Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE GB HRW

Harwich, United Kingdom

United Kingdom · 51.95° N, 1.28° E

The World Port Index classes Harwich as a river port reached from the North Sea. It records a channel depth of 12.5 m and a cargo pier depth of 9.4 m. Norfolk is 6,080 km away in a straight line.

6,080 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
12.5 m
Cargo pier depth
9.4 m
From Norfolk
6,080 kmGreat-circle distance
Nearest port guide
FelixstoweUnder 10 km away

Depths and vessel limits

Channel depth
12.5 m
Anchorage depth
11 m
Cargo pier depth
9.4 m
Oil terminal depth
7.9 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

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

First port of entry
Yes
Pilotage compulsory
Yes
Pilotage available
Yes
Pilotage advisable
Yes
Tug assistance
Yes
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Shelter afforded
Fair
Entrance restricted by tide
Yes
Entrance restricted by swell
No
Entrance restricted by ice
No

Cargo handling

The heaviest lift class recorded is 25 to 49 tons.

Wharves
Yes
Fixed cranes
Yes
Mobile cranes
Yes
Lifts of 25 to 49 tons
Yes
Lifts up to 24 tons
Yes
Railway
Medium

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated limited.

Repairs
Limited
Electrical repair
Yes
Fuel oil
Yes
Diesel oil
Yes
Potable water
Yes
Deck supplies
Yes
Engine supplies
Yes
Shore electricity
Yes
Medical facilities
Yes
Dirty ballast disposal
Yes
Airport
Yes

US trade with the United Kingdom

US exports, 2025
$97.4BLed by precious stones, metals and jewelry
US imports, 2025
$64.8BLed by machinery and mechanical appliances

Top goods, trade terms and port guides for the United Kingdom

Other ports in the United Kingdom

The nearest is Felixstowe, under 10 km away.

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.