Ullapool

Size limits

The maximum recommended draught for the port is 7.0m with a max LOA of 70m.

Water density

1024.

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 4.5m, mean neap range 1.8m..

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

Approach

The direct route to Loch Broom is between Iol'a Chairn Deirg and Meall a' Chaoruinn where the channel has a least width of 0.55nm between the charted 37m line.

It is advisable for a vessel drawing more than 8.0m to enter the loch at half flood. When entering, keep at least 0.2nm from SW shore until Ullapool Point is in line with a prominent bridge over a ravine, 0.75nm E, bearing 085°, which leads S of the lightbuoy marking the bank off Ullapool River; then steer E to pass Ullapool Point at a distance of 0.1nm and anchoring as convenient S of the village.

Port limits

Seaward limit: Line from Cailleach Head Lighthouse to the S extremity of Meall nan Caorach, 2nm NE of Cailleach Head and the mouth of Garbh Allt, 3.75nm ENE of Meall nan.

Anchorages

The Outer Anchorage: In Annat Bay, is suitable for several medium sized vessels at the same time. Depths of at least 20.0m are available with good holding ground. Vessels intending to anchor in Annat Bay should contact the Harbour Master in advance to discuss the most suitable location given the vessel's draught and intended programme. If several vessels are using the anchorage, the Deputy Harbour Master will actively manage it's use.

The Inner Anchorage: SW of the pier, is used by visiting cruise ships and other medium sized vessels. Minimum depth of 20.0m is available within 0.3nm of the piers although vessels should beware of a 8.0m patch in position 57°53.33'N 005°09.75'W There are no significant length constraints on a single such vessel.

Fishing vessels anchor in shallower water further up Loch Broom. This anchorage is covered by the harbour radar.

Restrictions

Speed Limit (Inner Harbour): 6 Knots.

Mooring

All vessels must be adequately fendered. All vessels stationed alongside should not have any objects protruding outside their rails which could cause obstruction to other vessels wishing to pass. The Harbour Master has the right to request relocation of vessels from one part of the harbour to another. Engines must not be used when moored in such a manner so as to cause injury or damage to the seabed, banks or walls of the Harbour or to any other vessel or property. Further details of General Directions for Navigation and using Ullapool Harbour can be found on http://www.ullapool-harbour.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/UL-General-Directions-Aug-2017.pdf

Charts and publications

BA2500. Admiralty Pilot NP66B, NP286(1).

US35078. US Sailing Directions 141 (Scotland).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA should be advised 24 hours prior to arrival to Harbour Master.

Documents

On arrival the following documents to be delivered to ship's agent, who will forward them to HM Customs and Immigration departments.

Health

UK British Quarantine and Customs Regulations apply.

The Master of any foreign vessel is obliged to inform the Port Authority by radio if any person on board is suffering from an infectious disease or has symptoms which may be indicative of an infectious disease.

Customs and immigration

Nearest office is Inverness.

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

Only marine electronics supply and repair services are available locally plus a diving service for inspecting damage.

Dry docks

None.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at berths only.

Bunkering: Diesel oil bunkers available at all berths by road tanker.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Inverness (100km), local health clinic (2km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Inverness (100km).

Airport facilities: International and national connections.

Nearest railway: Garve (51km).

Working hours

The harbour is open and staffed 24hrs a day, every day of the year.

Where it is

Ullapool is located on the NE side of Loch Broom, on the NW coast of Scotland. The Loch opens out on to the open waters of The Minch, a strait in NW Scotland separating the NW Highlands and Northern Inner Hebrides from the islands of Lewis and Harris, the Outer Hebrides.

The port

The port has a Ro-Ro pier for large ferries. Other berths on the General Pier area are used mainly by fishing vessels. Latterly, the local economy has been boosted by the offshore industry and tourism, with a large number of visiting passenger vessels.

Traffic

The port handles approx 300,000t of cargo, 1,930 vessels and 250,000 passengers per year.

What are the pilot arrangements at Ullapool?

Not compulsory.

What time zone is Ullapool in?

Local time at Ullapool 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 Ullapool?

The deepest berth listed is at Ullapool Harbour: 7.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Ullapool?

1024.

Which load line zone is Ullapool 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 Ullapool?

Port State Control at Ullapool: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Ullapool?

The UN/LOCODE of Ullapool is GBULL.

What crews who called at Ullapool 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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