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Port of Colchester

GBCOL🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Colchester

This small, sheltered harbor in Essex, UK, is a tidal port with compulsory pilotage and tug assistance. It primarily handles bulk cargo and general cargo vessels.

Background
Colchester is a city in north-eastern Essex, England. At the 2021 census the built up area had a population of 130,245, making it the second-largest settlement in Essex, after Southend-on-Sea. It gives its name to the wider Colchester local government district which also covers an extensive surrounding area. The demonym is Colcestrian.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
2ft
Tidal Range
3ft

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed
Drydock
U
Repair Code
C

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
31506 →
Wikidata
Q184163 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.colchester.gov.uk →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
GBCOL
Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Time Zone
UTC+0

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
River natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
GB-ESS
Latitude
51.8833°
Longitude
0.9167°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Colchester?+
The approach to Colchester is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Trinity House Lightship 16 Colne Light Lighthouse at 0.5 NM to the ESE. Other aids include Trinity House Lightship 15 Trinity (7.7 NM SSW), Marconi Sailing Club (10.9 NM SSW), Heybridge (11.7 NM SW), Tendring District (Harwich Area) Lighthouses (14.2 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 Colchester?+
The Port of Colchester 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 Colchester?+
You can track vessels near Colchester (GBCOL) 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 GBCOL on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Colchester?+
The Port of Colchester 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.