Lowestoft (GBLOW)

The port comprises an Outer and Inner Harbour with a total berth length of 3,500 meters, accommodating cargo ships, fishing vessels, offshore supply and standby vessels, ship repair units, and pleasure craft. The Outer Harbour, along with Hamilton and Waveney docks, serves the fishing industry, offshore fabrication and aggregate imports, while the Inner Harbour features general and bulk cargo berths. Strategically positioned near the oil and gas fields of the Southern Basin in the North Sea, Lowestoft is a key offshore supply and support hub, offering extensive facilities for constructing large topside deck structures and jackets for the North Sea and other oil and gas fields.

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

Lowestoft is a small port located on the E coast of England.

LOA 103.46m, beam 28m, draught 5.7m, 7,374DWT.

Approx 100,000t of cargo handled annually.

Lowestoft South Anchorage: A recommended anchorage area within a circle of radius 1.5nm, centred on position 51°24.5'N 001°47.0'E. A recommended anchorage in depths of between 15.0 and 21.0m lies 4 miles SSE of the harbour entrance but it is exposed to E winds. Corton Road affords good anchorage between Holm Sand and the coast with blue clay and mud, in depths of about 8.0 to 12.0m. Lowestoft North Road affords anchorage between Holm Sand and the coast, sand and gravel, in depths of 10.0 to 13.0m. This anchorage is exposed to E winds which cause a short, choppy sea in some respects worse than the sea outside the sandbanks. A number of submarine cables running in an E direction from Lowestoft Ness cross the S part of Lowestoft North Road.

Entry from the North: From a position approx 1nm NE of the harbour entrance, the line bearing 226° of the head of Claremont Pier (0.5nm SSW of the harbour entrance) leads to a position 0.1nm ESE of the harbour entrance whence direct approach to the entrance can be made, passing (with positions from the harbour entrance): SE of a pair of lightbuoys (E and S cardinal), marking an obstruction with 4.7m over it (0.75nm NE). Then NW of an unmarked wreck (0.6nm NE) with a depth of 4.1m over it. Then NW of a detached shoal patch (0.5NE) with depths of less than 5m over it, N Newcome Lightbuoy (port hand) is moored close to the E extremity of the patch. Then NW of Lowestoft Bank (0.45nm ESE) which connects to the N part of Newcome Sand and to the coastal bank which extends from the shore close S of the harbour entrance. Lowestoft Bank has depths less than 2.0m over it. Then to the harbour entrance which has a width of 45m and lies between North and South Piers. North Pier and its extension runs 0.3nm SW from the NE corner of the harbour. South Pier extends 0.2nm E from the shore along the S side of the harbour. Similar lights (white tower on small pavilion, 9.0m in height, floodlit) are exhibited from the pier heads. Caution: A wall on the North Pier, 3.0m in height, partially prevents small boats leaving Waveney Dock from seeing or being seen. Entry from the South: Vessels are to use the Stanford Channel (min depth 5.0m). Keep E of the 10m line, 1nm due E of Benacre Ness (52°24'W 001°44'E), until reaching the channel entrance between Newcombe Sand and South Holm Buoy. From a position ENE of Newcombe Sand Lightbuoy the buoyed route leads 1.5nm NNW to a position E of "The Ridge" to join the route from the N as described above. Caution: The limits of the Stanford Channel are continually shifting. Buoys are regularly moved. Lowestoft Harbour Radio will advise on position of buoys, but will not offer navigation advice. Harbour entrance to Inner Harbour: From the harbour entrance the route follows the dredged channel, which is 40m wide, in a generally WNW direction 0.25nm through Outer Harbour to the bascule bridge then into Inner Harbour, passing SSW of the entrance to Waveney Dock. Then S of the entrance to the Trawl Dock. Then to Bridge Channel which is 22.7m wide and lies between Inner N and Inner S piers and leads to the Inner Harbour.

BA 1535, 1543. Admiralty Pilot NP54, NP286(1).

Contact Great Yarmouth Coastguard, Tel: +44 1493 851338 or on Ch 16.

1025.

