Lowestoft

1. Lowestoft Inner Pilot Station Pilot52°29.8′N 001°46.5′E
2. Lowestoft South Pilot Station Pilot52°26.7′N 001°48.3′E

Size limits

LOA 103.46m, beam 28m, draught 5.7m, 7,374DWT.

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 1.95m. In the entrance to Lowestoft harbour the tidal streams are strong. The optimum time to enter the harbour is 1 hour before local HW when the tidal streams across the entrance should be weak.

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

Approach

Entry from the North: From a position approx 1nm NE of the harbour entrance, the line bearing 226° of the head of Claremont Pier (0.5nm SSW of the harbour entrance) leads to a position 0.1nm ESE of the harbour entrance whence direct approach to the entrance can be made, passing (with positions from the harbour entrance):

SE of a pair of lightbuoys (E and S cardinal), marking an obstruction with 4.7m over it (0.75nm NE). Then NW of an unmarked wreck (0.6nm NE) with a depth of 4.1m over it. Then NW of a detached shoal patch (0.5NE) with depths of less than 5m over it, N Newcome Lightbuoy (port hand) is moored close to the E extremity of the patch. Then NW of Lowestoft Bank (0.45nm ESE) which connects to the N part of Newcome Sand and to the coastal bank which extends from the shore close S of the harbour entrance. Lowestoft Bank has depths less than 2.0m over it. Then to the harbour entrance which has a width of 45m and lies between North and South Piers. North Pier and its extension runs 0.3nm SW from the NE corner of the harbour. South Pier extends 0.2nm E from the shore along the S side of the harbour. Similar lights (white tower on small pavilion, 9.0m in height, floodlit) are exhibited from the pier heads.

Caution: A wall on the North Pier, 3.0m in height, partially prevents small boats leaving Waveney Dock from seeing or being seen.

Entry from the South: Vessels are to use the Stanford Channel (min depth 5.0m). Keep E of the 10m line, 1nm due E of Benacre Ness (52°24'W 001°44'E), until reaching the channel entrance between Newcombe Sand and South Holm Buoy. From a position ENE of Newcombe Sand Lightbuoy the buoyed route leads 1.5nm NNW to a position E of "The Ridge" to join the route from the N as described above.

Caution: The limits of the Stanford Channel are continually shifting. Buoys are regularly moved. Lowestoft Harbour Radio will advise on position of buoys, but will not offer navigation advice.

Harbour entrance to Inner Harbour: From the harbour entrance the route follows the dredged channel, which is 40m wide, in a generally WNW direction 0.25nm through Outer Harbour to the bascule bridge then into Inner Harbour, passing SSW of the entrance to Waveney Dock. Then S of the entrance to the Trawl Dock. Then to Bridge Channel which is 22.7m wide and lies between Inner N and Inner S piers and leads to the Inner Harbour.

Port limits

The port limits end at the pier head.

Anchorages

Lowestoft South Anchorage: A recommended anchorage area within a circle of radius 1.5nm, centred on position 51°24.5'N 001°47.0'E.

A recommended anchorage in depths of between 15.0 and 21.0m lies 4 miles SSE of the harbour entrance but it is exposed to E winds.

Corton Road affords good anchorage between Holm Sand and the coast with blue clay and mud, in depths of about 8.0 to 12.0m.

Lowestoft North Road affords anchorage between Holm Sand and the coast, sand and gravel, in depths of 10.0 to 13.0m. This anchorage is exposed to E winds which cause a short, choppy sea in some respects worse than the sea outside the sandbanks.

A number of submarine cables running in an E direction from Lowestoft Ness cross the S part of Lowestoft North Road.

Restrictions

NAABSA port.

Lowestoft Harbour Bridge: Will be opened only on demand for commercial shipping. Shipping is discouraged from passage during 0815-0900hrs, 1230-1300hrs and 1700-1730hrs daily. Bridge channel is 22.7m wide and leads to Inner Harbour.

Bridge Channel: Navigation in Bridge Channel is controlled by Lowestoft Port Control. A fixed red light (E and W of bridge) is displayed prior to and during bridge lift operations. Once open, a fixed green light indicates it is clear for vessels to proceed. If the fixed red light remains illuminated, vessels should remain clear of other vessels using the channel and await instructions on VHF. Large vessels may not approach within 150m of the bridge unless so directed.

Speed: The maximum harbour speed for vessels, except HM ships, is 4kts.

Tugs

Three tugs are available.

Charts and publications

BA 1535, 1543. Admiralty Pilot NP54, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should send their ETA at least 24 hours in advance to Lowestoft Port Control. Message should include ETA, maximum draught and port of destination, and if a pilot is required at the pilot boarding position. ETA should be confirmed 3 hours and 1 hour prior to arrival on VHF Ch 14, or by telephone or facsimile, stating their preferred pilot boarding position.

Vessels departing last port within 12 hours voyage time should send their ETA on departure.

Inbound vessels should request instructions before approaching harbour entrance and outbound vessels before leaving berth and on approaching Bascule Bridge.

Outbound vessels or vessels moving within the Lowestoft Pilotage Area requiring the services of a pilot shall give at least 1 hour notice of ETD

Communications

VHF: Lowestoft Harbour Radio: Ch 14 (24 hours), 16, 11.

Documents

Vessels carrying dangerous or polluting goods must complete the "Check List for Vessels Carrying Dangerous or Polluting Goods".

This is in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Reporting Requirements for Ships Carrying Dangerous or Polluting Goods 2004). In addition, a copy of the vessel's prior notification of waste onboard and full ISPS pre-arrival notification details will also be required. Two copies of each document are required on arrival.

One copy for the Harbour Master and one copy for the Harbour Pilot. The ship's Master presents the documents to the Harbour Pilot on arrival.

Notices and regulations

Mariners are advised that vessels departing Lowestoft Harbour have very limited vision seawards until clear of the piers. Vessels passing close offshore are therefore requested to contact Lowestoft Radio on VHF Ch 14 for traffic information.

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 dry dock is available for ship repairs.

Comprehensive repair and maintenance service with use of a drydock and a number of slipways.

Dry docks

Max vessel size up to LOA 55m and 800t displacement.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Carlton Court Hospital (4km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Norwich Airport (40km).

Working hours

Normally Mon-Fri 0800-1700hrs. Overtime and weekend working readily available by arrangement.

Where it is

Lowestoft is a small port located on the E coast of England.

The port

The port comprises an Outer and Inner Harbour with a total berth length of 3,500 meters, accommodating cargo ships, fishing vessels, offshore supply and standby vessels, ship repair units, and pleasure craft. The Outer Harbour, along with Hamilton and Waveney docks, serves the fishing industry, offshore fabrication and aggregate imports, while the Inner Harbour features general and bulk cargo berths. Strategically positioned near the oil and gas fields of the Southern Basin in the North Sea, Lowestoft is a key offshore supply and support hub, offering extensive facilities for constructing large topside deck structures and jackets for the North Sea and other oil and gas fields.

Traffic

Approx 100,000t of cargo handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Lowestoft?

The pilot boards at Lowestoft Inner Pilot Station, 52°29.8′N 001°46.5′E. Lowestoft has 2 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Lowestoft in?

Local time at Lowestoft 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 Lowestoft?

The deepest berth listed is at Lowestoft Terminal: 5.70 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Lowestoft?

1025.

Which load line zone is Lowestoft 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 Lowestoft?

Port State Control at Lowestoft: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Lowestoft?

The UN/LOCODE of Lowestoft is GBLOW.

What crews who called at Lowestoft 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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