Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE GB PRH

Portland Harbour, United Kingdom

United Kingdom · 50.58° N, 2.43° W

The World Port Index classes Portland Harbour as a coastal harbor sheltered by breakwaters on the English Channel. It records a channel depth of 11 m and a cargo pier depth of 12.5 m. Norfolk is 5,870 km away in a straight line.

5,870 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
11 m
Cargo pier depth
12.5 m
From Norfolk
5,870 kmGreat-circle distance
Nearest port guide
Southampton80 km away

Depths and vessel limits

Channel depth
11 m
Anchorage depth
20.1 m
Cargo pier depth
12.5 m
Oil terminal depth
11 m
Tidal range
2 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

Portland Harbour is listed as a first port of entry. Pilotage is compulsory.

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

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 up to 24 tons
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes
Railway
Small

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated moderate.

Repairs
Moderate
Electrical repair
Yes
Fuel oil
Yes
Diesel oil
Yes
Potable water
Yes
Provisions
Yes
Deck supplies
Yes
Engine supplies
Yes
Shore electricity
Yes
Medical facilities
Yes
Garbage disposal
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 Southampton, 80 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.