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Port of Whitstable

GBWTS🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Whitstable

Whitstable is a small harbor on the north coast of Kent, England, situated at the convergence of the Swale and the Greater Thames Estuary. It serves as a local harbor, with pilotage and tug assistance available.

Background
Whitstable is a town in the Canterbury district, on the north coast of Kent, England, at the convergence of the Swale and the Greater Thames Estuary, five miles north of Canterbury and two miles west of Herne Bay. In 2021 it had a population of 32,196.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
2ft
Tidal Range
4ft
Elevation
3m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Mobile
Drydock
S
Repair Code
C

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
31360 →
GeoNames ID
11153466 →
Wikidata
Q964785 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
GBWTS
Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Time Zone
UTC+0
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
River natural
Shelter
Fair

Region

Subdivision
GB-KEN
Area
UK Coast & Atlantic
Sub-area
North Sea
Latitude
51.3636°
Longitude
1.0262°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Whitstable?+
The approach to Whitstable is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Herne Bay Lighthouse at 3.5 NM to the ENE. Other aids include St. Mary's of Reculver (15.7 NM E), Irish Lightship Albatross (17.8 NM W), Medway Council Area: River Medway Lightships (17.8 NM W), Deal Pier (18.7 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Whitstable?+
The Port of Whitstable 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 Whitstable?+
You can track vessels near Whitstable (GBWTS) 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 GBWTS on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Whitstable?+
The Port of Whitstable 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.