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Top tips for first-timers on the broads.

Hiring a boat on the Broads needn't be daunting. Below you can find some helpful information for first-time boaters on the practicalities of visiting the Broads including moorings, safety information and more.

For full information about boating please visit the Broads Authority website .

If you require any advice or need assistance during your visit please remember to call Broads Control on 01603 756056 to receive up-to-date and friendly advice.

Before you arrive

In order to enjoy the relaxing experience that boating on the Broads can and should be, it's a good idea to plan as much as you can before arriving, including:

• Where you would like to visit.
• When you would like to be there by.
• What vessel is best suited to your requirements.
• What you need to bring (whether it be clothing, towels, cooking apparatus, maps, etc.).

There are plenty of resources out there to help you including websites, leaflets and good old-fashioned books, so make sure you dedicate some time to researching your trip beforehand.

When you arrive

When you arrive you will be given a handover where the boatyard will show you how to operate your vessel, so make sure you arrive in good time. These briefings include important information on how to navigate safely, moor up, use a life jacket and lots of other helpful tips. Make sure you pay attention during the briefing and ensure you are confident with boat safety and handling the vessel before setting off on your own. We would always recommend you read the boat manual as well.

As mentioned above, many visitors find it help to plan in advance where and when they want to visit during their trip to the Broads. Boatyards will be happy to advise you on the time and distance required to get from A to B, with many even providing helpful printed information in their welcome packs, so don't hesitate to ask.

Staying safe

There are a number of safety tips that you can follow to ensure your trip to the Broads is as enjoyable as can be while keeping everyone safe.

Some top tips include:

• Always wear a life jacket when you are on the boat, getting on or off the boat and near to the water (this applies to dogs too as they are just as susceptible to cold water as people – you can buy or borrow dog life jackets from boatyards and boating suppliers).
• Make sure your mobile phone is kept charged.
• Keep a close eye on children and pets at all times.
• Don't swim in the water unless at an organised swimming event.
• Don't jump off a moving boat and don't sit on the front deck of a day boat.
• Don't reverse your boat towards anyone in the water or swim near the back of the boat as that's where the propeller is.
• Never enter the water to rescue a pet – you are putting your own life at risk.
• Know your limits when it comes to alcohol, it's easy to fall in if you aren't careful and alcohol can reduce your chances of surviving if you do fall in.

If you get into trouble, you can get help from either Broads Beat or the Broads Authority. If you need to speak to someone, call 999 for urgent calls or 101 for non-urgent, or call 01603 756056 to speak to Broads Control.

The Broads Authority has a network of 24-hour free moorings around the Broads National Park, but at other moorings it’s wise to be on the lookout for signs about any charges. There are also Broads Authority Yacht Stations at Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Reedham with facilities and knowledgeable staff who can and give you advice and even help you moor up. Mid-afternoon or earlier is a good time to moor up during peak season, especially if you’re after one of the more sought-after spots.

You can see a full list of Broads Authority free 24-hour and other moorings here.

It’s worth noting that if you hire a boat from a member of the Broads Hire Boat Federation you can stay in any other member boatyard overnight for free, subject to availability. Usually very accessible, these yards have a wide range of facilities available to you, and help is on hand for inexperienced boating visitors.

Most boating incidents happen when entering or leaving moorings. Make sure you and your crew prepare for this by:

• Considering the effect of any wind and tide and how they might help (or hinder) you.
• Watching out for other boat traffic.
• Having the ropes easily to hand.
• Asking for any help you might need from those ashore.
• Ensuring you are all wearing life jackets when near the water.
• Clearing any trip hazards, such as mooring ropes or items on the deck.
• Not jumping on or off the boat.
• Keeping vulnerable people under close supervision.
• Approaching and departing slowly.

Other things to consider

Finally, just so you are fully prepared to have a great time on the Broads, you might want to consider the following additional pieces of information:

• It's always a good idea to review the impact of any forecasted weather on your ability to navigate.
• The Broads is tidal in places and this will affect your ability to navigate bridges and specific areas such as Breydon Water. The Broads Authority provides tide information online.
• Just like driving a car, there are certain 'rules of the road' when it comes to navigating the rivers. You should keep to the speed limits and always keep to the right of the channel. The Broads Authority website has more information on  speed limits .
• Yachts and larger vessels may need to request openings for some bridges in the Broads system. You should check bridge clearances in advance to ascertain whether your vessel can fit under. Bridges can be found in Norwich, Somerleyton, Reedham and Trowse (swinging rail bridges) and in Great Yarmouth (lifting bridges). You can read more on bridge heights and requesting an opening online.

