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

Port of Marchwood

GBMAW🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Marchwood

Also known as: Southampton Cruise Port, Southampton Ferry Port

Marchwood Military Port is a key UK naval facility on the south coast, supporting military cargo and personnel movement. It serves as a base for Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels, including Tide-class tankers. The port features compulsory pilotage and tug assistance.

Background
Marchwood Military Port (MMP) or Marchwood Sea Mounting Centre (SMC) is a military port located in Marchwood, Southampton on the south coast of the UK, and the base of 17 Port & Maritime Regiment Royal Logistic Corps. The port was built in 1943 to aid in the D-Day assault on Normandy in 1944 and has since been used to support the Falklands War. The port is now used largely by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, as a base for their ships, including the Tide-class tankers, and it is also still employed for military cargo and personnel movement.

Current Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
13ft
Tidal Range
5ft
Elevation
5m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile, Floating
Drydock
L
Repair Code
A

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
35580 →
GeoNames ID
9253608 →
Wikidata
Q6757048 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
River basin
Shelter
Excellent

Region

Subdivision
GB-HAM
Latitude
50.8833°
Longitude
-1.4333°

Nearby Vessels

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

Track ships at the Port of Marchwood in real time

Live AIS positions, arrivals, and departures at GBMAW — 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 Marchwood?+
The approach to Marchwood is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Southampton City Lightship and Lighthouses Lighthouse at 1.8 NM to the ENE. Other aids include Calshot Castle (6.4 NM SSE), Trinity House Lightship 1 Haslar Marina (13.2 NM ESE), Chichester District Lightbeacons (27.2 NM ESE), Pagham Yacht Club (27.3 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Marchwood?+
The Port of Marchwood 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 Marchwood?+
You can track vessels near Marchwood (GBMAW) 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 GBMAW on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Marchwood?+
The Port of Marchwood 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.