tillergirl
Well-Known Member
UKHO Permanent/Preliminary/Temporary Notices:
1. NETHERLANDS - Light. - A change of range at the shore based FW light called ‘Sergeant’ on the Walcheren coast, close to the Oostgat channel. - Image of course, showing position. Goto: Notices to Mariners
2. ENGLAND - East Coast - Depths. - Two small reductions of depth in the River Thames off Blackwall Point.
3. ENGLAND - East Coast - NM Block. - A notice supplemental to last week’s notice announcing a series of UKHO blocks for the various SNC and SCC charts that cover Lowestoft, approaches and harbour. This notice announces a further block for Panel A of the SNC. Useful block to download as it shows the northern approaches.
Local
1. Halfway Reach - White Mountain Jetty: Fender Repair Works - on or about Monday 20th April 2026, contractors instructed by the operators of White Mountain Jetty will commence works to repair fendering on the berth face. The general location of the works is indicated by the red box on the chartlet. These works will involve pontoon RP BLACKWALL; tug SILVER BEAM may be in attendance as well as small craft, including MARY J and/or BADGER. Lifting operations and personnel working on the waterline are to be expected during these works. It is planned that operatives will be working between 0700 and 1700, Monday to Friday, and that these works will be complete no later than 15th May 2026. Requirements to proceed with caution or at slow speed will be made in accordance with the procedure set out in the Port of London Authority’s Port Information Guide, under ‘Speed Reductions’. The display of these signals will be in addition to any other signals, lights or shapes required under local regulations and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Further details will be broadcast, as necessary, by London VTS on VHF Channel 14.
2. Harwich Haven - Survey and Dredging Operations are taking place as follows:
Maverick MGTR9 Dredger 20/04/26 2 weeks Following Harwich areas: Halfpenny Pier, Harbour Master’s Pier, Fishermen’s moorings, Harwich Lifeboat Station
GNH Crusader 2EQW Survey 24/04/26 3 weeks Felixstowe, Harwich Harbour, Stour
MTS Valour 9407299 Plough 29/04/26 3 weeks Felixstowe, Harwich Harbour, Stour
Shoalway 9556337 Dredger 25/04/26 3 weeks Felixstowe, Harwich Harbour
Contact Harwich VTS (VHF 71) for latest dredger traffic information.
3. Surveyed Depths – Harwich International Port and approaches - the latest hydrographic surveys which are published as follows: Charts & Surveys - Harwich Haven Authority
In the lower River Stour, the significant depths below chart datum (not including berths) are:
• Within area dredged to 8m: minimum depth - 7.7m
• Within area dredged to 9m: minimum depth - 8.5m
For further information contact the Harbour Master Team at Harwich Haven Authority (+44 1255 243030). This notice replaces local notice to mariners No. 92 of 2025, which is now withdrawn.
4. Harwich Haven - Pipe Storage and Towage Operations - the temporary pipe mooring in Parkeston Anchorage (see Figure 1 below) will now remain in place until approximately October 2026. This local notice to mariners replaces notice 2025-78).
Between April and October 2026 there are three (3) outbound pipe towage operations planned. Harwich VTS (VHF 71) will issue navigational safety information broadcasts and advise vessels accordingly. The pipes are each approximately 750-800m long, and will be towed outbound from the Parkeston
Anchorage, through Harwich Harbour and southwards through the Medusa Channel (route as per Figures 2 and 3 below). There will be a lead tug, stern tug and two guard vessels assisting operations. Goto the above quoted web page and select the Local list to see the three useful images. The route out of Harwich and then northwards is via the Medusa channel!
5. River Medway – Saltpan Reach - BP Isle of Grain Jetty No.1 – Dredging Operations are due to commence at BP Isle of Grain Jetty No.1 on or around 6th May 2026 with a projected completion date of 6th June 2026. All dredging will be focussed on the berthing box of IOG. Jetty No.1 and will be carried out by the water injection dredger ‘Aquadelta’. ‘Aquadelta’ will maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 74 at all times and display the required signals for respective operations by day and night. All vessels passing Isle of Grain Jetty No.1 during the dredging period are requested to navigate with caution reducing speed and wash accordingly. Further information may be obtained from Medway VTS on VHF Channel 74, call sign “Medway VTS” or telephone 0151 949 6148 or 0151 949 6650 (Recorded Lines).
