PENZANCE

  • GBPEN
  • Latitude: 50.1184
  • Longitude: -5.53077
  • UK Coast & Atlantic
  • Port in UK

Location: UK

Penzance is a historic town and port located in Cornwall, England, and it serves as the terminus for the famous Great Western Railway line from London. Here is a detailed description and specification of the marine port in Penzance:

Port of Penzance

General Information

  • Location: Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom
  • Coordinates: 50.1181° N, 5.5372° W
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Region: South West England
  • UN/LOCODE: GBPEZ

Facilities and Infrastructure

  • Harbour Type: Tidal harbour with dock facilities
  • Primary Functions: Cargo handling, fishing activities, and passenger services
  • Major Uses:
    • Commercial shipping including cargo and freight services
    • Fishing industry support
    • Terminal for passenger ferries to the Isles of Scilly

Berthing and Quay Specifications

  • Outer Harbour:

    • Used mainly for fishing vessels and leisure craft
    • Depth: Generally varies due to tides; however, servicing is effective for vessels up to 3.5m draft
  • South Pier:

    • Primarily for fishing fleet berthing
    • Equipped with fuel facilities and fish landing infrastructure
  • Albert Pier:

    • Serves as the primary commercial and cargo facilitation point
    • Facilities for the Isle of Scilly Steamship Company ferries
    • Depth at low tide approximately 2 to 3 meters
  • Wet Dock:

    • Provides sheltered waters with controlled access via tidal gates
    • Draft limitations typically around 4.5 meters
    • Note: Subject to siltation impacting depth, regular dredging usually required

Services and Amenities

  • Passenger Services:

    • Regular ferry services to the Isles of Scilly operated by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company
    • Seasonal aid to cruise liners and tourist vessels
  • Cargo Handling:

    • Handling general cargo, fresh fish, building materials, machinery, and fuel products
    • Various logistical support and warehousing options available
  • Fishing:

    • Active fish market supporting the local fishing industry
    • Ice and fuel supplies readily available
  • Repair and Maintenance:

    • Minor repair services and maintenance facilities available
    • Access to experienced marine engineering services within the town

Navigational Information

  • Approach:

    • Visible breakwater marking the entrance to the harbour
    • A channel approximately 1.5 meters deep depending on tidal conditions
  • Tidal Conditions:

    • Tidal range can be significant, with variations up to 5 meters or more
    • Navigation and entry are often tide-dependent for larger vessels
  • VHF Communications:

    • Harbour Master accessible on standard marine VHF channels for clearance and entry directions

Environmental Considerations

  • Weather:

    • Subject to the often unpredictable weather conditions of the English Channel
    • High susceptibility to storms, fog, and strong westerly winds
  • Conservation:

    • Nearby marine protected areas; practices in place to protect local biodiversity

Additional Information

  • Penzance has robust historical significance as a port. It has evolved over the years to cater to modern demands while retaining its heritage character.
  • There's active collaboration between port authorities, local businesses, and conservation groups to ensure sustainable operations.

Perfectly situated to serve both commercial and leisure maritime activities, Penzance continues to be a pivotal maritime hub in Cornwall with comprehensive facilities to meet a variety of needs.

Vessels in the port

Flag Name Type Destination Date/Time
FV BILLYROWNEY PZ532 Other 03:36:18
SCILLONIAN III Passenger PZ SCILLY SCILLY PZ 03:26:37
INTER-NOS PZ46 Fishing LAST UPDATE TIME 02:34:47
HARRIET EVE TO50 Fishing NEWLYN 02:27:37
MICHAEL EDWARD TO30 Fishing 02:27:16
F/V JACOBA Fishing FISHING GROUNDS 01:55:19
TWILIGHT PZ330 Fishing NEWLYN 01:25:31
MFV KAREN N PZ10 Fishing FISHINGGROUDS 01:23:07
CORNISHMAN PZ512 Fishing NEWLYN 01:12:41
AMANDA OF LADRAM PW6 Fishing FISHING NETS 8/16 01:05:44
GOVENEK OF LADRAM Other NETS CH 08 7/5/2025
FV ST GEORGES PZ1053 Fishing NEWLYN/CWLL/UK 7/4/2025
LADY BETH Pleasure LAST UPDATE TIME 7/4/2025
FV TREVESSA IV Fishing FISHING 7/4/2025
GRY MARITHA Cargo GB PEN<>GB HWZ 7/4/2025
EMMANOU Pleasure PENZANCE 7/4/2025
KAREN OF LADRAM Fishing GILL NETS VHF 16,8 7/4/2025
ANNIE MAY Fishing LAST UPDATE TIME 7/3/2025
CHIMAERA Pleasure 7/3/2025
LE VAGABOND Sailing 7/3/2025

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