Relax and enjoy

Despite a few risks, the Broads is a truly magical holiday destination that can be a relaxing and highly enjoyable experience for the entire family. If you follow the tips above you're guaranteed to have an amazing time, although despite being in one of the driest regions, we unfortunately can't promise you good weather.

Remember, if you require non-emergency assistance or advice while on your trip you can call the Broads Authority Ranger team and Broads Control on 01603 756056 seven days a week, or Broads Beat seven days a week between Easter and the end of October on 101.

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The safe and easily navigable stretches of serene waters in the Broads will take you on a fascinating trail of discovery. Find out for yourself the secret spots and scenic fishing locations tucked away in the far reaches of the waterland, while encountering some of Britain’s rarest wildlife at every river bend.

Stop off for lunch and a thirst-quenching pint at one of the Broads’ riverside restaurants and pubs , or moor up and venture further afield to explore the many peaceful villages and picturesque market towns in this quiet corner of England.

Visit the Broads and the Broads Authority work in partnership to give visitors all the information and inspiration they need to make their trip to the Broads perfect.

The Broads Authority looks after the national park for visitors, boaters, wildlife and its community.

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Boating & sailing in Norfolk: a quick guide to exploring the Broads & coast by water

Whether you’re taking a short weekend break or exploring Norfolk for a couple of weeks, there’s so much to see, we know you’ll have an unforgettable time.

When you consider that this amazing part of the world has 125 miles of Broads waterways and a world-famous stretch of coastline, seeing it by boat really gives you a unique and unforgettable access to all it has to offer.

It can be hard to know where to start though, so we’ve pulled together a quick guide for getting started exploring this region by water during your time here — whether that’s on the Broads or across the sea.

The best boating and sailing in the Norfolk Broads

From canoes to river cruises through to sailing the open sea, there’s something for everyone. Naturally, if you’re new to life on the water, you may want some lessons or basic support before you get started.

Experienced captains and skippers alike will be wowed by the man-made Broads; there’s endless beauty, peace and wildlife up for grabs if you take the right routes and there’s no shortage of day trips on offer.

When you’re planning a day or two out on the waters of the Broads, you have to think about the kind of environment you’d like to take in on your days on the water — because the area is split into two fairly distinct sections.

The southern Broads — for quiet, open space & picturesque broadland villages

If you choose to take in the southern Broads, you’ll be tracing the River Yare and be greeted with open space and plentiful wildlife. These routes offer an incredible experience, awash with blue sky (on the right day) and allow you to take in some of the stunning villages and their pubs as you go!

If you follow the River Yare from Norwich to Great Yarmouth, you’ll enjoy a tree-lined route and can stop on the moorings of villages such as Bramerton, a picturesque village sheltered by ancient woodland. You’ll have time for a bit of bird spotting and you can enjoy the much-loved Water’s Edge pub.

Keep following this path downstream and you’ll be treated to more excellent pub stops, though as you move down, make sure you know about places where the river becomes tidal ( taking care to note times and advice ) and you need to navigate some obstacles such as the Reedham village and the railway swing bridge.

Staying on this route, you’ll eventually have to choose between heading towards the sea via Yarmouth, or stick with the Broads towards Lowestoft.

The northern Broads — for the ‘capital of the Broads’

If you select the northern section of these famous waterways, you’ll enjoy a more sheltered set of channels through which to sail.

The northern side, running the River Bure, is the most favoured with holiday makers, so it can be busier, but that’s no bad thing if you like to chat and greet your fellow captains as you go!

There’s plenty of stops, pubs and sights as you meander along these impressive and attractive waters. Along the banks of the River Bure on this southern section you’ll find Wroxham & Hoveton, the stunning ‘capital of the Broads’.

Some routes are well suited to a long day out on the water. You could take a trip from the north end of the River Bure and make it to Great Yarmouth sea outlet in a day (approx 9am-3pm). Broadland Boat hire has lots of great route information and handy distance calculators to make sure you can get the best from your day.

You might want to enjoy a kayak lesson or guided trip , a seal boat trip or even hire your own day boat with which to explore. There’s something for every ability and if you want a real treat, you can even find trips with dining experiences included — the perfect treat to round off a Norfolk break.

New to boating on the Broads? Here’s a few top tips for first timers…

Whilst taking to the Broads by boat for the first time is exciting, it can be equally daunting. Thankfully, you don’t necessarily have to be a seasoned boater to have a great time.

Planning your trip

Avoid being like a fish out of water by planning . Have a crystal clear day itinerary: know what time you’re starting, where you’re heading to, what time you’ll be there by, what vessel will be best and what equipment you’ll need — food, drink, maps, clothing.

Get in touch with your boatyard before you arrive. Most will be more than happy to guide you through the entire experience. Many will provide a welcome pack and plenty of advice on a suitable vessel and expected timings.

