Silloth (GBSIL)

The Port of Silloth, strategically located to serve the City of Carlisle and the surrounding North Cumbria and Borders area, plays a vital role in regional trade and commerce. Access to the port is facilitated through the tidal Marshall Dock, leading into the New Dock, where the berths are situated. The port is equipped with multiple berths that cater to a diverse range of cargo, including molasses, animal feeds, fertilisers, and grains, particularly wheat. Notably, the wheat imported through the port is delivered directly to Carr's Flour Mill, which is conveniently located adjacent to the northern end of the dock, ensuring efficient processing and distribution. Navigating the port requires caution, as vessels are known to occasionally run aground during their approach. As a result, entry to the port is only possible at HW. In a significant development for the port's future, it was announced in 2024 that Fox Group successfully completed the acquisition of the port from Associated British Ports (ABP). This transition marks a new chapter for the Port of Silloth, with potential for growth and enhanced operational capabilities under the new ownership.

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

The port of Silloth is located on the English side of the Solway Firth, to the N of Workington and Maryport.

Max LOA 99.23m, beam 15.6m, draught 6.05m and 4,993DWT.

Approx 90,000t of cargo and 31 vessels handled annually.

In the NE part of the channel leading to Silloth, temporary anchorage may be given in depths of 7.0-11.0m.

Approach: From the pilot boarding station position off Workington the route to Silloth Harbour leads approx 8nm NNE towards Solway Lightbuoy, then a further 7nm NE through the buoyed Silloth Channel, passing (positions given from Lees Scar Light Beacon 54°51'N., 003°24'W): WNW of a beacon (starboard hand) (54°40.1'N., 003°35.6'W) which marks the end of an outfall then: WNW of a beacon (starboard hand) (54°42.7'N., 003°31.3'W) marking the end of an outfall then: WNW of the entrance to Maryport Harbour (54°43'N., 003°30'W), with a conspicuous spire in the town, then: WNW of Solway Lightbuoy (starboard hand) (54°46.0'N., 003°30.1'W), then: NW of Corner Lightbuoy (starboard hand) (4nm SW), moored off Ellison Scar, then: NW of Beckfoot Lightbuoy (starboard hand) (2nm SW) moored off Catherine Scar at the NW edge of Beckfoot Flats, sand, parts of which are unsurveyed, lying between the harbour entrance and Dubmill Point, 4.5nm SSW but known to contain areas of isolated large stones which dry out up to 1.5nm from the coast, then: NW of Lees Scar Light Beacon (starboard hand, white structure on piles; 11m in height), which marks the N edge of Beckfoot Flats, then on the alignment of leading lights. Cautions: The line of Silloth Channel frequently changes and the buoys are laid for the aid of pilots and do not necessarily mark the navigable channel; local knowledge is necessary. Entry: The harbour is entered through a narrow channel on the alignment 115.25° of leading lights (white masts, vertical strip lights), situated 80m apart, which are exhibited from the head of New Dock. Through Marshall Dock, with a passage width of 30m, the narrow channel is maintained at a depth below New Dock sill level by sluicing at spring tides. The depth over the sill is 7.6m at springs and 5.2m at neaps.

BA 1346, 2013. Admiralty Pilot NP37.

Silloth Lifeboat Station.

1018.

As directed by the Port Authority, depending on cargo or requirement. All berthing is to quayside bollards, all berths fendered by large rubber tyres. A drying out berth is available in Marshall Dock (tidal).

Compulsory for all vessels over LOA 50m and provided by the pilot station at Workington. Notice is required to be given writing to the Harbour Master between Mon-Thur 0800-1600hrs and Fri 0800-1200hrs. Notice should not be given later than 24hrs prior to the said tide. ..... Lat Long Pilot Boarding 54°39.30N 003°36.10W

Port limits are defined in the Harbour Revision Order 1988. The port limits are defined and includes the area of the Solway Firth as is bounded on the seaward side by an imaginary line commencing at the level of HW at Grune Point (54° 54.00N., 003°20.20W). It extends WSW to Southerness Point (54°52.30N., 003° 35.65W.). The limit then continues S true to 54°43.65N and then follows E to a point at the level of HW on the coastline NE of Maryport (54°43.65N., 003° 29.20W.). The limit follows onto the landward side by an imaginary line drawn below the coastline along the level of HW between Grune Point and the said point NE of Maryport.

..... Lat Long Remarks Maryport South Pier Light 54°43.1'N 003°30.0'W - Dolphin Light - - Exhibited from the outermost dolphin marking a groyne at the entrance to Marshall Dock at Silloth East Cote Light White structure on piles, 12m in height. Standing 0.9nm NE of the harbour entrance and visible throughout Silloth Channel between the bearings 046-058° thereby avoiding Beckfoot Flats

Navigating the port requires caution, as vessels are known to occasionally run aground during their approach. As a result, entry to the port is only possible at HW. The Solway estuary is difficult to navigate on the approach to Silloth and as a result local knowledge is necessary.

Range 3.5m In the channel tides run strongly in the direction of the channel when banks are dry but weakly across the banks when they are covered; at springs they attain a rate of nearly 4kts Tidal heights may vary from predictions given in Tide Tables due to local weather conditions. Strong SW winds may increase tidal heights by more than 1.0m and a heavy swell may also be experienced. ..... MHWS 8.4m MHWN 4.8m

By prior arrangement from Workington or Barrow.

