From a position N of Plover Scar Light, the track towards Glasson Dock, 2.0nm upstream, continues through a channel marked by lightbuoys and lightbeacons.

Mariners should beware of the E set of the in-going stream in Sunderland Hole and if entering Glasson Dock, against the W eddy off the entrance.

From Glasson Dock to Lancaster, the channel is not buoyed and should only be undertaken with local knowledge by small craft.

Port limits

The port limits are defined by River Lune No 1 Buoy (53°58.0'N 003°00.0'W)

Traffic schemes and VTS

None.

Anchorages

Anchorage is available in a depth of 8.0m, holding ground sand. The anchorage is sheltered except for W'ly and NW'ly winds. Vessels waiting for a tide to Glasson Dock should anchor off River Lune No 1 Lightbuoy.

Prohibited anchorage exists E of Sunderland Point (53°59.0'N 002°53.0'W) in the vicinity of submerged pipeline.

Restrictions

Caution: A wreck, position approximate, with unsurveyed clearance depth of 3.0m lies approx 0.2nm S of River Lune No1 Lightbuoy.

Tugs

There are no tugs available.

Charts and publications

BA 2010, 1552. US Publications 142. Admiralty Pilot NP37, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should send ETA 12 hours in advance through the agent or direct to the harbour master.

Communications

Portpatrick coast station is recommended for passing messages at long range.

VHF: Lancaster Port Commission/Pilots Ch 16, 69.

Inmarsat communication is possible.

Standard messages

Discharge berth occupied coming on to lay berth.

Notice of readiness

NOR to be tendered on arrival at port.

Health

Pratique should be applied for as soon as unusual symptoms are noticed or vermin death is reported.

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be arranged.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowance is 1 litre of spirits and 200 cigarettes. Penalty for non-compliance is a fine of up to £1,000.

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, including divers.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Limited quantities available at all quays.

Bunkering: Fuel and diesel oil bunkers can be delivered by road tanker.

Stores: Limited stores available. No seasonal problems with suppliers.

Medical

Lancaster. All facilities within 10km.

Crew change

Crew change is possible. In some cases there is a visa requirement.

Transport

Nearest airport: Manchester (112km).

Airport facilities: Domestic and international flights are available, together with full crew change and airfreight facilities.

Nearest railway: Lancaster (10km).

Working hours

Normally 0700-1700hrs. Overtime is available on request and is negotiable.

Where it is

Lancaster is located at the mouth of the River Lune on the NW coast of England.

The port

The port has one dock and a number of river berths with a total quayage of 598m. These facilities accommodate small coastal general cargo and bulk vessels.

Traffic

Approx 150,000t of cargo and 130 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Lancaster?

Pilotage is not compulsory but highly recommended.

What time zone is Lancaster in?

Local time at Lancaster 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 Lancaster?

1015. Subject to slight seasonal variations and will alter after periods of heavy rain.

Which load line zone is Lancaster 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 Lancaster?

Port State Control at Lancaster: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Lancaster?

The UN/LOCODE of Lancaster is GBLAN.

What crews who called at Lancaster 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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