Manchester Ship Canal, Salford (GBMSC)

The port covers the whole of the Manchester Ship Canal and the Queen Elizabeth II Dock at Eastham. Canal areas include Manchester, Stanlow, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Eastham, Partington, Weston and other berths and terminals located along the Manchester Ship Canal. There is a new container terminal at Irlam which is able to handle small container vessels. The project is part of Peel Ports' Strategic Plan for new and improved port facilities along the Canal. Oil and liquid chemicals in bulk: The major share of the port's large volume of oil traffic is handled at the Queen Elizabeth II Dock at Eastham and at Stanlow Oil Docks near Ellesmere Port. Both sets of docks are provided with pipeline connections from the berths to installations in the area. Berths for discharging and loading oil and liquid chemical products are also available at various points along the canal including Ellesmere Port, Runcorn and Partington.

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

The Manchester Ship Canal and its associated ports are located on the W coast of England. Entrance is made at Eastham in the Mersey estuary.

LARGEST VESSELS handled: "QE2" LOA 204m, beam 27.5m. At Stanlow: LOA171m., beam 23m, draught 8.8m.At Runcorn: LOA150m, beam 23m, draught 8.1m. MAX SIZES: Eastham Queen Elizabeth II Dock: LOA 208.79m, beam 28.35m, draught 10.0m (subject to Harbour Masters confirmation), 40,000DWT. Manchester Ship Canal: Eastham to Ince: Overall length: The greatest length measured between perpendiculars drawn at the foreside of the foremost extremity and at the afterside of the aftermost extremity of the hull or any attachments to the hull must not exceed 170.6m. LBP: The length measured between perpendiculars drawn at the foreside of the stern and at the after side of the rudder post, or through the centre of the rudder stock if there is no rudder post, on the Summer load water line must not exceed 163.06m. Underwater length: The length measured between perpendiculars drawn at the afterside of the rudder plate and at the foreside of the foremost extremity of any part of the hull which is below a horizontal line drawn through the top of the rudder plate must not exceed 165.8m. Above Ince: Overall length, 161.5m. The acceptance of ships with overall length greater than 161.54m is subject to the approval of the Harbour Master. Max overall beam: Eastham to Ince Oil Berth (at max draught) 21.9m. Vessels up to 23m beam may be accepted at reduced draughts. Above Runcorn (at any acceptable draught) 19.3m. Max height: There is no height restriction between Eastham and Runcorn Docks. In normal conditions ships with a max height above the waterline of 21.3m will pass under all fixed bridges but in periods of high water levels, the clearance will be less and delays will therefore be reduced if ships can limit their air draught to 21.0m above the waterline. Max draught: The water is virtually fresh between Eastham and Latchford Locks, and fresh above Latchford Locks. Masters should take these facts into account in their calculations and have regard to the following limitations, all of which are expressed as max draughts: TEMPORARY DRAUGHT RESTRICTIONS may be in place. Vessels are advised to check with Port Control before transit is commenced. Normal max draughts at Eastham (being the equivalent of the following in Fresh Water): ..... Vessels not proceeding beyond Ince Oil Berth 8.78m Vessels not proceeding beyond Runcorn Lay-by at Section 610 8.00m Vessels proceeding between Section 610 and the lower gates of Mode Wheel Locks 7.30m Vessels proceeding between the inner gates of Mode Wheel Lock and downstream of No 6 dock entrance. 5.50m For further information and ruling depths alongside berths application should be made to the Harbour Master. Swinging: Vessels of max size can swing in the basins at Stanlow and Manchester. Smaller vessels can swing at certain other points.

Approx 6,800,000t of cargo and 1,550 vessels handled annually.

In the event of berths not being readily available, there is good anchorage outside River Mersey in the open roadstead of Liverpool Bay. When anchoring, it is essential that vessels do so well clear of the buoyed channel and Bar Lightfloat. Vessels over 50GT may not anchor inside River Mersey, except in an emergency, without permission from Mersey Radio. Prohibited anchorage: In order to avoid obstructing shipping in the approach to River Mersey, vessels may not anchor W from "Q2" and "Q1" Lightfloats and extending to 3nm W of Bar Lightfloat.