Make sure all your phones and devices are completely charged and arrive in plenty of time at the boatyard. This is so you can be shown how to operate your vessel — and to ensure you have plenty of time for questions.

You’ll be shown how to navigate, moor up, stay safe and much more. At this point, you’ll probably have an idea of whether you feel comfortable with boat safety and handling the vessel.

Be aware of the weather forecast. Some parts of the Broads can become tidal, making it challenging to navigate bridges or certain areas — although your boat hire provider will be able to keep you abreast of any possible dangers.

Staying safe on the water

Always wear a life jacket when you’re on the boat — this includes getting on and disembarking, when you’re probably at most risk of falling overboard! If you’ve got four-legged friends, doggy life jackets are also a great idea. Most boatyards will be able to provide these.

Whilst many will boat on the Broads for a good time, certainly know your limits when it comes to alcohol consumption, particularly if it’s your first time.

Needless to say, keep a close eye on any little ones who are with you and don’t jump in the water or try to rescue anything that happens to fall in — you’ll be endangering yourself. Don’t reverse your boat near anyone or anything in the water, either. That’s where the propeller is.

Be aware of the speed limits — 3, 4, 5 or 6 mph — and always keep to the right of the channel. The Broads authority have a Waterways Code leaflet and list of byelaws and speed limits which any would-be boaters should take a look at.

There’s a network of free moorings that operate 24 hours a day throughout the Broads, each with a range of facilities. Some mooring points may require a payment, so keep your eyes peeled for signs indicating a charge for mooring.

Of course, given the popularity of the Broads, the most popular spots can quickly become occupied, particularly during peak season. Arrive as early as possible if you’re concerned about missing out on your favoured moorings.

Most boating accidents happen when entering or departing moorings, so keep your life jackets on and be aware of wind, other traffic and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Have your ropes to hand and always moor slowly and carefully — there’s no rush!

Norwich, Yarmouth and Reedham have Broads Authority Yacht Stations which can help you to moor up.

Never let go of the beauty in the Norfolk Broads

This 90-mile stretch of coastline is one of the country’s most spectacular, so don’t miss out on the chance to explore it by boat.

Thinking about staying a while longer? We can’t blame you. Norfolk’s pristine coast and its Broads are a destination like no other and with easy access to trips, days out and exciting activities, you wouldn’t be alone in wanting to return time and time again.

Our Waxham Sands Holiday Park offers luxury touring and camping holidays beside the gorgeous sands of Waxham, just a few miles from the Broads.

For those wanting to make a more permanent base in Norfolk, we also offer holiday home ownership at Golden Beach , our other location in Norfolk. Those at Azure Seas , our owners-only park in Suffolk, will also be able to slip up to the Broads in no time at all!

Discover our holiday parks in Norfolk

Escape to the Norfolk Broads at Lovat Parks.

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Mooring at Yarmouth Yacht Station, coming from the northern rivers

Mooring at times other than Low or Slack Water

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Your Holiday Afloat

There are so many things to enjoy about a Norfolk boat holiday , and we know you’ll have a great time. Here’s just a few things to remember while you’re cruising the waterways.

Stop When & Where You Like

You are welcome to sensibly moor anywhere unless stated “No Moorings”. There are many places that you can moor free of charge; however there are also places where there is a charge for mooring, such as the yacht stations at Norwich and Great Yarmouth where facilities are available. All hire boatyards that belong to the hire boat federation allow visiting craft to moor free of charge at selected times.

Rules On The Waterways

There are a few very simple rules on the waterways and these are fully explained in the Skipper’s Manual provided on your boat.

Speed limits

Your boat has not been built for speed but is perfect for watching the world go by and for admiring the sights. On the Norfolk Broads, there is a speed limit of between 3mph and 6mph .

On the Broads you can fish at any time except the closed season (15th March to 16th June).

You will need an Environment Agency Licence, available from Post Offices these should be obtained before your holiday.

Eating In or Out

All of our boats come with a fully fitted galley, however many people choose to eat out at the riverside pubs.

The Broads Authority operates a quality charter scheme for pubs, cafes and restaurants so you can be assured of a good eating experience.

Heating & Washing

All our boats are equipped with warm air heating.  There will be plenty of hot water for showers and/or baths. Our recommendation is to run the engine for a minimum of 4 hours per day to charge the domestic batteries and heat the water to provide you with enough hot water for that evening, with larger families or groups of friends it’s well worth staggering your showers.

Toilet pump outs

Toilet pump outs are available at boat yards, yacht stations and some public mooring spots, charges apply.

