Forties

A named sea area used in the UK Shipping Forecast, in the central North Sea northeast of Scotland.

The area takes its name from the Long Forties bank, associated with soundings of about forty fathoms. Forecasts for Forties describe expected wind, weather, visibility and sea state across the defined area.

Offshore installations and exposed waters are relevant to navigation, but no fixed gale frequency, swell height or operational delay defines the sea area. Current forecasts and warnings should be used.