Prevailing winds: SW'ly.

SILLOTH 54°52.14'N 3°23.84'W UNCTAD LOCODE: GB SIL For details see: BARROW-IN-FURNESS PILOT REQUIREMENTS WORKINGTON PILOT REQUIREMENTS ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

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(2) Pilotage can be arranged through the vessel's agents or ABP Silloth. (3) Vessels navigating without a Pilot must obtain information and instructions from the Hr Mr before entering the harbour. (4) Pilot boards in position 54°39.28N 3°36.21W (off Workington harbour entrance for Workington, Silloth and Annan). NOTE: PV service is provided by WORKINGTON. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ LOCAL PORT SERVICE CONTACT DETAILS: Call: Silloth Harbour Radio VHF Channel: Ch 12 HOURS: 2Ѕh before to 1h after HW Silloth REPORTING: (1) All vessels inward-bound for the Port of Silloth or the upper reaches of the Solway Firth, should report their their draught, number of persons onboard (including Pilot), any defects and any request for fresh water supply 2h before HW Silloth and before they are abeam of Maryport, at position 54°42.20N 3°34.00W. An additional VHF report should be made when 1 n mile from the Solway Lt buoy. (2) All outward-bound vessels must report their draught, number of persons onboard (including pilot), any defects and their destination prior to letting go. A final VHF report should be made on clearing the Solway Lt buoy. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ PORT CONTACT DETAILS: Call: Silloth Harbour Radio VHF Channel: Ch 16; 12 14 Port Office (ABP) Telephone: +44(0)1697 331358 Fax: +44(0)1697 332709 E-mail: silloth@abports.co.uk Website: www.abports.co.uk HOURS: 2Ѕh before to 1h after HW PROCEDURE: Notice of ETA: Vessels should send their ETA messages to their agents or to the Hr Mr at least 12h before arrival. NOTE: Silloth and Barrow are jointly administered from BARROW-IN-FURNESS. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________" }

WEEKLY CORRECTIONS FROM UKHO NtM WEEK 41/15 ABP Port of Silloth Notice 4/2015, (RSDRA2015000200850), 41/15

..... Local Port Service contact info VHF Ch 12 Port Office contact info Call sign Silloth Harbour Radio VHF Ch 12, 14, 16 Pilots contact info VHF Ch 14

Notify ship's agent a min of 12 hours prior to arrival at Workington Pilot Station.

Quote. "Instructions To Masters". ..... 1. In case of fire or other emergency, Tel: 999 and ask for "Fire Brigade" or "Ambulance". Alternatively, call the coastguard on VHF Ch 16 who will call the required emergency service for you. As soon as possible inform the Port Authority on VHF Ch 12 or Tel: +44 16973 31358. 2. Vessels shall berth, or shift berth, as directed by the Port Authority. 3. A Master shall provide his vessel with adequate moorings and fenders as well as a safe means of access (as specified in the UK Merchant Shipping Regulations). The moorings, fenders and access shall be regularly attended by a competent person. 4. Masters are advised that in the two hour period leading up to high water, the dock water level may be reduced to meet the rising tide, to allow the dock gates to be opened. 5. Masters are advised that during spring tides, the dock water level may be reduced to sluice the outer entrance of the port. On these occasions Masters will be informed in advance and sufficient depth will be maintained to keep vessels afloat. 6. Masters are hereby warned that during and after bad weather, a considerable swell may be experienced within the dock if the dock gates have to be opened near high water times. The dock water level may vary during this period. 7. Vessels must always be ready to move at short notice. Prior permission must be sought from the Port Authority before disabling main machinery or conducting main engine trials within the dock. 8. The landing of all foreign domestic pets is prohibited by UK law. 9. Masters of vessels wishing to carry out a diving operation on their vessel must ensure that: (a) The proposed operation conforms with current diving regulations and that: (b) Clearance is obtained from the Port Authority before a diver enters the water. 10. Masters of vessels carrying explosives or a dangerous/hazardous cargo, must declare the fact and comply with the relevant acts and bylaws. 11. Masters of vessels loading or transferring fuels or lubricants are to take all necessary precautions to avoid spillage of oil into the dock. Vessels which spill oil into the dock will be prosecuted. 12. Ships waste should not be deposited in the dock or left on the quays. Domestic waste containers are provided for ship's use. Other types of waste must be disposed of to an approved contractor by arrangement with the ship's agent. 13. The following services are normally available from the Port Authority: a. Fresh water, available from 2 hours before HW to 1 hour after HW. b. A floating raft, for minor ship maintenance/repairs. c. Heavy rubber tyre fenders. Vessels will be held liable for loss or damage to above equipment, if due to negligent use. A copy of these instructions and the "Port Emergency Plan", is to be issued to every vessel on arrival and an acknowledgement of receipt obtained from the Master. The "Port Emergency Plan" is to be landed before departure. I acknowledge receipt of "Instructions to Masters" and the "Silloth Port Emergency Plan". Vessel................Master's Signature.................Date.......... unquote.