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Port Talbot

GBPTB🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port Talbot

Located on the River Afan estuary in South Wales, this port features a tidal basin with deep berthing facilities. It is capable of handling Capesize vessels up to 170,000 DWT, primarily for iron ore imports to serve the adjacent steelworks. The port complex includes floating docks developed from the mid-19th century.

Background
The Port of Port Talbot is located on the River Afan estuary next to Port Talbot Steelworks in the industrial town of Port Talbot, South Wales. The whole basin complex covers about 500 acres (2.0 km2), consisting of: an inner set of floating docks, developed from 1834 onwards; and an outer tidal basin, completed in 1970. Owned and operated by Associated British Ports, the tidal basin has the deepest berthing facilities in the Severn estuary and is one of only a few harbours in the UK capable of handling Capesize vessels of up to 170,000 tonnes deadweight (DWT), mostly for the import of iron ore and coal for use by nearby Port Talbot Steelworks.

Current Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
11ft
Tidal Range
6ft

Operations & Services

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

History

Established
1837

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal breakwater
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
GB-NTL
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
Bristol Channel
Latitude
51.5787°
Longitude
-3.7984°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
34980 →
Wikidata
Q7231235 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port Talbot?+
The approach to Port Talbot is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Trinity House Lightship 72 Juno Lighthouse at 4.6 NM to the NNW. Other aids include Western Somerset Lighthouses (29.5 NM SE), Hinkley Point (33.1 NM SE), Instow Range Front (34.2 NM SSW), Burnham-on-Sea Seafront Range Rear (36.2 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port Talbot?+
The Port Talbot 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 Talbot?+
You can track vessels near Port Talbot (GBPTB) 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 GBPTB on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port Talbot?+
The Port Talbot 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.