Milford Haven

1. Milford Haven inbound reporting point K – Wear Spit Pilot51°41.7′N 004°58.7′W
2. Milford Haven inbound reporting point A – West Approach Pilot51°39.3′N 005°18.0′W
3. Milford Haven inbound reporting point B – South Approach Pilot51°36.3′N 005°14.1′W
4. Milford Haven inbound reporting point C – East Approach Pilot51°36.3′N 005°08.6′W
5. Milford Haven inbound reporting point D – St. Ann's light buoy Pilot51°40.2′N 005°10.2′W
6. Milford Haven inbound reporting point F – Thorn Rock light buoy Pilot51°41.7′N 005°07.7′W
7. Milford Haven inbound reporting point H – Cunjic light buoy Pilot51°42.0′N 005°02.6′W
8. Milford Haven pilot boarding Pilot boards51°38.0′N 005°14.9′W

Size limits

LOA 345.33m, beam 60m, draught 18.36m, 319,439DWT.

Water density

1026.

Load line zone

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

Tides

MHWS 6.3m, MHWN 2.7m . The max tidal rate does not exceed 2.1kts below Wear Point.

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

Approach

The harbour is entered through West Channel, minimum depth 15.5m, the main deep water approach channel, or East Channel minimum depth 9.8m. At their convergence, a single dredged channel leads towards the various berthing areas, with a depth of 15.5m from Chapel Buoy to the Valero Refinery. The West and combined channels are marked by leading lights, which are fitted with high intensity lights for use in daylight in reduced visibility. These lights will be exhibited on request to the Port Control at any time. Lighted buoys and beacons warn the mariner of dangers as far as Neyland Spit (51°42.1'N 004°56.7'W).

Vessels constrained by draught: Within the port limits, a vessel of 12.0m draught or more should exhibit the shapes and lights and in restricted visibility, should make the appropriate sound signals. Such a vessel is particularly restricted when in the vicinity of Angle Lightbuoy.

Directions for deep draught vessels: Vessels with draught of 14.5m and over enter harbour through the West Channel (51°40.0'N 005°10.4'W) only and normally with a NW going tidal stream. Under these conditions vessels will be heading about 040° to keep the outer leading lights in line bearing 022.5°, and will thus be on the right heading for the West Channel Leading Lights on passing Middle Channel Rocks Light.

Inward procedure for deep draught vessels: Vessels bound for the oil terminals make escort tug fast at the pilot embarkation point. The remaining tugs make fast between Angle Buoy and South Hook Buoy. VLCC's, which require 4 or 5 tugs, have little, but adequate, time to make them fast. It is therefore extremely important for a deep draught tanker to have everything ready and the crew on stations prepared to make tugs fast by the time the Angle Buoy is reached and that after the turn is made the speed over the ground is reduced quickly so that by the time the South Hook Buoy is reached, all tugs are fast.

Controlling Depth: For all states of the tide as far as Valero deep water berths is 15.6m and for the SemLogistics deep water berth 12.8m. The control depth from SemLogistics to the Ferry Terminal at Pembroke Dock is 7.5m when proceeding N and E of the Dockyard.

The control depth in the Milford Shelf swinging ground is 9.2m.

Under Keel Clearance: The minimum UKC allowed is 10% of the vessel's deepest draught reading. However, it should be noted that heavy swell may be experienced until inside Saint Ann's Head and in adverse conditions as far as Angle Lightbuoy. As a general rule, the UKC for deep draught vessels on the oil terminals is 1.0m, but should not be less than 5% of the vessel's draught.

SemLogistics Terminal: The SemLogistics turning basin is marked at its S extremity by a buoy. The Llanreath/Pennar Leading Lights provide a clearing line for the shallow water. Off SemLogistics No 3 a bank extends N into the channel special care required when turning off this berth.

Pembroke Dock: The western approach to Carr Jetty is made after passing Carr No 2 Buoy using the leads heading 153°. The eastern approach is through the Pembroke Reach, then E and S of Dockyard Bank. Within Pembroke Dock vessels up to 100m length may berth at any state of the tide, larger vessels may only berth at slack water.

