The harbour channel, between the outer piers and west end of Corporation Quay, has been dredged to a depth of 7.50m LAT, with a depth of 8.50m LAT at Corporation Quay itself (these depths are subject to siltation). Controlling parameters for entry into harbour: Vessel length – 213m, Beam – 33m, Draught – 8.2m.
The maximum parameters for vessels entering the South Docks: Length – 141.8m; Beam – 18.9m, Draught 7.6m
Reliance should not be placed solely upon published data regarding water depths. Where appropriate, advice should be sought from the harbourmaster.
Advice must first be sought from the Harbour Master or his deputies in respect of any vessel approaching all three dimensions. Maximum permitted length will vary with beam.
Vessels intending to enter, move within or sail from the port must contact Sunderland Harbour Radio on Marine VHF channel 14 or 16. 24 hours notice of ETA for shipping is generally required, with amendments at least two hours in advance.
The following aids to navigation are provided within the port and are subject to inspection by Trinity House.
Name | Latitude | Longitude | Type | Characterists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Roker Lt Hse | 54 55.279 N | 001 21.147 W | Lighted Beacon | Fl W 5s / Tower R & W Bands |
Red Can Buoy | 54 55.176 N | 001 21.157 W | Lighted Buoy | Qk.Fl.R / Can R |
New South Pier | 54 55.137 N | 001 21.171 W | Lighted Beacon | Fl W 10s / Tower W |
Old North Pier | 54 55.128 N | 001 21.601 W | Lighted Beacon | Qk.Fl.G |
Old South Pier | 54 55.032 N | 001 21.678 W | Lighted Beacon | Fl R 5s / Can R |
Wave Basin Battery | 54 54.992 N | 001 21.802 W | Lighted Beacon | FI R 2.5s |
North Side Traffic Lt Mast | 54 55.075 N | 001 21.814 W | Traffic Signal | 3 F R (vert), 3 Fl R (vert), 3 F G (vert) |
Greenwells Quay | 54 54.952 N | 001 21.863 W | Lighted Beacon | 2 F R (vert) |
North Dock Outer Basin | 54 55.045 N | 001 21.897 W | Lighted Beacon | Fl G 5s |
North Dock Entrance 2 | 54 55.033 N | 001 21.967 W | Unlighted Beacon | Pole G / Conical G |
North Dock Entrance 1 | 54 55.042 N | 001 22.000 W | Lighted Beacon | Fl (2) G 10s / Pole G |
Potato Garth | 54 54.973 N | 001 22.012 W | Lighted Buoy | Fl G Q / No topmark |
Sand Point | 54 54..895 N | 001 22.0759 W | Lighted Buoy | Fl G 2.5S / No topmark |
North Dock Slipway End | 54 55.040 N | 001 22.015 W | Unlighted Beacon | Pole Y / X |
North Sands Slipway End | 54 55.015 N | 001 22.066 W | Unlighted Beacon | Pole B / Conical G |
Deptford Sewer Outfall | 54 54.814 N | 001 24.150 W | Unlighted Beacon | N Board |
Pallion Dock | 54 54.801 N | 001 24.474 W | Lighted Beacon | 2 F R (vert) / Pole R / Can R |
Gladstone House | 54 54.744 N | 001 21.672 W | Traffic Signal | 3 F R (vert), 3 F G (vert) |
No. 23 Berth | 54 54.340 N | 001 21.630 W | Lighted Beacon | Fl G 5s |
Youngs Quay | 54 54.623 N | 001 21.613 W | Lighted Beacon | Fl R 5s |
Hudson Dock Boat Club Pontoons | 54 54.430 N | 001 21.660 W | Lighted Beacon | Fl Y 10s |
Hendon Dock Junction (West Side) | 54 54.259 N | 001 21.598 W | Lighted Beacon | Fl G 2.5s |
Movement of vessels into and out of the South Docks is controlled by colour light signals for both daytime and night time use.
These signals are positioned at No. 3 Gateway, mounted on the roof of the building just to the East side of the gateway (Gladstone House) and on the lattice steel tower on the inner end of the Old North Pier.
The signals at No. 3 Gateway are visible from the Tidal Basin and the Half-Tide Basin and from the South Docks. The signals on the Old North Pier are visible from vessels entering the harbour and from the lower part of the river.
Vessels may pass IN when three green lights in a vertical line are exhibited on both Old North Pier and at the North side of No. 3 Gateway.
Vessels may pass OUT when three green lights in a vertical line are exhibited at the South side of No. 3 Gateway and three red lights in a vertical line are exhibited at the Old North Pier.
Vessels may not proceed in or out of the South Docks if three red lights in a vertical line are exhibited at No. 3 Gateway.
No signals will be shown.
NIGHT – When the gates are open, but the bridge (Gladstone Bridge) is across for road traffic, two red lights, one above the other, will be shown from the upper part of the bridge.
Every vessel shall comply with the foregoing signals and no vessel shall pass in, or pass out of the docks, or attempt to do so, otherwise than in accordance with such signals.
The signal of “one long, one short and one long blast” may be used by a vessel to indicate that she wishes to enter the docks or pass out of the docks.
Three flashing red lights in a vertical line exhibited from Old North Pier, both to seaward and towards the Tidal Basin, indicate that the river is closed to traffic.
Vessels may obtain information regarding passage into and out of South Docks and Port Closure status from “Sunderland Harbour Radio” on VHF channel 14.
The following forms must be emailed at least 24-hours in advance to portmarineoperations@sunderland.gov.uk
To find out more about what we do and how we can help you and your business.
Please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.
