Explore: Liverpool
General Info
Sitting on both banks of the River Mersey, Liverpool was, for much of its 800 years of history, the gateway to Ireland in addition to being the last sight of England for hundred of thousands of emigrants to America. Although heavily bombed during the 2nd world war, Liverpool today is a vibrant, modern city. It is, of course, also a very busy commercial port.
The entrance to the Leeds and Liverpool canal is at Stanley Dock. This canal, 160 miles long, joins Liverpool to the east coast. Max. draft 1m.
The 31 mile long Manchester Ship canal has no such restrictions. Its entrance is at Eastham dock.
Location 53° 27.10’N, 03° 03.00’W (R. Mersey entrance)
Docking
There is a good shelter in the marina, based in the old Brunswick and Coburg docks. The entrance is 1NM S of the distinctive Liver building. Access is about 2hrs +/- HW (less at neaps) from 0600 to 2200 in the summer.
Berths can also be found in the Albert and Canning docks. Access here is more restricted and is generally HW-2 to HW, but not on every tide. It is also VERY expensive to use the lock.
Anchorage In settled weather, there is an anchorage on the SW side of the river.
Approaches Take care to keep to the buoyed fairways as the whole area of the approaches has many sandbanks and the channels shift. In strong wind over tide conditions, steep breaking seas can occur in the outer reaches where the tidal stream can be up to 5kn.
British Waterways
Tel:+44(0)151 709 6558. Mob 0771 752 7753
VHF Channel 37
Email: [email protected]
Eastham Lock
VHF Channel 07 (24hrs)
Liverpool Harbour Master
Tel:+44(0)151 949 6134/5
Manchester Ship Canal
VHF Channel 14
Last updated April 2016.
