PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Montrose
Pilot
updated Nov 2017- Montrose pilot boarding Pilot boards56°42.1′N 002°24.7′W
Pilotage is compulsory for all merchant vessels and available 24 hours. Pilots embark from a pilot launch, fitted with VHF, 0.85nm to the E of Scurdie Ness Lighthouse.
Vessels awaiting pilot must keep to seaward of outer buoys.
Berthing instructions will be provided by the pilot.
Pilotage is compulsory for;
1. All vessels within the Port of Montrose Pilotage District, with the exception of vessels less than 40m length.
2. All vessels entering, leaving or transiting within the Port Montrose with the assistance of tugs or while under tow.
3. Any vessel with a defect in its hull, machinery or equipment, which might materially affect the navigation of the vessel.
4. Passenger vessels, licensed to carry more than 12 passengers.
5. All vessels carrying dangerous substances.
Non-compulsory Pilotage;
1. At the discretion of the Authority for named vessels and Masters engaged in dredging operations or the transport of dredged materials.
2. For vessels anchoring within port limits.
Every shipping movements in and around Montrose Port are controlled and monitored from Port Control. Port Control is manned 24 hours and available on VHF Ch 12.
The 24 hour pilotage services is maintained at the port and is compulsory for the movement of all vessels (except fishing vessel) using the port. Incoming vessels are normally boarded by the Pilots at the boarding area approximately at 2.4km ENE of Scurdy Ness Lighthouse.
Vessels that are bound for Montrose to keep Port Control advised on any alteration to ETAs at least 6 hours prior to arrival.
Vessels are advised to remain east of the outer red buoy at port entrance and await further instructions from the pilot and Port Control who will advise on berthing and anchorage accordingly.
Key data
updated Oct 2022Size limits
LOA 145.63m, beam 23.0m, 16,967DWT.
Water density
1020.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Tides
At North Quay Terminal; a minimum dredge depth at MLWS of 5.5m below chart datum. South Quay Terminal; a minimum dredged depth of 5.5m below chart datum for 250m and 8m for 225.
Chart datum is 2.65m below ordinary datum Newlyn (0.7m above MLWS at Montrose). However, sheltered berthing is available and vessels lying alongside in any weather conditions experince no heave or range.
The range of tide is 2.5m above chart datum at Neaps, 5m at Spring.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Quay Terminal | — | 143 m | 6 |
| South Quay Terminal | — | 146 m | 5 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Oct 2022Approach
Montrose Harbour is approached from the E through a dredged channel within the mouth of the River South Esk.
The entrance channel and the harbour are dredged to a minimum depth of 5.5m MLWS and a minimum width of 50m. The channel is marked by leading lights. The outer leading light is red and the inner leading light is green.
Outer approaches: From a position E of Scurdie Ness and to seaward of Scurdie Rocks the approach is indicated by the Outer Leading Lights (Fl R), on the alignment (271.5°) of these lights leads to the harbour entrance and through the outer part of the narrow entrance channel
Caution: In bad weather, with onshore winds, the outer leading light tower should be brought in line approx 1nm E of Scurdie Ness.
Inner approaches: From a position in mid channel 0.45nm E of the outer front light, the centreline of the channel is indicated by the Inner Leading Lights (Fl G), the alignment (265°) of these lights leads through the inner part of the dredged channel and into the harbour.
Caution: The entrance to the harbour is dangerous at all states of tide in strong E gales. Under these conditions the best time to enter harbour, if it is essential to do so, is during the last quarter of the ingoing tidal stream, since during the outgoing stream breaking seas extend as far as the outer end of the dredged channel.
It should be remembered that even with the vessel maintaining channel centreline it only passes 55m N of the rocks off Scurdie Ness and 60m S of the drying part of Annat Bank.
Port limits
The limits encompass the mouth of the River South Esk.
Anchorages
Port Control will, on request, advise vessels on the most suitable anchorages. These anchorages may be found around 3.2km off the coast or nearby Lunan Bay.
For further information call: Port Control +44 01674 672302 or Channel 12 VHF
Anchorage is available 1.75nm E of Scurdie Ness in depths of 24.0m, but this is exposed to the E.
Restrictions
Vessels up to 165m with a minimum draught of up to 7.4m are accepted. However, larger vessels may be accommodated depending on type.
For further information call:
Port Control +44 01674 672 302
or Channel 12
Tugs
Tugs are available.
Vessels in excess of LOA 130m, may require the services of a local tug, if not fitted with a bow thruster.
Charts and publications
BA 190, 210, 1407,1438. Admiralty Pilot NP54, NP286(1).
Reporting before arrival
updated Nov 2017ETA and pre-arrival notices
Notify vessel's agent 24 hours prior to arrival, message to include LOA and draught. Montrose Harbour Radio should be contacted 2 hours before arrival at the pilot station.
Communications
VHF: Port: Ch 16, 12. Call "Montrose Port Control".
Tel: +44 1674 672302, Fax: +44 1674 675530, Email: [email protected]
Health
There are no special health requirements.
Customs and immigration
Customs Office in Dundee, documentation to be faxed by agent.
Inspections
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.
Port services
updated Oct 2022Repairs
Available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available on both quays at a rate of 90tph.
Bunkering: South Quay- pipes from storage tank farm
North Quay - road tankers
Medical
Nearest hospital: Stracathro Hospital, 16.7km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Aberdeen International Airport, 69.8km.
Nearest railway: Montrose Train Station , 2.3km.
Working hours
Normally 0800-1200hrs and 1300-1700hrs. Overtime is available if required.
About Montrose
updated Oct 2022Where it is
Montrose harbour is situated at the mouth of the River South Esk on the NE coast of Scotland.
The port
Cargo handled at this port includes forest products, break bulk, dry bulk, grain, scrap, feedstuffs, fertilisers, offshore oil materials and equipment.
Traffic
Approx 2,000,000t of cargo and 500 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Montrose
Where does the pilot board at Montrose?
The pilot boards at Montrose pilot boarding, 56°42.1′N 002°24.7′W.
What time zone is Montrose in?
Local time at Montrose 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 Montrose?
1020.
Which load line zone is Montrose 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 Montrose?
Port State Control at Montrose: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Montrose?
The UN/LOCODE of Montrose is GBMON.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Montrose 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.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.