In view of the continually changing nature of the shoals in the approaches to Lowestoft, especially from the S, local knowledge is essential. For first time visitors the services of a pilot are recommended. Pilotage is compulsory for the following: ..... 1. All vessels or tows of LOA 60m or more 2. All vessels of less than LOA 60m, deemed to be a potential hazard to safe navigation 3. All vessels or tows over LOA 20m carrying: Dangerous or noxious liquid substances in bulk 12 or more passengers Explosives Pilotage is not compulsory for the following: 1. HM vessels and foreign naval vessels 2. Vessels on passage through the seaward area of jurisdiction 3. Vessels whose Master holds a valid PEC Lowestoft pilots are also able to provide pilotage through Holm Channel for Lowestoft bound vessels. Pilot boards as follows: ..... Lowestoft (outer) 52°30.81'N 001°50.65'E. Sea pilotage is available from this position for vessels wishing to use the Holm Channel to approach the port. Lowestoft (south) 52°26.67'N 001°48.25'E. Pilotage is available from this position for vessels wishing to use the Stanford Channel, particularly when approaching from the E or S. Lowestoft (inner) 52°29.80'N 001°47.00'E. Pilotage is available from this position to any vessel wishing to enter Lowestoft. This position will be used in all cases where the sea conditions do not permit safe boarding at the outer or south boarding positions. Non compulsory pilotage is available at customary boarding positions and anchorage outside the area of jurisdiction. The pilot vessel has a dark hull and orange upper works with "PILOT" on each side and keeps watch when a vessel is expected.

The port limits end at the pier head.

Lowestoft Light (52°29.2'N 001°45.5'E). DGPS: North Foreland (51°22'N 001°27'E). Saint Margaret's Church Spire (52°29.2'N 001°44.5'E). Water Tower (52°26.9'N 001°43.5'E). Pakefield Church (tower) (52°27.2'N 001°44.1'E). Water Tower (52°27.3'N 001°43.7'E). Wind turbine (52°28'.8N 001°45'.7E). Silo (52°28'.4N 001°44'.5E). Kessington Church (tower) (52°25'.0N 001°42'.9E).

NAABSA port. Lowestoft Harbour Bridge: Will be opened only on demand for commercial shipping. Shipping is discouraged from passage during 0815-0900hrs, 1230-1300hrs and 1700-1730hrs daily. Bridge channel is 22.7m wide and leads to Inner Harbour. Bridge Channel: Navigation in Bridge Channel is controlled by Lowestoft Port Control. A fixed red light (E and W of bridge) is displayed prior to and during bridge lift operations. Once open, a fixed green light indicates it is clear for vessels to proceed. If the fixed red light remains illuminated, vessels should remain clear of other vessels using the channel and await instructions on VHF. Large vessels may not approach within 150m of the bridge unless so directed. Speed: The maximum harbour speed for vessels, except HM ships, is 4kts.

Range 1.95m. In the entrance to Lowestoft harbour the tidal streams are strong. The optimum time to enter the harbour is 1 hour before local HW when the tidal streams across the entrance should be weak.

Three tugs are available.

Prevailing winds: SW'ly.

LOWESTOFT 52°28.33'N 1°45.31'E UNCTAD LOCODE: GB LOW ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

