Richborough Port (GBRIC)

The port is not currently used commercially.

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

Richborough is on the E coast of Kent, 5nm from Sandwich. The port is situated on the NW bank of the River Stour.

Length 65m, beam 11m, draught 3.6m.

From a position approx 1.5nm ENE of Shell Ness (51°19'N 001°22'E), in the vicinity of Sandwich Fairway Lightbuoy (red and white, seasonal), the route is W across Pegwell Bay following the channel which is marked by beacons to seaward of Sandwich Approach Light Beacon (framework tower, 8.0m in height) (51° 18'N 001°23'E) and beacons to the W of the light beacon. The marks are moved as required by changes in the channel. The channel leads N of Shell Ness at the entrance to the River Stour then 0.7nm SW to the wharf at Richborough port. The river, which is tortuous for the 3nm to Sandwich, is not marked above Richborough port.

BA 1827. Admiralty Pilot NP28.

1025.

Richborough power station chimney (51°19'N 001°21'E). Three cooling towers (close N and W of power station). Windmill generator (51°18'N 001°20'E).

Entry depends on tide. Sandwich can accommodate vessels up to max LOA 20m, draught 3.0m at HW springs. The Barbican toll bridge at Sandwich, which is a swing bridge, has a vertical clearance of 1.7m when closed.

Range 3-4m. Mean spring range 3.3m. Mean neap range 2.3m.

Available as required.

Prevailing winds: SW'ly.

VHF: Port:Ch 14, 16.

Notify ETA at Sandwich Fairway Lightbuoy (safe water) (51°19'N 001°24'E) 20 minutes prior to and on passing, the buoy.