The shipping platform

Location: Cowes is located at the mouth of River Medina, on the N coast of the Isle of Wight, off the S coast of England. General overview: Cowes is the major port of entry for commercial shipping trading to the Isle of Wight. Cargoes include fuel oil/petroleum, stone, shingle aggregates, timber, grain and general cargoes. There are also extensive facilities for the berthing and servicing of yachts and other pleasure craft. Max draughts on the river berths are 5.3m MHWS and 4.7m MHWN. Car, truck and passenger ferry services to mainland UK. The River Medina is navigable to Newport, see separate entry. Traffic figures: Approx 4,926,000t of cargo, 19,030 vessels and 3,094,000 passengers handled annually. Load line zone: North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31. Max size: LOA 95m, beam 13.5m, draught 5.3m. Vessels of greater length/beam will be considered on an individual basis after consultation with the Harbour Master.