POOLE

• GBPOO
• Latitude: 50.711
• Longitude: -1.98914
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in UK

Location: UK

Poole Marine Port Overview

Poole Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world, located in the county of Dorset on the southern coast of England, United Kingdom. Poole Harbour serves as a vital maritime gateway for both commercial and leisure activities, providing a variety of services and amenities for vessels of all types.

Geographic Location

• Coordinates: 50.7039° N, 1.9876° W
• Country: United Kingdom
• County: Dorset
• Nearby Cities: Bournemouth, Southampton, and Weymouth

Harbour Characteristics

• Type: Natural Harbour
• Size: Approximately 36 square kilometers (14 square miles)
• Depth: Varies throughout the harbour; navigation channels are dredged to maintain sufficient depth for larger vessels

Port Infrastructure

Facilities

• Terminals: The port includes terminals for both passenger ferries and cargo vessels.
  • Passenger Terminal: Facilities for ferry services to destinations such as Cherbourg, Guernsey, and Jersey
  • Cargo Terminals: Handling containers, bulk cargo, and other goods
• Berths: Various berths for commercial, fishing, and pleasure vessels
• Marinas: Several marinas provide docking and amenities for leisure boats, including yacht clubs

Services

• Pilotage: Compulsory for larger vessels; pilot services available
• Tug Services: Tugboats available for assisting in navigation and docking of larger vessels
• Mooring and Anchoring: Designated areas for mooring and anchoring within the harbour
• Bunkering: Fueling services for vessels
• Waste Disposal: Facilities for the disposal of waste, including hazardous materials

Commercial Activities

Cargo Handling

• Types of Cargo: Containerized goods, bulk commodities, motor vehicles, and other general cargo
• Storage Facilities: Warehouses and open storage areas for various goods

Fishing Industry

• Fish Market: Active fishing community with a market for fresh catches
• Processing Facilities: Limited facilities available for the processing and packaging of seafood

Connectivity

Road and Rail

• Road Access: Well-connected by major roads including the A35 and A31, linking to the UK’s motorway network
• Rail Connections: Poole railway station provides passenger and freight services, connecting to major cities

Air

• Nearest Airport: Bournemouth Airport, approximately 20 kilometers away, offers both domestic and international flights

Maritime

• Ferry Services: Regular passenger and vehicle ferry services to the Channel Islands and France
• Cruise Ships: Occasional visits by small to mid-sized cruise ships

Environmental and Safety Measures

Environmental Protection

• Conservation Areas: Parts of Poole Harbour are designated as Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
• Pollution Control: Strict regulations and monitoring to prevent maritime pollution

Safety

• Coastguard Services: Active coastguard presence ensuring safety at sea
• Port Security: Comprehensive security measures, including surveillance and patrols

Recreational Activities

Leisure Boating

• Yachting and Sailing: Popular destination for sailing enthusiasts with several yacht clubs and annual regattas
• Fishing: Recreational fishing allowed in designated areas

Tourism

• Beaches: Numerous sandy beaches around the harbour, including the famous Sandbanks beach
• Watersports: Activities such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking are popular

Future Developments

Expansion Plans

• Ongoing investment in infrastructure improvements to enhance capacity and services
• Potential for new cargo handling facilities and berthing options

Contact Information

Poole Harbour Commissioners

• Address: Harbour Office, 20 New Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4AF, United Kingdom
• Phone: +44 (0)1202 440200
• Website: Poole Harbour Commissioners

Poole Harbour remains a vital asset to the local economy and an attractive destination for maritime activities. Its combination of natural beauty and comprehensive facilities make it a unique port in the UK.