Our dog friendly boat holidays mean there is no need to leave your best friend at home. Pets are welcome on board all of our holiday cruisers and there are plenty of areas to let them off to stretch their legs. Dogs are payable on arrival; £25 per dog for a short break and £40 per dog for a week.

A refundable £20 deposit is required for the loan of a dog life jacket and there are a limited number of these so please call the office on 01603 782207 to make sure we have one available for you.

Safety is absolutely paramount on and around the water.

Norfolk Broads Direct provides buoyancy aids for all of your party, and we even have lifejackets available for dogs (refundable deposit of £20 applies).

Wroxham, Potter Heigham, Wayford and Beccles all have low bridges through which some boats will not pass at anytime; these are clearly marked as you browse through our selection of holiday cruisers. Our cruisers also have a plaque on board to remind you. When navigating Wroxham and Potter Heigham Bridges we insist that you use the Bridge Pilot Service; the pilots are the final judges of whether your cruiser may pass under the bridge safely. Please be aware that there is a nominal charge for the pilot service at Potter Heigham Bridge.

Water and tidal conditions may make these bridges impassable to all boats at certain times. However, this will not prevent you from enjoying these places as there are lots of free mooring spots and boatyards close to where you can moor up and stay overnight.

*Please note that due to tidal conditions we cannot guarantee that any of our cruisers will pass under Potter Heigham bridge. The Bridge Pilots’ decision will be final.

Norwich Moorings

Norwich Yacht Station Moorings

Length of Mooring = 507 Metres

Approx No. of Mooring = 50

Alongside (A)

Free Moorings - Maximum Stay 24 Hours

Anglers are welcome but must make way for boats seeking to moor

Danger: Do not swim from these moorings

*Information from Broads Authority.

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• Broads Authority Notices

From 1st November All Broads Authority Yacht Stations Will Be Closed

By ranworthbreeze October 29, 2020 in Broads Authority Notices

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Ranworthbreeze.

Good afternoon all,

From 1 November our facilities at Great Yarmouth Yacht Station, Norwich Yacht Station and Reedham Quay will be closing for the winter as the sites revert to control of the respective local councils.

This means that there will be no mooring at the Yacht Stations and facilities such as toilets, showers, pump-outs, electric charging posts and water points will be closed.

Other water and electric points managed by the Authority will remain open (please note that electric posts may trip out with high tides, if boaters find a post that is not operational please let us know using the details below and we will fix it).

Our full-time and summer seasonal Broads Rangers will be continuing patrols and there will be an increased presence on the water until the end of November compared to a regular year.

Broads Control, supported by our Breydon Rangers, will also be available for tide and lower Bure bridge clearance information through November. Boaters can contact Broads Control for this information and other assistance on 01603 756056 or [email protected] seven days a week between the hours of 9am – 5pm.

In case of emergency please contact the emergency services on 999.

With the onset of winter and increased likelihood of adverse weather conditions, we are encouraging boaters to wear life jackets, plan their journey ahead and ensure they reach their destination before darkness falls. For more safety advice please see our website and social media feeds.

If you have any questions please get in touch using our contact form or speak to Broads Control using the details provided above.

Tom Waterfall

Senior Communications Officer

Direct dial 01603 756034

Mobile 07986003359

Broads Authority 

Yare House, 62-64 Thorpe Road, Norwich NR1 1RY

Please note that my normal working hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

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CambridgeCabby

It is a great shame and IMHO a dereliction of duty that the BA are failing to maintain these facilities when they know that a large amount of hire craft will still be on hire.

My first reaction to this is that it seems to be very short notice. 

JennyMorgan

I have never had a problem mooring at either Yarmouth or Reedham during the winter months. No help on hand but the mooring posts are still there.

14 minutes ago, floydraser said: My first reaction to this is that it seems to be very short notice. 

I agree. Always wanting to see the best in people, I wonder if the BA had been trying to extend the lease and contracts but not succeeded in securing reasonable terms. That would explain the late notice I guess. If it was just to stop speculation, you'd imagine they could have done that a while back.

55 minutes ago, CambridgeCabby said: It is a great shame and IMHO a dereliction of duty that the BA are failing to maintain these facilities when they know that a large amount of hire craft will still be on hire.      

but it isnt their decision, as they say the sites revert to council control on november 1st, i would imagine that the dates are set in stone, they have pointed out that rangers will be on patrol still.

I really appreciated the information though, and have noted the Broads Control contact details. That’s more than we had last year when we were on MS the beginning of November.

Are the electric posts at Reedham also out of action? I had got the impression from other forum members that they were available last year. The posts at the Yacht Stations were boxed in for the winter.

21 minutes ago, grendel said: but it isnt their decision, as they say the sites revert to council control on november 1st, i would imagine that the dates are set in stone, they have pointed out that rangers will be on patrol still.

