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Port of Instow

GBINS🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Instow

Instow is a small Royal Navy harbor situated on the estuary where the rivers Taw and Torridge meet in North Devon, UK. It is equipped with pilotage and tug services.

Background
Instow is a village in north Devon, England. It is on the estuary where the rivers Taw and Torridge meet, between the villages of Westleigh and Yelland and on the opposite bank to Appledore. There is an electoral ward with the same name. The ward's total population at the 2011 census was 1,501.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
2ft
Tidal Range
5ft

Operations & Services

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

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
35150 →
Wikidata
Q748613 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.instow.net →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
GBINS
Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Time Zone
UTC+0

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
River natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
GB-DEV
Latitude
51.0500°
Longitude
-4.1667°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Instow?+
The approach to Instow is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Instow Range Front Lighthouse at 0.8 NM to the NW. Other aids include Torridge District: Mainland Lighthouses (13.7 NM W), Western Somerset Lighthouses (32.6 NM ENE), Trinity House Lightship 72 Juno (38.1 NM NNE), Teignbridge District Lighthouses (39.7 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Instow?+
The Port of Instow 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 Instow?+
You can track vessels near Instow (GBINS) 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 GBINS on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Instow?+
The Port of Instow 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.