Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Port of La Rochelle

FRLRH🇫🇷France

Port Location

About Port of La Rochelle

This French seaport on the Bay of Biscay handles bulk carriers, general cargo, tankers, and fishing vessels. It features a medium-sized coastal tide gate harbor with mobile and fixed cranes. Pilotage and tugs are compulsory.

Background
La Rochelle is a city on the west coast of France and a seaport on the Bay of Biscay, a part of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Charente-Maritime department. With 78,535 inhabitants in 2021, La Rochelle is the most populated commune in the department and ranks fourth in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region after Bordeaux, the regional capital, Limoges and Poitiers.

Current Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
11ft
Tidal Range
3ft
Elevation
-9999m

Operations & Services

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

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
37010 →
GeoNames ID
12522591 →
Wikidata
Q82185 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.larochelle.fr →

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal tide gate
Shelter
Excellent

Region

Subdivision
FR-17
Latitude
46.1667°
Longitude
-1.1500°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Track ships at the Port of La Rochelle in real time

Live AIS positions, arrivals, and departures at FRLRH — straight from your phone.

Live AIS positionsArrival alertsVoyage history
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of La Rochelle?+
The approach to La Rochelle is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is La Rochelle Feu Postérieur Lighthouse at 0.6 NM to the S. Other aids include Port des Minimes Jetée de l'Est (0.7 NM S), Tour de la Lanterne (0.7 NM SSW), La Pallice Jetée du Sud (3.5 NM W), Île d'Aix (9.5 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of La Rochelle on?+
The Port of La Rochelle is situated on the Bay of Biscay in FR. The area falls within the temperate maritime climate zone, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of La Rochelle?+
You can track vessels near La Rochelle (FRLRH) 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 FRLRH on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of La Rochelle?+
The Port of La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle?+
LA ROCHELLE (UN/Locode: FRLRH), France is a seaport located at approximately 46.14458° N, -1.16659° E.
Where is the Port of La Rochelle located?+
Coordinates: 46.14458° N, -1.16659° E. Nearby terminals/ports:LA PALLICE — UN/Locode: FRLPE — 46.15403° N, -1.21969° ESAINT NAZAIRE — UN/Locode: FRSZI — 45.95264° N, -1.05476° EROCHEFORT — UN/Locode: FRRCO — 45.94897° N, -0.95390° E
What facilities are available at the Port of La Rochelle?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Tide Gate and Medium. 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 11m - 12.2m; anchorage depth 4.9m - 6.1m; cargo pier depth 9.4m - 10m and oil terminal depth 11m - 12.2m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of La Rochelle?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: restrictions present; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: none noted.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of La Rochelle?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: available and first port of entry: available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of La Rochelle?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Bunkering, Fishing, General Cargo, Ro Ro, Tanker and Tugs Harbor Craft.