I’m which case it is very short sighted of the local councils 

1 hour ago, JennyMorgan said: I have never had a problem mooring at either Yarmouth or Reedham during the winter months. No help on hand but the mooring posts are still there.

Ditto - I've moored at Reedham numerous times in winter. No hoses but the water is still on. Can't speak for the electric We've also moored at Yarmouth and bunked over the fence to go to the shops. Also moored at Norwich - again to go to the shops and a quick pint. I'm not sure I'd fancy mooring overnight at GY or Norwich in winter though. No problem with Reedham and very handy for the pubs! 

1 hour ago, CambridgeCabby said: I’m which case it is very short sighted of the local councils 

you say short sighted, but do we know when this agreement was reached, and how many years the arrangement has worked just fine, all but this year which due to unusual circumstances is different, I dont think anyone saw this coming at the beginning of this year, let alone how ever many years ago this agreement was reached with the councils involved.

I understand as to the agreement with the council and the BA , but this year is unprecedented and as such emergency changes have occurred through all walks of life , its a time to adapt to the greater good not to be a jobs worth and say “that’s the rules” , we have all had to accept new regimes and conditions is it so difficult for flexibility to this agreement 

to be fair on the councils, they are inundated, most councils have cut back all the non essential work, which for me doing my job can be frustrating when our legal team ask for public highways extents plans, and the councils have shut down that service for the duration to free up staff for more urgent covid related work.

 so it doesnt surprise me much that they have not even spared someone to give a thought about extending the agreement a few weeks (and that assumes the BA can keep their staff there for that time too).

in my experience it tends to be the highways and recreational teams that are called upon to cover their colleagues and whose normal works are suspended during the emergency.

Not only that but the guys working them are in some cases seasonal - they will probably be out of contract and perhaps have other things lined up. I doubt its got anything to do with "jobs worth" - whilst Rangers will be about, they do have other things to do in the winter months. Or do you want them patrolling until the last hire boat is back? Don't forget that most yards hiring have a downstream limit of Stokesby in winter months - will that start early November? Or are you assuming that rule has been changed?

I think that as of next week thing will quieten down a  bit.

rightsaidfred

13 hours ago, CambridgeCabby said: It is a great shame and IMHO a dereliction of duty that the BA are failing to maintain these facilities when they know that a large amount of hire craft will still be on hire.      

Sorry but I don`t see how you justify that statement, their is nothing new here those yacht stations have always been on seasonal contract, the rangers/attendants are mostly on seasonal contracts and the yards that are still hiring have been doing so in the past in full knowledge of that.

Given this it is the responsibility of the hire yards to ensure the safety of their clients and control their lettings according to the prevailing circumstances, are the hire yards gong to pay the extra costs of maintaining the yacht station facilities during the off season or is that something else to come out of the Navigation budget.

I think Fred is quite right in this and I would add that the hirer of a boat is the "charterer" and is responsible for it. 

It is not all down to the BA , or the boatyard!  If you want to hire off season, there are certain constraints that you must have sense enough to be aware of.

Yards usually avoid letting off season as they are afraid of extra damage and more call-outs to heating systems, batteries and bedding.  They also want to get boats winterised and get on with winter maintenance ready for next Easter.  There is never enough time, in Winter.

This year is exceptional of course, but the responsibility for safely navigating the boat is always with the charterer.

21 minutes ago, Vaughan said: It is not all down to the BA , or the boatyard!  If you want to hire off season, there are certain constraints that you must have sense enough to be aware of.

As we have seen this year a number of hirers are first time visitors both to the Broads and to boats. In this instance surely it is up to the hire yards to inform their clients of the constraints and shortcomings of hiring out of season. Perhaps they do. 

The yacht station is a seasonal facility. As such there are many seasonal facilities that will close, Bewilderwood for one closes on the 1st November. I believe Petits animal adventure park also closes. The Pleasure Beach will be closed etc. They will not be staying open because a few hire yards have decided to extend their season. 

Many pubs have restricted opening hours in Winter, with some not opening Sunday pm thru till Weds. 

If you decide to go boating in the late Autumn or Winter, I use mine all the year round, then you accept that there will be less facilities open and plan around it.

My only gripe and it isn't restricted to just this year is that I think the yacht stations should be left open all year round, but not manned beyond the traditional season. Ignoring the safety moorings and layby pontoons, there is a long distance between the safe 24hr moorings at Berney Arms and Stracy Arms.

5 minutes ago, JennyMorgan said: Perhaps they do. 

Of course they do! But the responsibility in maritime law rests with the charterer.

Edited to add :

The decision whether or not to let a boat to an  unsuitable hirer, certainly rests with the boatyard!

