Port of Galle

LKGAL🇱🇰Sri Lanka

Port Location

Port Arrivals & Departures

Vessel Traffic

Port of Galle LKGAL

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About Port of Galle

Galle is a natural harbour on Sri Lanka's southwestern coast. It serves as an active regional port, handling various cargo types including bulk, container, and general cargo. The port is notable for its facilities catering to pleasure yachts.

Background
Galle Harbour is a natural harbour, located in Galle, on the south-western coast of Sri Lanka. Currently Galle port serves as one of the most active regional ports in the country. It is also the only Sri Lankan port that provides facilities for pleasure yachts. International yacht societies have recognised Galle Harbour as one of the world's best attractions for yachting.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
9.01m
Elevation
-9999m

Operations & Services

References & Identifiers

GeoNames ID
12541642 →
Wikidata
Q18356900 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
LKGAL
Country
🇱🇰Sri Lanka
Time Zone
UTC+5:30
Feature Type
PRT (Port)

Classification

Type
Port

Region

Area
East Coast India
Sub-area
Laccadive Sea
Latitude
6.0316°
Longitude
80.2300°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Galle?

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The controlling depth at Galle is 9.01 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 Galle?

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The approach to Galle is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Galle Directional Lighthouse at 0.5 NM to the NW. Other aids include Galle (0.8 NM SW), Deundara Head (22.7 NM ESE), Dondra Head (22.7 NM ESE), Barberyn (30.3 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.

What sea or ocean is the Port of Galle on?

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The Port of Galle is situated on the Bay of Bengal in LK. The area falls within the equatorial climate zone with warm waters year-round, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.

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

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You can track vessels near Galle (LKGAL) 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 Galle?

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The Port of Galle is a port in LK. Its UN/LOCODE is LKGAL — 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 LKGAL mean?

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The first two characters, LK, are the ISO country code for LK. 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 Galle?

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The Port of Galle operates in the UTC+5:30 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.

What is the Port of Galle?

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GALLE (UN/Locode: LKGAL), Sri Lanka is a seaport located at approximately 6.03161° N, 80.23003° E.

Where is the Port of Galle located?

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Coordinates: 6.03161° N, 80.23003° E. Nearby terminals/ports:HAMBANTOTA — UN/Locode: LKHBA — 6.12831° N, 81.10228° E

What facilities are available at the Port of Galle?

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Depths: maximum draft approx. 9.01 m.

What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Galle?

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Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: none noted.

What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Galle?

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Communication & port formalities — telephone: not available; radio (VHF): not available; air services: not available; rail: not available; ETA message: not required; quarantine pratique: not available; deratting certificate: not available and first port of entry: not available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: not available; tug assistance: not available and tug salvage: not available.

What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Galle?

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Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Pleasure Craft, Ro Ro, Tanker and Tugs Harbor Craft.