Milford Docks: The narrow approach channel to the lock entrance is marked by two buoys at the inner end, 0.1nm from the entrance. The channel is also marked by leads (348°) from the deep water channel to the approaches to the lock. There are shoal patches less than 90m on either side of this line, the tidal stream runs across the entrance to the lock. The max width between the lock gates is 20.5m, least depth over the sill is 3.2m. The gates are opened 2 hours before HW until HW. The max length to swing in the dock is 113m, which is reduced if another vessel is alongside.

Port limits

The port limits are bounded by a line from the W extremity of Studdock Point, SE to 51°36.50'N 005°03.70'W, W to 51°36.50'N 005°16.70'W then N to 51°41.10'N 005°16.70'N and then E to the SW extremity of St Ann's Head.

Traffic schemes and VTS

The VTS Traffic Organisation Service includes harbour surveillance radar covering Milford Haven up to the Cleddau Bridge and the seaward approaches for ranges up to 6.0nm. Vessels may obtain navigation advice and port operational information at any time, 24hours a day, by contacting Milford Haven Port (see Communications Section).

Milford Haven Port VTS provides information services and a vessel traffic organisation service.

A. The VTS is mandatory for all vessels over LOA 20m operating in Milford Haven and Approaches.

Vessels Underway Within The Haven: must maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Ch 12. Vessels intending to change to VHF Ch 06, 08, 09 or 15 for berthing operations and communications with tugs should first advise Port Control. Vessels must report to the Port Control after securing to the berth.

Controlled and Exclusion Zones For Specified Vessels:

These are allocated to certain specified vessels when navigating within the port.

Controlled Zones extend 1.0nm ahead and astern of the specified vessel and within the confines of the main channel. No commercial vessel of LOA 20m or more may navigate within the Controlled Zone except astern of the specified vessel where such navigation is away from that specified vessel and provided that prior permission has been sought from and granted by Port Control.

Exclusion Zones extend ahead to the limit of the line of sight from the bridge of the specified vessel within the confines of the channel. Such limit will be determined by a patrol vessel stationed ahead of the specified vessel. The zone astern will extend to the stern of an escort tug, where one is provided, or 100m astern of the specified vessel should a tug not be provided. No vessel is permitted to navigate within the Exclusion Zone at any time.

Anchorages

Vessels wishing to anchor in Milford Haven are required to notify Milford Haven Port Control who will advise where to anchor.

Vessels at anchor within the Haven must report to Port Control and maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Ch 12 and 16 while at anchor. Vessels at anchor are not permitted to bunker or immobilise their main engines without the prior permission of the Harbour Master.

Dale Roads Anchorage: is the only anchorage suitable for vessels over 7.0m and under 12.0m draught in the area between Stack Anchorage (51°42.14'N 005°06.05'W) and longitude 5°08'W, N of latitude 51°42'N. It is exposed to wind and swell. The uneven rocky bottom does not always offer good holding ground and full anchor watch must be maintained. There is a wreck, swept by wire to 12.2m, lying in the SW part of the Dale Roads Anchorage, 0.8nm E of Dale Point (51°42.16'N 005°09.01'W).

Due to problems in the past, Port Control will encourage all vessels over 7.0m draught to remain outside the Haven, well offshore, maintaining watch on VHF Ch 16 and allowing sufficient time to reach the entrance to board the pilot.

Stack Anchorage: For medium sized vessels up to 7.0m draught, lies within the 10m depth contour approx 0.3nm W of Stack Rock (51°42.15'N 005°05.53'W). There is a wreck, depth 9.2m, marked on its SW side by Stack Light Buoy (port hand), approx 0.6nm W of Stack Rock.

Dale Shelf Anchorage: Suitable for smaller vessels, within the 10m depth contour between Dale Point (51°42.16'N 005°09.01'W) and Watch House Point, 0.8nm NE. Weed in the W part of this anchorage may prevent good holding. A wreck, depth 2.3m, is marked by Dakotian Light Buoy (E Cardinal), 0.4m E of Dale Point.