6. Port of Great Yarmouth - Environment Agency Maintenance Campaign - maintenance work will be undertaken on quayside drainage outfall flaps at various locations within the river port, commencing on Monday 13th April, between the hours of 0800 and 1600 Monday to Friday. Anticipated completion is on or before Thursday 21st May. The Environment Agency workboat KINGFISHER will be working at roughly 450 outfall locations within the river port during the course of the campaign. Personnel will be working on quay wall equipment from the deck of the workboat. KINGFISHER will maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch12. Masters are advised to keep a vigilant lookout and to pass KINGFISHER giving ample room at the slowest safe speed to minimise vessel wash. Masters may obtain location information during the works by contacting Great Yarmouth LPS on VHF (Ch 12, station name “YARMOUTH RADIO”) or telephone 01493 335511.
7. Ipswich Lock Operation - the Ipswich lock has received an effective temporary repair on the West Outer Gate. The Lock will still operate on 1 outer gate as a standard procedure until a full repair can be affected. Vessels with a large beam unsuitable for a 1 gate operation can request the second gate to be opened. This request should be made in good time to ensure the gate is prepared for use. The gates will require further maintenance to fully rectify the issues as they are subsea. This N to M will be updated with dates and details on the future works. Mariners requiring more information should contact ONS on VHF CH68.
8. Ipswich Lock - Twilight 5k 2026 - The Ipswich Lock will be closed to marine traffic due to the Ipswich Twilight 5k event from: -
1430-1730 Sunday 3rd May 2026
This closure is due to the race requiring the use of the Ipswich lock swing bridge. The lock may open sooner than stated dependant on race timings. Mariners requiring more information should contact ONS on VHF CH68.
9. London Array Wind Farm - the Jack-up vessel has finished and left. Foulger's Gat should be fine.
Unofficial Local Notice - I have been told that the beacon that marks the Outfall (Sewage) on the south side of Mersea Island, just east of West Mersea has collapsed. It is thought to be temporarily marked by a 'buoy'. 51.46.260'N, 000.56.460'E.
That's it.
1. NETHERLANDS - Light. - A change of range at the shore based FW light called ‘Sergeant’ on the Walcheren coast, close to the Oostgat channel. - Image of course, showing position. Goto: Notices to Mariners
2. ENGLAND - East Coast - Depths. - Two small reductions of depth in the River Thames off Blackwall Point.
3. ENGLAND - East Coast - NM Block. - A notice supplemental to last week’s notice announcing a series of UKHO blocks for the various SNC and SCC charts that cover Lowestoft, approaches and harbour. This notice announces a further block for Panel A of the SNC. Useful block to download as it shows the northern approaches.
Local
1. Halfway Reach - White Mountain Jetty: Fender Repair Works - on or about Monday 20th April 2026, contractors instructed by the operators of White Mountain Jetty will commence works to repair fendering on the berth face. The general location of the works is indicated by the red box on the chartlet. These works will involve pontoon RP BLACKWALL; tug SILVER BEAM may be in attendance as well as small craft, including MARY J and/or BADGER. Lifting operations and personnel working on the waterline are to be expected during these works. It is planned that operatives will be working between 0700 and 1700, Monday to Friday, and that these works will be complete no later than 15th May 2026. Requirements to proceed with caution or at slow speed will be made in accordance with the procedure set out in the Port of London Authority’s Port Information Guide, under ‘Speed Reductions’. The display of these signals will be in addition to any other signals, lights or shapes required under local regulations and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Further details will be broadcast, as necessary, by London VTS on VHF Channel 14.
2. Harwich Haven - Survey and Dredging Operations are taking place as follows:
Maverick MGTR9 Dredger 20/04/26 2 weeks Following Harwich areas: Halfpenny Pier, Harbour Master’s Pier, Fishermen’s moorings, Harwich Lifeboat Station
GNH Crusader 2EQW Survey 24/04/26 3 weeks Felixstowe, Harwich Harbour, Stour
MTS Valour 9407299 Plough 29/04/26 3 weeks Felixstowe, Harwich Harbour, Stour
Shoalway 9556337 Dredger 25/04/26 3 weeks Felixstowe, Harwich Harbour
Contact Harwich VTS (VHF 71) for latest dredger traffic information.
