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Port of Birkenhead

GBBRK🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Birkenhead

Also known as: Birkenhead Ferry Port

Located on the west bank of the River Mersey, Birkenhead is an industrial port in England. It handles a variety of cargo and is equipped with a drydock.

Background
Birkenhead is an industrial port town in the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, Merseyside, England. The town is on the Wirral Peninsula, along the west bank of the River Mersey, opposite Liverpool. It lies within the historic county boundaries of Cheshire, and became part of Merseyside in 1974. At the 2021 census, the built up area as defined by the Office for National Statistics had a population of 109,835.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
6ft
Tidal Range
6ft
Elevation
-9999m

Operations & Services

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

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
34690 →
GeoNames ID
9253618 →
Wikidata
Q746718 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.birkenhead.gov.uk →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
GBBRK
Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Time Zone
UTC+0
Feature Type
PRT (Port)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
River tide gate
Shelter
Excellent

Region

Subdivision
GB-WRL
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
Irish Sea
Latitude
53.4040°
Longitude
-3.0291°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Birkenhead?+
The approach to Birkenhead is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Woodside Landing Stage North Lighthouse at 0.9 NM to the SE. Other aids include Formby (8.2 NM N), Lytham-St.-Anne's (20 NM N), Blackpool Tower (24.7 NM N), Cockersands High (Plover Scar Range Rear) (35.2 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Birkenhead?+
The Port of Birkenhead 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 Birkenhead?+
You can track vessels near Birkenhead (GBBRK) 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 GBBRK on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Birkenhead?+
The Port of Birkenhead operates in the UTC+0 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.