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Port of Brest

FRBES🇫🇷France

Port Location

About Port of Brest

Also known as: Canal de Brest a Nantes, Canal de Brest à Nantes, Canal de Nantes a Brest, Canal de Nantes à Brest

This French seaport is situated on the roadstead of Brest. It handles a wide variety of vessel types, including bulk carriers, tankers, and container ships. The port features a large drydock and offers extensive pilot and tug services.

Background
The Nantes–Brest canal is a French canal which links the two seaports of Nantes and Brest through inland Brittany. It was built in the early 19th century, and its total length as built was 385 km with 238 locks.

Current Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Vessel Limits

Max Draft
10.67m
Channel Depth
13ft
Tidal Range
7ft
Elevation
63m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile
Drydock
L
Repair Code
A
Terminals
1

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
36460 →
GeoNames ID
3030296 →
Wikidata
Q1032581 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.brest.port.fr →
Seamark Type
light_minor

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
FRBES
Country
🇫🇷France
Time Zone
UTC+1
Feature Type
CNL (Canal)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal breakwater
Shelter
Excellent

Region

Subdivision
FR-29
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
Biscay Bay
Body of Water
roadstead of Brest
Latitude
48.3767°
Longitude
-4.4857°

Terminals

BREST MULTIMODAL CONTAINER TERMINAL

CCI METROPOLITAINE BRETAGNE OUEST (CCIMBO)

3 Rue de Kiel, 29200 Brest, France

www.brest.port.bzh →
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Brest?+
The controlling depth at Brest is 10.67 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Brest?+
The approach to Brest is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Brest Jetée de l'Ouest Lighthouse at 0.1 NM to the NNE. Other aids include Brest Quai de l'Artillerie (0.3 NM NW), Brest Digue Est (0.4 NM S), Pointe du Portzic (2.2 NM WSW), La Roche Mengant (4.2 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Brest?+
The Port of Brest 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 strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Brest?+
You can track vessels near Brest (FRBES) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for FRBES on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Brest?+
The Port of Brest operates in the UTC+1 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Brest?+
BREST (UN/Locode: FRBES), France is a seaport located at approximately 48.37666° N, -4.48570° E.
Where is the Port of Brest located?+
Coordinates: 48.37666° N, -4.48570° E. Nearby terminals/ports:LE CONQUET — UN/Locode: FRNCB — 48.37000° N, -4.77000° EDOUARNENEZ — UN/Locode: FRDRZ — 48.08920° N, -4.33278° EOUESSANT — UN/Locode: FRRHP — 48.47000° N, -5.08000° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Brest?+
Depths: maximum draft approx. 10.67 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Brest?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: none noted.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Brest?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: not available; radio (VHF): not available; air services: not available; rail: not available; ETA message: not required; quarantine pratique: not available; deratting certificate: not available and first port of entry: not available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: not available; tug assistance: not available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Brest?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Bunkering, Container, Fishing, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Pleasure Craft, Ro Ro, Tanker and Tugs Harbor Craft.