Peterhead Bay Harbour

1. Peterhead Harbor pilot boarding Pilot boards57°28.4′N 001°43.7′W

Size limits

LOA 280m, beam 21.5m, draught 11.0m, 96,000DWT.

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

There is little or no stream inside the breakwaters.

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

Approach

Peterhead Bay lies between Keith Inch to the N and Salthouse Head to the S. It is protected by the North Breakwater extending 400m SSW from Keith Inch and by the South Breakwater extending 750m NE from Salthouse Head. The entrance between the breakwaters, which faces SSE, is 208m wide.

Entry between the breakwaters should be made with Kirktown leading lights in line, bearing 314° until the Albert Quay Light (Fl G 2s) is abeam to starboard before altering course to enter the harbour. Vessels bound for South Harbour should keep to the white sector of the South Harbour Leading Lights, (Oc WRG 6s). The light shows: Green sector 048.8° - 056.5°, white sector 056.5° - 060.4°, red sector 060.4° - 068.4°. The South Quay Roundhead is Fl G 2s. North and Port Henry Harbours are entered via the South Harbour.

Traffic schemes and VTS

All vessel movements in and out of the harbour are monitored, coordinated and recorded by Peterhead Port Authority's Vessel Traffic Services (VTS). The Port Authority has responsibility for VTS within the port limits, which encompasses an area of 1.7nm radius of the port. Two radars feed information into the 24hr Port Control Tower, where there is an experienced VTS operator on duty at all times. All of Peterhead's VTS operators are qualified to V-103 standard. All information gathered by radar, VHF Radio and telephone is recorded. Information, directions and advice are passed to vessels via VHF Ch 14. Vessels are required to establish contact a minimum of one hour before arrival, using call sign "Peterhead Harbours" on VHF Ch 14, prior to entering, leaving or manoeuvring within the harbours. A listening watch is maintained on VHF Channels 14 and 16. VHF Ch 9 is also designated as a port user channel. ASCO operations and Agency may be contacted on VHF Ch 11 using call sign "ASCO Base." In cases of emergency including pollution clean-up operations, vessels engaged in the incident will be requested to communicate on VHF Ch 10.

Anchorages

Peterhead Bay offers anchorage in depths up to 12.5m. The best holding ground is under the lee of the South Breakwater, consisting of fine sand over blue mud or clay with occasional boulders.

During periods of gales, vessels anchored in Peterhead Bay have been known to drag their anchor. Vessels at anchor must at all times keep a sharp lookout and maintain a continuous radio watch on VHF Ch 14 and have their engines ready for immediate use.

Restrictions

Under Keel Clearance (UKC): There is a general rule for larger vessels to maintain a minimum UKC of 1.0m within the port limits.

Tugs

Harbour towage can be arranged through shipping agents provided sufficient notice is given. A small harbour tug "Ugie Runner" with 9t bollard pull is available on request. Additionally, a small harbour workboat "Flying Scud" is available to assist berthing.

Charts and publications

BA 1438, 213. Admiralty Pilot NP54, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

The vessel's ETA should be sent a minimum of 24 hours prior to arrival to the vessels agent and pilot office. Vessels carrying dangerous or polluting cargoes should also send mandatory details to the Port Authorities 24 hours prior to arrival. ISPS advance notice is also required.

Communications

VHF: VTS: Ch 16, 14, callsign "Peterhead Harbours".

Port Operations: Ch 09, 11.

Pilot: Ch 14, 09. Call at least 1 hour before the pilot is required.

ASCO Operations & Agency: Ch 11, callsign "ASCO Base".

In cases of emergency, including pollution clean-up operations, vessels engaged in the exercise will be requested to communicate on Ch 10.

Health

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates or Exemption Certificates can be updated by arrangement with the local Environmental Health Department.

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

Most hull and engine repairs are available. A slipway with four cradles is available that can accept vessels with a keel length of 27.4m, max. beam 7.2m and 360GT.

Dry docks

A drydock is located in the North Harbour capable of accommodating vessels up to LOA 57.9m, beam 10.67m and draught 5.0m. The modern syncrolift ship repair facility has enclosed repair hall 30m high and an external berth which accommodates vessels up to LOA 48m.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available, mostly delivered by Road Tanker.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Peterhead Community Hospital, 1.5km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Aberdeen International Airport, 54.4km.

Nearest railway: Insch Railway Station, 65.5km.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Peterhead Bay Harbour is situated on the NE coast of Scotland.

The port

Peterhead Bay Harbour and Peterhead Harbours are together known as the Port of Peterhead. The port is the most E'ly deepwater port on the Scottish mainland. It lies close to the major oil and gas fields of the northern and central North Sea. This location has led to the harbour being host to a major support base servicing the offshore oil and gas industry operating in those areas.

ASCO South Base and ASCO North Base, together make up the largest fully integrated oil supply industry and rig service base in Europe.

There are modern fish processing facilities, cold stores and freezing plants for herring, mackerel and shell fish industries.

The port handles a wide range of cargoes including frozen fish, agricultural products (grain), fertiliser, timber, project/heavy cargoes, fuel, stone, salt, chemicals and bulk cargoes. The harbour is also used by cruise liners.

Traffic

The port handles approx 700,000t of cargo and 123 vessels annually.

Where does the pilot board at Peterhead Bay Harbour?

The pilot boards at Peterhead Harbor pilot boarding, 57°28.4′N 001°43.7′W.

What time zone is Peterhead Bay Harbour in?

Local time at Peterhead Bay Harbour 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 Peterhead Bay Harbour?

The deepest berth listed is at Peterhead Power Station: 11.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Peterhead Bay Harbour?

1025.

Which load line zone is Peterhead Bay Harbour 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 Peterhead Bay Harbour?

Port State Control at Peterhead Bay Harbour: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Peterhead Bay Harbour?

The UN/LOCODE of Peterhead Bay Harbour is GBPHD.

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