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Portland Breakwater Fort Head Lighthouse

Q Red🇬🇧GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Portland Breakwater Fort Head Lighthouse

Portland Breakwater Fort Head is a 12-meter skeletal tower constructed of stone and steel, standing on a square stone base. Its focal plane reaches 14 meters above the water, emitting a quick flashing red light. This structure marks the north end of the detached east outer breakwater for Portland Harbour. The tower's base is integrated into a nineteenth-century fort, a historic defensive structure that once guarded the harbour entrance. The lighthouse offers a geographic range of 11.6 nautical miles and is located 1.1 kilometers from Portland.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels navigating the complex entrance to Portland Harbour, specifically marking the northern end of the detached east outer breakwater. Its strategic placement atop a historic nineteenth-century fort provides a unique architectural and historical context.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q Red
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
Red
Raw Code
Q R
Focal Height
14m
Geographic Range
11.6NM

Location

Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
England
Sea Region
Portland Harbour, marking the north end of the detached east outer breakwater.
Latitude
50.5850°
Longitude
-2.4142°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
skeletal, square
Material
stone, steel

Structure: A 12m skeletal tower mounted atop a square stone tower, with a focal plane of 14m.

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Portland(1.1 km)
Admiralty No.
A0310
NGA No.
0456.
ARLHS No.
ENG-107
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Portland Breakwater Fort Head Lighthouse at night?+
Portland Breakwater Fort Head displays the characteristic Q Red. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Portland Breakwater Fort Head Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Portland Breakwater Fort Head Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Portland at 1.1 NM to the W. Other ports served include Weymouth (2.2 NM NW), Ferrybridge (2.3 NM WSW), Wyke Regis (2.6 NM W), Chickerell (3.8 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Portland Breakwater Fort Head Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Portland Breakwater Fort Head Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Portland Breakwater Fort Head Lighthouse?+
Portland Breakwater Fort Head Lighthouse is located within the English Channel / North Sea corridor — one of the world's busiest maritime corridors connecting the Atlantic to Northern European ports. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Portland Breakwater Fort Head Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Portland Breakwater Fort Head Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.