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Deviation from these directions may be permitted in exceptional circumstances, but only following a formal risk assessment of the intended deviation.", "when_to_report": "Outgoing vessels or vessels moving within the Lowestoft Pilotage Area requiring the services of a Pilot shall give at least 1h notice of ETD.", "how_to_report": "Contact Lowestoft Port Control on VHF Ch 14 or via telephone and email.", "what_to_report": [ "ETD at least 24h in advance either directly or via agent to Lowestoft Port Control", "Maximum draught and port of destination", "Pilot requirement at the Pilot boarding position", "Confirm ETA 3h in advance of arrival at the Pilot boarding position on VHF Ch 14", "Maintain radio contact if ETA needs to be amended" ], "pilot_boarding_positions": [ { "designator": "Lowestoft (Outer)", "coordinates_or_verbose": "52°32'00N 1°51'90E", "vessel_particular_constraints": "Sea pilotage is available from this position for vessels wishing to use the Holm Channel to approach the port." }, { "designator": "Lowestoft (South)", "coordinates_or_verbose": "52°26'67N 1°48'25E", "vessel_particular_constraints": "Pilotage is available from this position for vessels wishing to use the Stanford Channel, particularly when approaching from the E or S." }, { "designator": "Lowestoft (Inner)", "coordinates_or_verbose": "52°29'80N 1°46'50E", "vessel_particular_constraints": "Pilotage is available from this position to any vessel wishing to enter Lowestoft. This position will be used in all cases where the sea conditions do not permit safe boarding at the outer or south boarding positions." } ], "leftover_text_notes": [ "Mariners are advised that vessels departing Lowestoft Harbour have very limited vision until clear of the piers. Close passing vessels are therefore requested to contact Lowestoft Port Control on VHF Ch 14 for traffic information.", "Vessels are requested to give 1h notice to Lowestoft Port Control before sailing.", "Non-compulsory pilotage is available to customary boarding positions and anchorage outside the area of jurisdiction.", "Pilotage is provided by ABP Lowestoft. Vessels requiring a pilot should contact Lowestoft Port Control at least 24h & 3h before arrival at the Pilot Station." ] } } ] }, "widget_2_vts": { "cross_reference_redirect": null, "area_groups": [ { "area_name": "Lowestoft VTS", "vts_boundaries": { "description": "The pilotage area of jurisdiction is bounded by positions 52°31'50N 1°50'00E and 52°26'10N 1°50'00E and westwards to the coast.", "coordinates": [ { "sequence_id": 1, "latitude": "52°31'50N", "longitude": "1°50'00E", "label": "North-east boundary" }, { "sequence_id": 2, "latitude": "52°26'10N", "longitude": "1°50'00E", "label": "South boundary" }, { "sequence_id": 3, "latitude": "52°26'10N", "longitude": "1°50'00E", "label": "Westwards to the coast" } ] }, "contact_details": [ { "station_call_name": "Lowestoft Port Control", "vhf_primary_watch": "14", "vhf_secondary_working": "16;11", "telephones": [ "+44(0)1502 572286", "+44(0)7816 963118 (Mobile)" ], "faxes": [], "emails": [ "lowestoftportcontrol@abports.co.uk", "lowpilots@abports.co.uk" ], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "H24" } ], "procedure": { "compulsory_text_note": "Mandatory for all vessels over 300 gt.", "general_rules": [ "Vessels must maintain continuous listening watch on VHF Ch 14 and Ch 11 when in the VTS area.", "English language communication is required." ] }, "reporting_lines_and_points": [ { "designator": "Reporting Line 1", "description": "S Reporting Line", "coordinates": [ { "sequence_id": 1, "latitude": "52°31'50N", "longitude": "1°50'00E" } ] } ], "reporting_requirements": [ { "report_name": "Entry Report", "when_or_where_to_report": "24h prior or On passing Reporting Line 1", "how_to_report": "VHF Ch 16, email", "what_to_report": [ "ETA", "Maximum draught", "Port of destination", "Pilot requirement" ] }, { "report_name": "Exit Report", "when_or_where_to_report": "On departure", "how_to_report": "VHF Ch 16, email", "what_to_report": [ "Departure time", "Destination", "Route out" ] } ] } ] }, "widget_3_tugs": { "contact_details": [ { "provider_name": "ABP Lowestoft", "vhf_channels": [ "Ch 14" ], "telephones": [ "+44(0)1502 572286" ], "emails": [ "lowestoftportcontrol@abports.co.uk" ] } ], "availability_hours": "H24", "notes": [ "Tug services provided by ABP Lowestoft.", "Contact via VHF Ch 14 or telephone." ] }, "widget_4_port_and_notes": { "port_and_terminal_contacts": [ { "station_call_name": "Port Office (ABP)", "vhf_primary_watch": null, "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": [ "+44(0)1502 505280" ], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [ "www.abports.co.uk" ], "operating_hours": "Office hours only" }, { "station_call_name": "Lowestoft Port Control", "vhf_primary_watch": "14", "vhf_secondary_working": "16;11", "telephones": [ "+44(0)1502 572286", "+44(0)7816 963118 (Mobile)" ], "faxes": [], "emails": [ "lowestoftportcontrol@abports.co.uk", "lowpilots@abports.co.uk" ], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "H24" } ], "standalone_general_notes": [ "Harbour Bridge: Only opened on demand for commercial shipping over 50gt; minimum 30 mins notice.", "Gull Wing Bridge: Only opened on demand for commercial shipping over 50gt; minimum 30 mins notice.", "Commercial shipping discouraged from passage at Harbour Bridge: 0815-0900 LT Mon to Sat, 1230-1300 LT and 1700-1745 LT Mon to Fri.", "Commercial shipping discouraged from passage at Gull Wing Bridge: 0800-0900 LT and 1700-1800 LT Mon to Fri.", "Vessels departing Lowestoft Harbour have very limited vision until clear of the piers; contact Lowestoft Port Control on VHF Ch 14 for traffic information.", "Vessels are requested to give 1h notice to Lowestoft Port Control before sailing.", "Pilotage is provided by ABP Lowestoft. Vessels requiring a pilot should contact Lowestoft Port Control at least 24h & 3h before arrival at the Pilot Station." ] }, "formatted_text_original": "PILOTS AREA: The