Port of Marseille

The controlling depth at Marseille is 22.25 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.

The approach to Marseille is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Fort Saint-Jean (Tour du Fanal) Lighthouse at 0.9 NM to the S with a nominal range of 5 NM. Other aids include Port du Frioul (2.3 NM SW), Marseille Nord (3 NM NW), Mourepiane (3.1 NM NNW), Passe de l'Estaque (3.5 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.

The Port of Marseille is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.

You can track vessels near Marseille (FRMRS) 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 FRMRS on the live map.

The Port of Marseille 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.

MARSEILLE (UN/Locode: FRMRS), France is a seaport located at approximately 43.30943° N, 5.36203° E.

Coordinates: 43.30943° N, 5.36203° E. Nearby terminals/ports:BERRE — UN/Locode: FRBEE — 43.45996° N, 5.15147° EBERRE-L'ETANG — UN/Locode: FRETB — 43.46000° N, 5.15000° ELA CIOTAT — UN/Locode: FRLCT — 43.17088° N, 5.61082° E

Harbor type/size: Coastal Breakwater and Small. Cranes: mobile cranes, fixed cranes and floating cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts, 25–49 MT lifts, 50–100 MT lifts and 100 MT+ lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, good holding ground and turning area. Depths: channel depth 12.5m - 13.7m; anchorage depth 11m - 12.2m; cargo pier depth 15.5m - 16m; oil terminal depth 11m - 12.2m and maximum draft approx. 22.25 m.

Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: none noted.

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: available.

Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Bunkering, Container, Fishing, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Pleasure Craft, Ro Ro, Tanker and Tugs Harbor Craft.

Service providers include Inglasco International Ltd.