Silloth

Size limits

Max LOA 99.23m, beam 15.6m, draught 6.05m and 4,993DWT.

Water density

1018.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Range 3.5m

In the channel tides run strongly in the direction of the channel when banks are dry but weakly across the banks when they are covered; at springs they attain a rate of nearly 4kts

Tidal heights may vary from predictions given in Tide Tables due to local weather conditions. Strong SW winds may increase tidal heights by more than 1.0m and a heavy swell may also be experienced.

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

Approach

Approach: From the pilot boarding station position off Workington the route to Silloth Harbour leads approx 8nm NNE towards Solway Lightbuoy, then a further 7nm NE through the buoyed Silloth Channel, passing (positions given from Lees Scar Light Beacon 54°51'N., 003°24'W):

WNW of a beacon (starboard hand) (54°40.1'N., 003°35.6'W) which marks the end of an outfall then:

WNW of a beacon (starboard hand) (54°42.7'N., 003°31.3'W) marking the end of an outfall then:

WNW of the entrance to Maryport Harbour (54°43'N., 003°30'W), with a conspicuous spire in the town, then:

WNW of Solway Lightbuoy (starboard hand) (54°46.0'N., 003°30.1'W), then:

NW of Corner Lightbuoy (starboard hand) (4nm SW), moored off Ellison Scar, then:

NW of Beckfoot Lightbuoy (starboard hand) (2nm SW) moored off Catherine Scar at the NW edge of Beckfoot Flats, sand, parts of which are unsurveyed, lying between the harbour entrance and Dubmill Point, 4.5nm SSW but known to contain areas of isolated large stones which dry out up to 1.5nm from the coast, then:

NW of Lees Scar Light Beacon (starboard hand, white structure on piles; 11m in height), which marks the N edge of Beckfoot Flats, then on the alignment of leading lights.

Cautions: The line of Silloth Channel frequently changes and the buoys are laid for the aid of pilots and do not necessarily mark the navigable channel; local knowledge is necessary.

Entry: The harbour is entered through a narrow channel on the alignment 115.25° of leading lights (white masts, vertical strip lights), situated 80m apart, which are exhibited from the head of New Dock.

Through Marshall Dock, with a passage width of 30m, the narrow channel is maintained at a depth below New Dock sill level by sluicing at spring tides. The depth over the sill is 7.6m at springs and 5.2m at neaps.

Port limits

Port limits are defined in the Harbour Revision Order 1988. The port limits are defined and includes the area of the Solway Firth as is bounded on the seaward side by an imaginary line commencing at the level of HW at Grune Point (54°54.00N., 003°20.20W). It extends WSW to Southerness Point (54°52.30N., 003°35.65W.). The limit then continues S true to 54°43.65N and then follows E to a point at the level of HW on the coastline NE of Maryport (54°43.65N., 003°29.20W.). The limit follows onto the landward side by an imaginary line drawn below the coastline along the level of HW between Grune Point and the said point NE of Maryport.

Anchorages

In the NE part of the channel leading to Silloth, temporary anchorage may be given in depths of 7.0-11.0m.

Restrictions

Navigating the port requires caution, as vessels are known to occasionally run aground during their approach. As a result, entry to the port is only possible at HW.

The Solway estuary is difficult to navigate on the approach to Silloth and as a result local knowledge is necessary.

Tugs

By prior arrangement from Workington or Barrow.

Mooring

As directed by the Port Authority, depending on cargo or requirement. All berthing is to quayside bollards, all berths fendered by large rubber tyres.

A drying out berth is available in Marshall Dock (tidal).

Charts and publications

BA 1346, 2013. Admiralty Pilot NP37.

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify ship's agent a min of 12 hours prior to arrival at Workington Pilot Station.

Notices and regulations

Quote.

"Instructions To Masters".

A copy of these instructions and the "Port Emergency Plan", is to be issued to every vessel on arrival and an acknowledgement of receipt obtained from the Master. The "Port Emergency Plan" is to be landed before departure.

I acknowledge receipt of "Instructions to Masters" and the "Silloth Port Emergency Plan".

Vessel................Master's Signature.................Date..........

unquote.

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.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: MGO available via road tanker and provided by Prema.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Silloth Group Medical Practice (0.3km), Wigton Hospital (14.7km) and Cumberland Infirmary (28km).

Crew change

For information on crew change, contact ship's agent.

Transport

Nearest airport: Carlisle Lake District Airport (38.3km) and Teesside International Airport (132.5km)

Nearest highway: The port has access to the M6.

Nearest railway: Aspatria (12.15km).

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Silloth.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

The port of Silloth is located on the English side of the Solway Firth, to the N of Workington and Maryport.

The port

The Port of Silloth, strategically located to serve the City of Carlisle and the surrounding North Cumbria and Borders area, plays a vital role in regional trade and commerce. Access to the port is facilitated through the tidal Marshall Dock, leading into the New Dock, where the berths are situated.

The port is equipped with multiple berths that cater to a diverse range of cargo, including molasses, animal feeds, fertilisers, and grains, particularly wheat. Notably, the wheat imported through the port is delivered directly to Carr's Flour Mill, which is conveniently located adjacent to the northern end of the dock, ensuring efficient processing and distribution.

Navigating the port requires caution, as vessels are known to occasionally run aground during their approach. As a result, entry to the port is only possible at HW.

In a significant development for the port's future, it was announced in 2024 that Fox Group successfully completed the acquisition of the port from Associated British Ports (ABP). This transition marks a new chapter for the Port of Silloth, with potential for growth and enhanced operational capabilities under the new ownership.

Traffic

Approx 90,000t of cargo and 31 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Silloth?

Compulsory for all vessels over LOA 50m and provided by the pilot station at Workington.

What time zone is Silloth in?

Local time at Silloth 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 Silloth?

The deepest berth listed is at the port's berths: 6.05 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Silloth?

1018.

Which load line zone is Silloth 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 Silloth?

Port State Control at Silloth: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Silloth?

The UN/LOCODE of Silloth is GBSIL.

What crews who called at Silloth 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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