Ports we serve - the Port of Ayr

The Port of Ayr, which is conveniently situated on the West Coast of Scotland, and located at the entrance to the Firth of Clyde, is renowned for its convenience and fuss-free access to transport networks around Scotland and the UK. Ayr is an incredibly busy port which plays an important part in Scotland’s import/export industry - an impressive 558,000 tonnes of cargo passed through the port just in 2010 and that figure is rising every year.

Just one of the ports we serve at t. ward shipping, Ayr is the ideal access point to Scotland’s rail networks, and the motorways and trunk roads linking the west coast to the cities of Scotland and Northern England (the M77 for Glasgow, the M8 for Edinburgh, and the M74 for links to Northern England are all within easy reach.)

The Port of Ayr is just half a mile away from the town centre, and is managed from local offices. Along with Troon, Ayr is one of two Scottish harbours operated by Associated British Ports (ABP). The entrance to the port is protected by the detached north breakwater and south pier. The Griffin Dock provides 2000 feet of quay with a depth of 20 feet. Additional berths on the riverside provide a further 1800-plus feet of quay space and have slightly deeper waters - there you’ll find a depth of 22 feet.

Facilities-wise, the Port of Ayr mostly handles salt, aggregates, sand, and animal feed, and the Arran, Kintyre, Carrick and Jura terminals provide around 18,000 sq m of storage for dry bulks. Other cargo handled by Ayr includes a range of minerals (mainly coal and silica), scrap metals and general cargo. The port is also used to import around 200,000 tonnes of forest products per year, and handles imported bulk for the Scottish glass-making industry.

In recent years, Ayr has been used for the delivery of wind turbines, and he location and facilities there make it ideal for any special-project cargoes such as heavy lifts or wind-energy support.

The harbour also has facilities to handle cruise liners, and is popular with cruise operators for its beautiful scenery - and world-leading golf courses. Two pontoons are available at Ayr to accommodate up to two ships' tenders, along with car parking facilities and reception packages available for arriving cruises.

For more information on the services we provide at the Port of Ayr, and advice on your specific requirements, contact our helpful team at t. ward shipping limited.