The entrance to the Ship Canal at Eastham is 21.37nm (40.23km) from the Bar Lanby Buoy in Liverpool Bay and the access from the sea is via the River Mersey. Vessels approaching from the River Mersey should contact the Duty Officer, Eastham Port Operations Centre (Callsign "Eastham Port Control" VHF Ch 16, 07) before moving within the Canal area. The port is approached through the River Mersey and Eastham Channel and is entered close NNW of Eastham Locks; vessels proceed to either Queen Elizabeth II Dock or the Manchester Ship Canal. Approach to Eastham: From a position off Tranmere Oil Terminal, the track leads a further 4nm through Eastham Channel to the vicinity of Eastham Locks or Queen Elizabeth II Dock, within the port of Manchester, passing at the S end of the river wall or otherwise;NE of tanker cleaning jetty, situated at the head of Rock Ferry Pier, 0.2nm SE of the oil terminal and from which lights are exhibited, then SW of Dingle Lightbuoy (1.3nm NNW), which marks the SW limit of a prohibited anchorage, then; NE of Brombro Lightbuoy (1.05nm NNW), then; between "E2" Lightbuoy (port hand) (0.5nm N) and "E1" Lightbuoy (starboard hand) (0.6nm NNW) which lie at the entrance to Eastham Channel, then following the channel marked by lightbuoys to the locks. Inbound vessels should time their arrival to approach Eastham Locks at HW or just on the start of the out going tide, so as to avoid the E set across the face of the locks on the incoming tide. Outbound vessels of max draught should leave the lock 30 mins before HW against the incoming tide. Similar procedures should be adopted for Queen Elizabeth II Dock. Cautions: Depths in the river frequently change and the buoys are moved accordingly. Depths in Eastham Channel vary and can be obtained from the Harbour Master, Manchester Ship Canal Company.

BA 3478, 3490. Admiralty Pilot NP37, NP286(1).

1000-1010, mainly fresh water.

Berthing and pilotage is arranged by the Duty Harbour Master. Boatmen are arranged by agents. Canal tug is arranged by the Duty Harbour Master.

Compulsory for vessels over 50m length. For Ship Canal, pilot boards inbound vessels at Eastham Locks, for Queen Elizabeth II Dock at the entrance lock. Pilots and helmsmen should be ordered via local Agent using email form, at least 4.5 hours before transit. As much notice as possible, but not less than 4.5 hours, should be given, particularly in the case of inbound ships due to arrive at Eastham. For addional pilotage information see also "Harbour and Port of Manchester Pilotage Directions" on Peel Ports' website: https://www.peelports.com/media/1721/mrg1-pilotage-directions-2015-v2.pdf Vessels approaching from River Mersey should contact Eastham Port Operations Control Centre, Duty Operations Controller, before moving within the Canal.

The limits of the port of Manchester commence at the inner limit of the port of Liverpool at Warrington Bridge and include River Mersey N and E of the bridge and River Irwell, so far as they are navigable, River Weaver to Frodsham Bridge and the Manchester Ship Canal from the entrance at Eastham, where it touches the port of Liverpool, to Hunts Bank in the city of Manchester.

TEMPORARY DRAUGHT RESTRICTIONS may be in place. Vessels are advised to check latest information with Port Control before transit is commenced. LOCKS: Queen Elizabeth II Dock Lock: The lock is 246m x 30.5m. The level on the outer sill is 5.6m below CD. Eastham Locks: The main entrance to the Manchester Ship Canal. There are 2 locks, one 182.8m x 24.4m and the other 106.7m x 15.2m. The outer sills are 3.46m below CD. Marsh Lock: Entrance to Weaver Navigation. Max vessel size: LOA, 66.4m; draught, 3.2m (FW); beam, 12.2m. Latchford Locks: Rise 3.8m. Large lock 182.9m x 19.8m. Small lock 106.9m x 13.7m. Tel: +44 1925 35249. Irlam Locks: Rise 4.9m. Large lock 182.9m x 19.8m. Small lock 106.7m x 13.7m. Max size of vessel to swing below Irlam: LOA 109.7m; draught, 5.5m (FW). Barton Locks: Rise 4.6m. Large lock 182.9m x 19.8m. Small lock 106.7m x 13.7m. Mode Wheel Locks: Rise 4.0m. Large lock 182.9m x 19.8m. Small lock 106.7m x 13.7m. BRIDGES: Several bridges and overhead cables span the canal; the least vertical clearance of any fixed bridge is not less than 22m and any power cable not less than 25.8m, above normal water level. Above Runcorn, there are also a number of swing bridges, which give a passage of 36.6m width. Gauge wires span the canal before the bridges and any vessel failing to clear these wires should not attempt to pass under the bridge. Vessels navigating between Runcorn and Latchford Locks are warned that vertical distances may be reduced during the period from 1 hour before to 4 hours after HW of a levelling tide. It is therefore strongly recommended for the mast heights to be reduced to 21.3m for vessels proceeding above Runcorn. Runcorn Railway Viaduct: Clearance 24.25m above normal water level. Runcorn-Widnes Road Bridge: Clearance 24.46m above normal water level. Old Quay Swing Bridge, Runcorn: Width of opening 36.5m. Clearance when closed 5.8m. Moore Lane Swing Bridge: Width of opening 36.5m. Clearance when closed 3.1m. Acton Grange Railway Viaduct: Height 22m above normal water level. Chester Road Swing Bridge: Width of opening 36.5m. Clearance when closed 4.9m. Northwich Road Swing Bridge: Width of opening 36.5m. Clearance when closed 5.5m. Latchford High Level Bridge: Height 22m above normal water level. Knutsford Road Swing Bridge: Width of opening 36.5m. Clearance when closed 6.7m. Latchford Railway Viaduct: Height 22m above normal water level. Thelwall High Level Bridges: Carries M6 motorway. Height 22.4m above normal water level. Warburton High Level Bridge: Height 22.5m above normal water level. Cadishead Railway Viaduct: Clearance 22.4m above normal water level. Irlam Railway Viaduct: Clearance 22.4m above normal water level. Barton High Level Bridge: Carries M60 motorway. Clearance 24.8m above normal water level. Barton Road Swing Bridge: Width of opening 27.4m. Clearance when closed 3.7m. Barton Swing Aqueduct: Carries the Bridgewater Canal over the Ship Canal. Clearance when closed 4.9m. Parkway Crossing Lift Bridge: Clearance 22.4m above normal water level. Clearance when closed 6.9m. Overhead Pipeline: Crosses the Ship Canal from Weaste Oil Wharf to Proctor & Gamble Ltd with a clearance of 27m above normal water level. Trafford Road Swing Bridge: Fixed. Clearance 4.6m. Width 22.7m.

