Larne

1. Larne Lough pilot boarding place Pilot boards54°52.7′N 005°47.7′W

Size limits

LOA 125m, beam 19m, 8,000DWT

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 2.4m springs, 1.7m neaps. MLWS is 0.4m above chart datum.

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

Approach

Larne Lough may be approached from N or NE on either side of Hunter Rock (54°53.0'N 005°45.0'W) which lies 2.25nm NE of the entrance and is the only danger in the approach. Approach is made by heading for the vicinity of Larne No 1 Lightbuoy (E cardinal) (54°51.6'N 005°47.5'W), 0.5nm N of the entrance, and sometimes locally known as the Fairway Buoy.

From NE: The white sector (230°-240°) of Chaine Tower light, leads towards the harbour entrance, keeping: SE of Hunter Rock and S of Hunter Rock Lightbuoy (S cardinal) (0.25nm S). Then N of Barr's Point (51°51.5'N 005°46.7'W), from where a fog signal is sounded (White emitter 5m in height), adjacent to white house. Then as necessary to bring the leading lights into line for the entrance channel.

Leading Line: The SE corner of a prominent factory on the cliff top about 0.7nm NNW of Chaine Tower in line with Tappagh Hill TV mast is reported to be a useful lead between S Hunter Rock Lightbuoy and Skernaghan Point.

From N: by keeping W of Hunter Rock, the track leads towards the harbour entrance and then as necessary to bring the leading lights into line for the entrance channel.

Entering harbour: Leading lights: Front , Beacon No 11 (white diamond, red stripe, on red pile structure, elevation 6m) (54°49.6'N 005°47.7'W). Rear, Beacon No 12 (white diamond, red stripe on aluminium round tower, elevation 14m) (0.3nm farther S).

From a position about 0.75nm N of the harbour entrance the alignment (184°) leads through the centre of the entrance channel, passing (with positions from Chaine Tower): E of Larne No 1 Lightbuoy (W cardinal) (0.4nm NNE), then E of a rock with a depth of 5.9m over it (0.2nm NE) lying close outside the E limit of the channel. Then E of No 3 Lightbuoy (starboard hand) (0.15nm E), then W of No 2 Light Beacon (port hand) (0.3nm SE) a direct approach can then be made to the berths.

Cautions: A ferry plies from the ferry slip immediately S of Chaine Quay to the slip at Ballylumford boat harbour.

Port limits

The seaward limit of the port is a line joining Black Cave Head (54°52.6'N 005°49.3'W), South Hunter Rock Lightbuoy, 2.5nm E, Skernaghan Point, 1nm S, and Barr's Point, 0.6nm W. The S limit is a line joining Curran Point (54°50.4'N, 005°48.0'W) and a point on the foreshore of Islandmagee, 0.8nm E.

Anchorages

The usual anchorage is 1nm NNE of Fairway Buoy. Anchorage is sheltered in SSE and N'ly winds.

Tugs

Tugs are available.

Charts and publications

BA 1237. Admiralty Pilot NP40, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify ETA 24 and 2 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

Contact details:

Call Sign: Larne VTS

VHF: Ch 11, 16

Location: Larne VTS Centre

Telephone: +44 28 2887 2179

Fax: +44 28 2887 2180

Health

UK Health regulations apply.

Customs and immigration

Available, Tel: +44 28 9035 2220. Normal UK regulations apply.

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

Minor repairs available locally.

Dry docks

Available at Belfast.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available on all quays.

Bunkering: All grades of fuel, MDO and lube oils available by road tanker.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Available (32km).

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Belfast International and Belfast City airports (32km).

Airport facilities: Domestic connections to all parts of the UK.

Nearest railway: Larne Harbour station situated within port area.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Where it is

Larne is located on the NE coast of Northern Ireland at the entrance to Larne Lough.

The port

The port mainly handles Ro-Ro, general cargo and passengers.

Traffic

Approx 3,200,000t of cargo and 2,480 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Larne?

The pilot boards at Larne Lough pilot boarding place, 54°52.7′N 005°47.7′W.

What time zone is Larne in?

Local time at Larne 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 Larne?

1025.

Which load line zone is Larne 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 Larne?

Port State Control at Larne: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Larne?

The UN/LOCODE of Larne is GBLAR.

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