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

Port of Carrickfergus

GBCFG🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Carrickfergus

Also known as: Belfast Ferry Port

This port is situated on the north shore of Belfast Lough in Northern Ireland. It is a sheltered harbor that handles various cargo, requiring compulsory pilotage and tug assistance.

Background
Carrickfergus is a large town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It sits on the north shore of Belfast Lough, 11 miles (18 km) from Belfast. The town had a population of 28,141 at the 2021 census. It is County Antrim's oldest town and one of the oldest towns in Ireland as a whole. Carrickfergus Castle, built in the late 12th century at the behest of Anglo-Norman knight John de Courcy, was the capital of the Earldom of Ulster. After the earldom's collapse, it remained the only English outpost in Ulster for the next four centuries. Carrickfergus was the administrative centre for Carrickfergus Borough Council, before this was amalgamated into the Mid and East Antrim District Council in 2015, and forms part of the Belfast Metropolitan Area. It is also a townland of 65 acres, a civil parish and a barony.

Current Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Vessel Limits

Max Draft
15m
Tidal Range
2ft
Elevation
4m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Unknown
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Drydock
None
Repair Code
N

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
33780 →
GeoNames ID
9253555 →
Wikidata
Q1020354 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.belfast-harbour.co.uk →

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Marina
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Fair

Region

Subdivision
GB-CKF
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
Irish Sea
Latitude
54.7106°
Longitude
-5.8080°

Nearby Vessels

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

Track ships at the Port of Carrickfergus in real time

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

Live AIS positionsArrival alertsVoyage history
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Carrickfergus?+
The controlling depth at Carrickfergus is 15 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 Carrickfergus?+
The approach to Carrickfergus is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Pladdy Lug Lighthouse at 14.3 NM to the SSE. Other aids include Carnlough North Pier (17.4 NM N), Killyleagh (19.8 NM SSE), Portpatrick Range Rear (25.2 NM ENE), Crammag Head (29.4 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Carrickfergus?+
The Port of Carrickfergus 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 Carrickfergus?+
You can track vessels near Carrickfergus (GBCFG) 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 GBCFG on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Carrickfergus?+
The Port of Carrickfergus 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.