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Port of Ipswich

GBIPS🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Ipswich

This UK port is situated on the River Orwell in Suffolk. It handles bulk cargo and general cargo, accommodating coasters and other medium-sized vessels. The port is operated by Associated British Ports.

Background
The Port of Ipswich can be dated to c.625. The name Ipswich was originally Gippeswyc, referring to the River Gyppes with a suffix derived from the Scandinavian term vik, which had evolved from meaning bay or inlet to mean landing-place, following the proliferation of merchants requiring places to unload their goods and conduct trade. Since 1997 the port has been run by Associated British Ports.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
5ft
Tidal Range
3ft

Operations & Services

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

History

Operator (Wikidata ID)
Associated British Ports

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
River tide gate
Shelter
Fair

Region

Subdivision
GB-SFK
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
North Sea
Body of Water
River Orwell
Latitude
52.0403°
Longitude
1.1582°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
31550 →
Wikidata
Q85413242 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.abports.co.uk →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Ipswich?+
The approach to Ipswich is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Trinity House Lightship 87 Haven Ports Lighthouse at 4.9 NM to the ESE. Other aids include Tendring District (Harwich Area) Lighthouses (7.3 NM SE), Trinity House Lightship 16 Colne Light (12.8 NM SW), Southwold Lighthouse (15.6 NM E), Trinity House Lightship 15 Trinity (20.2 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Ipswich?+
The Port of Ipswich 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 Ipswich?+
You can track vessels near Ipswich (GBIPS) 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 GBIPS on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Ipswich?+
The Port of Ipswich 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.