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Port of Plymouth

GBPLY🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Plymouth

Also known as: Plymouth Ferry Port

Plymouth is a port in England's southwest, situated on the south coast. It handles a variety of cargo and accommodates key vessel types. The port features compulsory pilotage and tug services, with a large drydock available.

Background
Plymouth is a port city and unitary authority in Devon, England. It is located on Devon's south coast between the rivers Plym and Tamar, about 36 miles (58 km) southwest of Exeter and 193 miles (311 km) southwest of London. It is the most populous city in Devon.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
9ft
Tidal Range
5ft
Elevation
4m

Operations & Services

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

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
35370 →
GeoNames ID
9253613 →
Wikidata
Q43382 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.plymouth.gov.uk →

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Excellent

Region

Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
English Channel
Latitude
50.3718°
Longitude
-4.1502°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Plymouth?+
The approach to Plymouth is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Queen Anne's Battery Range Rear Lighthouse at 0.5 NM to the SE. Other aids include St. Austell Area Lighthouses (11.6 NM W), Spy House Point (19.2 NM W), Kingswear Daymark (22.3 NM E), Torbay Borough Lighthouses (24.5 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Plymouth?+
The Port of Plymouth 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 Plymouth?+
You can track vessels near Plymouth (GBPLY) 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 GBPLY on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Plymouth?+
The Port of Plymouth 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.