Sunderland

1. Sunderland pilot boarding Pilot boards54°55.3′N 001°19.9′W

Size limits

Max LOA 199.99m, beam 32.27m, draught 8m and 64,765DWT.

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

The incoming current begins approx 6hrs and 5mins before HW at Tyne, whereas the outgoing current is 5mins before HW at the Tyne.

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

Approach

The harbour is approached from the ENE through the mouth of the River Wear, which is protected by breakwaters. The entrance channel has a depth of 7.8m and fairway between the river piers has a declared depth of 7.6m LAT giving a depth of 12.5m at MHWS, subject to siltation.

From a position ENE of the harbour entrance the line of bearing 251° of Old North Pierhead (54°55.1'N., 001°21.5'), on which stands a light (yellow metal tower, 8m in height), leads through the Outer Harbour entrance where the track alters WSW for the Inner Harbour entrance, passing (with positions from Old North Pier Light): SSE of the wreckage (0.6nm ENE), least depth 6.0m.

Then to the Outer Harbour entrance (0.3nm ENE), 200m in width, lying between Roker Pierhead, on which stands Roker Pier Lighthouse, and an obstruction marked by a port hand buoy 40m N of New South Pierhead. A light (white metal tower, 10m in height) stands close to the pierhead.

Then to the Inner Harbour entrance which is 100m wide lying between Old North Pier and Old South Pier, from which a light (red can on red metal framework tower) is exhibited.

Once clear of the entrance a direct approach can be made to the riverside berths and Half Tide Basin which leads to the enclosed docks.

The enclosed docks are entered at their N end through Half Tide Basin, which has a tidal swinging basin to its N. Half Tide Basin is entered through No 1 Gate which is 21.3m wide with a depth over the sill of 9.6m MHWS.

Hudson Dock is entered from Half Tide Basin through No 3 Gate, which is 19.2m wide between fenders and has a depth of 9.0m over the sill at MHWS and 7.9m at HWN. The gates are normally open from 2 hours before to 30 minutes after HW, but vessels may lock in at any time provided notice is given by the previous HW and subject to the vessel's draught. South outlet, from Hudson Dock to the sea, is closed.

Hendon Dock is entered through a waterway at the S end of Hudson Dock which is 27m wide and 62m long with a depth of 9.4m at MHWS.

Due to silting, depths in the docks are not uniform and maybe less than the depth over the sill.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Vessel Traffic Service Scheme is in operation for the control of shipping.

Anchorages

Anchorage available 1nm E of the head of Roker Pier. The depths are 12-14m in good holding ground, however, it is worth noting that care must be taken to avoid the wrecks that are in the vicinity.

Restrictions

Vessels requiring entrance to the South Docks have to pass through the lock system, the limits are: length 141.8m; beam 18.9m; draught 7.1m at MHWN and 8.0m at MHWS.

If a vessel does not conform to these dimensions, a small increase in one or other of the dimensions can be allowed in certain circumstances and at the discretion of the Harbour Master.

The river is spanned by Wearmouth Bridge, 1nm from the entrance and close W by Sunderland Railway Bridge. The latter has a vertical clearance of 25m and there are gauges either side of the bridge indicating the vertical clearance and tide gauges indicating height of the tide above LAT.

Queen Alexandra Bridge is 1.25nm above the rail bridge and has a greater headroom than the rail bridge.

White stones are a group of rocky shoals located approx 1.7nm SSE of the harbour entrance with a least depth of 2.6m. Hendon Rock lies approx 1.2nm SSE of the harbour entrance with a least depth of 0.9m.

Numerous wrecks lie in the approach to the harbour entrance. It is worth noting that these wrecks are dangerous and are best seen on the chart.

As a result of the strong winds, the depths in the dredged channel are subject to change. In addition, depths in the wet docks are not uniform and it is understood that they may less than that over the entrance sill.

There is a spoil ground dumping area which is centred 2nm E of the harbour entrance. The area is best seen on the chart. Furthermore, an outfall pipeline extends approx 0.8nm seaward from the vicinity of South Outlet, the former entrance.

Tugs

Tugs are available if required. Provided by SMS Towage and Svitzer Marine.

Mooring

Vessels for the Docks with deeper draughts may be considered subject to Harbour Master's approval.

Mooring operations are undertaken by members of Sunderland Foyboatmen’s Association, which provides monthly Safer Mooring of Ship Reports to the Port’s Harbour Master.

Charts and publications

BA 1627, 152. Admiralty Pilot NP54, NP286(1)

Health

Matters regarding Port Health are handled by the officers of Housing and Public Health Department, City of Sunderland.

Customs and immigration

Sunderland is a port of entry, the Customs house is located at North Shields. No special Customs regulations observed.

Notices and regulations

Tanker's distinguishing Interco signals are required to be shown when nearing or in the harbour. By day the signal is a red flag and by night a red light at the masthead or where it may best be seen, in addition to the other lights required by law.

Vessels are required to keep a continuous listening watch to VHF Ch 14 and 16, when approaching, anchoring or navigating the port limits.

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

A permit to work must be completed before the commencement of any hot work.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh Water: Available.

Bunkering: Available, including LNG bunkers, via either road tankers or bunkering vessels.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Sunderland Royal Hospital (3.2km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Newcastle International Airport (26km).

Nearest railway: Connections from the port to National Rail network. Cargo trains have been operational at the port since 2021. Sunderland main line station (1.5km).

Nearest highway: A19 and A1.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Sunderland.

Working hours

Normally Mon-Fri 0800-1630hrs, overtime 0600-0800hrs and 1630-2200hrs. Weekend (Sat-Sun) also available on request.

Where it is

Sunderland is situated at the mouth of the River Wear on the NE coast of England.

The port

The Port of Sunderland is a vital maritime hub located on the northeast coast of England, offering immediate access to the open sea. With berths available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the port ensures seamless operations and flexibility for shipping and logistics.

Strategically positioned, the Port of Sunderland plays a significant role in supporting the offshore and renewable energy sector, making it a key player in the transition to sustainable energy solutions. The port is equipped to handle a diverse range of cargo, including project cargo, cement, aggregate, liquid fertiliser and bulk cargo, catering to various industries and ensuring efficient supply chain management.

Traffic

Approx 800,000t of cargo and 180 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Sunderland?

The pilot boards at Sunderland pilot boarding, 54°55.3′N 001°19.9′W.

What time zone is Sunderland in?

Local time at Sunderland 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 Sunderland?

The deepest berth listed is at General Cargo and Offshore Terminal: 8.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Sunderland?

1025.

Which load line zone is Sunderland 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 Sunderland?

Port State Control at Sunderland: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Sunderland?

The UN/LOCODE of Sunderland is GBSUN.

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