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Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer

FRBOL🇫🇷France

Port Location

About Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer

This French seaport is situated on the Pas de Calais strait. It is France's leading fishing port and handles bulk carriers, container ships, and general cargo. The port features mobile and fixed cranes and offers pilotage and tug services.

Background
The Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer is a seaport located on the western coast of the Hauts-de-France region, on the edge of the Pas de Calais, the world's busiest strait for international shipping. It is France's leading fishing port, with a diversified fleet of almost 150 boats. It was also an important link port with England until the end of the 20th century.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
11m
Channel Depth
5ft
Tidal Range
8ft
Elevation
4m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile
Drydock
S
Repair Code
C

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
35760 →
GeoNames ID
11876731 →
Wikidata
Q3398462 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
FRBOL
Country
🇫🇷France
Time Zone
UTC+1
Feature Type
PRT (Port)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
River tide gate
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
FR-62
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
English Channel
Latitude
50.7242°
Longitude
1.5878°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer?+
The controlling depth at Boulogne-sur-Mer is 11 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 Boulogne-sur-Mer?+
The approach to Boulogne-sur-Mer is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Camiers (Armand, Lornel) Lighthouse at 1.8 NM to the SSW. Other aids include Calais Arrondissement Lighthouses (15.5 NM NNE), Calais Gare Maritime (25.9 NM NE), Deal Pier (26.3 NM NNW), Rye East Arm (33.3 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer?+
The Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer 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 Boulogne-sur-Mer?+
You can track vessels near Boulogne-sur-Mer (FRBOL) 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 FRBOL on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer?+
The Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer 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 Boulogne-sur-Mer?+
BOULOGNE-SUR-MER (UN/Locode: FRBOL), France is a seaport located at approximately 50.72415° N, 1.58781° E.
Where is the Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer located?+
Coordinates: 50.72415° N, 1.58781° E. Nearby terminals/ports:ARDRES — UN/Locode: FRARD — 50.85000° N, 1.98000° ECALAIS — UN/Locode: FRCQF — 50.96555° N, 1.85227° EDOVER — UN/Locode: GBDVR — 51.12254° N, 1.32980° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer?+
Harbor type/size: River Tide Gate and Medium. Cranes: mobile cranes and fixed cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts and 25–49 MT lifts. Depths: channel depth 4.9m - 6.1m; anchorage depth 14m - 15.2m; cargo pier depth 11m - 12.2m; oil terminal depth 3.4m - 4.6m and maximum draft approx. 11 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: none noted.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: not available; first port of entry: available and additional quarantine services available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Fishing, General Cargo, Offshore and Tanker.