pilotage area of jurisdiction is bounded by positions 52°31·50N 1°50·00E and 52°26·10N 1°50·00E and westwards to the coast. CONTACT DETAILS: Port Control Call: Lowestoft Port Control VHF Channel: Ch AREA: The pilotage area of jurisdiction is bounded by positions 52°31·50N 1°50·00E and 52°26·10N 1°50·00E and westwards to the coast. CONTACT DETAILS: Port Control Call: Lowestoft Port Control VHF Channel: Ch 14 16; 11 Telephone: +44(0)1502 572286 +44(0)7816 963118 (Mobile) E-mail: lowestoftportcontrol@abports.co.uk lowpilots@abports.co.uk HOURS: H24 PROCEDURE: (1) Pilotage is compulsory within the Lowestoft area of jurisdiction for the following: (a) All vessels or tows of 60m LOA or more (b) All vessels or tows over 20m LOA carrying: (i) Dangerous or noxious liquid substances in bulk (ii) Explosives (c) All vessels or tows of over 30m LOA carrying more than 12 passengers (d) All vessels of less than 60m LOA deemed to be a potential hazard to safe navigation (e) Notwithstanding any other pilotage direction, the CHA may compel any vessel to take a Pilot if, for any reason, it is deemed to be a potential hazard to safe navigation e.g: (i) Vessels with dangerous or hazardous cargo (ii) When the vessel's main propulsion or steering systems is not fully functional (iii) When the vessel is in distress or taking in water (iv) Where a vessel requires a 'bridge transit' with a list, cargo or structural overhang or near maximum dimensions (v) Vessels without serviceable, navigational or communication equipment necessary for safe navigation within the area of jurisdiction (2) Pilotage is not compulsory for the following: (a) Vessels on passage through the seaward area of jurisdiction or proceeding to the Inner Pilot Boarding Area, remaining East of longitude 146ґ·50E (b) Vessels named on the Port's Marine Management Organisation approved disposal licence, less than 80m LOA, engaged in harbour dredging operations and the transport of dredged materials (c) Vessels required to shift berth within the Inner or Outer Harbour areas where a Bridge Transit is not required, and the vessel does not completely let go all ropes (d) Vessels on which the act of pilotage is being undertaken by a valid PEC holder (3) Outgoing vessels or vessels moving within the Lowestoft Pilotage Area requiring the services of a Pilot shall give at least 1h notice of ETD. (4) Pilot boards in the following positions: (a) Lowestoft (Outer): 52°32·00N 1°51·90E. Sea pilotage is available from this position for vessels wishing to use the Holm Channel to approach the port (b) Lowestoft (South): 52°26·67N 1°48·25E. Pilotage is available from this position for vessels wishing to use the Stanford Channel, particularly when approaching from the E or S (c) Lowestoft (Inner): 52°29·80N 1°46·50E. Pilotage is available from this position to any vessel wishing to enter Lowestoft. This position will be used in all cases where the sea conditions do not permit safe boarding at the outer or south boarding positions NOTES: (1) Mariners are advised that vessels departing Lowestoft Harbour have very limited vision until clear of the piers. Close passing vessels are therefore requested to contact Lowestoft Port Control on VHF Ch 14 for traffic information. (2) Vessels are requested to give 1h notice to Lowestoft Port Control before sailing. (3) Non-compulsory pilotage is available to customary boarding positions and anchorage outside the area of jurisdiction. (4) Pilotage is provided by ABP Lowestoft. Vessels requiring a pilot should contact Lowestoft Port Control at least 24h & 3h before arrival at the Pilot Station. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ LOCAL PORT SERVICE CONTACT DETAILS: Call: Lowestoft Port Control VHF Channel: Ch 14 16; 11 Telephone: +44(0)1502 572286 +44(0)7816 963118 (Mobile) E-mail: lowestoftportcontrol@abports.co.uk HOURS: H24 PROCEDURE: (1) Notice of ETA: Vessels should send their ETA at least 24h in advance either directly or via agent, to Lowestoft Port Control. Message should include ETA, maximum draught and port of destination, and if a Pilot is required at the Pilot boarding position. (2) ETA should be confirmed 3h in advance of arrival at the Pilot boarding position on VHF Ch 14. Radio contact must be maintained if it is necessary to amend the ETA. (3) Vessels departing ports within 12h voyage time should send their ETA on departure. (4) Vessels should request instructions as follows: (a) Inward-bound vessels: Before approaching harbour entrance (b) Outward-bound vessels: Before leaving berth and before approaching Bascule Bridge (when passing Grain Silo) NOTE: Vessels approaching, departing or transiting Lowestoft should make every reasonable effort to establish and maintain contact with the Lowestoft Port Control on VHF Ch 14. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ PORT CONTACT DETAILS: Port Office (ABP) Telephone: +44(0)1502 505280 Website: www.abports.co.uk HOURS: Office hours only ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ HARBOUR BRIDGE LOCATION: 52 28' 37N 1 44' 99E CONTACT DETAILS: Call: Lowestoft Port Control VHF Channel: Ch 14 PROCEDURE: (1) The Lowestoft Harbour Bridge (between the Outer and Inner Harbours) will only be opened on demand for commercial shipping over 50gt. A minimum of 30 mins notice is required to facilitate a commercial bridge lift. (2) Commercial shipping is discouraged from passage at the following times: 0815-0900 LT Mon to Sat, 1230-1300 LT and 1700-1745 LT Mon to Fri. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ GULL WING BRIDGE LOCATION: 52 28' 42N 1 44' 24E CONTACT DETAILS: Call: Gull Wing Bridge VHF Channel: Ch 14 Telephone: +44(0)7708 398281 PROCEDURE: (1) The Gull Wing Bridge (within the Inner Harbour) will only be opened on demand for commercial shipping over 50gt. A minimum of 30 mins notice is required to facilitate a commercial bridge lift. (2) Commercial shipping is discouraged from passage at the following times: 0800-0900 LT and 1700-1800 LT Mon to Fri. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________" }

