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

Port of Dartford

GBDFD🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Dartford

Also known as: London Container Terminal

Dartford is a port situated on the River Thames in Kent, England. It handles general cargo and is equipped with tugs and compulsory pilotage.

Background
Dartford is the principal town in the Borough of Dartford, Kent, England. It is located 18 mi (29 km) south-east of Central London and

Current Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Vessel Limits

Tidal Range
3ft
Elevation
7m

Operations & Services

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

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
31430 →
GeoNames ID
12196031 →
Wikidata
Q858775 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.forthports.co.uk →
Seamark Type
light_minor

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
River tide gate
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
GB-KEN
Body of Water
River Thames
Latitude
51.4623°
Longitude
0.2511°

Nearby Vessels

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

Track ships at the Port of Dartford in real time

Live AIS positions, arrivals, and departures at GBDFD — 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 Dartford?+
The approach to Dartford is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Dartford Borough Lighthouse Lighthouse at 2.2 NM to the E. Other aids include Greater London Lighthouses (2.8 NM WNW), Thurrock Yacht Club (2.8 NM ENE), Trinity House Lightship 38 Gull (2.8 NM ENE), Gravesham Borough Lighthouses (3.2 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Dartford?+
The Port of Dartford 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 Dartford?+
You can track vessels near Dartford (GBDFD) 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 GBDFD on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Dartford?+
The Port of Dartford 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.