Port William Harbour

Notice to mariners for Port William Harbour

Port William Harbour is sheltered from north-westerly winds, but strong winds from the south, south-west, or west can cause large waves and shingle build-up at the entrance, reducing water depth and affecting navigation.

Please be aware that there is no active management of vessel movements.

Port William Harbour facilities

The harbour offers standard facilities including:

• bollards
• wooden fenders
• access ladders
• water
• electricity points 

The town of Port William has:

• shops
• a hotel
• a pub
• a fuel garage

Harbour documents

Our harbour documents section has:

• a berths and moorings application form
• our harbours directory
• harbour fees and charges
• harbour electricity supply charges

Go to harbour documents

Book a visitor berth

You can book and pay for visitor berth online.

Book a visitor berth

Report an incident

An incident is any event that causes harm, damage or environmental contamination to a person, vessel or object within the waters of a statutory harbour area or its approaches.

Near misses are events that had the potential to cause an incident. Near misses should also be reported.

Report an incident

Nautical information

Nautical information for Port William Harbour includes:

• latitude at 54º 16' 18" N
• longitude at 04º 34' 18" W
• admiralty charts: 1411, 1121, 1826, and 2094
• Imray: C62 

Tidal range and depth

Port William Harbour has the following tidal range and depths:

• springs – 5.7 metres maximum
• neaps – 3.1 metres maximum

The pier is only accessible to vessels drawing more than 1 metre for 2 hours either side of high water. 

In north-westerly gales vessels are affected by swell for about 2 hours either side of high water.

Harbour empowerment order

We hold an empowerment order for Port William Harbour. This order allows us to legally improve, maintain and manage the harbour.

Go to the Dumfries and Galloway Council (Port William) Harbour Empowerment Order 2008 on legislation.gov.uk