The Eastham Entrance locks are normally operated from 4 hours before HW to 4 hours after HW. Priority is usually given to outgoing ships before HW. In the case of the Queen Elizabeth II Dock, the period is 3 hours before to 3 hours after HW. HW at Eastham is approx 20 minutes after Liverpool.

Vessel Traffic Service Scheme operates from Eastham. A continuous listening watch is maintained and AIS station installed. Inbound vessels for the canal or Queen Elizabeth II Dock should establish contact with the Harbour Master, Eastham, callsign "Eastham", prior to arrival, to make arrangements for canal transit and / or berthing for the provision of tugs. Traffic regulating: The Lockmaster at Eastham is responsible for regulating traffic between Eastham and Old Quay Swing Bridge, Runcorn; the Lockmaster at Latchford Locks is responsible for regulating traffic between Old Quay Swing Bridge, Runcorn and Manchester Docks. There is a radio station at Latchford Locks.

Tugs are available. (See Communications Section)

Prevailing winds: W'ly.

..... Port Operations Control: Email: portops.control@peelports.com Tel: +44 (0) 151 327 4638. Fax: +44 (0) 151 327 7482. Inward bound Vessels: VHF Ch: 07. Callsign: "Eastham" Outward bound Vessels: VHF Ch: 14. Callsign "Eastham". Swing Bridges: VHF Ch: 72 Peel Ports: Tel: +44 (0) 151 949 6000. Fax: +44 (0) 151 949 6300 Email: info@peelports.com Website: http://www.peelports.com Tugs: Tel: +44 (0) 151 949 327 8018 Fax: +44 (0) 151 9409 328 1212 Tugs for Inbound Vessels: VHF Ch: 098 Tugs for Outward bound Vessels: VHF Ch: 10. Ships which are equipped with the appropriate channels are obliged to establish contact with the nearest shore station before leaving a berth or lock within the harbour and thereafter to maintain a continuous listening watch on Ch 14. ..... Station Callsign VHF Channel Eastham Locks Eastham Locks 07 Eastham Locks Eastham 14 Stanlow Oil Docks Stanlow 14 20 Latchford Locks Latchford Locks 14 20 Irlam, Barton, Mode Wheel Irlam Locks 18 (Emergency use only) Barton Locks 18 Mode Wheel Locks 18 Port operations vessels moving within the harbour should maintain a listening watch on Ch 14. After contact has been established, the shore station will request the ship to switch to the appropriate speech channel.

The Customs House in Liverpool can be contacted on Tel: +44 151 227 4343.

..... The following must be submitted to the Harbour Master who will decide if entry into the port is to be permitted: 1. Details of dangerous goods carried 2. Details of any defects which could affect safe navigation of the vessel. Written permission will be given.

Vessels should send ETA at Mersey Bar 24 hours in advance with details of any services required (pilots, helmsmen, tugs). Vessels can be accepted at short notice, subject to berth availability and provided that any dangerous goods onboard have been accepted by the Harbour Master, however pilots and helmsmen should be ordered at least 4.5 hours in advance. The following vessel details are required: ..... 1. LOA, beam and draught 2. Tonnages 3. Cargo details 4. Nationality 5. Callsign 6. Last port 7. Details of any thrusters fitted.

No special requirements.

Vessels must comply with the "Harbour & Manchester Bye Laws".

International health regulations are to be observed. Any vessel bound for berth within the port of Manchester, which is suspect, should inform Manchester Port Health through ship's agents, not more than 12 hours and not less than 3 hours prior to arrival.