Sandy Haven: Suitable for smaller vessels. Lies NNW of Stack Rock (51°42.58'N 005°06.33'W). Montreal Rock (51°42.15'N 005°05.53'W), marked by the Montreal Rock Buoy (S Cardinal), lies in the WNW part of the anchorage. There are detached shoals at the head of Sandy Haven Bay.

Prohibited Anchorage: Within an area either side of the leading lights in the approach to Milford Docks.

Anchoring and trawling are prohibited within 100m on either side of submerged oil pipelines which cross the Haven between the shore N of Wear Tongue and West Pennar Point.

Cruise Vessels: Are permitted to anchor in the Haven and operate tenders for visiting passengers or, by prior arrangement, use refinery jetties, which offer berths of up to LOA 330m and 19.0m draught.

Outer Anchorages: Deep draught vessels (more than 12m) are advised not to anchor within a radius of 5.0nm from Middle Channel Rocks Lighthouse.

Restrictions

Entry Restrictions for Larger Vessels: VLCC's may enter only between one and a half hours before HW and HW Milford Haven. A VLCC is defined as 65,000gt and above.

Vessel Constrained by their Draught: Within the Port limits a vessel with a draught of 12.0m or more should exhibit the correct shape and lights and, in restricted visibility, should make the appropriate sound signals for a vessel constrained by her draught. Such a vessel is particularly restricted when in the vicinity of Angle Light Buoy.

Deepwater Channel: Fully laden VLCC's up to 20m draught can be accommodated on most HW's. For vessels of more than 17.0m draught, special arrangements must be made with the Port Authority. Vessels up to LOA168m can be handled at Pembroke Dock.

Castle Martin Gunnery Ranges: Active for 44 weeks in the year, starting late Feb to mid Dec. During these times the firing area is usually manned by a Patrol Boat. The danger area extends out to sea from the coast between Little Furznip (51°39.2'N 005°03.5'W) and St Govans Head (50°35.8'N 004°55.5'W). The danger area depends on the type of weapons and ammunition being fired and can extend out from 3nm to 12nm off the coast.

Restricted Visibility: Vessels of 30,000DWT or greater and all LNG vessels shall not enter or move within the Haven if visibility is less 1nm, vessels less than 30,000DWT carrying a dangerous substance or polluting cargo in bulk shall not enter or move within the Haven if visibility is less than 0.5nm.

Vessels greater than LOA 20m shall not enter or move within the Haven if visibility is less than 0.1nm.

Swinging Areas: An area primarily for movement of large LNG carriers immediately W of South Hook LNG Terminal (51°41.88'N 005°04.64'W). The E and W limits of the area are indicated by Qatar Light Buoy (safe water) and South Hook Light Buoy (S Cardinal). The S limit of the area is marked by Light Buoys S1 and S3 (starboard hand) and the N limited by Light Buoys S2 and S4 (port hand).

For swinging of large tankers in a part laden state, or in ballast, a swinging area is located off the Valero Terminal. The N limit with a dredged depth of 9.5m, is marked by Milford Shelf and Cunjic Light Buoys (port hand). Deeper water lies S of the line indicated by the light beacons at Newton Noyes.

A further swinging area lies off the Semlogistics Terminal.

Submarine Cables and Pipelines: A great deal of these area located in the W part of the Haven. An abandoned pipeline extends SSW from the N shore E of Hakin Point (51°42.45'N 005°02.60'W).

An outfall extends 0.25nm SSW from a position on the N shore 0.1nm E of Hakin Point is marked at its head by a light buoy (special). A short outfall, close W, is marked by a beacon.

An outfall which lies along the W edge of Car Rocks (51°41.89'N 004°57.59'W) extends 0.25nm NNW from the W side of Pembroke Dock.

Cleddau Bridge: Road bridge with vertical Clearance of 36m.

