Port profile
Folkestone Port (Small) — United Kingdom Maritime Hub
Folkestone is a small coastal breakwater port in United Kingdom (The Channel). Handles vessels up to 500 feet in length. Facilities: ship repairs, dry d...
About
Folkestone Port, located on the southeastern coast of England, serves as a vital maritime gateway connecting the United Kingdom with mainland Europe. With its strategic location by the English Channel, Folkestone Port has historically been an important transit point for passengers and goods. The port primarily facilitates ferry services to France and plays a crucial role in supporting local trade, tourism, and the fishing industry.
The port is well-equipped with modern facilities designed to handle both passenger and vehicle traffic efficiently, maintaining high standards of safety and operational effectiveness. As the demand for cross-Channel travel and shipping continues to grow, Folkestone Port is committed to enhancing its facilities and operational capabilities while adopting sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact. The port's rich maritime history combined with its modern advancements makes it a key player in the UK's transport infrastructure.
Essential performance indicators and operational statistics for Folkestone Port
Container volume · last 12 months
50-70
Average monthly vessel traffic
24 hours
Typical turnaround time
85%
Current utilization rate
92%
Schedule reliability
25 minutes
Average anchorage wait
Regional & international routes
Asia · Europe · North America
Weather & peak-season congestion
Maritrace aggregates AIS positions from over 1M vessels: port calls, anchorage waits, predictive ETAs and history — by port and by vessel.
Current congestion levels and vessel traffic information for Folkestone
3-5
Vessels currently at berth
2-4
Vessels waiting
3-6 hours
Average cargo stay
Generally stable, with occasional peaks during holiday weekends
Congestion analysis · 30 days
Technical information and facilities available at Folkestone Port
Detailed harbor characteristics: depths, pilotage, cargo handling capabilities, repair facilities and communications. Data sourced from the World Port Index.
Environmental initiatives and sustainability measures at Folkestone Port
Environmental sustainability initiatives
Carbon emissions efficiency
Relative environmental performance
Minute-by-minute AIS positions, predictive ETAs, congestion scoring and movement alerts. No per-carrier subscription.
Understanding the economic and regional significance of Folkestone Port
Folkestone Port is a key maritime gateway in the United Kingdom, contributing significantly to local and national economies by connecting the country with major European markets. Its strategic positioning in the English Channel facilitates robust shipping and travel routes, making it a busy hub for both freight and passenger services. The port’s focus on sustainability alongside its operational advancements ensures that it remains a crucial player in the maritime sector.
FAQ
Track every vessel at Folkestone Port in real time.
See how this port stacks up against nearby and similar ports in terms of facilities, infrastructure, and services.
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