ASCENSION

• SHASI
• Latitude: -7.94295
• Longitude: -14.3653
• West Africa
• Port in St. Helena

Location: Ascension St. Helena St. Helena

Certainly! Here is an overview of the marine port at Ascension Island, part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha:

Marine Port: Ascension Island

General Description

Ascension Island is a remote volcanic island located in the South Atlantic Ocean. The island serves as a key strategic military and communications base and has facilities to accommodate various maritime activities despite its isolated location.

Location

• Latitude: Approximately 7.9467° S
• Longitude: Approximately 14.3550° W

Facilities and Infrastructure

• Primary Port: Georgetown

  • Coordinates: Around 7.92043° S, 14.40911° W
  • Geography: The port is located in Georgetown, the main settlement on the island, characterized by its volcanic terrain and relatively limited natural harbors.

• Port Features:

  • Docking: The port has a pier and quay for berthing smaller vessels.
  • Anchorage: Larger vessels generally anchor offshore due to limited docking space.
  • Cargo Handling: Primarily a lightering operation (transfer of cargo between vessels of different sizes) due to shallow waters near the coast.
  • Storage Facilities: Limited warehousing and open storage areas are available.
  • Fuel Supply: Fueling options available typically for military and research vessels.
  • Utilities: Basic utilities including potable water and power supply are provided.

Usage and Operations

• Primary Users:

  • Military: The island is a critical hub for the U.K. and U.S. military, including the Royal Air Force (RAF) base.
  • Research: Supports scientific expeditions and environmental research.
  • Commercial: Limited commercial shipping typically related to supply deliveries for island residents and installations.
  • Tourism: Primarily caters to adventure tourists and naturalists visiting the island.

• Operational Constraints:

  • Weather: Operations may be constrained by sea conditions, including swells and storms.
  • Logistics: The remote location and limited infrastructure can present logistical challenges.

Navigational Information

• Approaches:

  • Careful navigation is necessary given the volcanic outcrops and unmarked hazards.
  • Specialized pilotage or local knowledge may be needed for safe entry.

• Regulations:

  • All maritime operations are subject to regulations set by the island authorities and, by extension, those of the United Kingdom.

• Communication:

  • Standard maritime VHF radio channels are used for communication.
  • Limited internet connectivity may be available within port facilities.

Environmental Considerations

• Conservation: Ascension Island has a high focus on environmental preservation, with marine conservation areas.
• Pollution Control: Stricter regulations against marine pollution, including waste disposal protocols.

This port serves as a vital point for the strategic and logistical support of the broader South Atlantic region. The facilities and services available reflect its role as a crucial yet fundamentally limited resource in this remote part of the world.