Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE FR BAY

Bayonne, France

France · 43.50° N, 1.47° W

The World Port Index classes Bayonne as a river port reached from the Bay of Biscay. It records a channel depth of 4.9 m and a cargo pier depth of 9.4 m. Norfolk is 6,180 km away in a straight line.

6,180 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
4.9 m
Cargo pier depth
9.4 m
From Norfolk
6,180 kmGreat-circle distance
Nearest port guide
Bordeaux170 km away

Depths and vessel limits

Channel depth
4.9 m
Anchorage depth
23.2 m
Cargo pier depth
9.4 m
Tidal range
3 m

As recorded in the World Port Index. Gauges run from 0 to 25 m. Confirm current depths and limits with the port before you fix a vessel.

Facilities on record

Arrival and entry

Bayonne is listed as a first port of entry. Pilotage is compulsory.

First port of entry
Yes
Pilotage compulsory
Yes
Pilotage advisable
Yes
Tug assistance
Yes
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Shelter afforded
Excellent
Entrance restricted by tide
Yes

Cargo handling

The heaviest lift class recorded is 50 to 100 tons.

Wharves
Yes
Fixed cranes
Yes
Mobile cranes
Yes
Lifts of 50 to 100 tons
Yes
Lifts of 25 to 49 tons
Yes
Lifts up to 24 tons
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated limited.

Repairs
Limited
Dry dock
Small
Electrical repair
Yes
Fuel oil
Yes
Diesel oil
Yes
Potable water
Yes
Provisions
Yes
Deck supplies
Yes
Engine supplies
Yes
Medical facilities
Yes
Dirty ballast disposal
Yes
Airport
Yes

US trade with France

US exports, 2025
$50.6BLed by aircraft and spacecraft
US imports, 2025
$68.1BLed by pharmaceutical products

Top goods, trade terms and port guides for France

Other ports in France

The nearest is Bordeaux, 170 km away in a straight line.

Sources

  • US trade figures: US Census Bureau, International Trade API, HS2 total exports and general imports for calendar 2024 and 2025, retrieved November 4, 2026.
  • Port data: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, World Port Index (Pub 150), from NGA's UpdatedPub150.csv as captured by the Internet Archive on September 29, 2026.
  • Distances are great-circle distances computed from World Port Index coordinates, not sailing distances.
  • Map: Natural Earth 1:110m land, public domain.