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Port of Cardiff

GBCDF🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Cardiff

Located in southern Wales, the Port of Cardiff handles containers, steel, forest products, and dry and liquid bulks. It is equipped with pilotage and tug services.

Background
Cardiff Docks is a port in southern Cardiff, Wales. At its peak, the port was one of the largest dock systems in the world with a total quayage of almost 7 mi (11 km). Once the main port for the export of South Wales coal, the Port of Cardiff remains active in the import and export of containers, steel, forest products and dry and liquid bulks.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
0ft
Tidal Range
11ft
Elevation
4m

Operations & Services

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

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
35010 →
GeoNames ID
11886635 →
Wikidata
Q5038407 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal tide gate
Shelter
Excellent

Region

Subdivision
GB-CRF
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
Bristol Channel
Latitude
51.4621°
Longitude
-3.1620°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Cardiff?+
The approach to Cardiff is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Burnham-on-Sea Seafront Range Rear Lighthouse at 14.7 NM to the SSE. Other aids include Hinkley Point (14.8 NM S), Western Somerset Lighthouses (17.8 NM SSW), Britische Leuchttürme auf historischen Postkarten (19.6 NM ENE), Slime Road Range Rear (21.3 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Cardiff?+
The Port of Cardiff 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 Cardiff?+
You can track vessels near Cardiff (GBCDF) 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 GBCDF on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Cardiff?+
The Port of Cardiff 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.