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Port of Calais

FRCQF🇫🇷France

Port Location

About Port of Calais

Also known as: Canal de Calais, Canal de Calais a Saint-Omer, Canal de Calais à Saint-Omer, Canal de Saint Omer

The Port of Calais is a small, sheltered harbor on the French coast. It handles a wide variety of vessel types, including Ro Ro, passenger, and container ships. The port connects to the French canal system via the Calais Canal.

Background
The Canal de Calais connects the Aa River near Ruminghem to the inner basins of the Port of Calais. Many boats enter the French canal system through the port of Calais and this canal. It is 30 km long and has 3 locks.

Current Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Vessel Limits

Max Draft
11.05m
Channel Depth
8ft
Tidal Range
6ft
Elevation
4m

Operations & Services

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

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
35750 →
GeoNames ID
3029159 →
Wikidata
Q2935983 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Seamark Type
berth

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal breakwater
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
FR-62
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
English Channel
Latitude
50.9656°
Longitude
1.8523°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Calais?+
The controlling depth at Calais is 11.05 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 Calais?+
The approach to Calais is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Calais Arrondissement Lighthouses Lighthouse at 3 NM to the WSW. Other aids include Calais Gare Maritime (10 NM ENE), Camiers (Armand, Lornel) (19.4 NM SW), Dunkerque Jetée Est (20.1 NM ENE), Deal Pier (20.8 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 Calais?+
The Port of Calais 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 Calais?+
You can track vessels near Calais (FRCQF) 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 FRCQF on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Calais?+
The Port of Calais 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 Calais?+
CALAIS (UN/Locode: FRCQF), France is a seaport located at approximately 50.96555° N, 1.85227° E.
Where is the Port of Calais located?+
Coordinates: 50.96555° N, 1.85227° E. Nearby terminals/ports:ARDRES — UN/Locode: FRARD — 50.85000° N, 1.98000° EBOULOGNE-SUR-MER — UN/Locode: FRBOL — 50.72415° N, 1.58781° EDUNKIRK EAST — UN/Locode: FRDKK — 51.04113° N, 2.31237° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Calais?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Breakwater and Small. Cranes: mobile cranes and fixed cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts and 25–49 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading and good holding ground. Depths: channel depth 7.1m - 9.1m; anchorage depth 18.6m - 19.8m; cargo pier depth 11m - 12.2m and maximum draft approx. 11.05 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Calais?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: restrictions present; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Calais?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: 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 Calais?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Bunkering, Container, Fishing, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Ro Ro, Special Craft, Tanker and Tugs Harbor Craft.