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Port of Sharpness

GBSSS🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Sharpness

Also known as: Gloucester and Berkeley Canal, Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, Gloucester and Sharpness Ship Canal

Sharpness is a port located at the western end of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal in Gloucestershire, UK. It serves as the tideway terminus of the canal, connecting inland waterways to the Bristol Channel. The port handles various cargo types and accommodates vessels navigating the canal.

Background
The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal is a ship canal in the west of England, between Gloucester and Sharpness, completed in 1827. For much of its length the canal runs close to the tidal River Severn, but it cuts off a long loop in the river at a once-dangerous bend near Arlingham. It was once the broadest and deepest canal in the world. The canal is 26.5 km long.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
2ft
Tidal Range
5ft
Elevation
2m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Unknown
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
No
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile, Floating
Drydock
S
Repair Code
B

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
35040 →
GeoNames ID
2648403 →
Wikidata
Q5572091 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
GBSSS
Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Time Zone
UTC+0
Feature Type
CNL (Canal)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Lake or canal
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
GB-GLS
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
Bristol Channel
Latitude
51.7224°
Longitude
-2.4756°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Sharpness?+
The approach to Sharpness is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Berkeley Pill Range Front Lighthouse at 1.5 NM to the SSW. Other aids include Berkeley Pill Range Rear (1.6 NM SSW), Fishing House Range Front (2.8 NM SSW), Fishing House Range Rear (2.9 NM SSW), Sheperdine Range Rear (4.3 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Sharpness?+
The Port of Sharpness 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 Sharpness?+
You can track vessels near Sharpness (GBSSS) 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 GBSSS on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Sharpness?+
The Port of Sharpness 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.