Port of Shetland

GBTLD🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

Port Arrivals & Departures

Vessel Traffic

Port of Shetland GBTLD

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About Port of Shetland

This port is located in the Shetland archipelago, the northernmost region of the United Kingdom. It serves as a significant hub for offshore oil and gas operations, handling associated cargo and supporting a variety of service vessels. The port features compulsory pilotage and tug assistance.

Background
Shetland, also called the Shetland Islands, is an archipelago in Scotland lying between Orkney, the Faroe Islands, and Norway, marking the northernmost region of the United Kingdom. The islands lie about 50 miles to the northeast of Orkney, 110 mi (170 km) from mainland Scotland, and 140 mi (220 km) west of Norway.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
24m
Channel Depth
23ft
Tidal Range
1ft

Operations & Services

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

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
32630 →
Wikidata
Q47134 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.shetland.gov.uk →

Identification

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

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
GB-ZET
Latitude
60.5333°
Longitude
-1.2167°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Shetland?

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The controlling depth at Shetland is 24 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Shetland?

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The approach to Shetland is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Uyea Sound Lighthouse at 7 NM to the SE. Other aids include Balta Sound (17.6 NM NE), Whitehill (21.7 NM NNE), Rova Head (25 NM S), Fugla Ness (25.9 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.

What sea or ocean is the Port of Shetland on?

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The Port of Shetland is situated on the North Sea in GB. The area falls within the subarctic climate zone with cold winters and potential ice conditions, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.

How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Shetland?

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You can track vessels near Shetland (GBTLD) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course.

Where is the Port of Shetland?

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The Port of Shetland is a port in GB. Its UN/LOCODE is GBTLD — the five-character code the UNECE assigns to trade and transport locations, and the identifier used on shipping documents and in port calls.

What does the UN/LOCODE GBTLD mean?

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The first two characters, GB, are the ISO country code for GB. The remaining three identify the location within that country. The code is issued by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and is the international standard for naming ports in trade and transport systems.

What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Shetland?

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The Port of Shetland 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.