The former Albert Edward Dock sits on the south bank of the River Tyne, roughly opposite the ferry landing in Shields Harbour Reach.

Originally built in 1882 by Ure and Messent for the Tyne Improvement Commissioners, the dock retains several Grade II listed structures, including a hydraulic accumulator tower and its original lock walls and gates.

Today the site has been transformed into Royal Quays Marina, accessed via a lock that operates around the clock at all states of the tide.

Visiting vessels can tie up on the waiting pontoon outside the lock before entry; larger craft can berth along the quay walls rather than the pontoons. Contact is made on VHF channel 80, callsign "Royal Quays Marina."