ALDERNEY

• GGACI
• Latitude: 49.7271
• Longitude: -2.19245
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in Guernsey

Location: Alderney Bailiwick of Guernsey GY9 3XX Guernsey

Web-site: http://www.guernseyharbours.gov.gg/porter

Marine Port Description and Specification: Alderney, Guernsey

Introduction: Alderney, the northernmost of the Channel Islands, is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey. It boasts a remarkable maritime heritage and offers key port services known primarily for its strategic location and natural harbor facilities.

Location:

• Coordinates: 49.7198° N, 2.1961° W
• Geographical Position: Situated in the English Channel, about 10 miles off the coast of France and 20 miles northeast of Guernsey.

Harbor: Alderney has two principal harbor areas: Braye Harbor and St. Anne's (or New) Harbor, with Braye Harbor being the primary commercial and leisure port.

Braye Harbor:

• Shelter: Provides sheltered anchorage with breakwater protection.
• Breakwater: A significant granite breakwater was constructed to offer protection from prevailing winds and rough seas, enabling safer docking and mooring conditions.

Port Facilities:

• Quays and Berths: Includes multiple quays and berths accommodating various vessel types, including commercial shipping, fishing boats, and leisure yachts.
• Depth: Typically, the harbor has varying depths, with deeper waters at the entrance, often ranging between 3m (9.8 ft) and 8m (26.2 ft) depending on tidal conditions.
• Moorings: Equipped with numerous mooring buoys for yachts and visiting vessels.
• Landing Stages: Available to facilitate the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers and crew.

Port Services:

• Pilotage: Pilotage services for larger vessels are available and sometimes mandatory for safe navigation.
• Bunkering: Fuel (diesel) is available for refueling vessels.
• Water Supply: Freshwater supply points are accessible.
• Waste Disposal: Facilities for waste and bilge water disposal to manage environmental standards.

Navigation:

• Access: Entrance to the harbor is through marked channels; mariners are advised to contact harbor authorities for latest navigation conditions and berthing instructions.
• Tides: Tides in Alderney can be significant, with a typical range of up to 6-7 meters.
• Prevailing Winds: Winds generally come from southwest to westerly directions, potentially affecting maneuvering conditions.

Customs and Immigration:

• Alderney falls under the jurisdiction of the Bailiwick of Guernsey; customs and immigration protocols apply for vessels arriving from outside the Channel Islands.

Additional Amenities:

• Repair Facilities: Basic repair services for vessels, including emergency repair and maintenance support.
• Supplies: Provision stores available for restocking essential supplies.
• Communication: VHF radio communication is standard for harbor operations.

Leisure and Tourist Services:

• Alderney’s port caters significantly to leisure yachts and the tourism sector, providing mooring options, local sightseeing opportunities, and access to the island’s coastal attractions.

Conclusion: Braye Harbor in Alderney serves as a crucial maritime gateway in the Channel Islands, offering essential facilities and services for commercial and leisure maritime activities. Its strategic position, combined with a well-protected natural harbor, makes it an important port for vessels navigating the English Channel.