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Port of Southend

GBSND🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Southend

Southend is a pier located on the north side of the Thames Estuary in Essex, England. It is a pier facility with compulsory pilotage and tug assistance.

Background
Southend-on-Sea, commonly referred to as Southend, is a coastal city and unitary authority area in south-eastern Essex, England. It lies on the north side of the Thames Estuary, 40 miles (64 km) east of central London. It is bordered to the north by Rochford and to the west by Castle Point. The city is one of the most densely populated places in the country outside of London. It is home to the longest pleasure pier in the world, Southend Pier, while London Southend Airport is located to the north of the city centre.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
11ft
Tidal Range
4ft
Elevation
-9999m

Operations & Services

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

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
31370 →
GeoNames ID
11153458 →
Wikidata
Q203995 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.southend.gov.uk →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
GBSND
Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Time Zone
UTC+0
Feature Type
PIER (Pier)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Fair

Region

Subdivision
GB-ESS
Latitude
51.4500°
Longitude
0.7500°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Southend?+
The approach to Southend is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Irish Lightship Albatross Lighthouse at 7.6 NM to the WSW. Other aids include Medway Council Area: River Medway Lightships (7.6 NM WSW), Trinity House Lightship 88 ex-Lord Nelson (11 NM WSW), Trinity House Lightship 21 Seven Stones (11.5 NM W), Herne Bay (14.3 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 Southend?+
The Port of Southend 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 Southend?+
You can track vessels near Southend (GBSND) 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 GBSND on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Southend?+
The Port of Southend 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.