ARECIBO

• Latitude: 18.479
•
• Longitude: -66.7033
•
• Caribbean Sea
•
• Port in Puerto Rico

Address: Arecibo PR 00612 Puerto Rico

Phone number: +1-787-642-5290

Marine Port Description and Specification: Arecibo, Puerto Rico

General Introduction

The Port of Arecibo is located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico, in the town of Arecibo. It is one of several important ports within Puerto Rico, and its infrastructure supports a variety of maritime activities, including commercial, industrial, and recreational operations. The port's strategic location in the Caribbean makes it a significant hub for shipping and logistics.

Geographic Location

• Coordinates: Approximately 18.4742° N latitude and 66.7164° W longitude.
• Nearby Landmarks: The port is near the mouth of the Rio Grande de Arecibo, adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean.

Port Specifications

1. Port Type:

   • Coastal Breakwater
   • Natural/Man-made harbor

2. Harbor Size:

   • Small to medium-sized port facility.

3. Draft Depths:

   • Channel Depth: Approximately 10.3 meters (34 feet).
   • Anchorage Depth: Varies, generally between 9.0 to 12.0 meters (30-40 feet).
   • Cargo Pier Depth: Varies by facility, generally adequate for small to medium-sized vessels.

4. Tides:

   • Mean tide ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 meters (1.6 to 3.2 feet), varying with seasons and atmospheric conditions.

5. Facilities and Services:

   • Cargo Handling: Facilities for general cargo, bulk cargo, and containerized cargo.
   • Berthing: Multiple berths for different types of vessels, including cargo ships and small commercial vessels.
   • Storage: Open and covered storage areas for cargo handling.
   • Fueling: Bunkering services available.
   • Repair and Maintenance: Basic maritime repair services, with access to more extensive facilities in nearby larger ports like San Juan.

6. Navigation:

   • Aids to Navigation: Lighted buoys, beacons, and shore-based signaling to guide vessels safely to the harbor.
   • Pilotage: Compulsory for larger commercial vessels; pilot services available.
   • Tugs: Tugboat services available to assist with berthing and unberthing operations.

7. Security and Regulations:

   • Customs and Immigration: On-site customs and border control facilities.
   • Security: Compliance with International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

8. Connectivity:

   • Rail and Road Access: Good road connectivity to major highways for the transportation of goods within Puerto Rico.
   • Air Connectivity: Closest airport is Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla, approximately 60 miles west of Arecibo.

9. Recent Developments:

   • Ongoing improvements and maintenance to infrastructure, aimed at increasing efficiency and capacity for handling larger volumes of maritime traffic.

10. Economic Importance:

    • The port serves as an important node for regional trade, fishing, and local industry. It is pivotal for agricultural exports and imports of consumer goods.

Conclusion

The Port of Arecibo, despite being smaller compared to larger ports like San Juan, plays a vital role in supporting the economic framework of Puerto Rico. It accommodates various types of cargo and caters to the needs of both local and regional maritime operations. The continuous enhancement of its facilities ensures that it keeps up with regional demands and global maritime standards.