Port Sutton Bridge

Size limits

LOA 120m, beam 17m, draught 6.0m.

Water density

Density of water: Fresh to salt. Usually brackish, dependent upon the amount of fresh water being released from River Nene headwaters via sluices and the fresh water drainage/catchment area.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Mean spring range about 5.0m, mean neap range is 2.9m.

The tidal streams are reported to be strong at springs with rates up to 6kts but at neaps, with freshets in the river, the ingoing stream does not reach Wisbech. The ingoing stream normally runs for 4 hours at Sutton Bridge and at springs, for 3 hours at Wisbech. It should be noted that fresh to strong S winds cause tidal heights to be lower than predicted.

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

Approach

The Wisbech channel is entered from the NE and then runs in a generally S direction for 4.5nm between the extensive drying sands which front the coast. The sands to the W of the channel is Old South and to the E, Outer Westmark Knock and Inner Westmark Knock. The channel is marked by lightbuoys and light beacons some of which indicate the E limit of the danger area. The S part of the channel is marked by light beacons and buoys. Those painted green and exhibiting white or green lights should be left to starboard and those red with red light left to port.

From its entrance, formed by Wisbech Cut, and marked by Big Tom Light Beacon, red, 10m in height (52°49.6'N 000°13.1'E), on the E side and West End Light Beacon (black 7.0m in height, 0.2nm SW) on the W side, River Nene leads 9.0nm S, past Port Sutton Bridge, down to Wisbech.

The river banks are marked by light beacons or lights mounted on stakes similar to those in Wisbech channel. The stakes are moved as and when bank erosion occurs.

Caution: The channel has a least charted depth of 0.7m. However the channel is tortuous and both the line and depths are liable to change. The Harbour Master should be consulted for the latest information.

Port limits

Port Sutton Bridge and Wisbech port limits are located between the King's Lynn and Boston approaches in the Wash and the whole of the River Nene as far as Bar Flat.

Anchorages

An outer anchorage area is centred 0.8nm NNE of Nene Roads Lightbuoy (52°54.4'N 000°15.4'E). Vessels should report to Wisbech or Sutton Bridge pilots upon arrival at the anchorage.

Anchorage shelter in The Wash is dependent on prevailing winds.

Ministry of Defence Bombing Range situated due W of outer approach channel, well buoyed.

Restrictions

Vessels using Port Sutton Bridge may request latest information on acceptable vessel dimensions, and restrictions, from Sutton Bridge Ship Agency. Tel: +44 1406 351133.

Speed Limit: There is a strict maximum speed limit of 6kts at Port Sutton Bridge between the Port Hand Beacon "Double Reds" and sluice, 0.5nm S of Cross Keys Swing Bridge and at Wisbech between the Port Hand Beacon "Drakes" and Elgood's Brewery.

Cross Keys Swing Bridge (52°46'.0N 000°11'.7E), which is a revolving structure 21m wide with signals in both directions controlling traffic, crosses River Nene at Port Sutton Bridge. Agents usually advise swing bridge operators in advance and pilots keep in touch when approaching the bridge on way to or from Wisbech Town Quays, vessels restricted to max 13m beam. The E and W dolphins of the bridge are marked by lights. Vessels requiring the bridge to be opened should sound Morse Code 'B' or call using VHF transmission. Prior notice should be given when possible.

Port Sutton Bridge: LOA120m, Beam 17m.

Vessels of an unusual design or with restricted or limited visibility require prior permission from the Harbour Master and may be subject to daylight only passage and/or tug assistance.

Power cables span the river between 1.6 and 3.6km S of Port Sutton Bridge with least safe vertical clearance of 30m.

Tugs

Drake Towage operate three tugs: "Stint" 500hp, "Brent" 500hp and "Sheldrake" 100hp. These tugs are privately owned and are sometimes used as an aid in berthing and in swinging vessels.

Tugs arranged after consultation between Master, Harbour Master and Pilots, by the Agents, with the owner's agreement. 12 hours notice may be needed for a tug.

Charts and publications

BA 1190, 1200. Admiralty Pilot NP54, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notification of ETA should be sent to agents at least 24 hours prior to arrival at Pilot station or anchorage, or on sailing, if less than 24 hours from Port Sutton Bridge, or Wisbech, and regularly kept up to date.

Communications

Local navigational warnings are issued by the Wisbech Port Manager or Pilot, if on station, on VHF Ch 09 or 16. Outbound vessels can request weather information from the Harbour Master.

Contact can also be made through Humber Radio, preferably via Bacton sub station. It is often a case that Scheveningen Radio can be used.

Notice of readiness

Providing that agents have been advised in advance of the Charter Party requirements, this will be attended to by them in accordance with Charter Party terms.

Documents

Previous notice is given by agents to all parties concerned. On arrival, Master's should have available for submission to Customs: Two Forms C13s, 2 Crew Lists for Immigration, 2 Cargo Manifests and, in addition, if trading from outside EU, Customs require stores declaration of Form C142, in duplicate.

In addition, all ship's certificates and documents should be in order and up to date. If in doubt then the agents should be consulted.

Health

Providing that there is no notifiable disease onboard, pratique is not required. If in doubt, then Master should call agents. Ship Sanitation Control and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be issued.

Customs and immigration

Bonded Stores are the responsibility of the Master with no large quantities to be issued to any individual crew member. It must be noted that Immigration and Customs Officers may descend on any vessel at any time and conduct full scale searches of all spaces, both accommodation, cargo spaces, engine room and store rooms.

Notices and regulations

General Notices and Regulations: These should be advised by the pilots when they first board vessels, as the first Port Authority employees to see the Master. If in any doubt, then the agent will settle any problems on arrival.

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

Wisbech: Minor engine repairs only. Above waterline; to hull, electric and electronic equipment. Divers can be available for some routine checks. Most of these jobs can be arranged by agents, preferably with at least 24 hours notice.

Bunkers, water and stores

All can be arranged through agents (fuel by road tanker), preferably with 24 hours notice, especially in the case of bunkers and stores.

Medical

Queen Elizabeth II hospital, King's Lynn, (with helicopter landing facility), approx 24km from Wisbech and approx 16km from Port Sutton Bridge.

Wisbech and King's Lynn have dentists and opticians.

Crew change

Arranged by agents, subject to Immigration Officer's approval.

Transport

Nearest airport: Norwich (Norfolk) and Stanstead.

Airport facilities: Domestic and European connections.

Nearest railway: March (Cambridgeshire).

Water Connections: Wisbech is connected by River Nene and canals to Peterborough and Northampton and ultimately to the Grand Union Canal.

Working hours

Wisbech: Normally 0800hrs to 1700hrs. Overtime available if required.

Where it is

Port Sutton Bridge is located on the banks of the River Nene, approximately 6km inland from The Wash Estuary on the E Coast of England.

The port

The port handles general cargo and dry bulk.

Traffic

Approx 453,000t of cargo and 210 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Port Sutton Bridge?

Pilotage is compulsory for all commercial vessels.

What time zone is Port Sutton Bridge in?

Local time at Port Sutton Bridge 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 Port Sutton Bridge?

The deepest berth listed is at Port Sutton Bridge: 6.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Port Sutton Bridge?

Density of water: Fresh to salt.

Which load line zone is Port Sutton Bridge 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 Port Sutton Bridge?

Port State Control at Port Sutton Bridge: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Port Sutton Bridge?

The UN/LOCODE of Port Sutton Bridge is GBPSB.

What crews who called at Port Sutton Bridge 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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