Just now, Vaughan said: But the responsibility in maritime law rests with the charterer.

I don't doubt that but in order for a charterer to be able to make a decision they need to have knowledge and or information. Winter lets should perhaps, if they are not already, be limited to experienced crews. 

18 minutes ago, JennyMorgan said: be limited to experienced crews

26 minutes ago, Meantime said: My only gripe and it isn't restricted to just this year is that I think the yacht stations should be left open all year round, but not manned beyond the traditional season. Ignoring the safety moorings and layby pontoons, there is a long distance between the safe 24hr moorings at Berney Arms and Stracy Arms.

I haven't and probably won't be out this winter but even last year I used the moorings at both Reedham & Yarmouth. It was clear that they were closed but nevertheless the moorings posts remained. If the moorings are left 'open' but unmanned then I suspect liability becomes the issue as perhaps does the requirements of the insurers.

Haven't I read somewhere that northern yards that are still hiring into November and later are advising that craft should not be taken beyond Stracey Arms? 

The guy on Brooms fuel berth told me yesterday they were hiring up to 21st December, I didn't ask about any restrictions though.

37 minutes ago, NeilB said: The guy on Brooms fuel berth told me yesterday they were hiring up to 21st December, I didn't ask about any restrictions though.

I notice from Broom’s website that they ask anyone looking to book between October and December to phone them. Maybe asking relevant questions of the would-be hirer and outlining any restrictions? 

1 hour ago, vanessan said: Maybe asking relevant questions of the would-be hirer and outlining any restrictions? 

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7 Major Ports in Russia

As the largest of all the landmasses in the entire world, Russia has an extensive coastline. It features on the periphery of the Arctic Ocean surrounding its entire North for trading prospects. The Barents Sea, with the South-Eastern side touching the Sea of Japan encompasses the major ports in Russia.

60% of the total cargo movement on the international scale for Russia takes place through the sea. This includes almost 722 million MT (2016) cargo movement through international vessel calls.

A staggering 67 thousand plus ship calls come through this busy network every year. However, the modern handling facilities ensure that the median handling time for these ships remains 1.45 days. This means the port facilities under the Russian Government’s reach are the best in the business!

As a shipping nation, the Russian seafarers are plenty in number across the globe. The country’s shipping strength boasts over 2820 vessel registrations and 98,000 seafarers under them.

Major Ports Of Russia

In this article, we review the major ports in Russia of inland and international importance. We highlight their share in building the 571 496 million current US$ shipping market in the country. The details also contain their accurate location, identity code, and other geographical information.

1. Port of Novorossiysk (Krasnodar Krai, Russia)

UN/Locode: RUNVS Latitude: 44.720065° Longitude: 37.81373°

The port of Novorossiysk has a 3.4 sq. km harbour area with a land area worth 2.7 sq. km. This includes a total of 89 functioning berths for vessels of all sizes. It features as the biggest seagoing port for Russia for over decades with almost 50% higher turnover.

The establishment of the port of Novorossiysk dates back to 1829, with major exchanges since 1846. The port’s range of services recorded 143 million MT of cargo handling for 2020. It includes one of the first Timber wood handling facilities to feature across the Black Sea ports.

Cargo Handling

A total of 11 berths are important in handling timber and other bulk cargo. 4 separate berths over a quay length of 570 meters handle the container operations. The sheer size of the facility allows maximum handling limits of 208 million MT every year.

Network and Layout

The timber operations across the 4 berths (31, 32, 31/A, 31/5) are the most advanced facility across Europe. Their throughput every year crosses figures between 400 thousand to 600 thousand.

This connects with direct railway and loading facilities, reaching out to 70% of timber industries. Meanwhile, 180 thousand and more TEU capacity of container handling adds to the port’s large-scale profits.

2. Port of Saint Petersburg (St. Petersburg, Russia)

UN/Locode: RULED Latitude: 59.91933° Longitude: 30.327035°

The Port of Saint Petersburg has one of the deepest drafts for any Russian facility. The inner anchorage ranges between 23 to 25 meters while the channel draft is approx. 18.5 to 23 meters.

As one of the major ports in Russia, its water area spreads over an expanse of 164 sq. km. Meanwhile, the beginning of its establishment dates back to 1869. At present, the facility uses 470 vessels for in-house operations along their coast.

The passenger terminal at St. Petersburg handles over 450 vessels annually. This happens over a dozen of berths, with 2 major terminals having the alongside the extent of 360 meters.

The total mooring size capacity of this facility is over 30 kilometres. This includes the working capacity of more than 200 berths of various sizes in this facility.

St. Petersburg famously works with 8 major cranes of Panamax capacity. This couples with 3 RMG and 20 gantry nature cranes for handling container goods. This rounds off to the port’s annual handling figures to well over 2 million every year.