3. Surveyed Depths – Harwich International Port and approaches - the latest hydrographic surveys which are published as follows: Charts & Surveys - Harwich Haven Authority
In the lower River Stour, the significant depths below chart datum (not including berths) are:
• Within area dredged to 8m: minimum depth - 7.7m
• Within area dredged to 9m: minimum depth - 8.5m
For further information contact the Harbour Master Team at Harwich Haven Authority (+44 1255 243030). This notice replaces local notice to mariners No. 92 of 2025, which is now withdrawn.
4. Harwich Haven - Pipe Storage and Towage Operations - the temporary pipe mooring in Parkeston Anchorage (see Figure 1 below) will now remain in place until approximately October 2026. This local notice to mariners replaces notice 2025-78).
Between April and October 2026 there are three (3) outbound pipe towage operations planned. Harwich VTS (VHF 71) will issue navigational safety information broadcasts and advise vessels accordingly. The pipes are each approximately 750-800m long, and will be towed outbound from the Parkeston
Anchorage, through Harwich Harbour and southwards through the Medusa Channel (route as per Figures 2 and 3 below). There will be a lead tug, stern tug and two guard vessels assisting operations. Goto the above quoted web page and select the Local list to see the three useful images. The route out of Harwich and then northwards is via the Medusa channel!
5. River Medway – Saltpan Reach - BP Isle of Grain Jetty No.1 – Dredging Operations are due to commence at BP Isle of Grain Jetty No.1 on or around 6th May 2026 with a projected completion date of 6th June 2026. All dredging will be focussed on the berthing box of IOG. Jetty No.1 and will be carried out by the water injection dredger ‘Aquadelta’. ‘Aquadelta’ will maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 74 at all times and display the required signals for respective operations by day and night. All vessels passing Isle of Grain Jetty No.1 during the dredging period are requested to navigate with caution reducing speed and wash accordingly. Further information may be obtained from Medway VTS on VHF Channel 74, call sign “Medway VTS” or telephone 0151 949 6148 or 0151 949 6650 (Recorded Lines).
6. Port of Great Yarmouth - Environment Agency Maintenance Campaign - maintenance work will be undertaken on quayside drainage outfall flaps at various locations within the river port, commencing on Monday 13th April, between the hours of 0800 and 1600 Monday to Friday. Anticipated completion is on or before Thursday 21st May. The Environment Agency workboat KINGFISHER will be working at roughly 450 outfall locations within the river port during the course of the campaign. Personnel will be working on quay wall equipment from the deck of the workboat. KINGFISHER will maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch12. Masters are advised to keep a vigilant lookout and to pass KINGFISHER giving ample room at the slowest safe speed to minimise vessel wash. Masters may obtain location information during the works by contacting Great Yarmouth LPS on VHF (Ch 12, station name “YARMOUTH RADIO”) or telephone 01493 335511.
7. Ipswich Lock Operation - the Ipswich lock has received an effective temporary repair on the West Outer Gate. The Lock will still operate on 1 outer gate as a standard procedure until a full repair can be affected. Vessels with a large beam unsuitable for a 1 gate operation can request the second gate to be opened. This request should be made in good time to ensure the gate is prepared for use. The gates will require further maintenance to fully rectify the issues as they are subsea. This N to M will be updated with dates and details on the future works. Mariners requiring more information should contact ONS on VHF CH68.
8. Ipswich Lock - Twilight 5k 2026 - The Ipswich Lock will be closed to marine traffic due to the Ipswich Twilight 5k event from: -
1430-1730 Sunday 3rd May 2026
This closure is due to the race requiring the use of the Ipswich lock swing bridge. The lock may open sooner than stated dependant on race timings. Mariners requiring more information should contact ONS on VHF CH68.
9. London Array Wind Farm - the Jack-up vessel has finished and left. Foulger's Gat should be fine.
Unofficial Local Notice - I have been told that the beacon that marks the Outfall (Sewage) on the south side of Mersea Island, just east of West Mersea has collapsed. It is thought to be temporarily marked by a 'buoy'. 51.46.260'N, 000.56.460'E.
That's it.