Port Talbot

1. Port Talbot pilot boarding point Pilot boards51°29.0′N 004°05.0′W

Size limits

Draught 16.5m, LOA 300m, beam is unrestricted,182,983DWT

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 8.9m (max), 4.0m (min).

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

Approach

Approaches: From a position outside Swansea Bay and in the vicinity of the pilot boarding area for Port Talbot, deep draught vessels should pass S of the Ledge Lightbuoy (51°30'N 003°59'W) then proceed NE towards the entrance channel, passing:

SE of Grounds Lightbuoy (E cardinal), moored off the SE end of Outer Green Grounds, then:

SE of Cabenda Lightbuoy (S cardinal).

Entrance channel: Passes between N and S breakwaters, dredged over a width of 183m and is marked on each side by lightbuoys (port and starboard). A light (metal framework tower) is exhibited from the head of each breakwater.

Leading lights: Front light (yellow and orange diamond shaped daymark on metal framework tower) are situated near the root of the N breakwater.

Rear light (similar structure) (400m ENE of the front light).

The alignment 059.75° of these lights, which are shown when required, leads through the entrance channel into the harbour.

A turning area, dredged to 11.2m, exists within the confines of the Tidal Harbour breakwaters; the limits of the turning area are marked by steel and wood pile structures from which lights are exhibited.

Port limits

From HW mark at position 51°34.00'N 003°47.13'W, then on an imaginary arc of a circle centred on the tower at the base of N breakwater with a radius of 2,037m, then to 51°34.05'N 003°49.27'W, then on a bearing of 239°49', then to 51°33.44'N 003°51.00'W, then on a bearing of 233° .

From HW mark at position 51°32.87'N 003°52.15'W, then on a bearing of 324°45' , then to 51°33.38'N 003°52.80'W, then on a bearing of 053° , then to 51°33.98'N 003°51.53'W, then on bearing of 059°59', then to 51°34.57'N 003°49.85'W, then continuation of above arc, then to 51°34.98'N 003°49.93'W, then on bearing of 022° , then to HW mark at position 51°35.83'N 003°49.38'W.

Traffic schemes and VTS

It is mandatory for all vessels of 50GT or over navigating in the waters contained within the Severn VTS and Bristol VTS areas to participate in the reporting procedures and report to Severn VTS and/or Bristol VTS as appropriate at the nominated reporting points as listed in NP286(1).

Restrictions

Dependent on tidal conditions.

Movements of vessels in and out of the Tidal Harbour are affected mainly by vessels draught, but there are also restrictions related to size of vessels and tidal flows across the harbour.

Movement of vessels into or out of Old Dock Lock is restricted to approximately 2.5nm before to 2 hours after HW to ensure safe operation of the lock gates. Further information can be obtained from the pilots or the Dock Master.

Tugs

Tugs are available from Swansea and should be ordered at least 6 hours in advance through the vessel's appointed agent; they meet vessels as they approach the entrance channel.

Mooring

Tidal berths: S side: Starboard side alongside, head to sea. N side: Port side alongside, head to sea. Ships swing to starboard in harbour and berth, stern first with assistance of 3 or 4 tugs, depending on size of vessel.

Charts and publications

BA 1161, 8264. Admiralty Pilot NP37, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Send ETA and draught through agent at least 24 hours prior to arrival. Amendments to ETA should be sent at least 4 hours before original ETA.

Vessels carrying dangerous or polluting cargoes should send reports to Severn VTS at least 24 hours prior to arrival and when within VHF reporting areas.

Communications

VHF: Port: Ch 16, 12.

Swansea & Port Talbot Pilot: Ch 14.

Severn VTS: Ch 69.

Notice of readiness

Tender NOR as per Charter Party.

Health

Available, through agent.

Customs and immigration

Available, by arrangement with agent.

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.

Dry docks

Not available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Notice of 48 hours required, quantity 1,500-4,000t subject to time.

Medical

Neath Port Talbot Hospital is approximately 1.8km away from Port Talbot.

Crew change

Available by arrangement, through agent.

Transport

Nearest airport: Rhoose Cardiff (international), 65km.

Swansea (domestic), 20km.

Airport facilities: Domestic and European flights, crew change and air freight facilities.

Nearest railway: Port Talbot (2.5km).

Nearest highway: M4, 3km.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Port Talbot is located on the S coast of Wales approx 72km W of Cardiff.

The port

The port is located within easy reach of motorways and has direct mainline rail access. The port handles cement, coal and iron ore.

Traffic

Approx 250,000t of cargo and 190 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Port Talbot?

The pilot boards at Port Talbot pilot boarding point, 51°29.0′N 004°05.0′W.

What time zone is Port Talbot in?

Local time at Port Talbot 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 Talbot?

The deepest berth listed is at Port Talbot Ore Terminal: 16.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Port Talbot?

1025.

Which load line zone is Port Talbot 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 Talbot?

Port State Control at Port Talbot: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Port Talbot?

The UN/LOCODE of Port Talbot is GBPTB.

What crews who called at Port Talbot 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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