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Port of Kilkeel

GBKLK🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Kilkeel

Kilkeel is Northern Ireland's largest fishing port, situated on the Irish Sea coast. Its harbor accommodates the nation's largest fishing fleet.

Background
Kilkeel is a small town and civil parish on the Irish Sea coast of County Down, Northern Ireland. It is the main fishing port on the Down coast, and its harbour is home to the largest fishing fleet in Northern Ireland. It had a population of 6,633 people at the 2021 census. The town contains the ruins of a 14th-century church and fort, winding streets and terraced shops. It lies just south of the Mourne Mountains, in the historic barony of Mourne, and is the southernmost town in Northern Ireland.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
1ft
Tidal Range
4ft

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Unknown
Pilotage Compulsory
Unknown
Tug Assistance
Unknown
Drydock
U
Repair Code
B

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
33145 →
Wikidata
Q84109 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Fair

Region

Subdivision
GB-NYM
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
Irish Sea
Latitude
54.0586°
Longitude
-5.9949°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Kilkeel?+
The approach to Kilkeel is supported by 3 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Cranfield Point (Haulbowline shore station) Lighthouse at 3.1 NM to the SW. Other aids include Killyleagh (23.5 NM NNE), Pladdy Lug (28.6 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Kilkeel?+
The Port of Kilkeel 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 Kilkeel?+
You can track vessels near Kilkeel (GBKLK) 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 GBKLK on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Kilkeel?+
The Port of Kilkeel 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.