The shipping platform

Location: Poole is situated on the S coast of England, approx 26nm W of Fawley. General overview: The commercial port of Poole is situated within one of the largest natural harbours in the world; the port activity taking place on the N shore of the harbour in Poole's old town area and the Hamworthy shore on the W side of Little Channel. Port operations fall into 7 categories: 1. Conventional cargoes 2. Continental passenger freight ferry terminal (Ro-Ro) 3. Bulk and chemicals 4. Private quays handling sea dredged sand and ballast and timber 5. Onshore/offshore oil support 6. Passenger cruise vessels 7. Petroleum products. Traffic figures: Approx 1,130,000t of cargo and 4,000TEU handled annually. Load line zone: North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31. Max size: LOA 160m, draught 5.5m. Deeper draught vessels up to 6.0m may be accommodated, subject to prior approval. Largest vessels handled: "Barfleur", LOA 157.6m. The 3,739GT "Celtic Ambassador" loaded 5,200t of Purbeck ball clay.