ANACORTES ANCH

• Latitude: 48.52573
• Longitude: -122.5741
• West Coast Canada
• Anchorage in US

Location: Anacortes WA US

Anacortes Anchorage - Port Description and Specifications

Location:
The Anacortes Anchorage (often referred to as the Port of Anacortes) is situated in Skagit County, Washington, United States. It lies along the northern end of Fidalgo Island and is part of the scenic Salish Sea.

Port Overview:

• Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 48.5156° N latitude and 122.6132° W longitude.
• Primary Role: The port serves various industries including oil refining, marine services, seafood processing, and recreational boating.

Port Infrastructure:

• Anchorage Facilities: The anchorage provides secure holding for vessels awaiting berth assignments or those undergoing short-term layovers.
• Berths: The Port of Anacortes comprises multiple piers and terminals catering to different types of cargo and vessels. Notably, the primary terminals include:
  • Pier 1 (the Guemes Channel Terminal): Handles bulk and breakbulk cargo.
  • Pier 2: Specializes in bulk liquids, particularly for the nearby oil refineries.
  • Cap Sante Marina: Serves recreational boats and yachts with ample mooring facilities.
• Draft and Depths: The anchorage area generally features depths sufficient for large ocean-going vessels, although specific draft limits should be confirmed before arrival. The maintained depth usually ranges from 4 to 15 meters, catering to different vessel sizes.

Services and Amenities:

• Pilotage: Pilotage services are available and recommended, particularly due to the channel navigational complexities and the strong tidal currents in the region.
• Towing and Tug Services: Available for maneuvering of large and heavy vessels, especially oil tankers.
• Cargo Handling: Efficient loading and unloading facilities for bulk, breakbulk, and liquid cargoes, supported by modern equipment and trained staff.
• Bunkering: Fueling services are available, a critical service for vessels operating in and out of the port’s extensive maritime routes.

Regulations and Compliance:

• Security: The port adheres to the U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security regulations, ensuring safety and security for all operations in the port area.
• Environmental Standards: Active measures for pollution control and environmental protection, given the ecological sensitivity of the Pacific Northwest marine environment.

Transportation Links:

• Rail and Road Access: Connected via the major road networks, including Washington State Route 20. Additionally, rail links facilitate the transportation of cargo from the port to inland destinations.
• Nearby Facilities: Proximity to the Skagit Regional Airport provides additional logistical flexibility.

Economic Impact:

• Industrial Hub: Home to several major industries, including the Shell and Marathon oil refineries, creating significant economic activity in the region.
• Employment: Major employer in the region, providing jobs in maritime, industrial, and service sectors.

Navigational Guidance:

• Approaches: Mariners are advised to navigate with care, keeping up-to-date charts and utilizing piloting services to safely access the anchorage area.

Points of Interest:

• Recreational Opportunities: The Anacortes area is renowned for its beautiful marine parks, boating, and fishing opportunities, blending industrial activity with rich recreational offerings.

For specific and detailed port and anchorage procedures, visiting vessels should contact the Port of Anacortes authorities directly or consult the latest marine guides and notices to mariners.