Tugs

Escorting by Tugs: Compulsory for all loaded tankers of 50,000DWT or more and certain loaded vessels between 25,000DWT and 50,000DWT carrying persistent oil cargo, at the discretion of the Harbour Master.

Handling by Tugs: There are several tugs which can handle the largest tankers; all of these are equipped for fire fighting.

Vessels secure tugs on passing Angle Lightbuoy; if bound upstream of South Hook, tugs join at South Hook Lightbuoy.

Vessels over 25,000DWT require at least 1 tug. Vessels up to 10,000DWT require 1 tug rope runner. Vessels over 10,000DWT (unless Master requests otherwise), requires 1 tug rope runner and 1 mooring boat.

If the tug rope runner is used, the rope runner only will be used to pass springs to the berth, which can only be used to run springs to the berth ends.

LNG vessels: 4 tugs required for all movements, plus one tug on standby while LNG vessel alongside.

Mooring

Port of Pembroke:

Carr Jetty: Large vessels berth on flood tide or slack water depending on length and draught. Control depths should be treated with caution. Large vessels normally berth portside alongside on Long Arm.

Up to 2 tugs for large vessels. Day and night operations.

Quay 1: Vessels of up to LOA 150m can berth anytime on Quay 1. Vessels of LOA 100-168m are at pilot's option.

Berth No 1 has shore wires. Shore wires used if gales are forecast at any time and are always used in the period Sept 30-Mar 31 on all vessels over 100,000DWT.

For severe weather, moorings to be increased in line with availability of vessels leads, suitable moorings and shore mooring hooks.

On some vessels it may not be possible to run breast lines as well as head/stern lines. Where this is not possible the head and stern moorings should be increased.

Shore Wires: Available on Berths, 1, 2 and 6 for vessels in excess of 20,000DWT. These are generally not used between April and August.

A mooring boat or tug rope runner with Coxswain in attendance is kept at the Valero terminal at all times when vessels are alongside. This is for running additional moorings and other duties. The boat is only removed when vessels are alongside if the Coxswain considers it is unsafe to station the boat at the terminal. In this case the mooring boat will be stationed at the closest safe point to the terminal.

Landing Places Suitable For Tenders: Located at Hakin, just to the W of Milford Lock entrance; the steps here dry at LW. Access to the Milford Town can also be gained using the vertical ladder at Lock Pit, on the W side of the Lock. There is also a substantial waiting pontoon to the E of the Lock entrance, enabling access to the facilities of Milford town. The Port Authority Jetty (51°42.38'N 005°03.06'W) can be used at all states of tide but only with prior permission. Landing pontoons can also be found at South Hook LNG, Murco, Valero, Semilogistics and Dragon LNG Terminals but can only be used with prior permission.

Charts and publications

BA 3274, 3275. US Publication 142. Admiralty Pilot NP37, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA should be sent 12 hours prior to arrival, with amendments at least 2 hours before arrival. Confirm ETA by VHF when within 20-30nm of St Ann's Head. Vessels must report to Port Control when within 1 hour of St Ann's Head and thereafter maintain a listening watch on Ch 12 or 14 as directed. Vessels with damage or towing must give full details to Port Control and obtain permission to enter the Haven.

Vessels should include in their ETA report their pilotage requirements, draught, cargo, PEC number (if applicable), previously port of call and any circumstances which may affect the seaworthiness or ability to manoeuvre of the vessel. Any amendment to this information should immediately be reported to Port Control.

Communications

When moving within the Haven, all vessels should maintain a Listening Watch on VHF Ch 12. Vessels entering or leaving Milford Dock should listen on VHF Ch 12 but change to VHF Ch 14 when working with the Pierhead. Vessels with a Pilot, PEC or excepted Masters should use VHF Ch 08 to liaise with MDC Dockmaster on entry to Milford Dock.

Health

Quarantine: International health regulations are to be observed.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates and Exemption Certificates renewed.

