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Port of Gravesend

GBGVS🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Gravesend

This port is located on the south bank of the River Thames in Kent, United Kingdom. It serves as a pilot station and anchorage for vessels navigating the tidal estuary. Tugs are available for assistance.

Background
Gravesend is a town in northwest Kent, England, situated 21 miles (35 km) east-southeast of Charing Cross on the south bank of the River Thames, opposite Tilbury in Essex. Located in the Diocese of Rochester, it is the administrative centre of the borough of Gravesham. Gravesend marks the eastern limit of the Greater London Built-up Area, as defined by the UK Office for National Statistics. It had a population of roughly 60,250 in 2021.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
8ft
Elevation
4m

Operations & Services

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

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
31420 →
GeoNames ID
11524768 →
Wikidata
Q676689 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.forthports.co.uk →

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
River natural
Shelter
Excellent

Region

Subdivision
GB-KEN
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
North Sea
Body of Water
River Thames
Latitude
51.4450°
Longitude
0.3866°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Gravesend?+
The approach to Gravesend is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Gravesham Borough Lighthouses Lighthouse at 2 NM to the W. Other aids include Trinity House Lightship 21 Seven Stones (2.1 NM E), Trinity House Lightship 38 Gull (2.8 NM NW), Thurrock Yacht Club (2.9 NM NW), Dartford Borough Lighthouse (3.2 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Gravesend?+
The Port of Gravesend 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 Gravesend?+
You can track vessels near Gravesend (GBGVS) 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 GBGVS on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Gravesend?+
The Port of Gravesend 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.