GILLINGHAM

• GBGIL
• Latitude: 51.3964
• Longitude: 0.559523
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Marina in UK

Location: Gillingham Kent ME7 1UB UK

Phone number: +44 1634 850510

Gillingham is a town in the county of Kent, located in the southeastern part of the United Kingdom. It lies on the River Medway, and its maritime heritage is closely intertwined with the Medway Ports area, including nearby Chatham and Rochester. Although Gillingham itself does not feature a large commercial port, it is part of the broader Medway Ports, which include various facilities along the River Medway. Below is a detailed description and specifications for the Medway Ports area, relevant to Gillingham:

Location

• Position: Southeastern England, on the River Medway
• Coordinates: Approximately 51.3925° N, 0.5493° E

Port Facilities

Medway Ports consist of several key facilities, including:

1. Sheerness Port: Located closer to the mouth of the River Medway, primarily handling automobiles, bulk commodities, and forest products.
2. Chatham Docks: Near Gillingham, handling various types of cargo, including containers, Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off), and break-bulk.

Depth and Berthing

• Draft: Varies by specific docks; generally accommodates vessels up to about 11 meters in draft.
• Berths: Multiple berths with different specifications for cargo handling and serviced vessels.

Cargo Handling

• Main Cargoes: Forest products, automobiles, general cargo, containers, steel, and other bulk materials.
• Facilities: Ro-Ro terminals, container handling facilities, and bulk storage options.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

• Road: Well-connected via the M2 and M20 motorways, facilitating easy transport to and from London and other parts of the UK.
• Rail: Linked to national rail networks, providing efficient cargo transport options.

Services

• Towage: Available for maneuvering vessels within the port area.
• Pilotage: Compulsory for larger vessels, with pilotage services coordinated through Medway Ports' control center.
• Bunkering: Fueling services are available within the port area.

Logistics and Ancillary Services

• Warehousing: Various options for warehousing and storage of goods.
• Customs and Inspection Services: Full customs and inspection services, ensuring compliance with UK regulations.
• Ship Repair and Maintenance: Nearby facilities for ship repair, including dry docks.

Environmental and Safety Regulations

• Adheres to stringent environmental standards and regulations to minimize ecological impact.
• Comprehensive safety protocols in place to ensure the safety of port operations and personnel.

Notable Features

• Historic Significance: Proximity to Chatham Historic Dockyard, with a rich maritime history.
• Strategic Location: Ideally situated for access to the Thames Estuary and the North Sea.

Development and Investment

• Ongoing investments in infrastructure to modernize facilities and improve operational efficiency.

In summary, while Gillingham itself does not have a standalone commercial port, it is part of the broader Medway Ports area, which includes significant port facilities with various capabilities. Gillingham benefits from this proximity, offering ancillary services and being part of a region with a strong maritime and industrial presence.