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

Port of Cairnryan

GBCYN🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Cairnryan

Also known as: Cairnryan Ferry Port, Cairnryan Harbour

This port is located on the eastern shore of Loch Ryan in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It serves as a ferry terminal, primarily handling roll-on/roll-off traffic.

Background
Cairnryan is a village in the historical county of Wigtownshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It lies on the eastern shore of Loch Ryan, six miles north of Stranraer and 81 miles (130 km) southwest of Glasgow.

Current Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
5ft
Tidal Range
3ft
Elevation
5m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
No
Tug Assistance
Unknown
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile
Drydock
U
Repair Code
C

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
33570 →
GeoNames ID
9796454 →
Wikidata
Q3250447 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
River basin
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
GB-DGY
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
Irish Sea
Latitude
54.9676°
Longitude
-5.0215°

Nearby Vessels

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

Track ships at the Port of Cairnryan in real time

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

Live AIS positionsArrival alertsVoyage history
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Cairnryan?+
The approach to Cairnryan is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Portpatrick Range Rear Lighthouse at 8.2 NM to the SSW. Other aids include Crammag Head (14.8 NM S), Carnlough North Pier (23.9 NM W), Isle of Whithorn (28.1 NM SE), Ayr North Breakwater (32.8 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Cairnryan?+
The Port of Cairnryan 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 Cairnryan?+
You can track vessels near Cairnryan (GBCYN) 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 GBCYN on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Cairnryan?+
The Port of Cairnryan 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.