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All visitors to Belfast should be aware that the Port is fully operational 24 hours a day and is used for a variety of shipping requirements and crafts

In 2009, Belfast Harbour has 5,534 ship arrivals of which a substantial proportion are daily scheduled services. The management of all arrivals is coordinated by Belfast Harbour's Vessel Traffic Service [VTS].

Belfast Harbour VTS operates both a traffic information and traffic organisational service; descriptions of which can be found in the Notice to Mariners No 2 of 2009 and in the VTS Manual.

Visitors to the Port will find the following documents useful: -

Pilotage Manual
VTS Manual
Operations Manual
Tide Tables
Commercial Shipping Arrivals Pack

Recreational users of Belfast Lough are encouraged to download the Tide Tables

Commercial Shipping arrival forms

Belfast Harbour requires the use of a pre-approved agent prior to arrival within the port. Information on agents operating within the port can be found on our Business Directory

These forms are required by Belfast Harbour from all vessels requesting a berth within the Port and should be filled out prior to arrival. In addition, these forms will also be provided by the vessel's agent.