Notices and regulations

Entry Regulations: It is important to maintain continuous radio contact with the signal station when within one hour's steaming of Saint Ann's Head for anchoring or berthing details and at all times when in the Haven and not safely moored to an alongside berth. Vessels arriving off the port of Milford Haven in a damaged or suspected damaged condition likely to affect seaworthiness or cause leakage of oil, must report such damage to the Harbour Master and remain outside the seaward limit of the port until permission to enter has been given.

Large Vessel Entry Restrictions: VLCC's may only enter between 1.5 hours before HW and HW Milford Haven. VLCC's of less than LOA 275m may enter between 4 hours before and 3 hours after HW Milford Haven at the discretion of the pilot, subject to considerations of under keel clearance, weather and tidal stream. A VLCC is defined as 65,000GT and above.

Draught Restrictions: Within the port limits a vessel with a draught of 12.0m or more should exhibit the shape and lights, and in restricted visibility should make the appropriate sound signal, for a vessel constrained by draught.

Dangerous Goods: Masters of vessels carrying dangerous substances are required, before entering Milford Haven, to give 24 hours notice to the Harbour Master, through the Port Control. Notice should either be given by VHF or by telex when reporting ETA.

Applicable for all vessels, extract from Milford Haven Bylaws: No unauthorised vessel shall enter or navigate within 100m of a petroleum berth or a moored petroleum vessel.

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, through Milford Haven Ship Repairers.

Divers available. Hull, deck, electrical and engine repair and maintenance available.

Safety equipment servicing also available.

Dry docks

There are also two slipways at Pembroke Dock.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fuel of all types is available at the terminals, Milford Docks, Pembroke Dock and Port of Pembroke.

Fresh water is available at the terminals, Milford Docks, Pembroke Dock and Port of Pembroke.

Stores are available at most berths, by arrangement.

Medical

Dentists, opticians and clinic services are available locally.

Main hospitals for emergency treatment:

(South of Milford Haven): South Pembrokeshire Hospital, Fort Road, Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire SA72 6SY. Tel: +44 (0) 1646 696314.

(North of Milford Haven): 10km, Withybush General Hospital, Fishguard Road, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA61 2PZ. Tel: +44 (0) 1437 764545.

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Cardiff (Wales) International, 140km.

Haverfordwest, domestic, 11km.

Airport facilities: Cardiff (Wales) Airport has more facilities than Haverfordwest which only offers charter flights.

Nearest railway: Milford Haven, freight and passenger, 1km.

Nearest motorway: Milford Haven, 1km.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1600hrs, overtime 1630-0800hrs, to be arranged with owners, any shift system can be accommodated.

Oil Terminals operate throughout 24 hours. Some other installations may charge overtime rates during UK national holidays.

Where it is

Milford Haven is situated between Saint Ann's Head and Sheep Island, on SW Wales coast.

The port

Milford Haven is the largest port in Wales and the sixth largest in the United Kingdom. The Haven is a natural deep water harbour, offering extensive shelter in bad weather. The port area mainly handles tanker traffic, large ferries and cruise liners, along with a large amount of recreational craft and fishing boats. There are deep water quays, a ferry terminal at Pembroke and also an enclosed dock at Milford Docks.

There are two major LNG terminals, South Hook and Murco (which is up for sale again as previous buyers only wanted to use the site for storage and distribution). Other terminals include Dragon LPG, Valero (which acquired the terminal from Chevron in 2011) and Semlogistics.

Traffic

Approx 38,000,000t of cargo, 1,900 vessels and 170,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Milford Haven?

The pilot boards at Milford Haven inbound reporting point K – Wear Spit, 51°41.7′N 004°58.7′W. Milford Haven has 8 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Milford Haven in?

Local time at Milford Haven 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 Milford Haven?

The deepest berth listed is at Valero Terminal (Ex-Chevtex): 18.36 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Milford Haven?

1026.

Which load line zone is Milford Haven 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 Milford Haven?

Port State Control at Milford Haven: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Milford Haven?

The UN/LOCODE of Milford Haven is GBMLF.

What crews who called at Milford Haven 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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