Port Ellen - Harbour Operations Information

Coordinates

Position 55 37.6N 006 11.4W

Wind & Weather Data

Live wind and weather data can be viewed on the following link:

Live Wind and Weather Data - Port Ellen

ISPS

Yes

Yachts

Port Ellen is a popular yacht destination with approximately 1600 visiting yachts per season. Information for yachts intending to use the Port Ellen Marina pontoons is available at Port Ellen Marina web page.

Cruise Ships

Cruise ships under 100m (South berth) or 80m (North berth) in length with a maximum draft of 4.3m can be accommodated on the finger pier - subject to its not being required for the lifeline ferry service or occupied by any vessel providing grain deliveries for the island's distilleries, and subject to CMAL NTM No. SN/04 Safe Speed and Under Keel Clearance When Navigating CMAL Harbours. Cruise vessels are requested not to anchor in the approaches to the ferry berth. Cruise Vessels are advised to check the following link for all Notice to Mariners: CMAL Notice to Mariners.

Cruise Ship Tenders

As Port Ellen is an ISPS compliant port, all tenders should land at the fixed steps which are situated alongside the Marina

Commercial Vessels

Approximately 100 commercial vessels attend the port each year. The finger pier can accommodate vessels up to 100m (South berth) or 80m (North berth) with a maximum draft of 4.3m.  The quay wall beyond the pier can accommodate vessels of approximately 35m in length, with a draft of 3m. Vessels are requested not to anchor in the approaches to the ferry berth. Vessels are advised to check the CMAL website for all NTMs, including the four Standing NTMs.

Fishing Vessels

Fishing vessels can land on the quay wall which is 35m long with a depth of 3m. If this is occupied then either the linkspan or the fish quay wall can be used. Vessel should berth at the fish quay. Power is available from metered bollards, cards can be obtained from the machine which is located next to the terminal building. Vessels are advised to check the CMAL website for all NTMs, including the four Standing NTMs.

About the local harbour

Port Ellen is a small town on the island of Islay, in Argyll, Scotland. The town is named after the wife of the founder, Frederick Campbell of Islay. Its previous name, Leòdamas, is derived from old Norse meaning "Leòd's Harbour".

Port Ellen is generally well sheltered from all but southerly winds. There is an anchorage towards Kilnaughton Bay and the finger pier can accommodate vessels up to 100m (South berth) and 80m (North berth) with a maximum draft of 4.3m. The quay wall can take vessel of up to 35m and 3m draft. Vessels are advised to check the CMAL website for all NTMs, including the four Standing NTMs. Port Ellen has three distilleries in easy walking distance, accessible via the Three Distilleries path which runs from the Primary School to Ardbeg Distillery. The village has a small collection of shops, local restaurants and cafes. 

The following link has a comprehensive guide to tourism attractions on the island: Port Ellen Tourist Information

Ferry Movements

There are approximately 1500 ferry movements per year. Ferries have priority for berthing on the finger pier.

Anchorage

Anchorages available as per charts.

Moorings

There are no moorings within the harbour limits

Pontoons

Port Ellen Marina has 38 berths available on a first-come first-served basis. Details available at Port Ellen Marina

Principle Traffic

Passengers / Cargo / Cruise

Approximate Annual Tonnage

7 000 000T

River / Tidal Berths

Yes

LOA

South Berth - 100m

North Berth - 80m

Quayside - 30m

Draft

4.3m

No of Berths

3

Facilities

Waste - No
Electricity - Yes
Showers - Yes
Water - Yes
Fuel - No

Harbour User Consultative Forum

Latest meeting records can be found at the links below:

Port Ellen HUCF Meeting Presentation Oct 2022 [1MB] Port Ellen HUCF Meeting Record Oct 2022 [214KB]

Harbour User Information

CalMac Harbours would welcome all feedback on Navigation and Port Waste Management. For the questionnaires, please refer to the Procedures and Documents section of the website.