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Port of Cowes

GBCOW🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Cowes

Also known as: East Cowes Ferry Port

This port is located on the west bank of the River Medina estuary on the Isle of Wight. It serves as a harbor for recreational vessels and requires pilotage.

Background
Cowes is an English seaport town and civil parish on the Isle of Wight. Cowes is located on the west bank of the estuary of the River Medina, facing the smaller town of East Cowes on the east bank. The two towns are linked by the Cowes Floating Bridge, a chain ferry.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
5ft
Tidal Range
3ft
Elevation
2m

Operations & Services

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

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
35550 →
GeoNames ID
9257170 →
Wikidata
Q587996 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
River natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
GB-IOW
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
English Channel
Latitude
50.7575°
Longitude
-1.2927°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Cowes?+
The approach to Cowes is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Calshot Castle Lighthouse at 3.2 NM to the WNW. Other aids include Trinity House Lightship 1 Haslar Marina (7 NM ENE), Southampton City Lightship and Lighthouses (9.2 NM NNW), Chichester District Lightbeacons (19.9 NM E), Pagham Yacht Club (21.1 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 Cowes?+
The Port of Cowes 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 Cowes?+
You can track vessels near Cowes (GBCOW) 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 GBCOW on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Cowes?+
The Port of Cowes 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.