Workington

Size limits

Prince of Wales Dock: LOA 141m, beam 20.4m, draught 6.3m and 12,000DWT.

Water density

1018 (variable).

Load line zone

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

Tides

MHWS 10.2m, MHWN 7.2m, MLWN 4.8m, MLWS 1.4m. Heights above dock gate sill, which is 1.16m below CD.

The best time to enter the dock is about 30 minutes before HW when the tidal stream setting across the entrance channel is weak. Vessels are encouraged to access approx 2 hours either side of high tide.

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

Approach

Approach to the harbour is from the English Channel. The entry into the port is through a narrow channel which leads to the harbour entrance, usually only a dredged depth of 0.3m on the bar at the entrance. The entrance to the Prince of Wales Dock is via a narrow dredged channel maintained at 1.16m below CD and a gateway which measures 21.3m wide.

Sufficient water is maintained in the dock to float the vessel of the deepest draught in the dock at the time, max 10.2m at spring tides. Silting may cause depths throughout the harbour to change and the Harbour Master should be consulted for the latest information.

Direction:

From the pilot boarding station the alignment (131.75°) of the leading lights lead into the harbour as far as the head of North Jetty.

Leading Lights

Front light (white pyramidal tower, orange band, 7.0m in height), 54°38.9'N 003°34.2'W.

Rear light, (similar structure, 9.0m in height) 0.75nm SE.

On either side of the leading lights, lights in line, having the same alignment as the leading lights indicate the approximate sides of the channel.

Port limits

Port limits extend within 1nm of South Pier.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Traffic light signals are displayed from a steel framework pylon at the NW end of the Prince of Wales Dock. Vessels then proceed now faster than 5kn.

Signals may be shown from the steel latticework pylon located at the SW corner of the dock. If this is the case then vessels are not permitted to enter the harbour.

By day: Two red balls or discs hung vertically.

By night: Two red lights hung vertically.

Anchorages

Vessels awaiting pratique or entry to the port, anchor NW of the entrance. The holding ground is good but the anchorage is exposed to the prevailing SW winds.

Anchorage location: 54°40'N 003°36'W, depth 16.0m.

Restrictions

Signals may be shown from the steel latticework pylon located at the SW corner of the dock. If this is the case then vessels are not permitted to enter the harbour.

By day: Two red balls or discs hung vertically.

By night: Two red lights hung vertically.

Any wreck or obstruction to the harbour will be marked with a yellow flag (illuminated at night) which will be displayed on the shore immediately adjacent to the obstruction. Any appropriate aids to navigation specified in the International Association Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Maritime Buoyage Systems may also be used.

Min depths of approx 6.8m in the dock at all times. Silting may cause depths throughout the harbour to change and the Harbour Master should be consulted for the latest information.

Tugs

Compulsory for all vessels over LOA 100m and/or carrying bulk cargo of dangerous substances (categorised in the Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations). Vessels with an LOA of 92m and higher may also require compulsory towage subject to the Harbour Masters discretion.

The Port Authority has a Damen Stantug, "Derwent" 1,605hp, 10.5t bollard pull, on permanent station, 24 hours notice is required, contact tugs on VHF Ch 16, 14. A minimum notice period of 24 hours is required for ordering the tugs assistance.

Mooring

The port provides linesman for mooring and unmooring whilst rope runners are compulsory for all vessels.

Vessels shall not obstruct the harbour by stopping or anchoring in anyway in such a manner as to cause an obstruction or impermanent to other vessels using, approaching or leaving the harbour. An exception can be used in an emergency to avoid collision, drifting, stranding, grounding or damage to other vessels or property or with prior permission from the harbour master. A vessel may be forced to move at the discretion from the Harbour Master if they are likely to cause an obstruction or impediment. If in an emergency the master of a vessel has had to anchor or stop in the harbour in such a way that they cause an obstruction or impediment to other vessels must report this to the Harbour Master as quickly as possible. Vessels must ensure that their moorings are adjusted to allow the rise/fall of the tide or the level of water in the Prince of Wales Dock. In order to prevent damage to the quay or other vessels ship masters must ensure that their vessels are adequately fendered.

Charts and publications

BA2013. Admiralty Pilot NP37, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA of the vessel should be forwarded to the agent 24 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

Callsign "Workington Harbour Radio".

Harbour Control listens Ch 14, from 1.5 hours before to 1.5 hours after HW.

Harbour authority:

Telephone: +44-1900-602-301

Facsimile: +44-1900-604-696

E-mail: [email protected]

Pilots:

Telephone: +44-1900-602-301

Health

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates and Exemption Certificates can be issued.

Notices and regulations

Harbour by-laws are in effect at the port. The Harbour Master should be contacted for further details.

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

Hull, deck and engine repairs can be undertaken in the port; diver available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at most berths. Minimum quantity 5,000l.

Bunkering: Carried out by Cumbrian Storage Ltd (bunkers available direct to ships alongside from road tankers). 24 hour notice is required and a bunkering form (sent to port authority) must be completed if a vessel wishes to bunker. Note: Bunkering operations are not permitted whilst loading, discharging or transferring dangerous goods.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Workington Community Hospital (1km) and Cockermouth Community Hospital (13.5km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Newcastle International airport (126km).

Nearest railway: The port has it's own rail terminal handling both bulk and container freight with all berths connected. The rail terminal is linked to the main line direct to the Cumbrian Coast Railway Line connecting West Coast Main Line at Carlisle in the North and Barrow-in-Furness in the South.

Nearest roads: The port has direct access to A596 which connects to the A66 (access to the East and West) and then to A595 (access to North and South). Port has then access to A66 East which follows onto the M6.

Working hours

Loading/discharging of cargo shall be performed between 0700 – 2200 hours Monday to Friday inclusive (Midweek Periods) provided that labour is available. Overtime can be arranged between 2200 hours and 0700 hours and all time at weekends and bank holidays.

Other cargo handling services (including receiving/delivering cargo) between 0800 – 1700 hours Monday to Friday inclusive (Midweek Periods)

Note: Cargo handling services are not performed or provided on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday.

Where it is

This port is situated at the mouth of the River Derwent, on the NW coast of England.

The port

Port of Workington, the largest in Cumbria, predominantly handles imports of bulk including forest products, cement, aggregate and bulk liquids. It also has the capability to handle containers and project cargo including locomotives which is supported by a RoRo ramp. The port offers transportation links by sea, rail and road making it a logistics gateway to Workington and Cumbria. The port is used as a base of operations for the RNLI Workington Station as well as the RWE offshore wind operations and as a maintenance facility servicing the Robin Rigg wind farm.

The history of the port dates back to Roman times and then again in 1568 with the arrival of Mary Queen of Scots to the shores of Workington. It is understood commercial activities were taking place in the 1700's with coal being sent to Ireland. Extensions and repairs were being made to the port in 1730's and again in 1798.

Traffic

Approx 309,000t of cargo and 140 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Workington?

Compulsory for all vessels over LOA 50m or carrying dangerous substances.

What time zone is Workington in?

Local time at Workington 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 Workington?

The deepest berth listed is at Cumbrian Storage Terminal: 6.30 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Workington?

1018 (variable).

Which load line zone is Workington 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 Workington?

Port State Control at Workington: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Workington?

The UN/LOCODE of Workington is GBWOR.

What crews who called at Workington 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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