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.