Port Name

Southampton

Unlocode

GBSOU

Port Authority Contact Details

Email southamptonvts@abports.co.uk

Port Reception 023 8048 8800 (0830 – 1700)

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Centre

Ocean Gate

Atlantic Way

Southampton

SO14 3QN

Harbour boundary co-ordinates

North Limit 5 55'.35N

East Limit 1 20'.73W

South Limit 50 20'.91N

West Limit 1 29'.09W

Pilotage limits can be viewed here http://www.southamptonvts.co.uk/Pilotage/Pilotage_Directions/Geographical_Limits/

Ship generated waste streams

The mandatory waste charge applies to Annex V food, plastic and paper waste and International Catering Waste (ICW). Facilities are provided quayside. ICW must be separated and placed in the appropriate waste facility.

For all other waste streams, the vessel must make separate arrangements with an accredited waste provider.

Waste may be retained on board provided there is sufficient capacity until the next Port of Call.

http://www.southamptonvts.co.uk/Port_Information/Regulations/Port_Waste/

Are there incentives for environmental vessel performance beyond regulatory requirements?

 There are no incentives in place at present for clean vessel technology.

Deck cleaning - with chemicals

Prohibited apart from when using Marpol compliant chemicals. Prior permission required. Contact VTS.

Deck cleaning - without chemicals

Permitted - Contact VTS.

Hull cleaning - with chemicals

Prohibited.

Hull cleaning - without chemicals

Ecosubsea is currently the only licensed operator approved to undertake hull cleaning operations within the Port. Contact https://www.ecosubsea.com/

Propeller Polishing

Prohibited.

Hull scraping

Prohibited.

Hull painting - touch up

Allowed with restrictions. Contact VTS.

Hull painting - large scale

Allowed with restrictions. Contact VTS.

Ballast operations

The discharge of ballast water may be permitted subject to the vessel complying with the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments. The Convention requires vessels to have an operational water management system in place [D1 or D2 Standard] or to be able to demonstrate that ballast water has been exchanged or treated in open waters [200 nm from shore and in water at least 200m in depth]. Please refer to the IMO guidance for further information. Otherwise the discharge of ballast water is prohibited within the Port of Southampton harbour area.

Vessels wishing to discharge ballast water should contact Southampton VTS.

Dirty ballast water can, however, be discharged ashore for treatment.

Cleaning or repair of ships’ ballast water tanks must be undertaken at sediment reception facilities which are designed and operated in accordance with the latest Merchant Shipping Notice.

Bunkering

No bunkering operations without prior permission of VTS.

Life boat lowering (for drill purposes)

Contact VTS - Request permission from Port Authority before starting and advise once completed.

Maximum fuel sulphur content

Southampton is located within the North Sea Sulphur Emissions Control Area (SECA). Maximum fuel sulphur content 0.1% m/m.

Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS) (Scrubbers)

Open Loop EGCS use allowed - to be operated in accordance with IMO guidelines.

Closed Loop systems are permitted.

Spudding Down

No anchoring without prior permission of VTS.

Bilge Water

Ship-owners, Masters and Operators of water-frontage installations are reminded that it is an offence to discharge oil, or any mixture containing oil into Harbour, River or Dock Waters. The discharge of clean bilge may only be carried out with the prior permission of the Harbour Master. Reception facilities are available in the Port of Southampton for the disposal of oily wastes and arrangements should be made through berth or ship’s agents. (See NTM No 8 of 2016 MARPOL 73/78 – Prevention of Pollution and Reception Facilities for Ship Generated Waste)

Noise Pollution

Whistle sounding and alarm testing is only allowed with VTS permission.  

Tank Washing

No discharge to sea. Tank washing alongside must be approved by VTS.

Sewage

The discharge of untreated sewage is prohibited within the Port of Southampton harbour area. Discharges from approved and certified sewage treatment plants is permitted provided the discharge is clear with no solid material - approval to be sought from Harbour Master.

Partially treated or disinfected sewage (grey water) discharges are also prohibited within the harbour area. Such discharges are, however, permitted at a distance of more than 3 nautical miles from land.

Untreated sewage (black water) must only be discharged at a distance of more than 12 nautical miles from land.

Grey water (water from showers, laundry, galleys etc)

Partially treated or disinfected sewage (grey water) discharges are also prohibited within the harbour area. Such discharges are, however, permitted at a distance of more than 3 nautical miles from land.

Visible Emissions

Incinerator Use

Prohibited.

Testing for certification purposes may be permitted with the approval of the Harbour Master. Contact VTS not less than 48 hours in advance.