Location
Codes & time
Europe/London
Now: UTC+1
Standard: UTC+0
DST from 29 Mar 2026 02:00 BST; standard time from 25 Oct 2026 02:00 GMT
Contacts
Who to call at London, with the source of each number. Numbers and channels change: check the latest port notices before arrival.
London VTS, Port Control Centre Gravesend (Sea Reach No. 4 to Crayfordness)call sign London VTSVHF 68 +44 1474 560 311
Routine calls in office hours; emergencies +44 1474 562 215, 24 h.Source
London VTS, Port Control Centre Gravesend (outer limits to Sea Reach No. 4)call sign London VTSVHF 69
Estuary approaches.Source
London VTS, Thames Barrier Navigation Centre Woolwich (Crayfordness to Teddington)call sign London VTSVHF 14 +44 20 3260 7711
24 h; bridge lifts and the Thames Barrier.Source
London VTS, Thames Barrier Navigation Centre, 24 h
London VTS, Port Control Centre Gravesend, emergency 24 h
Routine calls +44 1474 560 311 in office hours.Source
Nearest rescue centre...
VHF 16distress, safety and calling (156.800 MHz)DSC 70digital selective calling
Active warnings near London
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London at a glance
Rank basis: Cargo throughput 56.6 million tonnes (2025)
Throughput
- 56.58 million tonnes (2025) source
Figures change: always confirm limits with the port authority, local notices and your agent before arrival.
London port guide
The Port of London, on the tidal Thames, was the UK's busiest port in 2025 with 56.58 million tonnes (DfT), up from 51.87 million. Container traffic rose 38% after a fourth berth opened at DP World London Gateway. The Port of London Authority manages navigation on the tidal Thames; the main terminals include London Gateway and the Port of Tilbury.
Sources
For planning reference only (researched Oct 22, 2026). Always verify against official publications - Admiralty Sailing Directions, List of Radio Signals, local notices and the port authority - and your agent before arrival.
Catalogue harbor data
- Area
- North Sea; North Atlantic Ocean
- Channel depth (m)
- 7.9
- Anchorage depth (m)
- 14
- Harbor size (World Port Index)
- Large
- Harbor type
- River (Basins)
- Shelter
- Excellent