The facility connects with major cargo shipping destinations through 2 dozen operating lines. It acts as the major gateway for providing shipping access to the Russian interiors. The neighbouring ports like Rotterdam, Bremerhaven, etc. act as the feeder terminals for the super container ships .

Over 122 tugs and 3 dozen oil barges are resident for berthing and bunkering operations. The rail line operates through the container segment of the port, handling container transport.

3. Port of Ust-Luga (Kingiseppsky District, Russia)

UN/Locode: RUULU Latitude: 59.68294° Longitude: 28.329515°

The port of Ust-Luga stands only behind Novorossiysk in terms of cargo handling volume for 2020. It has the biggest handling facility for coal bulk operations in the Northern part of Russia. The additional expansion plans provide this facility with a total area of 30 sq. km.

Ust-Luga has 5 major berths that operate for round the year operation in severe temperatures. These handle over 30 vessels at once with anchorage facilities over 20 meters and higher depth.

The state-of-art coal loading facilities handle export abilities up to 20 million MT annually. It also is one of the newest facilities in Russia, dating back to 2011 for its establishment.

The loading conveyors for the coal handle up to 500 MT every hour on average. This facility accommodates vessels ranging up to 60,000MT of DWT for coal loading.

In addition, Ust-Luga also handles livestock, liquid, and general cargo operations. The overall cargo operations have figures worth 102.6 million MT for 2020. 2 mega cranes of 104 MT capacity and 1 of 80 MT capacity operate simultaneously with the conveyor system.

The berthing network contains a ramp bridge terminal and 7 deep berths spread across 1500 meters. Their operations handle 1000 to 1450 vessels up to 1,20,000 MT DWT.

The layout also has a warehouse for final goods handling, spread over 2800 sq. meters. This facility connects with the Ust-Luga railway terminal that has a special station for the port. The plan is for expanding the facility for over 26 train arrivals every day in the next decade.

4. Port of Vostochny (Nakhodka Bay, Russia)

UN/Locode: RUVYP Latitude: 42.762495° Longitude: 133.0514°

The port of Vostochny operates with two major terminals for a handling capacity of 80 million MT. In 2020, the facility shows stats worth 77 million MT including the export. In the internodal structure, the coal loading takes place at the special coal terminal.

The facility is amongst the oldest in the major ports in Russia, dating back to 1974. The trans-Siberian railway connects the terminal to the most prominent end-user plants. Vostochny’s major exports connect with the Asian countries, with Japan and Korea using up to 60%.

Over 550 vessel arrivals for the year 2019 have mostly bulk carriers of different sizes. The facility accommodates vessels up to 1,80,000 MT DWT for bulk coal operations.

The general handling facilities show 300,000 units of rail cars carrying the cargo for this period. The discharge to these rails uses the conveyor mechanism with automatic operations.

The Vostochny terminal employs over 1700 people for the cargo and operational routines. The spreading layout uses 98% of mechanical and electrical automation for operations.

With the progressive development of their phase 3, the handling capacities will touch over 100 million MT. As a result, the net income of the facility amounts to an annual figure of 125 million USD.

5. Port of Primorsk (Vyborgsky District, Russia)

UN/Locode: RUPRI Latitude: 60.3463° Longitude: 28.67096°

The Port of Primorsk is spread across a land piece of 5.4 sq. km area for cargo operation. This is in addition to the 32 sq. km of water limits within their expanse. It features amongst the top Russian ports by volume, handling 50 million MT+ cargo annually.

The initial operations at the facility date back to the year 2001, with a further increase in 2004. The facility operates 6 major berths that spread across a length of 2.8 km alongside. The deepest tanker-handling terminals allow drafts up to 17.8 meters for convenient loading.

An annual handling capacity of 60 million MT and more of liquid cargo allows major export relations. The Primorsk port also stands out as the highest contributor to oil exports in Russia.

The operations include 50 major oil extraction firms for direct loading transfers. All loading arms connect for a throughput of 2800 cubic meters loading rate for bigger tankers. This allows tankers of 1,50,000 DWT capacity to arrive with better draft features.

The wide oil handling range connects with the Baltic Pipeline and serves at its one end. This comes with a specific terminal for gas loading operations that operates 8-24hrs for cargo.

The 2 phases of pipeline extending onwards span over 1000 kilometres for oil handling. These terminals involve 250 regular employees with camera surveillance measures.

6. Port of Murmansk (Kola Bay, Russia)

UN/Locode: RUMMK Latitude: 68.984125° Longitude: 33.061°

With its location on the northern end of the Arctic circle, Murmansk is the coldest Russian port. It also is the largest to lie on the North of this geography. It is also the geographical North-most amongst the major ports in Russia.

