SHARPNESS

• GBSSS
• Latitude: 51.7224
• Longitude: -2.47557
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in UK

Location: UK

Sharpeness is a small yet historically significant port located along the Severn Estuary in Gloucestershire, England. Below, you'll find a description and key specifications of Sharpness Port:

Description:

Sharpness Port serves as a gateway to the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, which historically was a major route for cargo to the city of Gloucester and the broader inland waterways system. The area is characterized by its rural surroundings and industrial heritage, including remnants of old docks and warehouses that harken back to its heyday in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Specifications:

Location:

• Latitude/Longitude: Approx. 51.7220° N, 2.4840° W
• Region: Gloucestershire, South West England
• Waterway: Severn Estuary

Facilities:

• Docking: Sharpness port includes several docks that can accommodate general cargo ships. There are facilities for loading and unloading various types of cargo, including bulk goods.
• Cargo Handling: The port has equipment for handling bulk materials, containers, and other general cargo.
• Storage: There are storage facilities for both dry and liquid bulk goods.

Navigation:

• Tide: The Severn Estuary is noted for having one of the highest tidal ranges in the world, which affects the port operations. Mariners need to account for tidal conditions when planning arrivals and departures.
• Channel: A navigable channel connects the port to the estuary and is maintained to accommodate vessels of a suitable size.

Connectivity:

• Road: The port is connected by local roads to the regional road network, providing access to the M5 motorway.
• Rail: Although historically linked to the national rail network, current rail services may be limited and typically involve freight, with more emphasis on road transport for logistics.

Services:

• Pilots: Pilotage services are available and may be required for navigating the estuary and channel, given the challenging conditions.
• Tugs: Towing services are available to assist vessels in docking and departing, particularly given the tidal conditions.

Commodities:

Sharpness primarily handles:

• Bulk materials (e.g., grain, animal feed, cement)
• General cargo
• The port is also equipped to handle certain types of hazardous materials, although specific permissions and protocols must be observed.

Notes:

• Environmental Considerations: Given its location on the Severn Estuary, there are significant environmental protections in place, which can impact operations.
• Security: The port complies with international and national security measures to ensure safe transit and handling of goods.

Future Developments:

• There might be plans for development or renovation aimed at increasing the efficiency or capacity of the port to adapt to modern shipping and logistical needs.

Sharpness Port, while smaller and less busy compared to major UK ports, remains a vital node in regional and historical maritime logistics, contributing to the economy of Gloucestershire and the broader South West region.