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Port of Sheerness

GBSHS🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Sheerness

Located on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, England, Sheerness is a significant port handling a variety of cargo, particularly vehicles. It serves as a key hub for roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) traffic, accommodating car carriers and other specialized vessels. The port features extensive facilities for freight operations.

Background
Sheerness is a port town and civil parish beside the mouth of the River Medway on the north-west corner of the Isle of Sheppey in north Kent, England. With a population of 13,249, it is the second largest town on the island after the nearby town of Minster which has a population of 16,738.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
11ft
Tidal Range
4ft
Elevation
3m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Drydock
Small
Repair Code
C

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
31370 →
GeoNames ID
12196032 →
Wikidata
Q1003196 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Fair

Region

Subdivision
GB-KEN
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
North Sea
Latitude
51.4427°
Longitude
0.7425°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Sheerness?+
The approach to Sheerness is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Irish Lightship Albatross Lighthouse at 7.2 NM to the WSW. Other aids include Medway Council Area: River Medway Lightships (7.2 NM WSW), Trinity House Lightship 88 ex-Lord Nelson (10.5 NM WSW), Trinity House Lightship 21 Seven Stones (11.2 NM W), Herne Bay (14.4 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 Sheerness?+
The Port of Sheerness 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 Sheerness?+
You can track vessels near Sheerness (GBSHS) 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 GBSHS on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Sheerness?+
The Port of Sheerness 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.