Whitehaven

Size limits

Max draught 5.0m.

Largest vessel handled: "Odin", 3,500DWT, barge, draught 3.5m.

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 1.0m.

Approach

The approaches to the harbour lead from the open sea and are clear of danger; entry to Queen's Dock is through a narrow channel leading from the harbour entrance.

Anchorages

Anchorage may be obtained 0.5nm W of the harbour entrance in depths of approx 10.0m.

Restrictions

Harbour signals. Harbour blocked: Two red balls by day, two red lights by night.

Charts and publications

BA 1346. Admiralty Pilot NP37.

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify ETA to agent or Harbour Master, 12 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

VHF: Ch 16, 12.

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.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available by road tanker by prior arrangement.

Medical

Hensingham (3.2km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Newcastle (160km).

Nearest railway: Whitehaven (0.80km).

Working hours

Normally 0800-1700hrs. Shiftwork available when discharging.

Where it is

Situated on the S side of the entrance to Solway Firth on the NW coast of England.

The port

Whitehaven is a busy fishing harbour with a wet dock of 1.9ha in area, depth over the sill of 6.0m HWOST, 4.26m HWONT. The harbour is tidal and divided, by quays, into five parts. Commercial traffic is minimal.

What are the pilot arrangements at Whitehaven?

Compulsory, for vessels over LOA 50m and for all vessels carrying dangerous cargoes.

What time zone is Whitehaven in?

Local time at Whitehaven is UTC+0. Clocks go to UTC+1 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+0 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the water density at Whitehaven?

1025.

Which load line zone is Whitehaven 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 Whitehaven?

Port State Control at Whitehaven: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Whitehaven?

The UN/LOCODE of Whitehaven is GBWHV.

What crews who called at Whitehaven 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.

Read and add tips for Whitehaven →