The port helps to house the ice-breaking vessels assisting the larger vessels passing through the Arctic. Its establishment owing to this reason is also quite old, dating back to 1917.

The port operates through its 15 berths, 11 of which are for solid cargo. These berths divide into 2 major port districts or nodes for operation. The general berths operate over 1.5 km in length, while the oil terminals operate on half the figure.

In 2021, Murmansk has figures worth 56 million MT of cargo through its facility. All major bulk cargo operations take place through the gantries at a steady rate. The operates to switch between 16 and 32 MT per hour operation capacity for these.

Meanwhile, the bulk liquid berths vary between 10 to 15 meters in depth. The 3 terminals that use the roadways facility operate the majority of bulk operations.

Despite its challenging location, Murmansk operates round the year. Its expanse has an additional third node for car and container handling tasks. It is the only node with length restrictions, with vessels coming up to 220 meters long.

Major bulk cargo storage facility houses more than 25000 MT in this area. The facility houses over 200 operators for cargo, and less than 100 for ice-breaking requirements.

7. Port of Vladivostok (Vladivostok, Russia)

UN/Locode: RUVVO Latitude: 43.087445° Longitude: 131.9022°

The port of Vladivostok provides Russia with an opportunity to explore the Pacific. It extends towards the south-eastern end and touches the Sea of Japan for the bulk Asian traffic. This facility spreads across 55 hectares and also provides a cultural significance for the Russian landmass.

Vladivostok has a record of handling 24 million MT of cargo for 2021. It is significantly higher than its 13.9 million MT average across the decade. The port’s establishment starts in the 1800s, with free status existence in between.

The terminal operates through its range of 15 berths for general operations. Each of these varies between 10 to 15 meters for depth. The approach through the channel gives a depth of up to 25 meters.

A collection of 200 automatic and semi-automatic loading resources are available overall. This includes the STS, RMG, and RTG facilities operating alongside. The container handling facilities operate round the year for efficient discharging.

Being the south-eastern tip, the Vladivostok network has major relation with Asian ports. 45% and more of their trade flow through Korea, Japan, and China in combination. The layout divides into the universal and the container-specific terminals for operation.

An area of 450,000 sq. meters is available for the warehouse storage and handling of goods. The inter-port handling facilities feature a train map and 2 major truck checkpoints.

Russian Shipping Riches

The sea transport shares a stake worth 112 087 million current USD for the Russian trade. This creates a significant impact for managing international trade, despite the large land area. The concentration of land does not have too big inland waterways, leading to major ocean ports.

Moreover, the testing conditions while operating in the Arctic do not make the cargo movement easier. In such situations, the Russian authorities focus highly on developing the ice-breaking fleet for year-long operations.

With a diverse portfolio, the major ports in Russia handle cargo of every significant use. The country’s latest focus on developing a green corridor is in line with the shipping requirement and future.

You might also like to read:

• 7 Major Ports of South Africa
• 7 Major Ports of the United States
• 7 Major Ports in The United Kingdom
• 10 Major Ports In Brazil
• Top 14 Major Ports in Italy

Disclaimer : The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

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About Author

Saurabh Sinha is an active marine engineer, sailing with one of the leading shipping companies across the globe. A keen interest in exploring beautiful destinations across the globe and immortalising them in words motivates him for professional writing ventures. He values connecting with the readers and sharing his personal experiences.

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Electric boat charging points

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The Broads Authority encourages more environmentally-friendly forms of propulsion with reduced charges for electrically powered motor craft and a network of charging points for them.

The electric charging points are operated with contactless cards costing £1 from outlets throughout the Broads. The power outage on each charging point is 32amp and 16amp and the card you purchase can be used for every one of our points. There are a limited number of outlets and no booking system is in place to reserve points.

The electricity units in each £1 card for the period April 2023 to March 2024 is currently 2.9. This figure is reviewed each year (next review approx. May 2024) and reflects the current rate from our electrical supplier.

You will also require a standard caravan hook up plug and cable.

The meters indicate where to hold your card in order to transfer the credit to the meter. The cards are for single use only.

Instructions for using the meters

For further details please call the Broads Authority tolls office on 01603 756080 or email [email protected] .

Charging points

Broads Authority 24 hour moorings with charging points are listed below:

• Acle Bridge
• Burgh Castle
• Coltishall Common
• Dilham Staithe
• Great Yarmouth Yacht Station
• Irstead Staithe
• Norwich Yacht Station
• Potter Heigham
• Reedham Quay
• Rockland St Mary
• Somerleyton
• Sutton Staithe

Private charging points from other providers are available.

Card outlets

Outlets where you can purchase electric cards are listed below:

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