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Port of Lerwick

GBLER🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Lerwick

Lerwick is the primary port for the Shetland Islands, serving as a vital hub for fishing, oil and gas support, and ferry services. It handles a variety of cargo and accommodates offshore support vessels, fishing fleets, and passenger ferries. The port is located on the east coast of the Shetland mainland.

Background
Lerwick is the main town and port of the Shetland archipelago, Scotland. Shetland's only burgh, Lerwick had a population of about 7,000 residents in 2010. It is the northernmost major settlement within the United Kingdom.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
8m
Channel Depth
9ft
Tidal Range
2ft
Elevation
1m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
No
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile
Drydock
S
Repair Code
B

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
32600 →
GeoNames ID
9828316 →
Wikidata
Q213485 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.shetland.org →
Seamark Type
light_minor

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Fair

Region

Subdivision
GB-ZET
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
North Sea
Latitude
60.1676°
Longitude
-1.1522°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Lerwick?+
The controlling depth at Lerwick is 8 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Lerwick?+
The approach to Lerwick is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Rova Head Lighthouse at 3 NM to the SSE. Other aids include Fugla Ness (6.9 NM WSW), Uyea Sound (17.6 NM N), Muckle Roe (18.9 NM S), Foula (27.5 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Lerwick on?+
The Port of Lerwick is situated on the North Sea in GB. The area falls within the subarctic climate zone with cold winters and potential ice conditions, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Lerwick?+
You can track vessels near Lerwick (GBLER) 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 GBLER on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Lerwick?+
The Port of Lerwick 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.