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Port Townsend

USTWD🇺🇸USA

Port Location

About Port Townsend

Established in 1851, Port Townsend is a small, sheltered harbor on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. It serves as a ferry terminal and handles general cargo. The port features a drydock and is equipped for tug assistance.

Background
Port Townsend is a city on the Quimper Peninsula in Jefferson County, Washington, United States. The population was 10,148 at the 2020 United States Census. It is the county seat of, and the only incorporated city in, Jefferson County.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
2ft
Tidal Range
2ft
Elevation
-9999m

Operations & Services

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

History

Established
1851

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
USTWD
Country
🇺🇸USA
Time Zone
UTC-8
Feature Type
PIER (Pier)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
US-WA
Area
US West Coast
Latitude
48.1180°
Longitude
-122.7715°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
17160 →
GeoNames ID
12573837 →
Wikidata
Q1001828 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
cityofpt.us →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port Townsend?+
The approach to Port Townsend is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Eastern Jefferson County (Admiralty Inlet, Port Townsend Area) Lighthouses Lighthouse at 1.7 NM to the NNE. Other aids include Point Wilson (1.7 NM NNE), Marrowstone Point (3.5 NM ESE), Admiralty Head Light (4.4 NM NE), Bush Point (8.4 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port Townsend?+
The Port Townsend is located within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. This strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port Townsend?+
You can track vessels near Port Townsend (USTWD) 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 USTWD on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port Townsend?+
The Port Townsend operates in the UTC-8 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.