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

Port of Helford River

GBHDR🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Helford River

This port is a natural harbor located on the Helford River, a ria in Cornwall, England. It accommodates various vessel types and offers pilotage and tug services.

Background
The Helford River is a ria in Cornwall, England, fed by small streams into its many creeks. There are seven creeks on the Helford; from west to east these are Ponsontuel Creek, Mawgan Creek, Polpenwith Creek, Polwheveral Creek, Frenchman's Creek, Port Navas Creek, and Gillan Creek. The best known of these is Frenchman's Creek, made famous by Daphne du Maurier in her novel of the same name. A little further up river is Tremayne Quay, built for a visit by Queen Victoria in the 1840s which she then declined to make, allegedly because it was raining.

Current Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
14ft
Tidal Range
5ft
Elevation
4m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile
Drydock
M
Repair Code
B

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
35290 →
GeoNames ID
11886637 →
Wikidata
Q9287496 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
GB-CON
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
Celtic Sea
Latitude
50.0978°
Longitude
-5.1299°

Nearby Vessels

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

Track ships at the Port of Helford River in real time

Live AIS positions, arrivals, and departures at GBHDR — 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 Helford River?+
The approach to Helford River is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Falmouth Area Lighthouses Lighthouse at 5.1 NM to the ENE. Other aids include Hayle Old Rear (13 NM WNW), Gwennap Head Range Beacons (21.4 NM W), Spy House Point (23.1 NM NE), St. Austell Area Lighthouses (30.1 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 Helford River?+
The Port of Helford River 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 Helford River?+
You can track vessels near Helford River (GBHDR) 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 GBHDR on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Helford River?+
The Port of Helford River 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.