WEEKLY CORRECTIONS FROM UKHO NtM WEEK 04/25 (Former update 47/24) Lowestoft Marine Manager correspondence, (RSDRA2025000000086), 04/25

VHF: Lowestoft Harbour Radio: Ch 14 (24 hours), 16, 11. ..... Authority Tel Fax Port Control +44 1502 572286 +44 1502 586375 Port House (office hours) - +44 1502 500032 Port Office (24 hours) +44 1473 231010 +44 1473 230914

..... Authority Tel Fax Customs +44 1493 843686 - Immigration +44 1603 408859 -

Vessels carrying dangerous or polluting goods must complete the "Check List for Vessels Carrying Dangerous or Polluting Goods". This is in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Reporting Requirements for Ships Carrying Dangerous or Polluting Goods 2004). In addition, a copy of the vessel's prior notification of waste onboard and full ISPS pre-arrival notification details will also be required. Two copies of each document are required on arrival. One copy for the Harbour Master and one copy for the Harbour Pilot. The ship's Master presents the documents to the Harbour Pilot on arrival.

Vessels should send their ETA at least 24 hours in advance to Lowestoft Port Control. Message should include ETA, maximum draught and port of destination, and if a pilot is required at the pilot boarding position. ETA should be confirmed 3 hours and 1 hour prior to arrival on VHF Ch 14, or by telephone or facsimile, stating their preferred pilot boarding position. Vessels departing last port within 12 hours voyage time should send their ETA on departure. Inbound vessels should request instructions before approaching harbour entrance and outbound vessels before leaving berth and on approaching Bascule Bridge. Outbound vessels or vessels moving within the Lowestoft Pilotage Area requiring the services of a pilot shall give at least 1 hour notice of ETD

Mariners are advised that vessels departing Lowestoft Harbour have very limited vision seawards until clear of the piers. Vessels passing close offshore are therefore requested to contact Lowestoft Radio on VHF Ch 14 for traffic information.