FOLKESTONE

• GBFOL
• Latitude: 51.0782
• Longitude: 1.19015
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in UK

Location: Folkestone Kent UK

Web-site: https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/ports-mariners/folkestone-harbour

Marine Port Description and Specifications: Folkestone, UK

General Information

• Location: Folkestone is a coastal town in Kent, situated in the southeastern part of the United Kingdom. It sits on the English Channel, near the narrowest part between England and France.
• Coordinates: Approximately 51.08°N latitude and 1.18°E longitude.
• Time Zone: GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), UTC +0. DST observed, switching to BST (British Summer Time), UTC +1.

Port Specifications

• Type of Port: Folkestone Harbour is a mixed-use port. Historically, it has had a significant ferry and freight service, though its commercial activity has reduced in recent years.
• Key Functions:
  • Commercial operations, although limited.
  • Small-scale fishing.
  • Recreational boating and yachting.
  • Leisure and tourism, particularly with its promenade and adjacent recreational facilities.

Infrastructure and Facilities

• Harbour Area: The port has a relatively small harbour area with several jetties and pontoons designed to accommodate smaller vessels.
• Draft and Berthing:
  • Channel Draft: Approximately 4.3 meters (14 feet) at high tide. Due to tidal variations, the draft may be significantly less at low tide.
  • Vessel Accommodation: Primarily suited to small to medium-sized vessels, including fishing boats, pleasure crafts, and private yachts.
• Cargo Handling: Limited cargo handling facilities; the port doesn’t cater to large commercial cargo ships.
• Passenger Facilities: Basic facilities available for passenger vessels, although large-scale ferry services have been significantly reduced.
• Fishing Facilities: Dedicated areas for local fishing activities with some processing and market facilities.

Accessibility

• Road Access: Well-connected via the M20 motorway, providing easy access to key locations such as London and Dover.
• Rail Access: Folkestone is serviced by a railway station with connections to London and other regional destinations.
• Air Access: The nearest major airport is London Gatwick, which is connected via rail and road networks.

Services and Amenities

• Navigation Aids: Lighthouses and buoys are in place to aid the navigation of vessels approaching the harbour.
• Harbourmaster: Provides oversight, ensuring safe and efficient operations within the harbour.
• Maintenance Services: Basic maintenance services are available for boats and yachts, including dry dock services.
• Security: The port has security measures in place to monitor and regulate port activities.

Environmental and Local Considerations

• Tidal Range: The port experiences significant tidal variations, influencing navigability and operations.
• Weather Conditions: The port can be affected by severe weather conditions, particularly during winter months.

Strategic Importance

• Folkestone Harbour has historically served as an important link between the UK and continental Europe. Although its commercial prominence has diminished, it continues to hold cultural and recreational significance within the region.

Port Administration and Contact

• Port Authority: Folkestone Harbour Company.
• Contact Information: Specific contact details (phone numbers and emails) can be obtained from the official Folkestone Harbour Company website or local directories.

Development and Future Prospects

• There have been ongoing discussions and plans regarding the redevelopment of the harbour area into a mixed-use leisure and commercial hub. This includes upgrades to facilities and the promotion of tourism and retail activities.

Summary

Folkestone Harbour is a picturesque and historically significant port primarily serving local recreational, fishing, and reduced commercial purposes. With its close proximity to the European mainland and its quaint charm, it remains a key feature of the Folkestone townscape.