Vessel Arrivals and Berthing

The Ports Authority of the Velocity Interoperability Network is the harbour master at each of the four ports of the Network. It fixes the conditions on which vessels enter, move within and leave port limits, allocates berths, provides pilotage and towage, and keeps the record of arrivals and departures. Every vessel calling at a port of the Network must be represented by a shipping agent registered with the Authority, and every movement within port limits requires the harbour master's permission.

The harbour master's office at each port is staffed at all times that the port is open to movements. The Authority employed 17 pilots and held a fleet of six tugs at establishment: three at the Port of Southbank, two at Northgate Harbour and one at Meridian Basin. Tugs are moved between ports as demand requires, and a vessel requiring more tugs than are held at its port may have to wait.

Notice of arrival. Notice must be given by the vessel's registered agent at least 72 hours before the expected time of arrival, or at least 24 hours before arrival where the vessel is on a coastal voyage of less than 24 hours. The cargo manifest for discharge follows at least 24 hours before arrival, and any dangerous goods must be declared at least 48 hours before arrival. A vessel that arrives without notice is not given a berth until the notice, the manifest and any dangerous goods declaration have been received, and waits at the anchorage in the meantime. The full procedure for agents, including registration with the Authority, is set out on the Cargo and Handling page.

Pilotage and towage. Pilotage and towage are provided by the Authority and are compulsory at the lengths shown below. Length is the length overall recorded on the vessel's certificates. The harbour master may require more tugs than the table shows where the wind, the tidal stream or the condition of the vessel makes it prudent, and may allow fewer where a vessel is fitted with bow and stern thrusters and the conditions are settled. A vessel exempt from compulsory pilotage may still request a pilot at the published charge.

Port limits and the approaches. The limits of each port, the maintained depth in its approach and the largest vessel accepted are set out below. Depths are surveyed quarterly and are given at chart datum. A master whose arrival draught is within one metre of the maintained depth must confirm the current survey with the harbour master before arrival. A vessel exceeding the maximum length or draught shown is accepted only by prior written agreement with the Authority, on conditions fixed for the movement.

The inward passage. The steps below apply to every vessel from the giving of notice to the beginning of cargo operations. They are the harbour master's requirements; the agent's separate obligations for cargo, manifests and charges are set out on the Cargo and Handling page.

1. 1

   Step 1: Give notice of arrival

   The vessel's registered agent gives notice at least 72 hours before the expected time of arrival, or 24 hours for a coastal voyage of less than 24 hours. The notice states the vessel's name, flag, dimensions, gross tonnage, arrival draught, the cargo to be discharged and loaded, any dangerous goods, and the number of crew and passengers on board.

2. 2

   Step 2: Receive the berth and handling window

   The harbour master allocates a berth and a handling window, having regard to the order in which notice was received, the cargo, the vessel's dimensions and the equipment at the terminal. The allocation is confirmed to the agent by email, normally within one working day of the notice.

3. 3

   Step 3: Confirm the pilot boarding time

   The agent confirms the pilot boarding position and time with the harbour master at least six hours before arrival, and reports any change in the expected time of arrival of more than one hour as soon as it is known.

4. 4

   Step 4: Report at the reporting point

   The master reports to the harbour master on the working channel one hour before reaching the reporting point of the port, and again on passing it. The reporting points are the Southbank Light, the Northgate Fairway Buoy, the seaward end of the Meridian Cut and the Westbrook road bridge.

5. 5

   Step 5: Embark the pilot

   Where pilotage is compulsory the pilot boards at the pilot boarding position. The master provides a safe boarding arrangement and remains in command throughout. A vessel whose pilot cannot board because of weather waits at anchor until conditions allow.

6. 6

   Step 6: Take tugs and proceed to the berth

   Tugs are made fast at the position directed by the pilot. The number of tugs is fixed by the vessel's length under the table above and may be increased by the harbour master for the conditions at the time, for a vessel with a defect affecting its manoeuvring, or for a vessel carrying dangerous goods in bulk.

7. 7

   Step 7: Moor and open the vessel to the terminal

   The vessel moors with the number of lines directed by the pilot and rigs a safe means of access. Cargo operations begin when the terminal has received the manifest, the vessel is declared ready in all respects and, where cargo is subject to it, clearance has been given by the Customs Service.

8. 8

   Step 8: Give notice of departure

   The agent gives notice of departure at least four hours before the vessel sails and confirms that all cargo discrepancies have been settled. The harbour master fixes the departure time so that movements in the approach do not conflict.

Conditions of movement within port limits. The following conditions apply to every vessel within the limits of a port of the Network, whether under way, at anchor or alongside. They are enforced by the harbour master, who may order a vessel to move, to remain where it is, or to leave port limits.

Speed within port limits

Six knots through the water within the limits of the Port of Southbank, Northgate Harbour and Meridian Basin, and four knots in the Westbrook Channel. A vessel must in any case proceed at a speed at which it can be stopped in the distance it can see to be clear, and must not create a wash that endangers moored craft or works on the quay.

Listening watch

Every vessel under way within port limits, and every vessel alongside with an officer on watch, keeps a continuous listening watch on the working channel of the port. A vessel that cannot maintain a listening watch does not move within port limits.

Movement in restricted visibility

When visibility falls below half a nautical mile the harbour master suspends movements of vessels over 100 metres in length. Vessels already under way proceed to a berth or an anchorage as directed. Movements resume when the harbour master declares the port open.

Movement in high wind

Berthing and unberthing are suspended when the mean wind speed at the port exceeds 30 knots, and cargo operations by crane are suspended above the limits set for the equipment. A vessel alongside in wind above 40 knots doubles its moorings and keeps its main engine at immediate readiness.

Anchoring

Vessels waiting for a berth anchor only in the designated anchorages seaward of each port and report their position to the harbour master on anchoring. Anchoring within port limits other than in an anchorage requires the permission of the harbour master.

Shifting between berths

A vessel shifts between berths only with the permission of the harbour master. Where the shift is made at the Authority's convenience no charge arises; where it is made at the request of the vessel or its agent, pilotage and towage are charged as for a fresh movement.

Bunkering and transfer of oil

Bunkering alongside requires 12 hours' notice to the harbour master and is not permitted while dangerous goods are being worked over the same side. Transfer of oil between vessels is permitted only at the Northgate Liquid Bulk Jetty and only under a written transfer plan agreed with the Authority.

Readiness to move

A vessel alongside keeps its engines at a readiness agreed with the harbour master and does not immobilise them for repair without permission. Permission to immobilise states the period allowed and the tugs to be held available.

Discharge to the water

Nothing may be discharged or thrown into the water within port limits. Waste, oily residues and sewage are landed through the Authority's reception facilities at Southbank and Northgate at the charge set out in the schedule of port charges.

Expected arrivals. The arrivals expected in the week beginning Monday 7 September 2026 are set out below. The list is compiled from the notices received from agents and is provisional: times change with the weather and with the progress of cargo operations at the previous port. Agents are notified of a change in a berth allocation as soon as it is made. The list is republished each Friday for the week that follows.

The Southbank Ferry Terminal is served by a scheduled service sailing at 07:15 and 18:45 every day; its sailings are not listed above. Berths are described, with their length, depth alongside and equipment, on the Terminals page. Pilotage, towage and port dues are charged under the schedule set out on the Port Charges page, and the rules that apply to persons and vehicles within the ports on the Safety and Security page.

Notices of arrival, requests to shift a vessel, and enquiries about berth allocation may be sent to contact@ports.gov.vin. For answers to common questions, see the frequently asked questions.